In the Star Wars universe, the tale of the Inquisitors, particularly how they survived the infamous Order 66, remains one of its most intriguing mysteries.
“Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade” by Delilah Dawson provides a compelling answer to this question through the story of Iskat Akaris, a Jedi whose path took an unexpected turn.
Her journey from a Jedi Knight to a servant of the Dark Side under Darth Sidious and Darth Vader offers a unique insight into the fate of the Inquisitors during one of the galaxy’s darkest hours.
Table of Contents
Iskat Akaris’s Journey from Light to Dark
Iskat Akaris: The Jedi Who Fell
Iskat Akaris’s transformation is a poignant narrative of conflict and change.
Her progression from a Jedi bound by the Order’s ideals to an Inquisitor serving the Sith sheds light on how the Dark Side capitalized on the vulnerabilities and doubts of certain Jedi during the chaos of Order 66.
The Fateful Mission on Frong
The story reaches a critical juncture during a mission on Frong, a planet in the Outer Rim.
Iskat, along with fellow Jedi Tualon Yaluna and Sunghi Silpari, are unwittingly drawn into a trap designed by the Sith to scatter and weaken the Jedi forces.
The mission, which seemed like a response to attacks by General Grievous and the Separatist droid army, was actually a ploy to make the Jedi vulnerable.
Order 66: The Turning Point
The pivotal moment comes with Order 66.
As the clone troopers, led by Captain Spider, execute the order, Iskat’s world unravels.
Sunghi falls to the clones’ betrayal, and Tualon is left for dead.
In a twist of fate, Captain Spider spares Iskat, offering her a holomessage from Darth Sidious.
It is here that Sidious, sensing her doubts, extends the invitation to embrace the Dark Side.
Iskat’s Choice: Embracing Darkness
Faced with the choice between her crumbling faith in the Jedi Order and the seductive promise of answers and freedom, Iskat makes the fateful decision to join Sidious.
This moment marks her transformation from a Jedi Knight to an Inquisitor, setting her on a path of darkness and power.
Surviving Through the Dark Side
Iskat’s survival and transition into an Inquisitor reflect a recurring theme in the Star Wars universe: the Dark Side as a means of survival driven by intense emotions.
This mirrors the experiences of characters like Reva, the Grand Inquisitor, and even Maul, who, consumed by anger and revenge, clung to life through the power of the Dark Side.
The Enduring Legacy of Order 66
“Rise of the Red Blade” not only sheds light on the survival of certain Inquisitors during Order 66 but also adds depth to the Star Wars lore.
Iskat Akaris’s story, a blend of betrayal, choice, and transformation, offers a unique perspective on the enduring impact of Order 66, a pivotal event that continues to resonate throughout the galaxy.