An interesting revelation emerges as we delve into the depths of the Star Wars universe. Surprisingly, it appears that Chancellor Palpatine’s influence over young Jedi didn’t solely extend to Anakin Skywalker. In a sneak peek from Delilah S. Dawson’s upcoming expanded-universe novel, Star Wars: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, we uncover an unexpected meeting between the future Emperor and Jedi Knight Iskat Akaris. What adds intrigue to this encounter is the timing—occurring directly after Iskat perceives a setback from Mace Windu. This unforeseen convergence of events adds a layer of fascination to the narrative.
Of course, as the book title may suggest, Iskat is soon to fall to the Dark Side, and will eventually join Palpatine in his quest to hunt down and kill any remaining Jedi who survived the purge of Order 66. Here’s an official description of the novel:
Iskat is hit with some unfortunate news from Mace Windu and Master Adi Gallia regarding her most recent assignment, and she reacts candidly while speaking with Palpatine. On this week’s episode of EW’s Star Wars podcast, Dagobah Dispatch, you even have the option to listen to the audio rendition of this exclusive excerpt.
Iskat finds herself in a nerve-wracking situation after a disastrous mission as a Jedi Knight. She now stands before the Jedi Council, anxiously awaiting their decision and her future assignment. Little does she know, her journey is about to take an unexpected twist, throwing her into an encounter with Chancellor Palpatine himself, the first of its kind.
As she ascended the grand spire, Iskat arrived at the majestic Jedi Council chambers. Unexpectedly, instead of Master Yoda, she discovered Master Adi Gallia in the room accompanied by Mace Windu. The penetrating gaze of Master Windu weighed upon Iskat, yet she faced him with courage, holding her head high.
“Hey, Iskat Akaris,” Master Windu said, leaning back with his fingers steepled. “You ever stop and think about what went down on Thule?”
“Yes, Master Windu, I do possess the required skills,” came my confident response.
So, what are your findings then?
As she felt the trembling in her hands, she instinctively slid them within the folds of her robes to conceal her unease. Reflecting back on that moment, she now acknowledges that she may not have made the best choice at the time. It dawns on her that there were alternative paths she could have taken. Perhaps she could have stepped back temporarily, allowing herself to analyze the valuable information Tualon had obtained from the factory before devising a fresh approach. Maybe consulting with Captain Spider to gather his perspectives and jointly formulating a new strategy would have been a wiser course of action. She might even have opted to wait for reinforcements, rather than taking such a risk on her own. Although her bold move paid off in the end, it also caused unintended consequences. Realizing this, she resolves to prioritize collaboration and seek the input of her mission partners in future endeavors, rather than acting impulsively on her own.
Mace blinked, his eyes savoring the moment of hesitation before he mustered a response. “Your words are undoubtedly eloquent and correct, but do they truly capture the raw emotions nestled deep within your hearts?”
Iskat hesitated briefly, questioning how effectively she was concealing her thoughts from the astute master. “I’m aware that it’s the correct response, and that holds greater significance than my personal emotions. The Jedi Order and its dedication to serving the Republic outweigh any individual concerns.”
Mace leaned back, a pleased expression crossing his face. “It’s great to hear you utter those words,” he replied with enthusiasm. “I have something exciting lined up for you – your forthcoming task.”
Iskat grew in stature, his posture straightening as he eagerly responded, “What can I assist you with, Master?”
Mace signaled towards Master Gallia, causing her to sit up with a delighted burst of enthusiasm. “You’ve really impressed us with your exceptional work with the younglings, and we want you to know that we’ve noticed. Ever since the events on Geonosis, the younglings have been dealing with a constant rotation of instructors, making it tough for them to find true healing and progress in their studies. We strongly believe that assigning a dedicated instructor to them would be the best solution.” Leaning forward, Mace extended his hand towards Master Gallia. “And we firmly believe that you are the perfect fit for this important role.”
Iskat fell into silence, her anticipation for the upcoming offplanet mission fading. She had arrived here with great enthusiasm, only to be confronted with the reality of being grounded. Despite Mace’s attempts to soften the blow with kind words, it was clear that this turn of events was not merely a letdown, but rather a step down in her professional journey.
It felt like a real slap on the wrist.
Wow, what an incredible privilege this is, Master! I am truly humbled by this amazing opportunity…
Mace’s eyebrows arched in confusion, as if questioning something. He wanted to know more about the situation at hand, evident from his use of the word “but?”.
However, there is a deep inner feeling within me that compels me to dedicate myself to the Jedi and the Republic by serving on the front lines. I understand that you may believe I have made a mistake in judgment or that I am not prepared to take on a leadership role, but I am more than willing to prove myself as a faithful follower.” Iskat could feel her heart pounding and it was a challenge for her to remain calm. She knew she had to persuade Mace that this choice was incorrect.
Mace showed no indication of entertaining the idea at all. He firmly stated, “Iskat, the Council has reached a consensus. At this moment, this is the most effective way for you to contribute to the Jedi Order. This role holds tremendous significance. These young ones are the embodiment of our future, and there is no higher calling than to offer them the stability and assistance they need to flourish.”
“We believe that this arrangement will be advantageous for both parties,” said Master Gallia.
“I may be a Jedi Knight,” started Iskat, taking a moment to assert herself.
“Mace concluded with an assurance that may offer you solace, as this position is usually held by an esteemed Jedi Master. So, rest assured and find comfort in the Jedi’s presence.”
Iskat glanced downward, releasing her tightly clenched hands. She addressed Master Windu, acknowledging his previous request for Josk to monitor her actions on Thule. Despite sensing his lack of trust, she was determined to demonstrate her competence and growth from past mistakes. With unwavering resolve, she vowed to go to great lengths in order to convince him of her suitability for duty.
“If you’re really determined to show your readiness for the task at hand,” Mace proposed, “it would be wise to embrace this assignment with a humble and graceful attitude. Your focus should be on mentoring the young Jedi apprentices and strengthening your command over the Force. Rest assured, I, along with Masters Klefan and Uumay, will closely observe your progress and decide when it’s time for you to move on to a new role. But for now, there’s a lot of work ahead of you. Are we clear on that?”
Iskat resolutely resisted the urge to slump in defeat, defying her body’s wishes. With conviction, she replied, “Sure thing, boss. I’ll give it my all.”
Mace’s datapad made a beep, catching his attention and causing him to frown. It seemed like there were some important matters to attend to. One of them included meeting Chancellor Palpatine at landing pad seven and guiding him here. The unexpected early arrival of the Chancellor was a surprise, and Mace exchanged a glance with Master Gallia.
Iskat felt a surge of thrill at the mere thought. Sure, she had caught glimpses of the Chancellor through recorded images, but this was a whole new level. The Chancellor held immense authority in the Republic, making him the top political figure. Despite Mace’s skepticism about her combat abilities, he still respected her enough to invite such a crucial personage to the Jedi Temple. It was a significant display of trust on his part.
Sure thing, boss.
With a slight nod of her head, she gracefully departed the chamber, concealing any hint of inner agitation. Stepping into the elevator, she deliberately released tension from her muscles and inhaled deep breaths, purging any lingering stress. As she smoothed down rebellious strands that escaped from her tightly woven braid, she adjusted her sleeves with utmost care. Steady and composed, she traversed the corridor until she reached the landing pad, relinquishing her brisk stride and replacing it with a warm, genuine smile as she approached the gleaming chrome yacht. To her astonishment, the Chancellor stood alone, unaccompanied by a coterie or even a personal assistant. With his silver hair smoothly combed back and his dignified figure draped in elegant burgundy robes adorned with billowing sleeves, he exuded an aura of benevolent gentleness that instantly won Iskat over.
Hey there, Chancellor Palpatine! It’s Iskat Akaris, nice to meet you. Master Mace Windu has actually requested my assistance in guiding you over to the Council Chambers for your upcoming meeting. Let’s head on over, shall we?
Palpatine’s smile in response was welcoming and authentic, as he tilted his head slightly. “It’s really nice to meet you, Iskat. Your name rings a bell. Am I correct in remembering that you were one of the individuals who were recently advanced to the rank of Jedi Knight?”
Iskat’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of him having any knowledge about her. As she guided him towards the elevator, she casually affirmed, “You’re absolutely right, Chancellor. It hasn’t been that long, only a few weeks.”
“So, what have you been up to lately? I mean, you guys are the heroes of our war, and everyone out there really appreciates what you’ve been doing.”
Iskat could feel a surge of energy as they engaged in a captivating conversation with someone of great importance. The speaker’s deliberate and measured words flowed like a graceful dance, captivating Iskat’s attention. Despite the discrepancy in their positions, Iskat felt a sense of equality in the interaction. “In Thule, I was entrusted with the task of neutralizing a droid factory operated by separatists,” Iskat revealed, their voice brimming with confidence. This experience brought a renewed sense of vitality to Iskat’s being.
As the lift doors slid open, Iskat motioned for Palpatine to go forward and she herself stepped in, positioning herself beside him but maintaining a respectful gap.
“Ah, Thule,” Palpatine mused with a gentle sigh, intertwining his fingers together thoughtfully. “The Jedi Council may have expressed their discontent with the results on that planet, but as I reflect upon it, I find myself adopting a slightly more hopeful perspective. We have managed to eliminate one more factory, potentially causing the Separatists and their allies to hesitate in their actions. It is crucial to remember that we are currently engaged in a war, and personally, I find solace in the knowledge that we have successfully thwarted the possibility of another weapons facility that could threaten our Republic from ever becoming operational.”
Iskat felt a wave of relief wash over him upon learning that he hadn’t been let down. “Chancellor, I must confess that the Council doesn’t see eye to eye with your viewpoint, but here’s the thing…the Jedi possess immense potential to achieve even greater heights,” he expressed, his voice trailing off as he pondered the possibilities.
“Hey, go ahead,” Palpatine encouraged. “I’m not part of your Council, so I’m really interested in hearing what you would do in a different way. It’s always great to have fresh perspectives.”
Iskat came to the realization that she had a limited amount of time to speak honestly before the lift doors opened to the High Council and her masters, who were always attentive. She expressed her thoughts, stating that although they were peacekeepers, true peace couldn’t be achieved by just defending themselves. Iskat believed that certain Jedi possessed untapped abilities that could be developed in order to benefit the Republic. She proposed the idea of taking a more proactive approach instead of solely relying on diplomacy. Iskat emphasized that while diplomacy was important, the High Council’s preference for passivity limited their potential to do more.
“I understand her desire to express herself, to go beyond her current capabilities and accomplish even more. Sometimes words alone cannot capture the complexity of thoughts and emotions. It’s like trying to fit an entire universe into a tiny box. But does that mean we should give up on trying? Absolutely not! We should embrace the challenge, push ourselves to reach new heights, and find creative ways to communicate our aspirations. After all, it is through perseverance and innovation that we defy the limitations of language and delve into the realm of boundless possibility.”
As the lift doors slid open, Palpatine gracefully emerged, expressing his satisfaction with the conversation he just had with Iskat Akaris. He assured her that he valued her thoughts and would carefully consider them. He showered her with optimism, affirming his belief that she had a promising and prosperous path ahead of her.
“I feel like I’ve been assigned a new task – teaching the kids – instead of going on another exciting adventure,” she expressed, unable to conceal her annoyance.
With his hand on the elevator door, he made sure to keep it from closing. He expressed admiration for the importance of the children and their role in shaping the future. He acknowledged the value of her knowledge and hinted at the possibility of her future involvement. The speaker praised her Jedi abilities and emphasized the need for more individuals like her. As the elevator doors closed, he bid her farewell with a gleam in his eyes, leaving her in solitude.
As Iskat rode down in the elevator, a ray of optimism pierced her thoughts. Though Mace Windu seemed uncertain about her capabilities, Chancellor Palpatine’s words during their short encounter hinted at a different perspective. She sensed it within the Force; the chancellor held genuine goodwill and admiration towards her. With conviction, he expressed the necessity for more Jedi akin to her. The glimmer of hope ignited a spark within Iskat’s heart, fueling her determination to prove herself.
She felt a warm satisfaction, eagerly anticipating the chance to cross paths with him once more in the near future.
Tune in to this week’s episode of EW’s Star Wars podcast, Dagobah Dispatch, where you can catch the audio version of this excerpt. No need to read, just sit back, relax, and let your ears indulge in the captivating narration. We’ve got you covered with an engaging and detailed discussion, delivered to you in a conversational tone. So why not join us? Unleash your imagination as we dive deep into the enchanting world of Star Wars through the audible delight of our podcast. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!