Left with little alternative but to flee, Zaarin began harassing Palpatine's TIE Advanced production facilities in theOmar system, and then attempted to cripple Imperial TIE Defender factories. He was eventually outwitted by Thrawn atTo-phalion Base, and heperished in theUnknown Regions when thecorvette he was aboard, theVorknkx, exploded due to a malfunction.
Zaarin used the power that his rank brought sparingly, ensuring that he had all the resources required for his research and development projects but not getting involved inImperial Court politics. He rarely wore thewhite uniform of a Grand Admiral, preferring instead to wear thegray uniform of a standardadmiral while in Imperial service, and insisting on being referred to only as "Admiral Zaarin." Despite his low profile in the Imperial Court, Zaarin gained the respect of both Emperor Palpatine andLordDarth Vader, in the process earning the ire of many within the Imperial Navy, including his fellow Grand Admirals.[1]
Despite his lofty position, Zaarin sought a higher post: that of Emperor. He did not agree with Palpatine'smodus operandi, and did not think that the Emperor was infallible.[12] Zaarin planned to take the Empire for himself, but Grand AdmiralMartio Batch was developing cloakablePhantom TIEs that would soon give Palpatine a technological advantage over Zaarin's own designs. Batch's operations forced Zaarin to accelerate his plans.[4] He found an ally inArden Lyn, anEmperor's Hand who sought to resurrect her long-dead lover, theDark JediXendor. Palpatine had promised her that he would try to help her bring back Xendor, but she soon realized that the Emperor had no such intent. Following the Battle of Yavin, Zaarin recruited her to his cause, and she began training students that she could one day turn against Palpatine.[13] She also acted as Zaarin's agent on Imperial Center.[4]
TIE Advanced development[]
"You know, Crundha, this technology is going to be a big asset for the Empire. The Emperor will surely reward those who bring it to him." "Yes, sir. I understand. But what will we do about the Nharwaak? They are balking." "We will deal with the Nharwaak, Crundha. Just as we will deal will all our enemies."
Zaarin sought a hyperdrive suitable for use in the TIE Advanced.
Following theBattle of Hoth[3] in 3 ABY,[2] Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader tasked Zaarin with the continued development of theTIE Series of starfighters[3] and he had all such projects moved to Research.[1] There, the production model of theTIE Advanced, based on Vader'sTIE Advanced x1 prototype, was developed.[3] Zaarin believed that the starfighter was only a step towards completion of theTIE Defender—the evolution of the TIE Advanced x7—but both projects depended on developing ahyperdrive system small enough to fit inside their respective fuselages, something which proved a hindrance to Zaarin'stechnicians.[1]
Scientists working for theHabeen and theNharwaakspecies had made a breakthrough, however. They had designed a suitable unit for use in the TIE Advanced, but their world,Mylok IV, was not a part of the Galactic Empire. Nevertheless, Zaarin sought a demonstration of the unit, and traveled to thesystem in hisfrigate, theShamus.[3] He had one of his officers,MajorCrundha, check and double check the security of the convoy before arriving. Crundha cautioned Zaarin, noting that the Nharwaak were uneasy about the Empire's presence, although the admiral was not concerned at all, despite the warning.[12]
Zaarin eventually arrived on theShamus, in the middle of the engagement. He launchedTIE bombers fromEta Squadron to deal with the corvettes, as well asTIE Interceptors fromZeta Squadron to aid the existing fighters in combating the Y-wings. Zaarin's forces eventually won the battle, and the freighters were free to dock with theShamus, transferring over their technology into Imperial hands. As soon as he had possession, Zaarin sent the hyperdrive technology to his technicians and scientists, who immediately began analyzing it.[3]
Nharwaak troubles[]
"The first TIE Advanced are now seeing combat. We also have prototypes of the next generation of TIE fighters."
The Habeen scientists visited Zaarin on his private observation deck, and informed the Grand Admiral that the Nharwaak were livid, and were threatening to sell the hyperdrive technology to theAlliance to Restore the Republic. Angered, Zaarin decided that it was time to deal with the Nharwaak personally.[12] He subsequently dispatched theShamus to a nearby Nharwaak base, and succeeded in destroying it. The Nharwaak subsequently attacked one of the Habeen's research facilities, but the Imperial Navy was able to successfully defend it. The Imperial aid helped convince the Habeen to surrender their technology into the possession of their saviors. Zaarin finalized the business terms with the Habeen, and planned a formal signing during a rendezvous over Mylok IV. In addition to gaining the newhyperspace technology, Zaarin had convinced the Habeen to join the Galactic Empire.[3]
Despite the apparent success, Crundha was wary, and thought that the situation was dangerous. As per usual, Zaarin dismissed his advice, and went ahead as planned.[12] He took theShamus to the rendezvous point, and the HabeenEF76 Nebulon-B escort frigateLendova arrived soon afterward. Imperial diplomats were dispatched aboard theshuttleNexus, while Habeen diplomats set out in theFairfax. The shuttles docked, and the signing began, but Nharwaak raiders entered the area, hoping to disrupt the rendezvous. The corvettesPhazer 1 andPhazer 2 moved to attack the frigates, while Nharwaak Y-wings attempted to destroy the shuttles, as well as Zaarin's TIE Interceptors from Alpha Squadron. The attackers were fended off, and the signing was a success. Shortly thereafter,transports fromFerry group were transferred to theShamus from theLendova, carrying the finished hyperdrive technology.[3]
Zaarin and Vader watch a demonstration of the Habeen technology.
With business concluded, Zaarin was free to complete his development of the TIE Advanced. The Nharwaak, however, had not been totally stopped. They also possessed the coveted hyperspace technology, and had dispatched one of their corvettes, theCoffey, to rendezvous with the Alliance frigateXerxes. In order to prevent the Rebellion from gaining the technology for themselves, Zaarin rushed to the rendezvous in theShamus, and dispatched hisbombers to destroy theXerxes. The Grand Admiral won the battle, and the threat of the Alliance gaining the technology was eliminated.[3]
Following the destruction of theXerxes, installation of hyperdrive units on TIE Advanced prototypes was completed,[3] and Zaarin simultaneously began pushing forward development on the next generation of TIE craft, the TIE Defender.[1] He summoned Vader to Research for a demonstration, and the Dark Lord was suitably impressed. Zaarin then informed Vader that he was working on the successor to the Advanced, and the Dark Lord speculated that Palpatine would want a prototype post-haste.[3]
With the TIE Advanced project complete, Zaarin dedicated his resources to creating a successor to that starfighter model. His scientists and technicians drastically redesigned the standard TIE, and were able to create prototypes of the new TIE Defender, a more heavily armed and faster craft than its direct predecessor. As Vader had predicted, Palpatine did want prototypes shipped to Imperial Center for inspection.[3] Around the same time, a pilot who had served Zaarin during the Mylok IV campaign,Maarek Stele, was transferred to Research. Stele had been making a name for himself as anace pilot, and Zaarin personally gave him a tour of the facility. The pilot was genuinely interested in Zaarin's developments, but the Grand Admiral cared initially only for Stele's opinions on Imperial politics, particularly on just who was the backbone of the Empire. Zaarin suggested that it was the high-caliber pilots that were the foundation of the Empire's strength, but Stele claimed it was the commanders and tacticians, although he eventually conceded that Palpatine was the true foundation.[12]
The TIE Defender, to which Zaarin dedicated his resources
Shortly afterward,cargo ferries from groupSela arrived to pick up the TIE Defender prototypes, but the transfer suffered araid by the Rebel Alliance. The attackers were fought off, however, and the ferries moved on to their rendezvous nearVinzen Neela 5 with theTon-Falk-class escort carrierHininbirg.[3] Following the battle, Zaarin invited Stele to enjoy a meal with him. The pair discussed the late AdmiralHarkov, who had recently tried to defect to the Rebellion. Zaarin then began questioning Stele as to whether or not he thought Palpatine infallible. The pilot, shaken by the almosttreasonous question, thought that the worlds of the Empire should be united peacefully, but then insisted that he had no doubts about Palpatine's right to rule. The Grand Admiral then changed the subject, and the pair discussed the TIE Defenders for a short while, before Crundha interrupted them by insisting upon Zaarin's presence.[12]
Near Vinzen Neela 5, the prototypes were to be transferred to theHininbirg, but the meeting was again disrupted by Rebel ambushers, including thecorvettesMar Duun andVop Hui. Imperial fighters once again staved off theattack, enabling the transfer to be completed. TheHininbirg successfully delivered the prototypes to Palpatine.[3] With that business concluded, Zaarin met with Stele once more, and concluded that the pilot was a loyalist to the throne. He offered Stele an opportunity to one day fly a TIE Defender in an elite squadron before questioning the young man as to whether or not he would serve him with utter loyalty. Stele was careful in his wording, however, claiming that since Zaarin was an admiral in the Imperial Navy, he would serve him absolutely. At the time, the young pilot was confused by Zaarin's proposal, and clearly not prepared to serve the admiral more faithfully than he would the Emperor.[12]
Beam weaponry[]
"Is the beam weapon completed?" "Yes, Admiral Zaarin. We are ready to deploy the weapon." "Excellent. Begin arming my fighter squadrons at once."
Zaarin oversees the installation of beam weaponry into a TIE Advanced.
With the TIE Defender designed, and prototypes completed, Zaarin moved onto yet another project. This time, he was refining beam weapon technology for use within starfighters, which would allow smaller craft to utilize devices such astractor beams. However, in order to continue development, he required fresh supplies from the freightersAnterab andDegathem.[3]
The freighterDocking Plt was moved into position over Research to receive the supplies, but during the transfer the station fell underattack once more. Alliance starfighters harried both of the incoming freighters with newmagnetic pulse warheads, which had the ability to knock out the weapons system of any craft that it hit. The freighters' escort,shuttleOmicron 5, was unable to properly fend off the Alliance craft, but Zaarin's pilots, particularly Maarek Stele, were able to do so. Stele even disabled one of the attacking craft for capture, so Zaarin's scientists could study the mag pulse weapon. The supplies were then delivered with a minimum of fuss, so that the Grand Admiral could continue his work.[3]
Arms race[]
"Zaarin wants the prisoners brought before him. He has a demonstration prepared for them!"
Shortly thereafter, Zaarin received a communiqué fromImperial High Command, claiming that the mag pulse technology originated withGalactic Electronics, a company based in theCorporate Sector. The Grand Admiral was ordered to lead an attack on Galactic Electronics, recover the mag pulse technology, seize all personnel, and destroy their base. To accomplish this, Zaarin transferred his staff to theStar DestroyerGlory.[12] Zaarin dispatchedAlpha-class Xg-1 Star Wings, as well asGamma-class ATR-6 assault transports fromOmega group to capture the Galactic Electronics platformPondut. The company scrambledZ-95 Headhunters todefend their facility while their employees and executives fled on the transportsLucky Day,Kalree, andGEC U47. By the time that Zaarin had arrived in theGlory, the station had been disabled and captured, as had the fleeing craft.[3]
Alliance starfighters fromBlue Squadron arrived in-system shortly afterward, escorting the cargo ferryBujiboi, but they were far too late to collect more of the mag pulse warheads from Galactic Electronics. TheBujiboi was destroyed, and the starfighters captured, since they carried mag pulse weaponry. With the threat of the mag pulse warhead eliminated, Zaarin's technicians were free to complete work on the beam weapon. When it was finished, the Grand Admiral oversaw installation of the device into his TIE Advanced squadrons, and ordered that the modified craft be prepared for combat as soon as possible.[3]
Zaarin oversees the salvage operation at Obsidian.
With the TIE Defender development complete, Zaarin moved onto alternate forms of arms progression. He commissionedDirectorLenzer to create theTIE Experimental Project, resulting in a new series of modified TIE craft, piloted remotely from aBeta-class ETR-3 escort transport. If successful, the project would allow the Empire to field an almost inexhaustible supply of fighters against the Alliance with a minimized loss of life.[14]
From research stationObsidian, Lenzer had the fighters ravage shipping and Alliance operations in theVilonis sector, whileShadow Squadron, made up of Zaarin's TIE Defenders, was deployed to protect development stations such asBretie Facility. Alliance AdmiralYamarus'Liberty Task Force soon got the better of Lenzer, and with Bretie destroyed, they moved onto Obsidian. They demolished that research station as well, and Lenzer was killed. Zaarin afterward salvaged remnants of itscomputer from the resulting debris and upon surveying the wreckage, he was confident that the project could continue in another form.[14]
The coup[]
"It seems as if Zaarin has developed some dangerous plans, and we believe the Emperor to be in great danger."
While Vader dealt withPrinceXizor of theBlack Sun crime syndicate, a rival for the Emperor's favor, by the second half of 3 ABY Zaarin had finalized his plans for a coup against Palpatine. Immediately after Vaderkilled Xizor in a battle over Imperial Center, the Dark Lord cornered the remainder of the late Admiral Harkov's forces in theOttega system.[2] However, Vader's forces were struggling there, and so the Dark Lord requested the aid of Zaarin's forces. The Grand Admiral, however, had other ideas. With Vader so far away from Imperial Center, Zaarin decided to make his move against Palpatine, in an attempt to install himself as ruler ofthe galaxy.[3]
Zaarin agreed to send aid to Vader, but had in fact given his men orders toattack theGarrett upon arrival. Nine of his corvettes fromArditi,Falcon, andBaKaar groups, as well as transports fromUpsilon group sped to the Ottega system, while Zaarin moved theGlory to theCoruscant system, in preparation for his plannedcoup d'état.[3] While there, Crundha reported to Zaarin that an officer by the name ofTrace had attempted to steal technical readouts to the TIE Defender. When Zaarin asked that Trace be brought before him, he was informed that the man had in fact escaped theGlory already.[12]
Vader's forces, however, overcame Zaarin's corvettes and transports, but theGarrett had been severely damaged in the fray. The Dark Lord had realized Zaarin's intent, though, and decided to put theGarrett's TIE Defenders to use. Vader, along with five other pilots including Maarek Stele, who had been recently transferred to theGarrett, raced from theParmel system toward Imperial Center. To stop them, Zaarin dispatched theImmobilizer 418 cruiserHarpago, as well as gunboats fromZ-Mu andZ-Tau Squadrons. Vader and his pilotsfought off the fighters and the Interdictor, and the Dark Lord continued his race to the capital.[3]
Nevertheless, Zaarin continued in his coup attempt. Over Imperial Center, his forcesboarded Palpatine's flagship, the Star DestroyerMajestic,[3] and Arden Lyn, aided by her students, theGamorreanThok and thestormtrooper17786,[15] used her powers to subdue and capture the Emperor.[13] As he was being brought back to theGlory aboard aDelta-class JV-7 escort shuttle fromHaven group, the TIE Defenders piloted by Vader and his wingmen entered the system, just off the aft of the beleagueredMajestic.[3]
Zaarin intended to have Palpatine executed,[4] but his plan fell apart before him as Stele disabled the shuttle carrying the Emperor, which was then boarded by the corvetteMescue. Making matters worse for Zaarin was the arrival ofVice Admiral Thrawn in the Star DestroyerVanguard. Although Zaarin scrambled TIE Advanced fighters, the battle was lost, his coup a failure. Now a traitor to the Empire, he was left with little choice but to flee the Coruscant system in theGlory, although he was pursued doggedly by Thrawn.[3] Lyn too was forced to evade the Imperials, as she was tracked relentlessly byHigh InquisitorAntinnis Tremayne.[13]
The Omar bombings[]
"Omar 1 is under attack, Alpha 1. It is your primary concern."
Although his attempt to capture Palpatine and install himself as ruler of the galaxy had failed, Zaarin was not defeated. Since he had been head of research and development for the Imperial Navy's starfighter technology, he had an intricate knowledge of the Empire's inner workings, making him a significant threat to Palpatine'sNew Order. With a considerablefleet at his disposal, Zaarin formedhis own faction, and beganharassing the Empire to much the same extent that the Alliance had been doing for years, although the admiral had no ties to that particular group.[6] During this time, Zaarin began wearing the uniform of a Grand Admiral, even though, having abandoned the Empire, he no longer held that rank.[4][6]
Zaarin and his staff meet in the aftermath of the Omar campaign.
Zaarin sought to gain a technological advantage over the Empire, and although his fleet was on the run from loyalists such as Thrawn, he was not entirely hamstrung. He planned to begin raiding Imperial facilities, stealing valuable technology, and then destroying the facilities, rendering them useless to Palpatine. Zaarin's first target was the Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Advanced factories atOmar. ThreeDeep Space Manufacturing Facilities,Omar 1,Omar 2, andOmar 3, were to be destroyed by one of Zaarin's frigates, theRaptor.[6]
The Emperor's forces were unable to reach theOmar system in time to stop Zaarin'sattacks, but Palpatine ordered that the plants be evacuated. TIE Defenders of Alpha Squadron, launched from Thrawn's new flagship,Victory I-class Star DestroyerSceltor, were dispatched to cover the evacuation while Zaarin's TIE Bombers from theRaptor laid waste to the stations. To further the attack, Zaarin sent inDelta-class DX-9 stormtrooper transports, but they were fended off by Alpha Squadron. While the stations were effectively rendered useless, Palpatine's forces were eventually able to evacuate all personnel.[6]
Fight for ZA-13[]
"There are alerts coming in from all over the Empire, as Zaarin's forces are looting and destroying Imperial military manufacturing installations."
While the goal with the three Omar stations had been to destroy the installations, Zaarin took a different approach withZA-13, a hyperdrive manufacturing plant that he had once supervised. The plant was one of the few of its kind left in the Empire, and the hyperdrive units made there were for use with TIE Advanced models, although Zaarin would be able to modify them for use in his TIE Defenders. However, Zaarin's forces were once more harried by Thrawn. TheAssassin-class corvettesZ-Oz 1 andZ-Oz 2, theYT-1300 light freighterZ-Coral, and themodular conveyorsZ-Cod 1 andZ-Cod 2 were dispatched to ZA-13 to board and loot the factory. Their escorts fromZ-Delta andZ-Beta Squadrons, however, had tocontend with Thrawn's TIE Defenders, which were able to stop the looting and destroy the recovery craft, thwarting Zaarin's initial plan of theft.[6]
Zaarin's forces assault ZA-13.
ZA-13 had been captured by Zaarin's forces, but the Imperials would not relent. An assault force was dispatched to the station with the intent of recapturing it for the Empire. Zaarin responded by sending three CR90 corvettes,Z-Caplure 1,Z-Caplure 2, andZ-Caplure 3, to ZA-13, as well as gunboats from Z-Tau Squadron. They werefought off by the Imperial fighters, and so Zaarin sent in the cruiserZ-Jumimi, fighters fromZ-Gamma andZ-Zeta Squadrons, and transports from Z-Omega group to destroy ZA-13, rather than have it fall back under Imperial control. His forces failed, and ZA-13 was recaptured.[6]
The Imperials refurbished the plant, and converted it into a TIE Advanced factory. During the resupply of ZA-13, the facility was attacked by a Rebel force utilizing mag pulse warheads. Leaving two EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigates to defend ZA-13, Thrawn defeated the Rebel attackers, and pursued them back to their base,RS-32. While Thrawn was attempting to take RS-32 for himself, Zaarin's forces returned to ZA-13,attempting to destroy the plant and one of the frigates in the process. At the same time, Zaarin had his forces destroy most of the other TIE Advanced factories that remained across the Empire.[6]
Although Thrawn had managed to capture RS-32, he was left vulnerable. To put an end to theChiss, since promoted to the rank of admiral, Zaarin dispatched the InterdictorGrappler, as well as the cruiserSerpent, and the frigateShadow. Thrawn had, however, fitted his starfighters with the mag pulse technology, and with pilots such as Maarek Stele aiding him, he escaped the trap at RS-32 bydestroying theGrappler. Shortly afterward, the last Sienar TIE Advanced plant in the Omar system wasbombed and destroyed. Zaarin was pleased, but insisted that his harassment of the New Order continue. He then orderedCommanderRaveen to take his fleet to the Outer Rim Territories, and from there Zaarin planned to launch new assaults against Palpatine's regime.[6]
"New attacks"[]
"Commander Raveen, order our forces to the Outer Rim. From there, we will launch new attacks against the Emperor."
With the Empire's ability to produce TIE Advanced craft effectively eradicated, Zaarin set his sights on the TIE Defender. He hoped that by crippling Palpatine's starfighter supplies, he would distract the Navy's focus away from the Alliance and onto him, which would allow the Rebels to inflict considerable damage. Zaarin then planned to take full advantage of the ensuing chaos. He moved against Research, the facility at which he had developed the Defender. His men began to loot the platform, but were stopped by the arrival of Imperial forces. Zaarin sent the escort carrierJitte—which was bearing TIE Fighters with built-inshield generators to reinforce the station—but thebattle was lost, and his forces were left with little alternative but to retreat.[6]
Zaarin would not abandon Research easily, though. The Star DestroyerAdarga had been moved in to defend the platform while it was repaired, but apart from the destroyer and a few TIE Defenders fromDelta Squadron, it was lightly defended. Zaarin sent in assault transports from Z-Omega, Z-Sigma, and Z-Lambda groups todestroy theAdarga and the platform, but they were defeated by the pilots of Delta Squadron. Although the attack had failed, Zaarin's forces had been able to cripple theAdarga, forcing the evacuation of Research.[6]
Zaarin was not satisfied with the result, however, and resolved to have the platform, as well as its personnel and any TIE Defender prototypes stored away within, destroyed. Sending inAlpha-class Xg-1 Star Wings from Z-Mu Squadron initially, Zaarin himself arrived in-system on theGlory. The Imperials were trying to evacuate the platform's staff, including the chief engineer on the TIE Defender project, aboard the shuttleG'nabgib, while transferring prototypes to theBFF-1 bulk freighterMharsup. For defense, the Imperials only had several escort shuttles and one TIE Defender, piloted by Maarek Stele. Despite having the odds on their side, the fighters Zaarin launched from theGlory weredestroyed by Stele and his comrades, allowing theG'nabgib and theMharsup to escape to hyperspace, along with several of the TIE Defender prototypes.[6]
Pirate problems[]
"We were the victims of a skillful deception that could only have been accomplished by Zaarin or his henchmen."
While in transit, the prototypes were transferred to corvettes fromHashim group. The corvettes were in turn attacked byRneekiipirates. Although Stele drove off the attackers, the corvettes and by extension the prototypes, had been rendered vulnerable by the attack. The Alliance, as well asNami pirates under the command ofAli Tarrak, attempted to take advantage of this vulnerability by capturing the prototypes while the Imperials were waiting for reinforcements. Zaarin decided to send his own TIE Defenders into the fray as well. While the Nami stole one of the prototypes, the Rebels and Zaarin left empty-handed. The remaining TIE Defender prototypes later found their way into Thrawn's possession.[6]
During the earlier ambush by the Rneekii, the TIE Defenderchief scientist had been captured by the pirates. Thrawn's forces subsequently set up a trap overKiilimaar, and rescued the scientist from the Rneekii. However, during the engagement, the Imperial InterdictorRed Claw was severely damaged by Ali Tarrak's intervening forces. As theRed Claw waited for replacement parts from corvetteChemeti 2, Zaarin and his forces set up a ruse of their own. They disguised one of their own craft as theChemeti 1, which was to retrieve the scientist from the waylaidRed Claw. ThefalseChemeti 1 rendezvoused with theRed Claw successfully, as Zaarin's TIE Defenders entered the system and beganharassing the Imperial forces. Due to the distraction from Zaarin's fighters, the crew of the falseChemeti 1 spirited away the scientist without theRed Claw'scaptain detecting them.[6]
The Missile Boat[]
"I have studied Zaarin's ways and have discovered a weakness in his reliance on technology. When our newest starfighter is completed, our forces will strip Zaarin of his technological advantage!"
Zaarin's next move was to relocate his forces to theUnknown Regions. From there, he would be able to launch repeated attacks against the Empire. However, in order to make the move, his forces needed supplies. Civilian freighters fromFurlo group were to make a delivery to Zaarin's fleet, but they came underattack from forces commanded by CaptainKuuztin, one of now-Grand Admiral Thrawn's men.[10] Thrawn's ascension to the position meant that he replaced Zaarin in Palpatine's circle of twelve Grand Admirals.[4]
The Missile Boat was designed by Thrawn to counter Zaarin's use of TIE Defenders.
TheRahmat, an agingDreadnaught-class heavy cruiser that was escorting the freighters, was destroyed by Kuuztin's pilots, one of whom was Maarek Stele. Stele in particular was flying aMissile Boat, which had been designed by Thrawn specifically to combat Zaarin's TIE Defenders. Stele and his comrades made short work of theRahmat'sT-wing interceptor complement, forcing Zaarin to send in the frigateStrident. This only prompted escalation from the Imperials, as Kuuztin himself arrived aboard his flagship, the Star DestroyerCourageous. The convoy was subsequently captured, leaving Zaarin empty-handed once more.[10]
In order to put a stop to Kuuztin's exploits, Zaarin set up anambush overGwar, with his refitting platformSupply Base as bait. As Zaarin had predicted, Kuuztin brought in theCourageous and Stele's Missile Boat to destroy the platform, which they did. In addition to that, the Imperials demolished one of Zaarin's Interdictors, theBomb, as well as three frigates,Kuma 1,Kuma 2, andKuma 3. When the base had fallen, however, Zaarin dispatched two of his ownImperial-class Star Destroyers, theImperator and theThunderer, to destroy Kuuztin and theCourageous. They succeeded, but Stele escaped in his Missile Boat.[10]
Sparring with the alien Grand Admiral[]
"Following the loss of ISDCourageous due to Captain Kuuztin's reckless attack, Grand Admiral Thrawn has planned a deception to lure Zaarin into a trap. Taking advantage of Zaarin's weakness for technological solutions, the Missile Boat is to be used as bait. We'll see how much Zaarin enjoys being ambushed!"
Shortly afterward, reports came through of a convoy carrying Missile Boats that would be traveling near the world ofSerenity. Zaarin had dispatchedspies to investigate Thrawn's operations, and they determined that the convoy was in fact bait in a trap. Additionally, the Missile Boats being shipped were only decoys. This prompted Zaarin to dispatch a minimal force of fiveAssassin-class corvettes fromKormoran group to not capture, butdestroy the convoy craft.[10]
The situation did indeed prove to be one of Thrawn's traps. Stele, piloting a Missile Boat, fought Zaarin's TIE Advanced fighters from Z-Alpha Squadron, who had been sent in to escort the corvettes. When the fighters had been defeated by Stele and theBeta-class ETR-3 escort transportsBob 1 andBob 2, Thrawn arrived in his flagship, the Star DestroyerGrey Wolf, which was escorted by threeStrike-class medium cruisers,Formidable,Indomitable, andTriumph. Zaarin's corvettes were demolished by Thrawn, but while the loss had been damaging to Zaarin, he had committed only a minor force to the operation, so the loss was not as crippling as thealien Grand Admiral had hoped.[10]
TheGlory and theThinin
Later, another convoy of Missile Boats was apparently traveling through theSemag system, this time carrying real units. Zaarin's spies indicated that once again the convoy was a trap, but they were able to locate one of Thrawn's staging areas, inspiring Zaarin to go ahead with an attack on the convoy anyway. Holding station at the staging area wasTask Force Whirlwind, made up of an Interdictor and three Strike Cruisers. Zaarin sent his own Interdictor, theMaelstrom, as well as several squadrons of TIE Advanced and Defender craft toeradicate Thrawn's task force, while he assaulted the second Missile Boat convoy. TheMaelstrom fell prey to bombing by Maarek Stele, who was once again piloting one of the Missile Boats, but Zaarin's forces were successful in damaging theWhirlwind and preventing it from going to the convoy's aid.[10]
Stele made it to the convoy in time to help shuttle groupOmicron destroy Zaarin's initial wave of fighters, which were trying to disable freighters fromNichevo group. Zaarin himself arrived shortly thereafter on theGlory, which was escorted by the cruiserYaai, and the frigateThinin. He launched transports tocapture the freighters carrying the Missile Boats, but again his efforts were stopped by Stele. Thrawn arrived in theGrey Wolf shortly thereafter, accompanied by the Star DestroyerResolution. Two of the Strike Cruisers from Task Force Whirlwind,Indomitable andTriumph, entered the fray, forcing Zaarin to retreat. The losses he had sustained were substantial, but he was still able to disguise just how crippling the operation had been to him in the eyes of the Imperials.[10]
TheVorknkx, the Emperor and the turncoat[]
"Due to the far reaching consequences such a breakthrough would engender, only the Emperor, Zaarin and the project staff knew anything of its existence. Now a report of sudden progress seems to have drawn Zaarin out again. His presence at this time raises significant questions. There must still be traitors among us who continue to spy for him!"
Zaarin's spies once more gathered valuable intelligence: a breakthrough had been made with the Empire's Vorknkx Project. Hoping to gain control of the cloaking technology, Zaarin dispatched the frigateZ-Borus to theVorknkx Project Base. Thrawn reacted by sending in Stele, who was yet again piloting a Missile Boat. Zaarin's forces failed tocapture the base, and the Imperials were able to install amine field around the CR90 corvetteVorknkx, which was the testbed for the cloaking experiments. Zaarin did not give up, however, and sent several waves of TIE Defenders, as well as assault transports fromZ-Sigma group and threeCarrack-class light cruisers fromZ-Pata group, todestroy the base's defenses and seize theVorknkx. Thrawn had realized Zaarin's intent, and had ordered the base's evacuation. The base's defenses were, unfortunately for Zaarin, successful in holding off the attack force long enough for the corvette to escape.[10]
The Emperor's passenger liner is attacked by Zaarin's fleet.
Although he had initially failed to capture theVorknkx, Zaarin was not to be suppressed, choosing to continue his attempts to topple Palpatine by other means. Hisscouts in the Coruscant system indicated that Palpatine was traveling aboard theC-3 passenger linerExcalibur to visit hisSuper Star Destroyer. For a considerable amount of the trip, his liner would be vulnerable in the Coruscant system, with Imperial Center too far away to send help. Although he took the opportunity to strike at the Emperor, Zaarin did not commit considerable resources to theattack. Assault Gunboats, TIE Advanced fighters, and the corvetteZ-Ram were sent to destroy theExcalibur, but they were instead destroyed by the Imperials, allowing Palpatine to escape to safety.[10]
In the meantime, Zaarin had been able to gain possession of both a Missile Boat and knowledge of just what the Emperor was planning in theEndor system. There, a second Death Star was being built to serve as both a highly destructive weapon, and bait for a trap built for the Alliance's ultimate destruction. While Palpatine intended to let the Rebels know that the battlestation existed and was under construction, he planned to let them believe that it was not fully operational, and that it was lightly defended. What Zaarin knew, however, was that it was in fact fully operational, and would be defended by a sizable fleet. The admiral shared his knowledge with his senior staff, but this proved to be unwise for Zaarin. One of his top commanders, CaptainNamuura Din of theVictory-class Star DestroyerZeplin, decided to take the Missile Boat, the knowledge of Palpatine's Endor trap, as well as his own ship, and defect to the Alliance. Zaarin was unable to stop him, but Din's plans were subsequentlythwarted by Darth Vader.[10]
Capture of theVorknkx[]
"Yes, Emperor Palpatine. I have studied Zaarin's ways closely. He will not resist the bait that I have laid out for him. Soon, he too will meet his end."
Since the Missile Boat had been such a thorn in his side, Zaarin had the production facilities that manufactured the craftattacked, and essentially shut down. This forced Thrawn to recall his Missile Boats and rely on inferior craft, such as the TIE Advanced. Zaarin scored another success when he managed to locate Thrawn's new hiding place for the Vorknkx Project:To-phalion Base, a formerasteroidmining facility in theIast system. Acting quickly, Zaarin dispatched a force of TIE Defenders from Z-Delta Squadron, andMuurian transports fromZ-100,Z-200,Z-300, andZ-400 groups to clear the station's defenses. In the ensuingbattle, seventy-five percent of Zaarin's transports were destroyed, but one of his spies who had been following the Vorknkx Project managed to sabotage To-phalion Base's targeting array. The spy also tried to escape the platform with some secret data, but he was shot down in the battle.[10]
TheGlory over To-phalion Base
Zaarin took control of the operation himself. Bringing theGlory into the Iast system, he began attacking To-phalion Base's last line of defense: the frigateMaru Ki, which was being personally commanded by Thrawn. Meanwhile, he brought theGlory into close proximity of the base, hoping to steal theVorknkx from underneath Thrawn's nose. Thrawn himself abandoned theMaru Ki during the battle, and Zaarin was momentarily distracted by his hatred for the Grand Admiral. He ordered his fighters to abandon their current objective of mopping up To-phalion Base's fighters, and sent them after Thrawn's shuttle, theLambda 1. They were unable to kill Thrawn, however, and were reassigned to their former objective.[10]
Moving theGlory into position over the base, Zaarin's operatives seized theVorknkx and piloted it into his Star Destroyer'shangar. Zaarin gloated to Thrawn over an open channel, while theGrey Wolf entered the system. Zaarin chose that moment to destroy To-phalion Base, with his prize secure in theGlory's hangar. He then fled the battle. Little did he know that he had just played directly into Thrawn's hands: theVorknkx had atracking device planted on it, which the Grand Admiral intended to use to pinpoint just where Zaarin's forces were hiding.[10]
Death and legacy[]
"Once again we have evaded Thrawn's grasp. I knew I would be able to beat that… Ohhhhh!!!"
The evidence of Zaarin's folly, however, was soon apparent. While hiding in the Unknown Regions with the remainder of his fleet, Zaarin was met with the sight of Thrawn's task force, which had followed him by using theVorknkx's tracking device. Making matters worse for the admiral was the fact that most of his TIE Defenders had been lost in the battles around To-phalion Base. The Immobilizer 418 cruiserCorvus prevented Zaarin from escaping, and theGrey Wolf guarded theCorvus in turn while the cruisersDaring andEbolo moved in on theGlory. Zaarin would not be defeated without afight, however. The corvetteDivine Wind, as well as transports fromZ-Omega group, were sent against theCorvis. The Muurian transportZ-500 2 attacked theDaring, while the transportZ-Lambda 1 moved against theEbolo. Their efforts were in vain, though. Zaarin's forces were defeated, and soon enough, Thrawn's men began attacking theGlory.[10]
TheVorknkx explodes, killing Zaarin.
Zaarin transferred to theVorknkx, and demanded that its cloaking device be activated immediately. One of his subordinates warned him that the device was unstable, and could be potentially dangerous when used in conjunction with the ship's hyperdrive. Zaarin nevertheless insisted that his men activate the device. What he did not realize was that Thrawn had allowed him to take theVorknkx for yet another reason. The Grand Admiral had altered the project's research notes, omitting portions mentioning that the ship would indeed suffer a fatal malfunction if the cloaking device was used with the hyperdrive. Content in believing that he had once again outwitted Thrawn, Zaarin celebrated as theVorknkx began to make the jump to hyperspace. His elation proved to be short lived, as the ship exploded upon hyperdrive activation. Admiral Demetrius Zaarin died in the explosion, ending his brief but destructive insurrection against Emperor Palpatine's New Order.[10]
Zaarin would prove to be the first of Palpatine's Grand Admirals to perish—though all exceptOctavian Grant died in the five years following theBattle of Endor—and, in36 ABY, he was written about byNew Republic historianVoren Na'al.[2] The scandal over Zaarin's attempted coup and his subsequent insurrection meant that the TIE Defender, a model he had developed, would never see mass use in any fleet,[16] and although Grand Admiral Thrawn'sstrategy in9 ABY did revolve around the use of cloaking devices, Zaarin's Project Vorknkx never proved to be truly practical, and Thrawn instead chose to recover a totally different design from the Emperor's storehouse atMount Tantiss.[11]
Personality and traits[]
"Grand Admiral Zaarin has a passion for music."
―Captain Calo Drusan on Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin[7]
AHumanmale[4] who was 1.81meters tall[1] and hadbrownhair,[3] blueeyes and light skin,[4] Demetrius Zaarin was one of only twelve officers selected by Palpatine to hold the rank of Grand Admiral.[4] Prior to launching his coup against Emperor Palpatine, Zaarin gave the outward impression of a loyal Imperial who was content with his position. He neither wore the uniform or adopted the title that came with his position, choosing to be treated like any other admiral,[1] and was known for his passion for music, which was considered an eccentricity by some of his fellow officers.[7] He also avoided the Imperial Court power games in which many of his contemporaries were involved. Despite this, his natural abilities and the respect shown to him by the Emperor and Darth Vader angered his colleagues, who believed that he had more than enough power and influence.[1]
Zaarin in his admiral's uniform, following the death of Director Lenzer.
An opportunistic and enterprising man, Demetrius Zaarin would be reviled for his actions made late in life by those who remained loyal to the Emperor.[3] He was, according to some, overly obsessed with technology, and he believed that a technological advantage was the key to winning a war.[6][10] The admiral would almost always follow up any attack made against him, one of his ships, or one of his convoys with a punitive strike. While he was often rewarded with success during his service in the Imperial Navy, he was easily led into traps. While fighting the Empire, he heavily relied on spies to help guide his efforts.[3][6][10]
While preparing to launch his coup, Zaarin made sure that his crew were intensely loyal to him.[1] He was particularly derisive of timid men, such as Major Crundha. He did not accept excuses, and would often toy with the emotions of his subordinates by altering his demeanor rapidly.[12] He became particularly hateful of Grand Admiral Thrawn during his insurrection, and that hatred almost cost him his prize at the Battle of To-phalion Base. To Thrawn, at least, Zaarin was a predictable man, as he fell into several of the Chiss Grand Admiral's traps unwittingly.[3][6][10] In addition, Zaarin was contemptuous ofthe Force, and thought of it as "pitiful."[10]
Skills and abilities[]
Demetrius Zaarin was considered to be a brilliant scientist,[5] and a genius at research and design,[1] who pushed the boundaries of what was conceivable in starfighter design, almost reinventing the TIE series several times over.[3] His science expertise was matched by his skills as a tactician,[5] allowing him to secure several victories over the Galactic Empire following his coup attempt, despite being outnumbered by loyalist forces.[6][10] Zaarin was also a capablediplomat, who was able to negotiate for the Habeen to join the Empire and secure access to their hyperdrive technology.[3]
As a Grand Admiral in the Imperial Navy,[4] Zaarin commanded a sizable fleet, led by his flagship, theImperial-class Star DestroyerGlory. As the head of starfighter research and development, he had access to the most advanced Imperial starfighters, including the TIE Advanced and TIE Defender.[10] While serving the Empire, Zaarin's position entitled him to wear the white uniform of a Grand Admiral, although he typically wore the standard gray uniform[1] andrank insignia of an Imperial admiral. While in uniform, Zaarin was equipped withcode cylinders in pockets on his tunic and anofficer's disc on hiscap.[14] Following his coup attempt, Zaarin took to wearing the Grand Admiral uniform, complete with rank insignia, while abord theGlory.[6]
In2000'sThe Essential Chronology, Zaarin is identified as a Grand Admiral.[18] While Zaarin does wear the Grand Admiral uniform following his secession from the Empire, he never wears it while in the Navy, and he is only ever referred to as "Admiral Zaarin" in bothTIE Fighter andX-Wing Alliance.[3][14]The Official Starships & Vehicles Collection 67,[1] written byIain Lowson[19] and released in2011, explained that Zaarin chose not to adopt the uniform and title of a Grand Admiral.[1] Zaarin was later covered in the articleWho's Who: Imperial Grand Admirals, which gave him the first name of "Demetrius." For that article, he was illustrated byJoe Corroney.[4]
The Essential Chronology states that Palpatine was taken from his private shuttlecraft by Arden Lyn,[18] however this conflicts with the events ofTIE Fighter.[3] This mistake is repeated inThe New Essential Chronology.[2] The1998roleplaying campaign bookThe Far Orbit Project mentions a prominent Imperial Grand Admiral involved in starfighter development, but not by name.[20] While Zaarin is the only Grand Admiral to have been the head of starfighter development, theWho's Who article claims that Grand Admiral Batch was also involved in that department.[4]
Appearances[]
Explore all of Wookieepedia's media for this article subject: Audio · Images
"Who's Who: Imperial Grand Admirals" —Star Wars Insider 66
"The Emperor's Pawns" —Star Wars Gamer 5
Barely Tolerable: Alien Henchmen of the Empire:Part 2 onStarWars.com(original link is obsolete)