The Empire intended to use Darkseed as a terror weapon, specifically against the Rebel Alliance, and could potentially destroy any small population of people in one fell swoop. Dr. Girig and Dr. Zackrie, the Imperial scientists in charge of the Darkseed project, tried to enlist the aid of Fiola Shaku (who had fallen victim to the airborne toxin on the planet's surface), as a test subject. Fi retaliated, viciously attacking five Imperial officers aboard the ISD Widower, who themselves became infected. Shortly thereafter, Fi was treated with an antidote by Luis Santiago and Adriav Rahoul.