Mara and Xanthe are sitting quietly in the cockpit of 'The Rage' en-route to Pasaana. Xanthe had informed Rey that she was on her way with a guest, likewise, Mara informed Lando. Xanthe sighs, feeling the weight of the Dagger of Mortis resting on her lap.

"Told you we'd find it on Tatooine." Xanthe states, wincing as she reached for the controls. 'Damn that Krayt Dragon was tougher than I thought… Or I'm just getting rusty.' Xanthe thinks to herself. "I was hoping it would've been on Yavin. I hate sand." Mara grumbles.

"I'm somewhat glad the Resistance is on Pasaana, it would be good to speak to Leia. Kylo gave his word he will not get involved, but it doesn't mean the First Order itself won't attack. Hopefully we're off world before that happens." Xanthe comments.

They finally land on Pasaana, the rest of the trip they sat in silence, both caught up in their own thoughts. As they exit the ship, Mara speaks up, "Have you ever considered the possibility that this is a trap?"

"I doubt Kylo is skilled in elaborate traps. That is more of Snoke or Palpatine's domain. What makes you think it's a trap?"

"The fact everyone has come to Pasaana and Kylo just so happens to know Palpatine's Wayfinder is here, when you would think he would track down Vader's since he's such a big fan."

Xanthe and Mara continue walking in silence. Eventually, as they approach the meeting spot and she spots out Rey, Leia and Lando, she replies, "Well now, let's hope this isn't a trap on Kylo's part for his sake. Otherwise... I will rip him apart myself."

As they approach the group, Lando holds out his hands with a big grin. "Ah my other two favorite people! I missed all the merchandise you used to get for me Xrysi! And you Mara! The most efficient individual there is, not just a pretty face."

"Ah Lando, I see your smooth talk hasn't changed over the years." Mara says with a sarcastic grin. "Oh come now, that's no way to greet an old friend!" Lando replies feigning a hurt look. "Hello Senator Organa." Mara greets with a short bow. "None of that Mara. I have been a General for many years now. My senator days were over when Grand Moff Tarkin destroyed Alderaan. We have known each other for years, you know you can just call me Leia." Mara just nods in response with a small smile. Leia looks over to Xanthe in slight surprise, "Major Sathor? Is that really you? Why are you in robes?" Leia asks.

"It is a long story Leia. Despite what you know of me during my days in the Empire, I have always been helping in the shadows. Yes, I am Force Sensitive, no I am not a Jedi and no, I am not allies with Palpatine or Vader. It is a long story and one which I will explain once we eliminate the threat of the First Order and Palpatine."

"Palpatine? Didn't he die on the second Death Star?"

"Yes and no. His essence remained, waiting for a host so he could continue his work. He must have learned some ancient rituals before his death. He currently has a body and according to the tracker placed by my droid, the ship he left in landed on Kajimi."

"Kajimi?" Lando repeats. "That place is known as a hangout for pirates and over unsavoury sorts. Why would he go there?"

"If he needed a secret base to rehabilitate and to rebuild, then why not go to a world full of criminals? No one would ever suspect it." Mara points out.

Xanthe hums in deep thought. "If he is rebuilding his Empire there, then we need to eliminate it… And him as quickly as possible. Perhaps we can join forces with the First Order to destroy the Emperor… It is risky though, as they might want to join their "beloved" Emperor instead."

"Might be better to have a strike team instead?" Mara offers.

"Agreed." Leia concurs. "Lando? We could use your help."

Lando put his hand to his chin. "Well I do know some people on Kajimi and General Calrissian has a nice ring to it. Count me in." Lando replies, grinning.

"Good. Now that's settled," Xanthe glances in Rey's direction, "I need to speak to Rey. Mara, come with me."

Rey was a bit further from the others, cleaning R2-D2 and stands up when she sees Xanthe approaching. "Xanthe! You finally made it. Who's this?" Rey asks. "Hi Rey. My name is Mara Jade."

"Nice to meet you. I assume you're a friend of Xanthe?"

"You could say that... I'm not surprised you don't recognise me. I met you on Wayland and I'm the one that left you on Jakku."

Rey shakes her head. "No, my parents left me on Jakku."

"No Rey… Those are the memories I implanted in you. I can restore the real memories if you wish?"

Xanthe puts her hand on Rey's shoulder. "It is up to you. I have seen your real memories. You can trust Mara."

Rey shakes her head. "No. I prefer not to be confused right now. We need to focus on the Emperor."

"Very well. Yes, I agree in regards to the Emperor." Xanthe concurs. "How did things go with Kylo Ren?"

"We trained like he promised. He had some... inventive training exercises. Including using a TIE fighter out of all things. He also admitted he was already in possession of the Wayfinder and already had used it. He wanted to bring back Darth Vader, but he was deceived. He was told the Wayfinder would lead him to a secret empire. He didn't tell me what he found, but it wasn't an empire."

"Where is he now?" Xanthe asks. "He said he had to leave. He had a dispute with the other Knights of Ren and left. He said we'll meet on Kajimi." Rey replies.

"I see. I take it he took the Wayfinder with him?" Xanthe asks Rey. "I believe so." Rey replies. "Alright. I have to go to Mustafar. I think you two should come with me." Xanthe suggests. "Why? Didn't you say we should go to Kajimi immediately?" Mara asks.

"Yes. The Resistance can go, but Palpatine purposely told me about the Wayfinder, knowing full well that Kylo already had it. There is something he doesn't want us to discover. He does have clones after all. Kajimi may be a trap." Xanthe points out. Mara crosses her arms and leans against the post next to her. "You want the second Wayfinder don't you?"

"Yes, partly. I also want to find the rumoured Mask of Lord Momin. Rumour has it that he managed to create a door to the Dark Side itself and resurrected his own body. If Sidious has that mask…" Xanthe trails off.

"Then maybe Jeng used it to create another door and that's how it managed to keep Palpatine's spirit intact?" Mara suggests. Xanthe nods. "Quite possibly."

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go and find that mask." Rey says, dusting the sand off her clothes and grabs her backpack. Xanthe, Mara and HK look at each other and Xanthe can't help but grin at Rey's sudden enthusiasm. "You all head to the ship. I'll let Leia know what's happening." Xanthe instructs them.

After notifying Leia and Lando and instructing them that they will meet on Kajimi, she goes to meet the others on her ship. She tells HK to set course for Mustafar and settles into the pilot's chair, wondering what they'll find, all the while with the Dagger of Mortis securely strapped onto her belt.

They eventually arrive on Mustafar. 'As hellish as I remember it.' Xanthe notes as they land, seeing Vader's castle in the distance. "Rey, there is strong dark energy in this building and there may be more artifacts of Sidious inside. I advise you to stay on the ship but it is up to you." Rey waves her off. "No. I have an overwhelming urge to meditate. You go, but if you need any help, contact me." Xanthe laughs, "That will not be necessary Rey. I'm sure we can handle this, however I will leave HK on board just in case we have any surprises."

Signaling to Mara, they make their way to Vader's castle, while instructing HK to stay on the ship. Rey waits until they are out of sight and then settles into a comfortable position and begins to meditate.

"Blast it all! This place is just as bad as Tatooine minus the sand." Mara complains. "Don't worry Mara, this won't take long. I know where the mask should be. I will be surprised if the second Wayfinder is still here." Xanthe comments. As they walk through the many chamber and corridors, they find many different artifacts and inactive training droids. Eventually they reach a room with powerful dark energy. "I guess this is it." Xanthe comments. Mara nods in response, raising her lightsaber and settling into a defensive stance. As Xanthe forces the door open, they are greeted by an apparition. Lowering her lightsaber, Xanthe greets the apparition. "Skywalker? I didn't expect to see you here."

"Well I did live here for quite some time. I also knew you were on your way and why. The items you are looking for are no longer here."

"I take it Sidious has the Mask of Momin?"

"Yes."

"And the Wayfinder?"

"No. I had put part of my essence into it as I was afraid to die, so in a way I am anchored to it. Palpatine wanted immortality and I discovered it by chance. I guess he wasn't too concerned if I achieved immortality as long as he could as well. Here," Skywalker holds out a device. "This is what you seek. This will lead you to the real Emperor. He does still have clones, but thanks to Lord Momin, it is possible to actually resurrect one's original physical body as well. I only ask for one favour."

"Yes Anakin?"

"Destroy any remnants of me that Sidious has kept. My mask was kept for a time by Kylo Ren, but it is in the Emperor's possession now. I do not want my corrupted self to be resurrected in that way."

Xanthe nods. "You have my word Anakin."

"Thankyou Xanthe… Lord Imperius. Please be aware that Kylo has been misled all these years about why I turned to the Dark Side. He can still be redeemed."

"I will do what I can, but I doubt he would listen to me." Xanthe states. Anakin nods in acknowledgement. "I know. That is all I can ask. Thank you once again." Anakin says before fading away.

For a few moments both Mara and Xanthe were quiet. "... So that was Vader before the armour when he was the heroic Jedi, Anakin Skywalker." Mara states. "Yep." Xanthe says, with a popping sound at the end. "Heh, not bad." Mara comments. Xanthe snorts, "Yes, if you say so. Now let's get back to the ship."

As they get back to the ship, Rey runs out looking pale. Grabbing onto Rey and steadying her, Xanthe asks, "Rey what's wrong?"

"During my meditation, I felt a calling, like I did on Korriban, but the name that called out to me was Exogol. The darkness there felt as strong as Korriban… maybe even worse. It felt like… Death." Looking at Xanthe in the eyes, Rey says with a firm absolution in her voice, "We need to head back to Ahch-To."