The Lost Kor-Ban pt. 5

The Valedictorian

Upon return to the academy, Covak seized the attention of the faculty members through his performance. His weakest field was Combat Training and after a short hiatus it quickly became his strongest field. His already outstanding performance in the athletic field was worthy of recommendation in itself, but now that he became the top Combatant out of all five classes at the academy, himself only being a freshman, it was evident that Covak was valedictorian material. Hand-to-Hand combat he dominated and was always ranking within the top ten of all classes but when he was allowed to choose his weapon of preferred choice, he always choice a pole-arm. Some thought he was daft, but Covak proved that he wasn't eager to be bested when he chose a melee weapon in a ranged combat simulator. His agility and heightened endurance proved most useful as he would on many a time seize victory for his team single-handedly taking out the majority of the opposing team with his pole-arm.

Though highly impressed, the staff members of the academy were rather frustrated by his independent nature and his uncooperative tactics. Hoping to shape him up, they placed him head of several field exercises in which he would be forced to lead an excursion force through a simulated engagement. He dumbfounded them when he proved to be the best tactician of the freshman and sophomore class. He was gifted, there was no doubt about that. He was rebellious, however, and on more than one occasion he deviated from the planned strategy on his own accord. Though the results usually proved positive, Covak's questionable integrity to his team leader would jeopardize and threaten his Imperial Career far after his graduation from the academy.

Five years came and went and Covak's skill only sharpened over the years. He was offered several times to join the Imperial Guard training program, but he declined each time because Covak felt he would have to dedicate himself to something different from his search for his brother. Graduation came and Covak was the Valedictorian of his class. Upon graduation he was offered an NCO position and the option to choose where he wished to be station. Covak replied that he wished to take a year off from his services to the Empire to 'take care of some unfinished distance.' His pardon was granted with much hesitation and before Covak left his home for the past five years, he said his farewells to his dearest commander, Sgt. Saris. They had a long and extensive conversation about what was to become of Covak and his future plans in the Empire. Talek asked about his good friend Keicho as he was vague about Covak's training. Covak paused for a moment and grinned. He informed Talek that he hated him and because of such that proved his worth as a Sensei. Talek patted Covak on the back and wished the young cadet a safe journey. Covak gave one final salute to his superior and told him that the next time he would see Sgt. Saris that he would have to salute Covak because of rank superiority. Talek replied that he didn't doubt that in the least. Covak heaved the bag of his possessions over his shoulder and stepped into the taxi he had just hailed down.