New ‘Star Wars: Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade’ Excerpt Introduces Iskat To Senator Palpatine
A new excerpt for the upcoming Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade has been released. The novel, written by Delilah S. Dawson, follows Iskat Akaris and her fall toward the ranks of the Inquisitorius. But for those who have read Charles Soule’s Darth Vader comic series, you know her story isn’t as black and white as joining the dark side.
The latest peek comes from Entertainment Weekly, where we find Iskat before the Jedi Council after a mission goes awry. She is sent to assist Senator Palpatine, who definitely doesn’t have ulterior motives and offers her some sage words of wisdom.
Here is a piece of the excerpt:
For a long moment, Iskat said nothing. She’d come here excited about her next mission offplanet, but they were effectively grounding her. All of Mace’s careful compliments didn’t change the fact that this wasn’t just a disappointment—it was a demotion.
It was a punishment.
“Master, this is a great honor—”
“But?” Mace’s eyebrows rose.
“But I feel that the Force calls me to serve the Jedi and the Republic through service in the field. I know you think I’ve suffered a lapse in judgment, or that I’m not ready to lead, but I’m ready to follow.” 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 you can best serve the Jedi Order. It is a post of the utmost importance. These children represent our future, and there is no greater calling than to provide the routine and support they require to thrive.”
Master Gallia added, “We feel that this arrangement will be mutually beneficial.”
“But I’m a Jedi Knight—” Iskat began.
“And this is a post generally occupied by a Jedi Master, so perhaps that will bring you some comfort,” Mace finished.
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. But I’ll do anything to prove to you that I’m fit for duty and that I have truly learned from my errors.”
“If you truly want to prove that you’re fit for duty,” Mace said, “then you’ll take this assignment with grace and humility and dedicate yourself to teaching the younglings and further developing your control within the Force. 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. Understood?”
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 please 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. He was the most powerful politician in the Republic, and even if Mace didn’t trust her on the battlefield, at least he trusted her enough to extend the hospitality of the Jedi Temple to someone so important.
“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. Once the lift opened, she swiftly walked out to the landing pad, slowing her pace and smiling warmly as she approached the sleek chrome yacht. Much to her surprise, instead of traveling with a retinue or even a secretary, the Chancellor was alone. He was an older man with gray hair brushed back, and he wore long, formal burgundy robes with puffed 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 know we depend on our Jedi Knights as part of the war effort, and the people of the galaxy are grateful for your service.”
The slow, formal speech was like a dance, and Iskat felt alive, speaking to someone so important as if they were equals. “I was sent to Thule, where we disarmed a Separatist droid factory.”
The lift opened, and Iskat gestured for Palpatine to proceed and then followed, standing by his side at a respectful distance.
“Ah, Thule.” Palpatine gave a small sigh and clasped his hands. “The Jedi Council was disappointed in the outcome there, but after some thought, I personally take a somewhat more optimistic view. That’s one less factory, and perhaps it will give pause to the Separatists and those who would serve them. This is a war, after all, and I for one am pleased to know that another manufactory of weapons against our Republic will never be brought online.”
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 . . .” She trailed off.
“Go on,” Palpatine urged. “I am not your Council, and I am curious what you would do differently. New perspectives are always welcome.”
Iskat realized she only had a few brief moments to speak candidly before the lift doors opened on the High Council and the sharp ears of her masters. “We are peacekeepers, but peace cannot be earned solely through defense. The Jedi—some of the Jedi—have untapped abilities that could be honed to serve the Republic. We could take a more assertive role. Diplomacy is well and good, but the High Council insists that we remain passive when we can do more.”
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.”
For the full excerpt, head over to Entertainment Weekly. An audiobook preview is also available in the latest edition of the publication’s Dagobah Dispatch podcast. You can check it out below at about 49 minutes into the podcast, but if you also want to hear from Jude Law and Chris Ford on Skeleton Crew, you might want to give it a complete listen.
Star Wars – Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade releases on July 18. It is available for pre-order now. Or, if you are attending this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, a convention-exclusive version of the novel will be available. You can read more about it here.
Nate uses his love for Star Wars and movies in general as a way to cope with the pain of being a Minnesota sports fan. When he's not at the theater, you can usually find Nate reading a comic, listening to an audiobook, or playing a Mario video game for the 1,000th time.
