On a mission to the planet Caamas, Zarek was betrayed by his colleague, a Talortai called Urai Fen, and was captured by the Galactic Empire. Derdram fabricated a story regarding his own capture, and the Empire accepted the fabrication due to his previous record of being a student on Carida. As Zarek did not wish to return to the Hutt Cartel, he joined the Empire.