Mace Windu also makes an appearance at a key moment for a Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side.
It turns outAnakin Skywalkerwas not the only young Jedi thatChancellor Palpatinenudged toward the Dark Side.
Trust in the wisdom of the Council.
‘Star Wars: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade,’ by Delilah S. Dawson.Random House Worlds
Trust in the Force.
Questions the Jedi Masters would consider dangerous.
As the years pass and the war endures, Iskat’s faith in the Jedi wanes.
If they would grant her more freedom, she is certain she could do more to protect the galaxy.
When the Jedi Order finally falls, Iskat seizes the chance to forge a path of her own.
She embraces the salvation of Order 66.
As an Inquisitor, Iskat finds the freedom she has always craved: to question, to want.
His sharp eyes fell heavy on Iskat, and she met his gaze bravely, chin up.
“Iskat Akaris,” Master Windu said, fingers steepled.
“Have you given thought to what happened on Thule?”
“I have, Master Windu.”
“And what are your conclusions?”
She slipped her hands into the sleeves of her robes to hide their shaking.
I could’ve asked Captain Spider his thoughts and decided on a new strategy or waited for reinforcements.
I took a risk, and although it paid off, it also caused harm.
In the future, I will seek input from my mission partners and won’t act rashly alone."
Mace blinked once, slowly.
Iskat faltered for a moment, wondering exactly how well she was hiding her thoughts from the canny master.
“I know that it’s the right answer, and that is more important than what I feel.
The Jedi Order and its service to the Republic are more important than the individual.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.”
“We have your next assignment.”
“Yes, Master?”
Mace gestured to Master Gallia, who sat up with a pleased sort of energy.
“You’ve done an excellent job working with the younglings, and it has not gone unnoticed.
We feel that having one fully committed instructor would benefit them most.”
She leaned forward and held out a hand.
“And we think you’re the ideal choice for this position.”
For a long moment, Iskat said nothing.
She’d come here excited about her next mission offplanet, but they were effectively grounding her.
It was a punishment.
“Master, this is a great honor”
“But?”
Mace’s eyebrows rose.
Iskat’s hearts were thumping, and she struggled to maintain her composure.
She had to convince Mace that this was the wrong decision.
But Mace didn’t even appear to consider it.
“Iskat, the Council is in agreement.
For now, this is how it’s possible for you to best serve the Jedi Order.
It is a post of the utmost importance.
Master Gallia added, “We feel that this arrangement will be mutually beneficial.”
“But I’m a Jedi Knight” Iskat began.
Iskat looked down and unclasped her hands, which tightened into fists.
“Master Windu, I know that you asked Josk to keep an eye on me on Thule.
I know that you don’t trust me.
I’ll be watching you here, too, along with Masters Klefan and Uumay.
We will determine when you’re ready for a different post.
Until then, you have some work to do.
Iskat actively fought her body’s desire to slump over in defeat.
“Yes, Master.
I’ll do my best.”
“I trust that you will.”
Mace’s datapad beeped, and he frowned at it.
“But first, would you yo meet Chancellor Palpatine at landing pad seven and escort him here?”
He looked to Master Gallia.
“He’s early.”
That, at least, gave Iskat a jolt of excitement.
She had seen holos of the Chancellor, of course, but she’d never been in his presence.
“Of course, Master.”
She inclined her head, then forced herself to exit the chamber calmly.
In the lift, she shook out her body and took a few deep, cleansing breaths.
She smoothed back the little hairs that always escaped from her long braid and arranged her sleeves.
He gave off an air of benevolent kindness, and Iskat immediately liked him.
“Chancellor Palpatine, welcome.
I’m Iskat Akaris.
Master Mace Windu has asked me to conduct you to the Council Chambers for your meeting.”
Palpatine’s answering smile was warm and genuine, and he inclined his head.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Iskat.
Your name seems familiar.
Do I remember correctly that you were among those recently promoted to Jedi Knight?”
Iskat’s hearts stuttered, to think he might know anything about her.
As she led him to the lift, she said, “You’re correct, Chancellor.
It’s only been a few weeks.”
“And what have you done since then?
“I was sent to Thule, where we disarmed a Separatist droid factory.”
“Ah, Thule.”
Palpatine gave a small sigh and clasped his hands.
Relief spread through Iskat’s chest, to hear that he wasn’t disappointed.
“I’m afraid the Council disagrees with that opinion, Chancellor, but it’s just .
the Jedi could do so much more .
“Go on,” Palpatine urged.
“I am not your Council, and I am curious what you would do differently.
New perspectives are always welcome.”
“We are peacekeepers, but peace cannot be earned solely through defense.
The Jedisome of the Jedihave untapped abilities that could be honed to serve the Republic.
We could take a more assertive role.
When I can do more,she wanted to say.
The lift doors opened, and Palpatine stepped out.
“I enjoyed our talk, Iskat Akaris, and I will take your thoughts into consideration.
I feel certain you have a bright future ahead of you.”
He put a hand to the lift door, holding it open.
“How fortunate for the children.
They are our future, after all, and they can only benefit from your knowledge.
I’m sure we’ll see you in the field again soon.
The Republic needs more Jedi like you.”
As the lift descended, Iskat felt a glimmer of hope.
She’d felt it in the Force, felt the chancellor’s goodwill and approval.
He’d said they needed more Jedi like her.
It felt good, and she hoped she would encounter him again soon.
Reprinted fromStar Wars: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, by Delilah S. Dawson.
2023 by Lucasfilm Ltd.
Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
Listen to the audiobook version of this excerpt on this week’s episode ofEW’sStar Warspodcast,Dagobah Dispatch.
