The Shaper research center located on Dibrook functioned as a clandestine Yuuzhan Vong base of operations. It was situated on the uninhabitable planet of Dibrook sometime prior to the battle that occurred there. The facility was overseen by Master Shaper Nagme, and a yammosk was buried beneath Dibrook's surface to exert control over the Yuuzhan Vong troops present on the planet.
At this center, Master Shaper Nagme performed experiments on captured individuals, resulting in the creation of an army composed of Thralls. One of those captured was a Jedi named Yuledan. In the year 25 ABY, Commander Tsalok arrived to question him regarding another Jedi, specifically Finn Galfridian.
During the conflict on Dibrook, the Yuuzhan Vong managed to capture 30 refugees who were being housed on the Dibrook Space Station. They were eventually driven back by the Heart of Artorias, which was a captured Yuuzhan Vong slaveship. Shortly after the battle concluded, the Heart of Artorias made planetfall with the intention to locate the abducted refugees. Given the superior numbers of the attacking force, Commander Tsalok advised Master Shaper Nagme to make preparations for a retreat to Rychel.
On their journey toward the research facility, the thousands of individuals aboard the Heart of Artorias encountered some Yuuzhan Vong forces as well as two Thralls. An initial scouting team reached the facility ahead of the main group, only to be swiftly overcome by a contingent of Yuuzhan Vong warriors commanded by Commander Tsalok. Upon his return to the facility, he instructed Nagme to deploy her Thrall army.