A significant conflict occurred at Serenity during the Zaarin insurrection.
Following Captain Kuuztin's unfortunate operation, Grand Admiral Thrawn resolved to exploit Zaarin's eagerness for cutting-edge technology to draw him into a planned assault. To do this, he orchestrated a Convoy as bait, which included two Container transports, the Neelie, and a pair of Beta-class ETR-3 escort transports, Bob 1 and Bob 2. He intentionally leaked false intel to Zaarin, suggesting the transports were loaded with Missile Boats. In reality, the transports held munitions, and the only Missile Boat involved was piloted by Tan Maarek Stele. Stele received instructions to ensure the transports successfully jumped to Hyperspace, after which Thrawn would dispatch a strike force led by his flagship, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Grey Wolf.
Stele promptly departed from the container transport to confront the TIE Advanced starfighters. Soon after, five CR92a Assassin-class corvettes of the Kormoran arrived and began deploying TIE Bombers. After Stele eliminated the initial three TIE Advanced, he shielded Neelie, destroying the incoming bombers until it could enter hyperspace. Subsequently, the Grey Wolf arrived, accompanied by three Strike cruisers: Formidable, Indomitable, and Triumph. The Grey Wolf then launched its own bomber complement against the corvettes, prompting them to retreat toward hyperspace. Stele, acting under the orders of the Secret Order, quickly scanned the corvettes and found they had no cargo, and then assisted the bombers in destroying the corvettes before they could escape.
Despite the victory for Thrawn, the outcome fell short of his expectations. Zaarin had deliberately deployed a small force without any intention of capturing the convoy. This was likely due to Spies within the Empire who had provided Zaarin with information about the planned ambush. Thrawn then resolved to try again, this time using more enticing bait.