Qhem escaped exile, but only as a formality. She was forced to flee the empire after a failed assassination attempt against the Empress's mother. The mission was instigated by Star Shadow Cult, an extremist faction of Kintar who have pledged their loyalty to Thule, the Lord of the Stardust Grave.

No one knows the extent to which Qhem is involved with the Star Shadows. Is she a hired gun, or a true believer? And why was the Empress's mother targeted and not the Empress herself? Further investigation into the matter generated far more questions than answers. Eventually, the case was closed and Qhem was placed on the Empire's Most Wanted list.

No one recalls having met Qhem before the attack on the Royal Mother. No one claims to have seen her since. There are ghosts within the Empire with greater evidence for their existence.