ENTRY 63 : Luke and Mara's Wedding, Imperial Palace, Coruscant.

I never saw Luke nervous before today. Even when he walked on lava and fought a Fire Dragon he looked calm, but an hour before his wedding he was anxiously pacing in a back room of the newly rebuilt Palace chapel.

Han was doing his best to calm Luke down, even though he appeared almost as uneasy as the Jedi Master. I think Han had a case of stage fright. As Luke's chief attendant his image would be transmitted across the galaxy along with the bride and groom…that's enough to make any man tense.

"It's natural to be nervous Kid, but you're doing the right thing here," Han said.

"Yeah, especially since you knocked her up," I added.

Luke glowered at me. "Not funny, Mark. I'm not nervous about getting married…I've had this vague feeling of anxiety and dread for the last couple weeks and now those feelings are getting more concrete."

"We can have things checked out, if you want," Han said.

Luke pulled at the collar of his formal wear. "There is definitely something wrong." He looked up to me. "Mark, get some of the Jedi students and place them on the entrances and exits. They should be trained well enough to sense evil intent in any of the guests. Tell them not to confront any suspicious person without back-up."

He turned to Han. "See if you can get a larger Corsucanti Police presence outside the palace. Tell them there are rumors of trouble occurring. With all the political elite here we need more security."

"You got it Kid." Han pulled out his comlink and started making calls.

I took off and gave the instructions to the ushers and Jedi apprentices. I was hoping that Luke's vague feeling of dread was simply cold feet, but I don't think we'd be that lucky…I'm getting a bad feeling also.

I placed Jem, Rayf, Tionne and Kyp near the Palace entrances. Kam, Kyle and I were ushers in the wedding but would be ready to respond to trouble if called. We all had small comlinks placed in our ears to communicate covertly. I wished Kerian was with us, but he was off on a mission and Cray was probably at the hospital with her fiancé Nichos who recently was diagnosed with a fatal disease called Quannot's Syndrome

I looked around the huge chapel. Gods, I never in my life have seen so many people. The restored amphitheater of the Imperial palace is said to hold two thousand people, but I think twice that number was crowded into the seats and were standing in the open area next to the stage.

Kyle, Kam and I helped invited guests to their seats, but kept a close eye out for danger. I felt better when I was told an elite tactical unit of the Coruscanti Police had arrived and was providing perimeter security. I have no idea why they weren't there in the first place. It's only the biggest event in the galaxy. This place should have been crawling with security.

"Mark," Jem's voice came over the com. She and Rayf had learned Basic but they still had thick Ossus accents and my named sounded more like 'Merk'.

"Mark here," I replied.

"The police have encountered trouble on the south side. Should we lock down?"

"Yeah, the ceremony is about to start." I saw Jem start to close the door, but an Ithorian put his foot in the doorway, preventing it from shutting. I could see a strange look come over Jem's face as the alien presented her his invitation. She took it and looked over to me nervously. I reached out with the Force and I could feel what she probably sensed…it wasn't the Force signature of an Ithorian…but a human in disguise.

I reach up to the comlink screwed into my right ear. "Kam, see the Ithorian in your aisle?" There was a click telling me that was an affirmative. "I think it's a human in disguise."

Kyle came over the comlink. "I'll be over to help you Kam." All three of us converged on the towering Ithorian. We stopped the dark-brown alien and he presented his invitation. It looked real, but forgeries were possible. I could see Kam look down at the alien's free hand…the one not holding the invitation. "Deadman switch!" Kam yelled as he grabbed the imposter's hand. All three of us must have been pushing that button down with the Force simultaneously because we heard the cracking of bone and then a very human scream coming from within the Ithorian costume. As Kam held the deadman switch down, Kyle and I each grabbed one of the suspect's arms and used the Force to escort him out of the amphitheater and into the hands of the New Republic security detail.

I thought he might have been a suicide bomber, but under his cloak was a datapad. I later discovered that the man was an Imperial sympathizer who intended to download a virus into the New Republic computers that would go out and destroy the old Imperial communication system, severing all worlds from one another.

I had to chuckle. Mara told me months ago that when the NR retook Coruscant the first thing the leadership did was have Karrde's old slicer, Ghent, put in computer firewalls and virus protection to prevent that very scenario.

Once the intruder was in safe hands we returned to the ceremony. I made my way to where Kira was and sat down. Luckily, I didn't miss much. I was able to hear Mara and Luke give their vows.

"Mara Jade, do you freely bind yourself to Luke Skywalker, to be his companion, partner, aide and comfort for all the days of your life?" Admiral Ackbar, officiator of the marriage, asked.

I chuckled softly. Mara is going to bind herself to Luke? Kinky! That's something I'd like to see…or maybe not. Kira gave me a warning look. Shavit! I think she knows what I'm thinking. I swear she has the Force…or maybe she just knows me really, really well.

"I do," Mara said softly.

The Mon Calamari Admiral continued. "And you, Luke Skywalker, do you promise to forsake all others, to be Mara's comfort and confidant, friend, lover and companion for your mortal days?"

Behind me I heard somebody whisper, "It's a trap!" I'm pretty sure it was Wes Janson.

"I do," Luke replied.

At this point I could see Mara and Luke whispering something to each other, but I couldn't make out what was said. Kira grabbed my hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. I looked over and she had tears in her eyes. Why do women cry at weddings? Whoever is paying for this ceremony should be crying. It must have cost a fortune.

The Admiral asked Han for the rings. Of course, Luke had his Artoo unit hold the rings. His relationship with his Astromech droid is creepy. That would be like me having my pet Nibbles as my ring bearer.

Han took the rings from the droid's mechanical claw and handed them to Luke. The two exchanged rings and were pronounced husband and wife. They turned to each other, both looking completely love-struck, and kissed….and kissed…for a very, very long time. I think they forgot this wedding was being filmed. I wanted to yell, 'Get a room!', but I was certain that would result in a well placed elbow strike to my ribs. Luckily the room was full of Rogues. "Stay on target, Red Leader!" somebody yelled out, followed by rowdy laughter.

Mara and Luke were still in a passionate embrace when they both broke out laughing. Luke reluctantly pulled away from his bride and I could see his face was flushed. I wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or desire, but if the intense emotions that flooded over me through the Force were any indication, it was probably a little bit of both. I wouldn't be surprised if the happy couple skipped out of the reception early to get a head start on their Honeymoon.

Luke reached out and took Mara's hand and then turned toward the audience.

"I present to you, the Skywalkers," Admiral Ackbar announced in a deep rumbling voice.

Kira burst out crying once more. Gods, if she gets this emotional over Luke and Mara's wedding what is she going to do during our nuptials?

After the ceremony Kira and I were invited to a reception for five hundred of Luke and Mara's closest friends. And I say that facetiously. I think every important person in the galaxy was there, including Senators, world leaders, royalty and New Republic Generals and Admirals. There were some people Luke and Mara actually invited such as the Solos, Rogues and Luke's Jedi students.

Mara moved from one political figure to the other, charming them all. Palpatine trained her well when it came to mingling. It is a useful skill for an assassin. Luke, on the other hand, looked uncomfortable meeting the VIPs. Only when he was around the Rogues and Jedi did he look relaxed.

Kira looked at the throng of people, turned to me and said, "We should elope."

I chuckled. I wish we could, but I am pretty sure Kira's mother would kill us if we did.

"How about a small wedding?"

She nodded her head. "Very small."

The music started and Mara and Luke started their first dance as a married couple. I held out my hand to Kira. "Would you care to dance?"

She smiled. "Absolutely."

ENTRY 64: Coruscant

This day didn't exactly turn out the way I planned.

It started out well enough. Today was the day I would be tested on my lightsaber techniques. Kam was chosen to be my opponent and we were to duel until one of us yielded or neither could continue the fight. I was nervous all week about this particular exam…not because I didn't think I could hold my own…but because Kira was going to be there to watch me fight. For some reason having her there made me anxious. I wanted to impress her and that might be a distraction. I was going to ask her not to come, but then I thought if I could be distracted by a woman in the viewing stand (albeit an extremely sexy and beautiful woman)…then I wouldn't make much of a Jedi.

Kam and I walked to the center of courtyard where a dueling area was set up. Both of us were dressed in Jedi robes because Luke had some holo-reporters that were going to record the duel as part of a recruiting holo (no beskar armor for me today). That was just another thing to make me nervous. Now if I screw up it's not only in front of Kira, but probably the entire galaxy.

We stood facing each other, activated our lightsabers and gave each other a salute. We then went into a fighting stance and waited for Luke to give the command to fight.

"Begin!" Luke shouted. The words were barely out of his mouth before Kam lunged forward. I quickly parried his attack and countered with one of my own. Kam backflipped out of the way and my blade swooshed through the space he once occupied.

Kam is a master of the Ataru form of lightsaber combat. During our previous practice matches I spent most of the bout trying to keep track of his location. It's like fighting a Jedi hawk-bat hyped up on glitterstim spice. He's there one second and then the next thing I know he is flying across the courtyard twirling and cart wheeling.

I can flip and spin, but it takes more energy to move my bulk…I know Luke tells me that 'Size matters not', but if that was always true then why did the Jedi develop the Fifth Lightsaber Form, Shien/Djem-So, for the tall and muscular Jedi warriors? Of course, Luke doesn't say that particular phrase to me much anymore…I guess he got sick of me responding with 'That's what she said'. Ha!

I somersaulted away from Kam's flying dive, avoiding his blade by centimeters. We both get on our feet and circle around each other and then attack again. The next hour or so consisted of a blur of attacks, parries, reposte, feints, counter-parries, more backflips, spinning blades and counterattacks.

To the viewers in the stands it probably looked like two men sparring with the grace of dancers and the agility of gymnasts, but to the duelers it is a grueling painful match. Within ten minutes most men would be exhausted. Only with the use of the Force are we still standing.

After a series of attacks and counterattacks, Kam throws up his hand and Force shoves me back. I knew that was a legal move and should've been ready for it, but I wasn't and I was thrown back about five meters and landed on the ground. Kam moved in for the killing blow, but I was able to roll out of the way and bring my blade up to repel the attack.

I get back to my feet and Kam and I circle around each other again taking the time to catch our breath and trying to draw the Force back into our bodies to fortify our strength. My knees were getting shaky and I don't know how much longer I could go on. The thought of yielding flitters through my mind, but I push the thought away. I'm not going to yield with Kira looking on.

I advanced on Kam and try a Force shove of my own, but Kam was ready for it and only stumbled back a meter. I bring my saber bearing down on him but his blade crosses mine. Our blades remained crossed and snapping with energy, that is until Kam put a boot to my chest and pushed me back.

We both look at each other utterly exhausted.

"Yield Mark," Kam tells me.

I shake my head. "I'm not going to yield…not with my fiancé watching." I motion with my head toward the viewing stands.

Kam grins. "I'm not going to yield with my girlfriend watching either." He motions over to where Tionne is standing next to Mara and Luke.

My shoulders slump; this match may go on for a very long time.

"Come on Mark. Nobody expects you to beat me. I have been training all my life—first with my father, then under a darkside instructor and then with Master Skywalker. You on the other hand have been training for…what… a year from what Luke tells me? Yield Mark, you can't beat me."

I almost laughed. I knew exactly what he was doing. I let him know, in so many words, that his taunting tricks wouldn't work. His eyes went wide as I advanced and thrust my hand up for another Force shove. Kam steadied himself, pushing back with the Force and moving back only a meter. Before he could regain his footing I stopped pushing with the Force and instead pulled him in my direction with the last of my energy. Kam's eyes went wide as he moved towards me until my glowing blade impacted him dead center on his chest.

He looked down and gasped in pain. I deactivated my blade and smiled as I held up the orange handle of the practice saber. "Good thing these things aren't real."

Kam stumbled back, exhausted. At that point the last of my energy was expended. I dropped to the ground trying to catch my breath. After a few minutes I heard the sound of feet running and Kira calling out my name.

I was lying on my back, totally exhausted. She leaned down next to me. "Are you okay, Mark?"

"Come closer," I whispered to her. When she did I grabbed her up in my arms and kissed her. She kissed me back and then laughed as she tried to get out of my grip.

"Let me go, Mark, you're filthy."

I can see the sweat and dirt from my clothing rubbing off and soiling her shirt. "I am filthy…I'm also sweaty and dirty."

"Funny," she said as she stood. She offered me her hand and did her best to help me up.

I embraced her again and this time she didn't protest. "How about you and me go back to the apartment and get cleaned up. I need somebody to wash my back," I said.

She gave me a sensual smile. "I can do that."

As we were about to leave I could see Kam talking to Luke and Mara. All three were staring at me with troubled looks on their faces. I can sense through the Force that there was a problem. "Kira, I think Luke may need me a little longer." I gave her a soft kiss. "Why don't you go on ahead and I'll meet you shortly."

She gave me a concerned look, but nodded her head. "Okay, I'll see you when you get home."

She took off and I walked over to where Luke and Kam were standing. Mara had a medical kit out and was putting a bacta patch on Kam's chest wound. It was a nasty welt, but nothing that wouldn't heal in a day. As soon as I got close to Luke I started shielding to prevent Force backlash.

I looked at Kam then Luke and Mara—I can tell they are upset about something. "What's up?" I asked.

Luke gives me a forced smile. "Mark, can we talk privately?"

Uh oh…that didn't sound good. "Sure."

We move to an undamaged area of the palace where Luke had set up a temporary office. Luke sat at his desk and Mara, Kam and I took seats across from him.

I frown. "So are you going to tell me what is going on?"

"Mark, according to Kam, during the match…right before you beat him you said something…something that deeply disturbed him."

I looked at Kam confused. "I said his taunting wasn't going to work." I look back at Luke. "What exactly is going on?"

Kam shook his head. "Mark, you said 'Nie Dun Moch fue'tas'."

I looked at him like he was crazy. "I don't even know what the hell that means."

"Dun Moch is a Sith lightsaber technique where you taunt your opponent in the hope of distracting him or jeering him into making a false move. You said 'No Dun Moch tricks' in the Sith language."

"What the…I didn't…" I stop and thought, really thought. What did I say? I turned back to Kam, "I said that?"

Kam gives me a hard look. "Yes, you said that, and it makes me wonder why you can speak the Sith language."

"How do you know it?" I countered.

"I trained under Sith, remember?"

I looked down at the ground. "Oh yeah."

Kam turned to Luke. "How do you know he is not a Sith infiltrator?"

"He's not, Kam," Luke reassured the Jedi.

"Haven't you noticed he closes down in the Force whenever he's around you? He is actively blocking you out. He could be Sith and you may not sense it."

Mara jumped to my defense. "Mark's no Sith. Luke and I have known him his entire life."

Kam frowned and I can see he is trying to figure out that comment. He knows Mara and Luke met only a few years ago. Obviously Luke didn't tell him about my origins. Luke sighs and looks up at me as if asking me permission to tell Kam the truth.

"Go ahead Luke, you can tell him," I said.

Luke nodded his head. "Thanks Mark," he turned to Kam. "Mark's a clone we found on Wayland. Joruus C'baoth created him…we think to be an Imperial Sentinel."

Kam looks at me slack jawed. "So he is a darksider clone?"

Luke shook his head. "He wasn't cloned from a darksider. He's my clone."

Kam burst out laughing, but then turned silent when he saw nobody else was amused. "Luke have you noticed he doesn't look anything like you?"

Luke smiled. "His genetic code started as mine, but was altered by C'baoth to make him taller and more muscular. He dyed his hair and altered his eye color to further disguise his looks. Mark and I have to shield from each other because of a painful Force backlash…or feedback we experience when we are near each other. As for his training it appears he was given ARC ground trooper flash instruction."

Kam's eyes narrowed. "Then how does he have Sith knowledge?"

Luke turned back to me and cocked his head to the side. "Mark, how did you know about Dun Moch?"

Bloah…this was a situation I was hoping to avoid the rest of my life.

"From Palpatine…from his memories." I looked over to Mara for some assistance. "I told Mara about my encounter with the Emperor. That I was able to see his thoughts and memories…remember Mara?"

She looked at me confused for a moment, but then I could see in her eyes that she remembered. "Do you mean our conversation on the Falcon, after we escaped Byss?"

"Yes!" I was relieved.

"Mark, I thought you just got brief images…how…I mean…what exactly happened to you?"

I sighed. "I got his memories. I don't know if they are all of them or some of them, but they're there."

Kam looked at me. "So you could write down what Palpatine knew?"

I shook my head. "If you told me to record all the secrets of the Sith…I couldn't do it. For some reason the memories have to be triggered. And it usually only happens when I am stressed, in danger…or sometimes during nightmares." I turned back to Kam. "When you started taunting me I must have recognized it as a Sith technique. I think I was reciting something Palpatine said in a similar situation."

"What other times has it happened?" Mara asked.

"When Luke mentioned Yavin IV I knew it was once inhabited by Sith. When we were on that mission to find Gantoris…when Luke walked across the lava…I had a memory of Palpatine on the lava world of Mustafar…and when we were on our salvage mission to Byss I was reminded of a flesh eating plaque the Empire released." I looked back to Luke and Mara. "You don't think I'm in danger of going to the darkside, do you?"

Luke stared at me for a moment then turned to Mara. "I have to shield from him, but you don't. You are the best person to answer that."

"No, absolutely not…at least not on his own…maybe if he underwent the torture Kam endured…but I don't see him being tempted. I trust Mark with my life," she turned to Luke, "And I have a hard time believing anybody with darkside tendencies would want a ysalamiri as a pet." She laughed.

Luke gave me an even look. "I think you're right."

Kam stared at me for a few seconds then sighed. "I'm sorry Mark. When you started talking like a Sith out there it just threw me for a loop." He stood up and extended his hand. I stood and shook it. "Of course, that's the only reason you won the match," he said with a grin.

Shavit, he's still pulling that Dun Moch crap on me. I smiled. "That may be true…but I still won."

I went to leave, but Luke called out to me. "Mark, after you are cleaned up and rested…I do want to discuss what you have remembered so far…from Palpatine."

I frowned but nodded my head. "Sure thing."

Kriff'n Palpatine.