Driven by envy towards his cousin, G'Mai Duris, Quill once challenged her authority. This incident instilled fear in Duris, recognizing Quill's ambition and lack of moral restraint. In collaboration with the Five Families, Quill aligned himself with the Confederacy of Independent Systems to facilitate the production of the JK-13 security droid. Subsequently, he engaged in negotiations with Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Vippit barrister Doolb Snoil regarding the droid's manufacture, as the Republic feared the dangerous creation would be reproduced and used by the Confederacy as battle droids. Meanwhile, G'Mai, Caiza's cousin, ultimately decided to oppose him, successfully ousting him from the Council. Duris persuaded the Council to disregard the rules of Cestus Cybernetics. Enraged, Quill vowed to obstruct all of Duris's actions.

Quill, accompanied by Lord Por'Ten and Debbikin the Young, boarded a magcar en route to the central palace to confer with a Republic ambassador. Unexpectedly, the magcar was intercepted by members of the Desert Wind and Jedi Master Kit Fisto, who feigned being a Dark Jedi seeking to negotiate the oaths the Five Families made with the Confederacy. Obi-Wan Kenobi then intervened, battling the imposter Dark Jedi and rescuing Quill and his companions. Convinced of Kenobi's benevolence, the Five Families opted to support the Jedi.

Driven by suspicion, Quill launched an investigation, uncovering a hologram that revealed the deception, leading Duris to distrust the Jedi. Consequently, the Five Families regained their influence. Later, the Cestus Cybernetics members convened with the Dark Jedi Asajj Ventress and the crimelord Trillot, a relative of Quill. They plotted to have Ventress assassinate Duris and Kenobi. Quill disclosed to Trillot his ambition to succeed Duris upon her demise.

Subsequently, Quill and the Five Families met with the Regent to advocate for an alliance with the Confederacy, but Duris disagreed. When the JK-13 droids became operational, they were activated to suppress the Desert Wind. Palpatine dispatched the Republic Cruiser Nexu to enforce the order to halt droid production. Upon the ship's arrival, the Five Families and Caiza Quill sought refuge in a concealed bunker. ARC trooper Jangotat initiated a search for the leaders, discovering the bunker and signaling the Nexu to execute an orbital bombardment on his location. In the ensuing assault, Caiza and many members of the Five Families perished. The remaining representatives of the Families subsequently surrendered, choosing to align with the Galactic Republic.