During the initial years of the Imperial Era, the Galactic Empire initiated a pursuit of the Hidden Path, a rebel group that was smuggling Jedi who had survived the Great Jedi Purge, along with other individuals sensitive to the Force, spiriting them away from the Empire's reach. This pursuit became connected to the search for Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in 9 BBY, after he joined forces with the Path to save Princess Leia Organa. Although they managed to get away, the Third Sister attached a homing beacon to them, intending to guide the Empire to both Kenobi and the Path's location.