"Which temple is this?" Rey asks. "Well… it's not a temple exactly… it's a Sith tomb. Not any Sith tomb, but that of the Sith Lord Naga Sadow."

"I assume this person is important?"

Xanthe stops walking with a thoughtful look on her face. "You could say that. He was a powerful Sith. Very ambitious- as many Sith are. Don't let the size of this structure fool you… Many Sith are housed in large structures like this one. It just depends how many friends they had and how much influence they had at the time. My ancestor- Lord Kallig had influence… He was powerful, but was assassinated by the one he admired and trusted the most and instead of a grand tomb, his legacy was destroyed. His family… some were killed, some went into hiding and whoever was left was reduced to slavery." Xanthe paused, turning to Rey, "Until me of course." She concluded as she started walking again.

They continued walking in silence until they reached the sarcophagus of Naga Sadow. "Normally these tombs have traps, but I cleared this one out years ago. Well… Mostly." Xanthe comments sheepishly. "Someone has definitely been here since my last made another entry point. I'm impressed with whoever it was that made it this far. The fact that there are no bodies here means they also made it back out alive…" She closely surveys everything in the room, "Surprisingly, they didn't take anything I purposely left behind. Most unusual." She concludes.

As Rey was walking around curiously observing everything in the room, she suddenly felt an uncomfortable feeling. The closer she walked to a certain part of the room, the more unsettled she became. Frowning, she turns to Xanthe, "Is this feeling... normal?" Looking back puzzled, Xanthe asks "What do you mean by unsettled?"

"I'm not sure… I mean I felt the Dark Side when stepping foot onto the planet and even more so in this building, but as I'm walking around in this room, at certain points, it isn't just the Force I feel. It feels more...sinister, more concentrated. I don't know, but whatever it is, it's very unsettling and it's starting to get me…" Rey trails off, trying to think of an appropriate word. "... Agitated perhaps?" Xanthe supplies. Rey nods, "Yes, I guess so. Yeah, agitated."

Xanthe hums thoughtfully, "I have been exposed to the Dark Side for so long that I forget that others sense and feel things differently. As Sith, we are exposed to the Dark Side from the very beginning, so if anything, the Light Side for many seems foreign or strange and some even feel unsettled by its… I guess, calmer nature. I forget that the Force is a new concept for you and of course, you have only been shown how to use the Light although you can as easily access the Dark without giving in to your emotions which is rare and something I would like to explore further in the future, so of course what you feel in this tomb would be quite intense… the feel of power, anger, pain, fear, rage, also depending on the Sith, feelings of passion and revenge and perhaps a bone chilling coldness as well…I guess you could call it the feeling of death. This, you will feel all over Korriban." As soon as Xanthe finished her explanation, her comm starts beeping. "Yes?"

"Apologetic: Sorry master, Darth Marr has asked if you can come back to base for debriefing."

"That's ok HK. I will be back shortly."

"Very well master. Oh, were there any meatbags there?"

"No… nothing here, not even a body."

"Disappointment: How unfortunate. Pity."

Xanthe chuckles. "Yes, I know." And with that, disconnects the call. Sighing, she turns to Rey. "Time to go."

"Yes, it might be for the best. This place is starting to become quite uncomfortable. Especially towards that area." Rey gestures with her hands, pointing to the area in question. Xanthe stays silent for a moment, contemplates a possibility then replies, "Alright then, lead the way Rey, I will follow in a moment." In Xanthe's opinion, it seemed Rey couldn't get out of there fast enough, which put a small amused grin on her face. Recovering quickly, she made her way over to the area Rey was so afraid of. She stretched out with the Force… feeling nothing but the usual traits of the Dark Side, although…. There was something slightly, slightly familiar amongst it all. As she was turning around to leave the tomb, something caught her eye. Something small, black and reflective, wedged in between some of the rubble there. Upon closer inspection, she realised it was a holocron. "Looks like there was one after all." Xanthe mused.

In her hands, she could feel the power of the Dark Side radiating from it. But she could also feel something familiar from it also. Familiar, but not unsettling as Rey had felt. She wondered if this is what she sensed. Brushing off those thoughts for now, she placed the holocron under her robes and made her way to meet Rey and attend the debriefing.

"Ah, you finally made it. We are honoured you graced us with your presence Imperius." Marr greets sarcastically. "Please Marr. Sarcasm doesn't suit you." Imperius replies, ushering Rey into a suitable spot in the room the Sith councillors were gathered in.

"I don't see the need to have the Force adept in the room if you have made it clear she will not be joining the ranks of the Sith?" Marr asks while eying Rey. "It does not matter Marr. For one, she does not have any interest in our affairs, two, she is here as a witness and guest for me and three, I prefer her here under my eye than under misinformed Imperials who may get trigger happy." Imperius replies unimpressed. Marr sighs. "It irritates me how little faith you have in our forces, but very well, I will respect your wishes."

Turning, Marr addresses the council, "Fellow councillors, we have finally fulfilled what our ancestors only dreamed of for millennia. We have reclaimed Korriban. Now we must decide what our next step is. Any thoughts?"

Silence filled the room for a few moments until Darth Chrysis broke it with a sigh. "As you know Marr, I am head of Sith Philosophy. Korriban is the birthplace of the Sith and for a time, also the final resting place of many great Sith. This world is like an artifact in itself. So much frozen in time. This place is where our society was formed, where our lore and our Sith Code was born. This world is full of tombs, temples, artifacts… relics… Who knows how much is still left undiscovered. I for one would want to see the final resting place of the great Tulak Hord myself and any secrets his tomb may hold. I personally believe this world is of most significance to myself, Darth Necron and of course Darth Imperius, with our roles of Sphere of Sith Philosophy, Mysteries and Ancient Knowledge, respectively."

"True, but this world must also be protected. This world has been targeted by the Jedi and the Republic on many occasions, by the Eternal Empire and maybe again by the First Order as well. Especially if we intend to make Korriban our stronghold or new capital-" Darth Occulus states before being interrupted by Darth Imperius, "Yes, I do agree that Korriban must be protected. It is our most sacred world after all. I apologise Occulus, but I did not want you to waste your words."

Turning and looking at all councillors, Imperius continues, "Korriban was never the capital of the Sith Empire that I grew up in. In the past, Ziost was the capital, and then after the Great Hyperspace War with the Republic, Lord Vitiate made Dromund Kaas the new homeworld and the new capital of the Sith Empire. Korriban had an academy where all successful acolytes became Sith.

I prefer Korriban to retain that role as a place of learning and continuing to be the birthplace of Sith rather than a main powerbase. It was a haven for those of the Reclamation Service, as this world is full of mysteries and historical artifacts.

I agree with Chrysis- there are still many secrets left on this world, many things left to discover."

"Hmm… I suppose I do agree with Imperius on this one Occulus. Also, this world is too barren to support such a large population, I feel that this world as the training ground for Sith and," Darth Severin pauses, briefly glancing at Darth Necron, "-For mystical and archeological purposes is more suitable. I do strongly insist that this world still be well fortified regardless."

"Agreed." Marr nods. "I think this world should still have Imperial bases and be a powerbase of sorts but definitely not a homeworld. Due to the location, to have our capital at Pion may not be practical. We may have to find another world to make as our main capital- our main stronghold. As far as Korriban is concerned, this world is the most precious of the Empire and must be treated as such. Your thoughts Imperius?"

"I agree Marr. Korriban needs to have a strong military presence. This world has had many bases in the past and many Sith have lived here including Dark Councillors. If a new capital needs to be established, I would recommend Ziost or Dromund Kaas, but that is another discussion for another day. For now, I recommend we get started in setting planetary defences and making sure there are no surprises from the First Order."

"Any objections fellow councillors?" Marr asks only to be met with silence. "Good. Then it is settled. An Academy will be re-established here along with Imperial bases and planetary defences. Darth Nicene, send world to Pion to send ships and resources to Korriban."

"Very well Marr." Darth Nicene replies with a nod. "Council session is over. We will reconvene once our supplies arrive from Pion." All councillors bow and leave the room including Marr. Leaving only Imperius, Rey and Scourge. As Scourge looks at Rey, his face turns into one of concern. He can tell she doesn't look well, her face is pale and she is starting to sweat. He can feel discomfort and fear radiating from her. He looks at Imperius and decides it would be best to leave the two alone. 'Perhaps she is right. With her reactions here, maybe the girl does not have what it takes to be one with the Dark Side and become Sith.' Scourge thinks to himself as he leaves the room.

As Imperius turns to Rey, she can tell something is wrong. "You're all pale! What's wrong?"

"I don't know Xanthe. The feeling I had in the tomb had somewhat gone, but as soon as the meeting started, I felt the presence again, but much stronger. It took everything I had not to run or throw up in here."

Under her mask, Xanthe frowns. 'I wonder if it's the holocron? But why would it affect her so badly. This holocron feels like any other dark side infused holocron.' Xanthe thinks to herself. She decides to take the holocron out and presents it to Rey.

"Rey, this is a holocron. I found it in the tomb. I believe this to be the cause of your discomfort so I will place it somewhere where it won't affect you. I wanted you to be able to at least see one before leaving this world."

Rey looks at it in wonder, trying to push through the discomfort. She can see a faint reddish and purplish glow emanating from the smooth and shiny obsidian pyramid in Imperius' hand. "What is in the holocron?" Rey asks. "Knowledge. Secrets. Techniques. Perhaps even lies, depending on what sadistic Sith Lord created it." Imperius replies with a grin. "But for now, I will put it somewhere for safekeeping. Let's go back to the ship so you can rest."

As Rey settles for a nap in one of the cabins, Imperius places the holocron in her fortified safe, that also has Force nullifying agents in it, just in case. 'That should fix the problem for now. But I wonder why this affected her so much? She had no problem landing here or speaking to Marr or Scourge, or even tapping into the Dark Side when she was with Skywalker?' Imperius thinks to herself. "She can't stay here. That much is clear now." she sighs to herself. "What will you do master?" HK asks. "I'll wait until she wakes up and tell her to head back to the Resistance. There's nothing for her here." Imperius replies.

As Rey wakes up she can sense something is off, 'But at least I don't feel that cold twisting feeling in my stomach anymore.' she says in relief. She bumps into HK as she leaves her cabin. "Oh, hello HK."

"Ah, greetings meatbag Rey! My Master has been waiting for you."

"Oh good. Where is she?"

"She is attempting meditation again in her quarters. She has always had difficulty with centering herself. She had improved greatly with the assistance of Master La-, ahem, her advisor. After she left, whenever she attempted it on her own she always seemed to be more grumpy after meditation. She did seem to perform better when you had accompanied her. Perhaps she only needs company for meditation?"

"Her advisor? When I mentioned an advisor earlier, she looked confused, as if she had no idea what I was talking about."

"Hmm… That is most odd. She most certainly had an advisor. For many years in fact. I will attempt to perform a diagnostic on my Master's memory later. Ah, her we are. You can go in."

Rey opens the door to Xanthe's cabin and sees her sitting crossed legged on the floor with purple Force energy circling and pulsing around her. At times it almost seems calm, then it becomes turbulent, with red Force energy emanating from her, surrounding her, absorbing the purple energies and then being reabsorbed back into herself.

She can see her panting, trembling, frowning, at times also peaceful, but as soon as the moment comes it is lost again and she once again responds with a grimace, until Rey asks if she is alright and she snaps out of the trance, covered in sweat and panting slightly, perplexed to see Rey in the room. "Sorry, HK said it was ok for me to come in. He also said you had trouble with meditation. You didn't seem to have this problem when you were teaching me."

"Yes well, teaching is one thing, what I attempt in my quarters is another." Xanthe bit back. She then sighs, "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for. I just have trouble with centering myself that's all."

"Yeah, HK mentioned that and that your advisor used to help you with that."

Xanthe let out a bitter laugh, "Yeah… My advisor." Turning to Rey, she feels slightly sad for what she is about to say but it has to be done. "Rey. I believe it will be best for you to leave this place and go back to the Resistance."

Rey looks at her in surprise, "What? Why?!" she demands. "Because you can't handle this place. You won't be able to handle the trials of the Sith. It will destroy you. You are not experienced enough nor trained enough in the Force to handle the path in which I walk. You must become a Jedi and help your friends against the First Order and Kylo Ren."

"But the Force called me here! You know it did."

"Yes I do, but I saw what happened between you and the holocron. You cannot stay here."

"You don't control me!"

"I am only trying to help you and protect you."

"You can't tell me what I can or can't do! I don't need protection! I'm not your sister Cora!" Rey yells out. Xanthe looks on in shock. "...What did you say?"

"I said I don't need your protection."

"No… you know very well what I meant Rey." Xanthe says lowly. "Who. Did. You. Say?"

"Your sister. Cora." Rey replies calmly. Xanthe takes a deep breath trying to stay calm and asks, "Who told you about Cora?"

"A Sith Lord who said she knew you and was an advisor to members of the Dark Council. She told me that she was a Jedi and that everything you did was for her protection."

"No one alive save Scourge and HK are aware of her and her identity. And you called her Cora… Not Chrysi." Xanthe states thoughtfully and narrowing her eyes at Rey she asks, "What was the name of this... Advisor?"

"Kelsa. Kelsa Chataris? No, Kelsa Jen Chataris."

"Chataris? I don't know anyone with that name? What did she look like? Was she wearing a mask?"

"No…" Rey pauses, trying to remember all the details. "She had her hood up most of the time. She spoke very politely, same accent as you and I, blonde hair tied up from what I could tell and yellow eyes."

"Hmm… Many Sith have yellow eyes. It is a common feature for those who use the Dark Side of the Force." Xanthe sighs and starts pacing back and forth. "Kelsa… I haven't met any Imperial or Sith with that name. I wonder, why did this Sith mention Cora?"

"She told me that you shouldn't do everything on your own and asked me to help. I told her that you wouldn't let me and wanted me to follow a Jedi's path. That's when she mentioned that you're trying to protect me like you tried to protect your sister Cora. She then told me that I should ask you about her."

"My sister...She is another story for another time. But for this Sith to know that much...Kelsa Jen Chataris… Jen Chataris… wait." Xanthe thinks hard to herself. The word Chataris sounded awfully familiar. 'If I pronounce it differently…' Xanthe's eyes widen in realisation. "Jen Chataris or rather, if pronounced as Jen Chataris," Xanthe repeats with an accent, "Are Sith words, which translate to…" she felt a sick feeling in her stomach. "...Dark Advisor."

"So you mean to tell me that the name she gave me is a fake name or a title, because she told me she doesn't use titles?" Rey asks. As soon as Xanthe heard that, immediately she remembered a certain advisor's words, "Titles mean nothing to me."

Followed by a memory from Rakata Prime…

"Kelsa Laniko?" Are you sure that's wise?" Lana asked with a grimace. "Why not? Kelsa was your mother's name and "Laniko" is a nice mash up of your name- Lana Beniko." Kallig replied, grinning proudly. Lana sighed, "Yes, but Laniko? Really? It is too obvious. They would suspect immediately."

Kallig waves her hands excitedly and explains, "Ah, exactly! That is the idea! If it is too obvious then they wouldn't expect it to be real, as you wouldn't do something as obvious or foolish as to have such an obvious sounding alias now would you?"

Lana puts a hand to her head, starting to feel a headache coming on. "I… I guess you have a point. It could work and throw them off." Seeing the hopeful look on Xanthe's face, Lana relents. "Alright." She sighs, "For now, I will go by that alias, until we can uncover the Revanite plot. Just make sure you don't contact me unless absolutely necessary. I don't want you to become a target as well."

"Very well Lana. At least I won't forget your alias. Maybe when all this is over, I can grant you the title of Darth Laniko."

"Oh you!"

Coming back to the present, Xanthe focuses on Rey, " There would be one person that would use a name like that, she also had blonde hair and yellow eyes, but she is dead." Xanthe says softly. "And I take it you weren't speaking to a ghost?"

"No? She seemed as real as you and me? She did seem annoyed with you though. She said you're too stubborn and won't let anyone help you or let her try to help you. She wanted me to tell you not to do the same with me. Oh, she also said I could call her Lana, as many Sith were given that name in honour of someone who worked with you."

Xanthe looked at Rey, eyes widening in surprise. "She said that?"

"Yes. Who is Lana?"

"Lana… Was a dear friend and helped me save the galaxy and the Empire. She was also an advisor to Darth Arkous in the Dark Council and later, to me as well." Xanthe shakes her head. "Nevermind. You need to leave with your books and become a Jedi. Take the Millennium Falcon and go."

"What? No!" Rey yells out. "Don't you get it? The Force drew me here, HK wants me around, other Sith see potential in me, a Sith Lord that seems to know a lot about you- and didn't seem to be a ghost is telling me not to leave you, Skywalker is dead, there is no one left to show me the ways of the Force. Books can only tell you so much. Surely you can understand? If you had no master and all you had were texts, do you think you would have been able to survive as long as you have to become a Sith Lord?"

Xanthe looked away unable to argue with that. "I… you may be right, you may be wrong. Still, I stand by my decision. I cannot be involved in your training."

Rey sighed. "I told her that you wouldn't listen. So she told me two things that she said would get through your stubborn head. One- she thinks "Laniko" still sounds ridiculous and two- you still struggle with meditation and that you once said she was a natural at it."

To Rey's surprise, she saw Xanthe's face turn the most pale she'd ever seen. She wondered if she was going to pass out. " Xanthe? Are you alright?"

Xanthe startled to tremble and started shaking her head muttering to herself. "No… no, no, no impossible…. Impossible."

"Xanthe!" Rey yells out snapping her out of her trance. Xanthe looks at Rey so lost and pitiful that she couldn't help but wonder who was this "advisor" that caused such a reaction in her. "Xanthe. She told me that you shouldn't be alone and not to push me away, but she didn't say I should be trained as a Sith. She did mention how your sister was trained as a Jedi after all." Rey gently stated.

Xanthe stares at Rey until realisation dawned on her. "No Jedi left… Only texts. Can easily tap into the Dark Side, surrounded by Sith, cannot handle the presence in the tombs…Yoda and Lana both make their presence known..." Xanthe says more to herself than Rey. "...I think I know what to do. I will try to meditate again and see if it confirms my suspicions, but I am right, then I am a fool for not thinking of it sooner."

Turning to Rey, "You can join me for meditation if you wish." She offers, then activating her comm she summons HK. "HK, begin preparations. We're going to leave Korriban."

Settling down and gesturing Rey to do the same, they both settled into their own respective meditation trances and the last thing Xanthe noticed before being swept up in the different things the Force was trying to show her, was how much more at peace she was with Rey's presence there. 'Perhaps HK was right.' was the last thought she had before becoming fully immersed in her trace. Rey on the other hand, was seeing death, pain, mocking laughter, an aged face with glowing eyes, a man in black armour, looking more machine than human, a room of clones and experiments, a masked Jedi that turned to the Dark Side, an Exiled Jedi looking for answers, a man full of scars and cuts held together by sheer will, a man with a bone mask, speaking another language, an old and blinded hooded woman… and many others. Each one expressing a different emotion- one guilt, another, sadistic glee, anger, sadness, despair, hunger, hatred, revenge and fear. The masked Jedi turns to Rey and tells her "Be careful Rey. The darkness here can consume you if you are not prepared. The only way for you to withstand it is it you master both the light and the dark. One you find balance, you will succeed." Behind the masked Jedi, the old blinded woman takes her down her hood, her robes alternating between brown and black, her blinded eyes alternating between white and black and her lightsaber in the one hand she has left, alternating between green and purple. She looks at Rey analysing her. "Actions have consequences. Sometimes helping the weak can be a disservice to them. You deprive them the opportunity to grow and become strong on their own as you have. But also remember and remind the Sith you travel with… Apathy is death." The old lady warns. The man in black armour nods in agreement. However, the one with an aged and withered face and glowing eyes screams out in anger and reaches for Rey-

Immediately Rey's eyes snap open, breaking the meditation trance. Panting heavily, Rey looks up to see Xanthe looking at her in concern. "Are you alright? What did you see?"

"I saw… Many different things… I saw temples, tombs, laboratories, ships… I saw Jedi, Sith, cloned people, disfigured people, people in pain. So many powerful emotions… one even spoke to me."

Xanthe looked at her in surprise and intrigue. "Really? Who was it and what did they say?"

"It was a masked Jedi I think. He had purple and red lightsabers and we were in a temple. He told me that as I was, I couldn't handle Korriban and that it would destroy me and the only way to succeed is to master both the light and the dark."

Xanthe smiled. "Sounds like you had a chat to Revan out of all people. Very unusual. However, what he told you confirmed my suspicions. I who'd have realised it sooner, after all, I kept saying the Force needs balance. I was too occupied with bringing the Empire back to its former glory that I forgot about it. Well my vision and yours confirms what I suspected. I will go and tell Marr we're leaving. Don't worry, where we're going, you will enjoy it very much." Xanthe grins. Standing up she puts on her outer robe and mask. "I'll be back soon." She tells Rey and walks out to meet the other Sith in the temple.

"What do you mean you are leaving?" Marr demands. "Exactly what I said Marr. I have more pressing issues at the moment. Korriban is ours, the First Order is distracted, I have brought reinforcements from Ziost and Dromund Kaas, so the planet is secured. Surely you don't need me to help with planetary defences… after all, you are the head of the Ministry of Military Defence?"

Marr couldn't really argue with that, so she reluctantly agreed, "Very well. Do what you need to do Darth Imperius."

"Thank you. May the Force serve you Darth Marr."

"And to you Imperius."

Imperius bows and starts walking back to the ship when Scourge starts walking with her. "So then. You had enough of Korriban?"

Imperius laughed "Of course not Scourge, but Rey won't learn anything here like this. She needs proper training."

"Oh? So where do you plan to take her?"

"The only place where she can learn how to use both sides of the Force… Where I learned how to embrace both sides of the Force."

"Hm. I have not been there in so long… More pleasant than Korriban, I almost envy you." They stop once they reached her ship. "Well, I wish you well my Lord. Say hello to Lord Beniko if you see her."

Imperius turns around in surprise and sees Scourge with a smirk on his face and amusement dancing in his eyes. Shaking her head, Imperius responds, "Well I see your emotions are improving. I suspect you were quite a pain in the buttocks before Vitiate "rewarded you". Didn't think you were the type... I must say I am pleasantly surprised. I am surprised and yet not surprised you saw her also. You have always told me to let go and move forward. Have you seen her before here?"

"Yes. Twice. Both times she had the same message and concerns regarding you. I hope now you have some motivation to actually take our advice."

Imperius smiles under her mask and Scourge could hear it in her voice when she replies, "With all that has now come to pass, yes. Yes I think I will."

"Rey, were going to leave Korriban soon!" Xanthe calls out as she enters her ship. "Finally Master! I can't wait to leave this planet, the sand is irritating my circuits. Reminiscence: Almost as bad as Tatooine… Oh what a horrible experience." HK calls out as he approaches Xanthe. "Don't worry HK. We're going to a much more pleasant world. I just need to let Rey know to get her ship ready."

"Where are we going?" Rey asks as she enters the cargo hold. "We're going to a planet that's actually located in Wild Space, so it will be quite a trip. There is someone there I would like you to meet and I'm sure she wouldn't mind the company. Make sure you bring the Jedi texts with you, I'm sure she will appreciate them."

"Is it another Sith Lord?"

Xanthe laughed. "I think she would feel offended if you called her that, but no, she isn't. She was actually instrumental in the beginning of the rebellion against the Imperial Empire. She has seen a lot." Rey eyes her wearily and reluctantly asks, "It's not Maz is it?" Xanthe shakes her head amused. "No, definitely not Maz. Anyway, go on- get to your ship, time is wasting. I will give you the coordinates once you're ready to go." Xanthe replies, shooing Rey away with her hands. "Ok, ok I'm leaving. Speak soon." Rey replies and walks off the Fury- class ship making her way back to the Millennium Falcon.

When Xanthe is sure Rey is off the ship, she turns to HK, " Alright HK, have you checked everything?"

"Affirmation: Yes master. The ship is on standby, ready to leave at your command."

"Good. We can leave Korriban in the capable hands of Marr and Scourge for now. Not quite sure what to make of the rest of the council members, but at least my Moffs and their fleets performed well."

As Xanthe runs another diagnostic on the navigation system and HK has just finished sweeping the ship for bugs, trackers and stowaways, Rey hails her on the comm. "I'm ready to leave. Please send coordinates when you're ready."

"Coordinates sent. See you there. Imperius out." Xanthe says with a small grin, switching off the comms. Turning to HK she says, "Alright HK, I know it's long overdue, but I suppose better late than never. Set a course for Odessen."