Breaking the mold

[Adron Malvern]

Planet: Kamino
Location: Imperial Guard Training Academy
Time: 05:00

Peering at the training grounds below, Adron's hawk-like eyes penetrated through the cloud of rain that separated him from the Imperial Guard candidates training in the main courtyard.

The current course dealt with hand to hand combat. An essential skill for the Guardsmen. However, the candidates below were mediocre at best. Seven trainees and not one of them showed promise in the Echani fighting arts.

"I sense the Force is with two of those men... The two weakest." The High Moff remarked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"They lack.... Drive. My Lord. The Imperial Guardsmen are steadfastly loyal to the Emperor. I sense doubt amongst these men, and a lot of it." Hidden behind the shroud of rain was Daskos, standing only a few steps behind Adron. The ebony armor the man wore showed he was of the Imperial Shadowguard. Yet he was more than that, he was one of the most capable instructors at the academy.

Adron huffed softly at the man's words, running a hand through his already soaked hair. "The Emperor entrusted me with his personal guard. I will not dissapoint, if they will not show drive I will give it to them."

Running a hand over his chin Adron allowed his mind to drift from the current dilemma and turn to a more personal project he was working on.

"Where is the candidate I requested?" Adron asked, half turning towards Daskos.

The roaring winds and rain were slowly muffled out as the low whine of a shuttle became more prominent. Daskos stepped forward, his saberstaff tapping the platform softly as he gestured to the shuttle. "He has arrived, my lord." Daskos informed, in his usual monotone voice.

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Kamino, Imperial Guard Training Facility​

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Now, this was interesting. It wasn't often that one found themselves summoned by a High Moff - certainly not this one. Varik had known of Adron Malvern for a while, but had never had much time to explore who was really who in this Empire; he was always busy, as was intended to make sure he stayed on the task at hand. He sat cross-legged in the shuttle, though sat may not have been the proper word- he floated slightly in the air, objects floating around him as he focused on keeping himself as calm as he possibly could, the coldness of it radiating throughout the ship. Only once he felt the shuttle land did he send the objects floating back to their places, and uncrossed his legs to stand straight.

He moved to the ramp, keeping his cloak around him as he watched it lower itself, steam and the noise of release coming up from below him. Varik stepped down deliberately, his welcoming party consisting of a group of Shadowguards, their red visors shining in the dark, rainy night as he felt the pitter-patter of droplets hitting the top of his hood. Without a word, he simply bowed his head and took his position inbetween the guardsmen, being escorted by them towards the man who had summoned him, no doubt.

He was vindicated as he saw the candidates training up ahead, many of whom even he could tell lacked a certain form required; there wasn't the predatory instincts required, the honed mind of someone prepared to die and kill for what they believed. Or what they protected. As they approached Lord Malvern, Varik took his hood back down, wanting to show some courtesies; he'd been getting the hang of them now, even if not all of them made sense to someone who came from a less...convoluted society, as he would see it. He bowed his head towards Malvern. "My Lord. You summoned me?" The question had no friendliness to the tone; Varik showed no smile or attempt at a warm greeting across his face, either. The rain and cold of the environment didn't seem to bother him. It never did.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

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[Adron Malvern]

Daskos was the first to turn in acknowledgement to the new arrival. A black, nearly soulless, visor stared at the visiting inquisitor. Perhaps he could feel Daskos reaching out with the Force, hoping to ascertain just who this man was in the realm of the Force. If Varik were to lock his sixth sense on Daskos he would no doubt feel the shallow touches of the Dark Side, lingering around the man. Adron's signature in the Force was much more complex than that of his guardsmen.

The Dark side of the Force hugged the man calmly, yet it did not rage about him as if some uncontrolled torrent. Instead it was much like a cool flood of water, that washed over him and accepted his dark nature.

Reaching out into the twisting powers of the Force Adron remained silent, instead of speaking he would reach out to the man's mind, curiousity creating itself as a probe in the Force. Where some men were like books, left open to Adron's will, Varik was more like a stream of random notes that Adron struggled to decipher.

While his thoughts remained his own, Varik's mind at least revealed the focus of his thoughts, the candidates who trained below them.

"Will is the foundation of strength. To be robbed of it is crippling to any soldier." The High Moff stated. His voice remained at an even tone, despite the roaring rain that fell down over them.

Yet as always he maintained an air of command, turning to face the man before him. Like ice, his blue orbs fell over Varik, a rather bored expression crossing over him. "Why did you join the Empire, Inquisitor?" He demanded, waving a hand towards his Shadowguards.

Each of the men took a step back before making their way away from the three. Daskos remained at Adron's side, turning back to the training candidates as he watched them spar


[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Kamino, Imperial Guard Training Facility​

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Varik didn't reply to the High Moff's initial statement; he understood to some degree that the Moff had either inferred what he was thinking through instinct alone, or had perhaps read something of him through the force. He supposed it didn't really make a difference either way - it was a piece of advice, there was little that Varik saw to do about it other than acknowledge it, and consider it. Soldiers did run on their will, after all. Without morale, there was no army. The will to fight and carry on was what carried everyone and everything from simply laying down and dying.

The next question piqued Varik's interest, however, even if his face never showed it. His face maintained the icy stare it always did, though he did take a few secnds to consider the question, and how to answer it. "Because I didn't even know there were worlds outside of mine. Then when I did, I looked at this galaxy, and..it's anarchy. It needs order, someone to keep things under control. I believe the Empire can do that." Some may have assumed that was a false or easy answer - but it was the truth, at least for him. What other Imperials believed in or fought for was really none of his concern, anyway.

Ice didn't give off much of the dark side at all, really. It even seemed less than the average individual. His presence made it clear that he rarely showed or used his emotions, if at all. There was a good nature, hidden behind the coldness that emanated for him; one that seemed to believe in something. Perhaps the Empire, like the young Inquisitor claimed. It was something that came from him that he could've hidden away, defended like his thoughts, but he chose not to. There was little honour or benefit to be gained in that deception.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

As Varik spoke; Adron clasped his hands in front of him. Listening to the man's words intently, a small smirk formed over his face as he heard Varik's reasoning. "Order and patriotism. There must be a star in the galaxy for every man to claim that is the motivator for his loyalty to the Empire."

Unclasping his hands the High Moff cleared his throat, gesturing to the Inquisitor passively. "I am High Moff Malvern. High Moff of the Bothawui sector and Lord-Captain of the Emperor's royal guard."

His words held the weight of his confidence and command. "I didn't tell you that to impress you." He revealed, turning back to the recruits who trained below them. Their movements we're still mediocre at best, causing the Moff to exhale sharply.

"I told you that because everything I have achieved, so can you." He explained to the man, still locking his eyes on the display below. "I'm looking for an apprentice, for lack of a better word."

Adron clasped his hands onto the edge of his balcony, his charcoal shaded gloves nearly blending into the slate edging of the Kaminoan platform. "It is my job to ensure that the Emperor is as safe as possible. The best way to ensure that safety is by crushing his enemies. I can give you the skills, the resources, and the knowledge to do this."

Turning back to the man his eyes peered at him searchingly, as if verifying an already suspected notion. "Does this interest you?"

[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Kamino, Imperial Guard Training Facility​

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Varik didn't object to the High Moff's words at all - in fact, he had no doubt most Imperials would claim patriotism as their reasoning, whether that was true or not. Even if he felt it was true in his case, he saw no point in trying to debate that; he doubted his personal motivations were of any real concern to Lord Malvern, after all. Ice's cold eyes simply stared at the man even when he turned away from him and looked towards the trainees below.

Though he didn't doubt that he could achieve what the High Moff had, it wasn't due to some inflated sense of self-importance or believing that he was somehow superior to him; just that he knew such things were possible. He had confidence enough in his abilities to think it plausible that with time, effort and training, he could become everything he had been originally prophesied to. Whether or not he would end up following the rest of the destiny that had apparently been pre-ordained for him, he would most likely never know.

Ice's expression didn't change when Malvern turned around, or when he asked his question. He simply mulled over the idea in his head. Not just what it could mean for him, but why he was being given the opportunity in the first place; he'd learned to consider every angle another had in conversation, especially when he was being offered something. Even he could tell that the new batch of recruits for the Royal Guard weren't shaping up as they should be; at least, not this group that trained below them. But it wasn't as though Malvern didn't have other choices. Whatever his reasoning, Varik saw the benefit it could have for him and the Empire if he had more guidance. If he knew what direction to take himself in. "It does, my lord."

It was a rather short response, and a flat one at that - even Varik knew how excited most prospects would be to be considered for this. Even if he wasn't jumping for joy, and he didn't exactly give the High Moff a speech, it didn't mean he hadn't appreciated what he was being offered. He understood how much it meant, how significant it was. He didn't intend to waste the opportunity.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

"Good."

The word was uttured by itself, yet the tone of acceptance and apparent pleasure could not be ignored. Rather than venture into some borish monologue or promise of power Adron looked to Daskos. "Bring the recruits up here."

"Right away, my lord." The man acknowledged with a curt bow of his head.

As Daskos made his way down to the platform below Adron finally stepped from his place at the balcony. "The Force is with you, and in time there are many things I can teach you, but first the body must be test. After the body, we test the mind, then the spirit."

The sound of footsteps called for Adron's silence. As Daskos returned with the recruits Adron glanced over to them, a neutral expression coming to his face. "Are you all prepared for your next assignment?"

The gathered Imperial Guard candidates stood in a small formation, each of them calling out in response to Adron's question. "Yes, Lord-Captain." The unified sound off was not impressive, at least not to Adron.

The High Moff stepped back, and gestured towards Varik. "He will be your opponent."

"Candidate one, step forward." He ordered, watching as one of the men stepped towards Varik. "Hand to hand combat only. The first man to submit or to be rendered unconscious, wins." He explained.

Not allowing any questions Adron clasped his hands together before nodding at Daskos.

"Begin." The imperial guard called out to the two.
[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Kamino, Imperial Guard Training Facility​

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Varik decided to save himself time, realizing what was going to be done before the candidates had even arrived. Taking off his cloak, he folded it over neatly and placed it down, taking his saber off of his belt and laying it down next to the cloak. He didn't want his weapon to be an interference, after all. Whether one caused by him or his opponent. As the candidates ran up and formed into a rather neat formation, Ice could tell Adron wasn't exactly impressed with them despite their unity. Perhaps he would find out why soon enough.

As the first candidate stepped forward, Varik retained his stance and completely cold demeanour. It seemed to put something off in the recruit, who swung a few strikes his way. Ice simply leaned, ducked and moved, avoiding the strikes with minimal amounts of movement, noticing how heavy this one's strikes were. He was strong, powerful no doubt, but he was somewhat lumbering. His strikes had too wide of an arc, it would make him tire out quite early. Potentially useful in short engagement, but in any kind of extended hand-to-hand fight, his weaknesses would quickly start to show.

Varik made sure to focus on not enhancing himself with the force; this was only practice as far as he saw it, there was no reason to give himself an advantage he did not need. Having pulled back near a wall, he waited for another strike. Catching the candidate's arm and wrapping it with his own as he moved to his side, Varik placed three precise strikes; punches into his ribs to knock the wind out of him and weaken his vertical base. Keeping control of his arm, he swivelled around the back of the candidate and shunted him forward, face first into the wall before planting the flat of his elbow into the thoracic area of his back, trying to harry his stamina and breathing more as he then pulled him back, tripping with his foot and lifting using his grip on the arm still to slam the recruit down on his back with his own weight and momentum.

With the man dazed and on the ground, Varik only brought his fist down once into the man's face, knocking him out could as he stayed on one knee at his side. He slowly stood up, his breathing still under much control as he didn't show any sign of lost breath or breaking a sweat; at least, not yet. If Adron were to sense it, his body temperature and heart rate would've made no significant change, Varik mentally reacting to the fight like he would any menial task, no excitement or worry being present as it would be in most, not even a hint of adrenaline. Varik returned to his previous position without a word, standing ready as his eyes glanced to the High Moff.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

The eagerness of the Imperial Guard candidate did not go unnoticed. He seemed confident in his own abilities, and rightfully so. While this particular group of trainees were subpar for the imperial Guard, they were alll elite in their own right. Many coming from the Novatrooper corp, the very Stormtrooper's Adron put a sizeable amount of time into, they were nothing short of experts in their field. However, in the eyes of the Emperor's Lord-Captain "good" was not enough. Not even excellent would suffice, you must be perfect. Varik was not without his own sense of confidence it seemed, or perhaps it was merely focus that led him to be so unnaturally relaxed.

​Many warriors will tell you it's the leading moments into a dual that will divulge the winner. To Adron this was a falsehood. No, it is decided far before that. Perhaps even before the match was even made Varik had already won.

​Testing the skills of his opponent, the Guard candidate brought his fist forward in a few controlled strikes. Measured, even, and calm Varik dodged each one.

​"My lord." Daskos' voice threatened to pull Adron from his focus, but he would have none of it. A hand moved towards the man, commanding silence as he watched the match up.

​As Varik was backed into a wall Adron could not help but anticipate the next few moments. As the candidate's arms were caught in his opponents grip Adron shook his head. "This match is already over." In mere moments Varik had the man on the ground and Adron allowed a blink of his eyes, during that moment the final blow was delivered to the candidate's jaw, rendering him unconscious.

​As Varik returned his gaze to Adron, the High Moff merely showed a very shallow smirk. "Candidate two, Candidate three. Step forward." He ordered the men. The slightest bit of hesitation could be seen, causing Adron's eyes to transfer to the men. "Is there a problem?" He inquired.

​"No, my lord." The men spoke in unison, taking up positions on either side of the Inquisitor.

​Adron turned to Daskos, giving him a curt nod before returning his gaze to Varik.

​"Begin." The instructor called out, demanding the match to start.

Show me what you are made of. The High Moff mused, that shallow smirk never fading.

[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Kamino, Imperial Guard Training Facility​

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Varik stared some more, his eyes remaining straight in front of him as the two candidates formed up on each side of him. The intent wasn't to show off, more simply to make the other two hesitate; make them think he could see their moves when he couldn't. His eyes only glanced to the right when he saw a swing. He ducked and moved past his attacker, lifting his knee into his sternum. As the second candidate made his charge, Varik grabbed the first, doubled over and in pain and used him like a ram, throwing him head-first into his comrade's gut and sending them both into the railing. Varik quickly moved forward, leaping into the air as he thrust his fist directly into the second candidate's face on his landing.

Striking twice more with his fists, he brings his elbow into the temple of the candidate. Ice kicks into the side of the man's knee, causing him to buckle and fall to them, making him more on-level with his compatriot, who is only now properly coming to. Using the second candidate's head, he grips it and slams it into the face of the first, sending the second out cold and the first against the railing again in a seated, scrambling position. With no hesitation, Ice rushes forward and pivots his body, bringing his knee up and striking into the side of the candidate's face with it, leaving him unconscious and face-down on the floor as well.

Varik paused, glancing between the two to make sure they were unconscious. Varik's style had excellent instinct and reflexes, along with power and speed. Even so, it was unrefined; there wasn't more complex movements or an advanced fighting style, it was the fighting style that came from purely experience and nothing else. Even without formal training, it seemed like his experience, instincts and talents carried him through. Ice found this difficult to maintain; not the fighting, or even not using the force while fighting, but the actual act of suppressing his own abilities in the force made it harder. He had to focus on it, and felt a sense of relief that both men were out - he could let go of holding himself back, at least until the next candidate came up. Standing back to where he had been once again, he looked to Malvern.

[member="Adron Malvern"]