The Republic Commando books gave us some of the most underrated, emotionally complex stories in Star Wars. And nothing sticks with me more than the love story between Darman, a clone commando, and Etain Tur-Mukan, a Jedi Padawan – yeah, a Jedi. The one thing the Jedi Code says you absolutely can’t have: attachments. And she fell in love with a clone bred for war.
Their First Meeting Was Messy — And Kinda Perfect
Darman was on a mission with Omega Squad during the Clone Wars, and Etain was trying to survive alone on Qiilura after her Master was killed. When they met, she actually tried to kill him, thinking he was the enemy. But once she realized who he was — a soldier meant to follow her lead — things shifted.
She was inexperienced, unsure of herself, and honestly didn’t feel like she was Jedi material. But Darman? He didn’t judge. He helped her grow into a real leader.
They Bonded Through War, Not Peace
They kept working together on missions. The more time they spent together, the more they trusted each other. Darman saw her not as a Jedi but as a person. And Etain saw in Darman someone who deserved more than just to fight and die. Over time, they got closer — emotionally and physically. It wasn’t some dramatic forbidden romance. It was quiet, messy, human. And it led to something no one expected: a kid.
Etain Got Pregnant — And Kept It a Secret
Etain ended up pregnant with Darman’s child – Venku. But she didn’t tell him right away. Kal Skirata — Darman’s trainer and adoptive father — knew, and they agreed to keep it quiet so Darman wouldn’t get distracted. It was war, after all. Etain was sent to Mandalore to give birth in secret and raise the kid safely away from Jedi and Republic eyes.
Venku was born Force-sensitive. Skirata named him Kad (meaning “saber” in Mando’a) and took on the role of grandfather while keeping the kid hidden. Darman eventually found out and was mad he didn’t know earlier, but he and Etain reconciled. They even got married in a Mandalorian ceremony — over comlink — during the final days of the war.
And Then It All Went to Hell
Etain died during the chaos of Order 66. On Coruscant, while trying to reach her family, she saw a Jedi Padawan about to strike a clone trooper. She jumped in between them and took the fatal blow. Darman saw it happen. And just like that, everything changed. He stayed behind with his injured brother, Niner, and was forced into serving the Empire.
What Happened to Their Son, Venku?
Venku was raised by Clan Skirata on Mandalore. Kal made sure he learned both Mandalorian culture and how to use the Force. He grew up with a unique perspective — son of a Jedi and a clone. He knew about sacrifice, about war, but also about hope. As he got older, he even helped train Jedi like Jaina Solo in Mandalorian combat.
Venku — also known as Kad — ended up becoming a symbol of something bigger. A bridge between two worlds that were never meant to connect. The Jedi, who weren’t supposed to love, and the clones, who weren’t meant to live full lives.
I still think about that story all the time. It’s one of those Legends arcs that really deserved more attention.