Jorj Car'das

Jorj Car'das was born and spent his formative years on Corellia as the Galactic Republic was nearing its end, leading a relatively unremarkable early existence. Despite receiving a solid education, his travels were limited, and his understanding of other regions of the galaxy and their indigenous species was not extensive. By 27 BBY, having completed his schooling only a few years prior, Car'das held the position of navigator aboard the Bargain Hunter, a smuggling vessel chartered by Captain Dubrak Qennto. The Bargain Hunter had a small crew of three, consisting of Car'das, Qennto, and Maris Ferasi, yet they managed to generate a respectable income by smuggling firegems and other prohibited goods to Hutt crime lords operating in the Outer Rim Territories.

In 27 BBY, the Bargain Hunter was engaged in a smuggling operation, transporting firegems concealed within stolen furs intended for Drixo the Hutt. Drixo's competitor, Progga, had become aware of the operation and initiated an assault on the Bargain Hunter at the edge of the Outer Rim. As the navigator, Car'das was compelled to execute an emergency hyperspace jump, which resulted in the ship ending up deep within the Unknown Regions. Qennto expressed his anger towards the Corellian for making a blind jump, but Ferasi defended Car'das, recognizing that he had no alternative. However, they were pursued by Progga, who suspected that Qennto possessed a hidden treasure stash. Just as the Hutt was about to open fire, an unidentified group of alien ships—comprising three fighter-sized vessels and a larger cruiser—appeared, deploying Conner nets that disabled both ships. The Bargain Hunter was left drifting in space for a short period. When Progga's ship launched an attack on the mysterious vessels, they retaliated, effortlessly destroying the Hutt's ship and causing apprehension among Car'das and his companions.

Qennto and Ferasi left the bridge to assess the extent of the damage caused by the Conner nets, leaving Car'das alone on the bridge, prepared to respond to any communications from the attackers. However, no communication was attempted. Qennto and Ferasi were able to restore most of the freighter's systems while the attackers searched Progga's vessel. Eventually, one of the smaller alien ships signaled for the Bargain Hunter to follow them to the larger ship, where they docked. Upon disembarking, they were escorted by two blue-skinned Humanoids to a being known as Mitth'raw'nuruodo, who instructed them to address him by his core name—Thrawn. After establishing a common language—Sy Bisti, a local trade language—Thrawn identified himself as the Commander of Picket Force Two within the Chiss Ascendancy's Expansionary Defense Fleet. In reality, Thrawn was the youngest Chiss officer holding the rank of Force Commander in the Chiss Expansionary Fleet, a division of the Expansionary Defense Fleet responsible for observing and exploring the Ascendancy's borders. He showed particular interest in Car'das, inquiring about their identities and purpose. Car'das provided mostly accurate answers, omitting any mention of the firegems. However, Thrawn suspected that they were scouts for an impending invasion and requested to inspect their cargo. Qennto, Ferasi, and Car'das were escorted to their temporary quarters while Thrawn's soldiers searched the Bargain Hunter.

After being confined to their quarters for a period, the smugglers were interrogated by Thrawn, who inquired about the invasion force he believed was following them. He requested that only Car'das answer his questions at the Forward Visual Triangulation Site Number One, much to Qennto's annoyance, as he was the captain. Car'das felt that it would be unwise to deceive the Chiss commander, and so he answered truthfully, revealing the illegal firegems they were smuggling. Furthermore, he disclosed that they were Corellian traders, a fact unknown to Thrawn. Car'das also succeeded in convincing Thrawn that there was no invasion fleet and that the Republic was unaware of the Chiss. Qennto was greatly angered by Car'das's honesty, failing to understand why the smuggler had revealed so much. Car'das argued that Thrawn seemed to already know the details and possessed an aura that discouraged deception.

Thrawn requested that the smugglers remain with him for a while, assuring them that they would be provided with the means to compensate Drixo for the delayed delivery of the firegems. The Chiss commander expressed a desire to learn more about the Republic—and the Jedi Order, which he had not previously heard of—as well as the Republic's language, Basic. Car'das was initially hesitant, knowing that Qennto would never agree to it, but Thrawn offered to pay them generously for their instruction. Eventually, Car'das agreed, but only on the condition that Thrawn teach him Cheunh, the Chiss language, in return. Thrawn's ship, the Springhawk, took three days to reach his base on Crustai—their language lessons commenced en route. Ferasi, who had developed a liking for Thrawn, also participated in the lessons, while Qennto refused to be involved. By the time they arrived at Crustai, Car'das had made reasonable progress in basic Cheunh, but Thrawn demonstrated a natural aptitude for learning Basic, surpassing Car'das and Ferasi's progress in his language.

They eventually reached Crustai's star system, but before they could dock at the asteroid base, Thrawn's crew reported hostile vessels in the vicinity. They jumped into hyperspace, re-emerging a few minutes later at the site of a minor skirmish involving several starships. Thrawn informed them that the attackers were Vagaari, a ruthless species of slavers whom he wished to eliminate. The Springhawk easily destroyed the smaller enemy ships, but Thrawn decided to board the largest of the Vagaari vessels. Thrawn apologized to his guests for involving them in combat, explaining that he could not miss the opportunity to strike at the Vagaari, before leaving them on the bridge while he joined the boarding party. After the Vagaari were neutralized, Thrawn invited Car'das, Ferasi, and Qennto to join him on the alien ship, giving them a tour. Walking through the ship filled with dead Vagaari made Car'das feel uneasy, but he eventually overcame his discomfort. Thrawn then led them to a room filled with treasure plundered by the Vagaari and promised Qennto that the three smugglers would be allowed to keep some of it after he had examined the ship further.

They eventually arrived at Thrawn's underground base on Crustai, where Thrawn had a visitor waiting for him—Aristocra Chaf'orm'bintrano, who had matters to discuss with Thrawn. Thrawn permitted the Humans to attend the official welcoming ceremony, although Thrawn's visitors were displeased by the Humans' presence and dismissed them. Car'das and his companions were each escorted to comfortable living quarters, where they spent several hours waiting for Thrawn's visitors to depart. Eventually, Thrawn summoned Car'das to his quarters and apologized for the rudeness shown by the visiting Chiss. Thrawn discussed with Car'das the concept of preemptive strikes, which were strictly forbidden in Chiss military doctrine. Thrawn considered the Vagaari a significant threat, but because they had never encroached on Chiss territory, his superiors would not allow him to attack them. Thrawn decided that learning the origins and value of the Vagaari's treasure might help sway the Chiss Ruling Families on the matter, and Car'das, Qennto, and Ferasi began examining the hoard. For several weeks, Qennto dedicated much of his time to cataloging and appraising the treasure for Thrawn, while Car'das and Ferasi continued with their linguistics lessons. Thrawn maintained constant surveillance over Ferasi and Qennto, but Car'das was granted unrestricted freedom of movement around the Crustai base at all times.

Some time elapsed, and Thrawn received additional visitors: Admiral Ar'alani, along with his sibling, Mitth'ras'safis (also known as Thrass), both expressing a desire for a more in-depth inspection of the Vagaari vessel. Thrawn, accompanied by Car'das and Ferasi, escorted his superiors aboard the captured ship. Once inside, he guided the admiral, emphasizing its technological features. However, complications arose upon entering the treasure chamber, where Qennto was scrutinizing the Vagaari's stolen riches. Consequently, Thrawn was compelled to disclose his clandestine agreement with the smugglers to his Chiss counterparts, a revelation he had intended to avoid. Ar'alani expressed her displeasure upon learning of the arrangement and insisted on conducting a thorough inventory. Thrawn acquiesced, informing the admiral that he needed to attend to "administrative matters," and departed the ship with Car'das and Ferasi.

After leaving Ar'alani's presence, Thrawn revealed the existence of another Vagaari fleet engaged in combat nearby. Car'das discerned that Thrawn had outmaneuvered the admiral, prompting her to grant him permission to leave so he could proceed to the battle without drawing undue attention. Thrawn, along with Ferasi and Car'das, boarded the Springhawk, and the vessel initiated a jump into hyperspace.

Upon arriving at the battle site, Car'das was taken aback by the sight of hundreds of Vagaari ships, a stark contrast to the few he had anticipated. He advised Thrawn to retreat, but the commander asserted that he possessed a strategic plan for the engagement. Ferasi, as was typical, maintained unwavering confidence in Thrawn's capabilities. Thrawn drew the duo's attention to the fact that the targeted ships were not attempting to escape into hyperspace. He then concluded that the Vagaari were employing an interdiction field, a technological marvel that had eluded both the Chiss and the Republic. This field generated a localized gravitational anomaly, preventing any ships within its range from entering hyperspace. Recognizing the immense strategic advantage such technology would provide in future conflicts, Thrawn orchestrated a covert operation to seize control of the ship, banking on the Vagaari's preoccupation with the ongoing assault. However, several Vagaari warships detected the Springhawk lurking on the system's periphery and began to approach for investigation.

As Thrawn prepared to engage the approaching Vagaari forces, the group noticed that the alien ships were covered in "bubbles"—cells that held prisoners to prevent attackers from firing on innocent victims. Maintaining his composure, Thrawn instructed the gunners to open fire, arguing that the Vagaari would ultimately kill the prisoners regardless. While Car'das accepted this rationale, Ferasi was deeply disturbed and angered by Thrawn's decision. During the ensuing battle, the Springhawk sustained damage from turbolaser fire, causing the bridge to shake violently and injuring Thrawn. Ferasi, reacting swiftly, shielded Thrawn's wound, ensuring his survival until Chiss medical personnel could reach him. Thrawn expressed his gratitude to the duo and voiced his hope that the incident would spur the Chiss Ascendancy to launch an offensive against the Vagaari. His mission to acquire the interdiction field had been a success, a fact he disclosed to Car'das but concealed from the Chiss.

Upon the ship's return to the asteroid base, they were confronted by an enraged Qennto, who informed his fellow smugglers that Admiral Ar'alani had confiscated their treasure. Car'das and Ferasi attempted to pacify him, but their efforts proved futile until they decided to consult with Thrawn. Qennto was confined to his quarters, leaving Car'das and Ferasi to proceed alone. They arrived at Thrawn's quarters simultaneously with his brother, Thrass, who sought to discuss the commander's unconventional conduct. Thrass considered some of Thrawn's methods, such as his audacity and his treatment of the smugglers as friends rather than prisoners, to be at odds with Chiss principles. He feared that these actions would ultimately be detrimental to Thrawn's reputation.

The two siblings eventually set aside their philosophical disagreements, and despite Qennto's vehement objections, Car'das led Thrawn and Thrass on a tour of the Bargain Hunter, showcasing its advanced technology that was unfamiliar to the Chiss. Car'das primarily spoke in Cheunh, necessitating that he provide translations for Qennto, who had accompanied them to ensure the Chiss did not damage his cherished vessel. Qennto overheard a mention of Thrawn's private conversations with Ferasi and, suspecting that his lover had developed feelings for the alien, confronted them about it. They eventually managed to dissuade Qennto, although the captain remained convinced that Thrawn was not to be trusted. Eventually, Thrass and Ar'alani departed, but the smugglers were informed that they would have to wait for an extended period—possibly months—before the Chiss bureaucracy decided whether they would be permitted to retain a portion of their profits.

Thrawn roused Car'das from his sleep in the dead of night, alerting him to another intrusion by unidentified adversaries into Chiss territory. The Chiss dismissed the possibility of Vagaari involvement, citing the ships' distinct design, and speculated that the attack might originate from another faction. Car'das accompanied Thrawn—sans Ferasi and Qennto—along with a substantial contingent of a dozen CEDF vessels, including the Springhawk, to the system where the unidentified ships had been initially sighted. Upon arrival, Car'das identified the ships as belonging to the Trade Federation, a commercial organization primarily managed by Neimoidians.

Car'das could not ascertain the ships' purpose, but Thrawn suspected it would not be favorable for the Chiss. He established communication with the lead ship, a Lucrehulk-class battleship named the Darkvenge, and engaged in a brief exchange with a "Commander Stratis," who insisted that his mission was classified. However, when the Neimoidian commander Kav terminated the communication and launched droid starfighters, Thrawn prepared for battle.

Despite the Chiss forces consisting of only three small cruisers and nine fighters, Thrawn achieved victory without suffering any casualties, a testament to his exceptional command skills. Thrawn managed to sever the droid starfighters' connection to their command, rendering the Trade Federation cruisers vulnerable. He also succeeded in destroying several Hardcell-class interstellar transports, further demoralizing the enemy forces. When the sole remaining ship, the Darkvenge, attempted to escape into hyperspace, it was thwarted by Thrawn's gravity projector. Defeated, the Darkvenge surrendered. Car'das was astonished by this display and deeply impressed by Thrawn's abilities.

Thrawn and Car'das then boarded the Darkvenge, where they were greeted by Stratis and Kav on the bridge. Although Kav threatened them with a destroyer droid, Thrawn remained composed, staring down Kav until he commanded the droid to deactivate itself. Thrawn demanded to know the enemy fleet's intentions, even falsely claiming that Car'das was a prisoner spy. Stratis agreed to reveal his purpose and began explaining the Outbound Flight Project, a mission to explore regions beyond the galaxy. The ship carried thousands of passengers and several Jedi, and the Trade Federation task force had been dispatched to destroy it. Stratis claimed that the Jedi would enslave the Chiss people and implied that Thrawn should personally destroy the vessel. After hearing this, Thrawn announced that the ship would be confiscated and departed, deep in thought.

Thrawn instructed Car'das to analyze readouts and blueprints of the Trade Federation vessel to gain a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. Although the Human complied, he felt troubled and resentful of Thrawn's accusation. However, during their next conversation, Thrawn informed Car'das that he did not suspect him of being a spy and had merely made the accusation to extract more information from Stratis. Thrawn had another motive for the accusation: if the other Chiss believed that Thrawn suspected the Humans of being spies, it would provide him with a plausible justification for keeping them in Chiss space. Thrawn confided in Car'das that his own brother, Thrass, had been providing Ar'alani with reports of Thrawn's activities on Crustai and that the admiral was becoming increasingly suspicious of him. Thrawn eventually departed, leaving Car'das uncertain about the Commander's true intentions and motivations. Car'das realized that he, Ferasi, and Qennto had overstayed their welcome and needed to devise a plan to leave as soon as possible.

Thrawn disclosed to Car'das that Kav and Stratis desired him to destroy Outbound Flight. When Car'das informed Ferasi and Qennto of this revelation, Qennto remained indifferent and began discussing strategies for leaving Chiss space with their share of the Vagaari treasure. Car'das eventually sought out Thrawn, but encountered Thrass instead. Thrass escorted Car'das to Admiral Ar'alani, who began questioning him about the recent incident involving the Trade Federation vessels. Ar'alani then ordered Car'das to guide them to the battle site, a request he reluctantly accepted, perceiving that he had no alternative.

While Car'das and Ar'alani were en route to the battle site, Thrawn was meeting with Stratis aboard the Darkvenge, seeking answers. He knew that Stratis was using a false name and suspected that he had an ulterior motive for wanting to destroy Outbound Flight beyond the elimination of the Jedi. Stratis revealed his true identity: Kinman Doriana, an aide to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and secretly an agent of Darth Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith. Unbeknownst even to Doriana, Sidious was in fact Palpatine, and he was orchestrating a plan to seize complete control of the galaxy. Doriana also explained to Thrawn the reason for wanting to destroy Outbound Flight: a mysterious group of beings he referred to as Far-Outsiders lurked near the edge of the galaxy. Doriana asserted that they posed a grave threat to the galaxy and could not be allowed to capture Outbound Flight. After sharing this information, Doriana introduced Thrawn to his master, Sidious, via a holoprojector, in an attempt to emphasize the urgency of the situation to the Chiss commander. Sidious and Thrawn engaged in a dialogue, each probing the other's intentions. Thrawn ultimately agreed to destroy Outbound Flight, but requested the use of six droid starfighters, a request Doriana reluctantly granted.

Back at the battle site, Ar'alani was examining the wreckage with Thrass and Car'das, who was relieved to discover that the Darkvenge was absent. Ar'alani raised the possibility of prosecuting Thrawn for his unprovoked attacks. Car'das was concerned for his friend, but he also remembered that he had reason to worry about himself and the other smugglers. Consequently, he inquired about when he—along with Qennto and Ferasi—would be permitted to claim their treasure and depart. The two Chiss informed Car'das that it would depend on Thrawn and whether he would face trial. Car'das, anticipating a delay of several months, conceded on that point. However, he was surprised by Thrass's willingness to condemn his own brother and began questioning him about it. Thrass and Ar'alani defended Chiss policies, forcing Car'das to drop the subject.

Car'das then returned to the Chiss base, where he spent the next few days. Qennto and Ferasi grew increasingly desperate to leave, and Car'das himself was weary of the situation. One afternoon, an opportunity for Car'das to escape presented itself. After Thrawn accused him of treason in front of Ar'alani, the admiral confined him to his quarters. Around this time, Thrawn approached Car'das and asked him to steal a shuttle and provoke the Vagaari into attacking. Thrawn had devised a plan that would eliminate both the Vagaari and Outbound Flight in one fell swoop. Believing it was his and his friends' only chance to return to the Republic, Car'das reluctantly agreed. He stole a shuttle and piloted it to the site of a Vagaari battle, where he located the Vagaari fleet. Car'das surrendered to the aliens and was taken prisoner aboard one of their massive motherships.

Once aboard the Vagaari ship, Car'das was searched and confined to a cell, where he waited for several hours. Eventually, a Vagaari guard arrived to escort him somewhere—presumably an interrogation room, Car'das assumed. He was therefore surprised when the guard led him to a throne room, where a large Vagaari sat on a throne. Car'das attempted to address the Miskara (their leader) in Minnisiat, but was struck by a guard, who forbade him from speaking unless instructed to do so. After a tense moment, the overlord began to question Car'das. Car'das recounted the smugglers' predicament with the Chiss, claiming they were prisoners. Car'das offered the Miskara the coordinates to the secret Chiss base, suggesting that they could strike back at the Chiss, allowing Car'das and his friends to escape on the Bargain Hunter. However, the Miskara rejected the proposal, deeming it foolish as the Vagaari would gain nothing except a chance for revenge.

Seemingly without options, Car'das was surprised when several Vagaari brought in a group of deactivated B1-series battle droids and droidekas. Like the Chiss, the Vagaari lacked experience with droids, so Car'das explained their nature to the Miskara. He demonstrated how to command the droids, programming them to obey only the Vagaari ruler. To test the droids, the Vagaari brought in several of their Geroon slaves, whom the droids promptly executed. Hoping to acquire more of these mechanical servants, the Miskara decided to attack the Chiss base. However, Car'das was to be imprisoned in the ship's forward prisoner bubble, where he could easily be killed in battle.

Back on the Darkvenge, Thrawn was awaiting Outbound Flight, which materialized suddenly when he employed the gravity projector to pull it out of hyperspace. Thrawn communicated with the Jedi in charge, Jorus C'baoth, and agreed to board Outbound Flight to speak with C'baoth. Thrawn warned C'baoth of a group of unknown invaders occupying parts of the Unknown Regions and urged him to turn the ship around. Stubbornly, C'baoth refused, demanding that Thrawn move out of the way. When Thrawn replied that he could not, C'baoth terminated the conversation with a threat, claiming the Jedi aboard would destroy Thrawn's forces. Thrawn returned to the command vessel, where he prepared for battle.

The entire Vagaari fleet set a course for Thrawn's base on Crustai, but they were prematurely pulled out of hyperspace by Thrawn's stolen interdiction field. The Chiss commander had used it to gather all his enemies together. The Vagaari, enraged by what they perceived as betrayal, questioned Car'das angrily, but their fury subsided when they noticed Outbound Flight, which contained hordes of battle droids. As the Jedi and civilians aboard Outbound Flight were not proficient in the trade language Car'das used to communicate with his captors, the Human was forced to act as a translator between the Vagaari and Outbound Flight, relaying the aliens' message for Outbound Flight to either surrender or be destroyed. The Jedi did not respond, and eventually the Miskara decided that the time for discussion was over: the Vagaari would seize their droids immediately. However, before they could execute their plan, the aliens were all affected by Jedi Force powers, clouding their minds and rendering them unable to speak coherently.

Car'das believed he would die on the ship, and either Thrawn or forces from the Republic would attack the helpless Vagaari fleet. However, it didn't take the firepower of either force to kill off the aliens. Thrawn had secretly reprogrammed the battle droids to target them. Most of the Vagaari on the bridge were gunned down, leaving them in further disarray and defenseless against Thrawn's relentless waves of Trade Federation starfighters. Car'das's life was spared, as the Chiss had programmed the vessels not to target the prison bubbles. The starfighters had nearly defeated the Vagaari when they abruptly changed course and attacked Outbound Flight, inflicting severe damage.

Three hours after the battle concluded, the Chiss boarded Car'das's ship and rescued him. Car'das was horrified by the brutality of the attack on Outbound Flight, but Thrawn and Stratis explained that it was necessary because Jorus C'baoth had been using the Force to strangle Thrawn aboard the Springhawk. It was believed that all aboard the Republic ship had perished. Car'das and Thrawn went to speak with Ar'alani, who had been in league with Thrawn all along. Although she could not actively participate in the commander's plan, she had turned a blind eye so that the Vagaari could be brought to justice.

After this deception was revealed, Car'das spoke with Thrass, who was angered by his brother's actions. Car'das defended his friend's choices, but Thrass was reluctant to listen. Thrass informed Car'das that Formbi intended to arrest Thrawn. Although not willing to forgive him, Thrass was worried about Thrawn, so he joined Car'das in searching for him on Outbound Flight along with the admiral. When they found him, the two notified Thrawn that Formbi was on his way. Thrawn's biggest concern, however, was not himself, but the fate of Outbound Flight. He knew Formbi would claim it for himself, granting the Fifth Family considerable prestige. Thrawn agreed to board the Aristocra's ship after being ordered to do so by Ar'alani—herself under orders from Formbi. Car'das and Thrass remained onboard, but Car'das was ready to leave upon learning of Thrass's intent to destroy the vessel.

The Chiss and the smuggler encountered the lone surviving Jedi, Lorana Jinzler, who told them that people had survived, making it impossible to destroy Outbound Flight, as they knew the Chiss could not kill innocent beings. After considering all options, Thrass and Jinzler decided to fly the ship into the Redoubt, a stellar cluster in which they hoped to hide. Car'das evacuated before they began, flying back to Formbi's ship. On the bridge of the Chaf Exalted, Formbi was interrupted from questioning Thrawn when Outbound Flight suddenly vanished into hyperspace. Formbi was furious, but he was unable to do anything. In the Redoubt, Thrass and Jinzler found that the survivors were in the area of the ship opposite them, and it was necessary to crash-land the ship on their own section, an act that would kill them. However, the two realized it was necessary, as they felt they could not let the remaining 57 die, so the two sacrificed themselves to save the others. Shortly after this, Thrawn informed Car'das that Doriana had offered the Human a job as head of an intelligence network for Darth Sidious, while fronting as a smuggler. Car'das accepted and said goodbye to Ferasi and Qennto.

By the outbreak of the Clone Wars, several years after he had accepted Doriana's offer, Car'das had established a reputation as a rising smuggler. Although his organization was small compared to the Hutts, it grew steadily. For instance, he took control of Booster Terrik's operation when Terrik was imprisoned on Kessel by Hal Horn. When the galaxy became embroiled in the conflict between the Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems in 22 BBY, smugglers exploited the galaxy's turmoil for profit. Car'das was among them, and his organization lucratively smuggled both contraband and necessities to war-torn worlds.

Sometime after the Clone Wars, Car'das was smuggling in the Bpfassh system when he was caught in the battle between Bpfasshi Dark Jedi and the forces of the Sluis sector. While Car'das's ship was on a planet, one of the Dark Jedi commandeered it with Car'das and his crew, demanding passage out of the system. The Dark Jedi—who Car'das suspected was insane—tortured and killed all aboard except Car'das, whom he left mostly alone. Car'das was frightened and planned escapes as they dodged enemy ships, each futile. Eventually, the Dark Jedi had Car'das set down on Dagobah.

The Bpfasshi anticipated solitude on the planet, but they were mistaken; Yoda, the exiled Grand Master of the Jedi Order, awaited their arrival. For over a day, Yoda and the Dark Jedi engaged in a fierce battle, an event that filled Car'das with dread. Ultimately, Yoda triumphed over the Dark Jedi, though Car'das suffered severe injuries due to his encounter with the darksider. Yoda then dedicated himself to nursing the Human back to health utilizing the Force, until Car'das was able to repair his vessel and depart from the planet.

This encounter, however, left an indelible mark on Car'das. He sensed a subtle transfer of Yoda's power to him during the healing process; insufficient for him to actively wield the Force, yet enough to grant him a strategic edge over his adversaries. Car'das found himself predicting his competitors' strategies and thwarting their plans. Realizing the limitless potential of this ability, he began systematically absorbing his competitors. Consequently, Car'das's organization flourished, and he amassed considerable wealth. Nevertheless, his personality underwent a transformation due to his interaction with Yoda, morphing him into a ruthless and merciless figure, reminiscent of Jabba Desilijic Tiure. During this period, Car'das also embarked on the accumulation of an extensive library of datacards, rivaling the most comprehensive collections in the galaxy. By this point, Car'das's organization had grown to rival even the Hutts.

Then, around 0 BBY, Car'das boarded his personal yacht and vanished without a trace. His health began to deteriorate, and the renewed vitality bestowed upon him by Yoda waned. Car'das journeyed to Dagobah, demanding that Yoda rectify the situation. Yoda responded by seizing Car'das's blaster and the beckon call from his ship, casting them into the swamp, and rebuking Car'das for squandering the gift he had been given on selfish pursuits. He further declared that he would offer no further assistance, as he needed to conserve his time and energy for the training of Luke Skywalker, whose arrival on Dagobah he anticipated imminently. Car'das, realizing the reprehensibility of his actions, was overcome with shame.

Knowing he could not return to his organization, he fled. Yoda suggested he might find aid from the Aing-Tii monks, an alien species who had mastered the Force in ways unknown to either the Jedi or the Sith. Before venturing into the Aing-Tii's known territory in the Kathol sector, Car'das received a plea for help from his former acquaintance, Thrawn, now a Senior Captain in the Imperial Navy. Thrawn needed to temporarily abandon the majority of his forces in the Unknown Regions and travel swiftly to Poln Major in the Candoras sector, aware that Nuso Esva, his longtime adversary, was plotting an attack there. Despite feeling it was perhaps his last opportunity to do something meaningful, Car'das agreed, though he was both puzzled and somewhat resentful of Thrawn's choice. After all, he questioned Thrawn, why seek his assistance when Thrawn was equally capable of piloting a starship and could summon aid from countless individuals within the Empire? Thrawn's response surprised him: Car'das was the only being in the galaxy whom Thrawn believed he could still trust.

After Thrawn successfully drove Esva out of the Candoras sector, he had to immediately rejoin his forces in the Unknown Regions to continue the chase. As a final favor, he requested that Car'das postpone his journey to the Kathol sector long enough to visit Wroona, where Thrawn believed Esva's forces were holding hostages, including the family of Esva's doomed pilot, Sorro. Thrawn emphasized that Car'das was the only one of his associates equipped with both the necessary resources and underworld connections to secure their release. Recognizing the call to a worthy cause, Car'das agreed to undertake the mission.

Having completed his service for Thrawn, Car'das journeyed to the planet Exocron in the outermost reaches of the Kathol sector in Wild Space. The Aing-Tii readily healed Car'das, expressing their desire for him to remain with them and study their philosophies of the Force. Car'das consented, and while he was granted permission to return to the wider galaxy after some time, he chose to remain with the Aing-Tii for nearly a dozen years. Although he was not Force-sensitive, Car'das gained the ability to manipulate the Force after his time with the Aing-Tii; he could instantaneously transport objects from one location to another. He learned extensively about the aliens, meticulously documenting his observations in notes and journals. In exchange for healing and instruction, the Aing-Tii enlisted his help in collecting artifacts scattered throughout the sector, which they believed belonged to their deities.

Eventually, Car'das departed from the Aing-Tii and established permanent residence on the planet Exocron, where he constructed a secluded home within the side of a mountain. There, he amassed all his information sources and created a private library containing secrets unknown even to the New Republic. Car'das's errands were managed by his devoted assistant, Entoo Needaan E-elz, while droids handled all household chores and maintenance. He also maintained contact with the Aing-Tii, who were always ready to assist him whenever Exocron was attacked by slavers.

For several months, Car'das's organization continued to prosper, but the lieutenants began to contemplate the need for a legitimate leader. Rather than holding a vote, Talon Karrde—one of Car'das's most trusted subordinates—simply assumed control of the organization. The other leaders were displeased, but the new operation flourished for the next twenty years. Karrde, however, remained perpetually wary of Car'das and constantly prepared for his return. Karrde was convinced that Car'das would seek retribution for Karrde's takeover of the organization and foiled several assassination attempts on his life by other members of the group, who claimed they had been dispatched by Car'das.

Eventually, following the death of Grand Admiral Thrawn, Karrde dispatched Lando Calrissian and Mara Jade to locate Car'das, a search that spanned seven years and ultimately pinpointed Car'das's location on Exocron. The only clue was a beckon call Luke Skywalker had recovered on Dagobah. However, with Car'das within reach, Karrde decided to abandon the pursuit, uncertain of Car'das's reaction. The old Corellian was actually eagerly anticipating Karrde's arrival; he wished to commend him on the organization's progress under his leadership.

Later, Lando surmised that Car'das possessed information that could aid the New Republic in resolving the Caamas Document Crisis, a situation where the Bothans had been exposed as the perpetrators of the destruction of Caamas years prior. Tensions were high, with numerous groups demanding the punishment of the Bothans. However, despite Lando's hopes, Karrde refused to involve Car'das. As the crisis unfolded, Karrde finally recognized that he had to confront Car'das; if not to confront his own fears, then to retrieve a copy of the Caamas Document. Car'das orchestrated an elaborate deception, initially appearing as a frail old man confined to bed on the planet Exocron. Karrde was astonished by the other man's advanced age.

However, Car'das had been planning this for some time—ever since he learned of Calrissian and Jade's search. Car'das exploited Karrde's desire to find him as a means to lure the crimelord Rei'Kas to Exocron and near the Kathol Rift. Car'das and Admiral Trey David of Exocron's Navy knew Exocron could not withstand Rei'Kas's fleet, but they also knew that the Aing-Tii monks sought to eliminate Rei'Kas. By allowing Karrde to reach Exocron, Car'das and David also revealed Exocron's location to Rei'Kas. However, Rei'Kas' fleet was annihilated by the Aing-Tii monks when it attempted to attack Exocron. This maneuvering was almost transparent to Karrde, who realized that Car'das was more than a feeble old man. He returned to Exocron and confronted Car'das again, who was no longer an aged man but a healthy man nowhere near death. He also revealed the true scale of his fortress, with its vast library of datacards.

Car'das permitted Karrde and his bodyguard Shada D'ukal to spend the night at his fortress. That night, D'ukal slipped from her room and made her way to Car'das's massive library, hoping to find a record that would identify the faction that had destroyed her people's homeworld, Emberlene. Instead, she encountered Car'das, who informed her that her world had been destroyed by a mercenary force, hired by the other peoples of the sector, who had been victimized by Emberlene's war of conquest - about which Shada and the rest of the Mistryl had deliberately never been told. Car'das presented her with a choice between two data cards: one that would identify the destroyers of her world, or another that could resolve the Caamas Document Crisis and avert civil war within the entire New Republic. She chose the latter, aware that by doing so she was forfeiting her last chance to be reinstated within the Mistryl, from which she had been expelled. Pleased with her choice, Car'das assured her that she would find her place in the galaxy.

While Car'das was unable to locate a copy of the Caamas Document, he managed to unearth a wealth of information on Grodin Tierce, Moff Vilim Disra, and the conman Flim, the members of the Sinister Triumvirate who were spearheading the Empire's desperate attempt to defeat the New Republic. Karrde and D'ukal conveyed this information back to Admiral Gilad Pellaeon, after bidding farewell to Car'das. The information he provided, along with information possessed by Pellaeon, helped resolve the crisis and paved the way for the peace treaty that brought an end to the decades-long Galactic Civil War.

Car'das disappeared from the galactic stage for several years, before Dean Jinzler, the brother of Lorana Jinzler and a mechanic acting as a New Republic diplomat, revealed that he had received word of Voss Parck's mission to locate the remains of the Outbound Flight Project from Car'das himself in 22 ABY. Car'das then ensured Jinzler's arrival, even going as far as to trail Jinzler and assist in repairing his ship in the Flacharia system. Jinzler informed Luke Skywalker that Car'das was merely attempting to fulfill a promise he had made years ago, the promise to Lorana Jinzler that he would find her brother. Car'das then accompanied Jinzler aboard the Chaf Envoy when Aristocra Formbi greeted them, speaking to Car'das in private. Following this incident, Car'das vanished from the galactic scene once more.

In 43 ABY, the Jedi Luke and Ben Skywalker searched for the Aing-Tii, hoping to acquire Force techniques such as Flow-walking from them. They eventually found their way to the Aing-Tii homeworld, where they resided in an old cabin that Car'das had occupied during his stay with the Aing-Tii, and perused journals he had written about the enigmatic alien species. They also discovered that Car'das had assisted the Aing-Tii in creating a translation device by allowing the monks to use his voice for the machine's Basic.

For the majority of his life, Jorj Car'das was a compassionate individual. Unlike his partner Qennto, he did not display ruthlessness during the early stages of his smuggling career. Car'das abhorred excessive violence and was saddened by the destruction of Outbound Flight. He also detested slavery and found the Vagaari and their beliefs repugnant, particularly their use of living shields. However, he was not quite as moral as his smuggling partner Maris Ferasi.

When Car'das received his gifts from Yoda, he underwent a transformation, evolving into a cutthroat competitor. He became fixated on obtaining what he desired, disregarding his earlier principles. Yoda was disgusted by this, and so stripped Car'das of his talents. Car'das then recognized the error of his ways and transformed once more, reverting to the kind man he had once been.

Jorj Car'das was created for Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn Duology, where he was revealed to be the founder of Talon Karrde's criminal empire. His backstory was later elaborated on in the novel Outbound Flight. He also made an appearance in Choices of One, assisting Thrawn. The Essential Reader's Companion erroneously states that Car'das was in possession of a copy of the Caamas Document.

The illustration of Jorj Car'das on the cover of the Japanese edition of Outbound Flight was drawn by artist Tsuyoshi Nagano. Japanese editor Junzo Takagi speculated that the character was likely named after George Lucas and requested that Nagano use him as the model. Initially, Nagano completed a rough draft modeled after Lucas in his twenties, which was approved by Lucasfilm. However, the colored illustration bore too strong a resemblance to Lucas, and he was asked to redraw it. The Lucasfilm staff also immediately contacted Timothy Zahn and inquired about Car'das's appearance. Zahn's response was generally as follows: "Late teens or very early twenties. He has dark, Mediterranean-like skin (not pitch black), slightly Asian eyes, dark hair, and a beard that he is trying to grow out in the hope that one day it will grow into a full beard." Nagano completed the cover based on these instructions.