- "Battles are won by slaughter and maneuver. The greater the general, the more he contributes in maneuver, the less he demands in slaughter."
- ―Colonel Ark Lassik
Colonel Ark Lassik currently serves as the commanding officer of the Taldryan Home Fleet that guards the Kr'Tal System. Surprisingly, he is one of the few non-natives of the system that serve in the Taldryan Naval Services in a leading role. Having entered service over a decade ago, the Duros commander is a well respected individual.
History Overview
Born on the tourist world of Adner, Lassik was forced, early on, to work in one of the many casinos in order to support his family. Hailing from a poor family, he had little choice but struggle for his survival in the dangerous and crime-riddled world of gambling. Many assume that his Dissociative identity disorder was the consequence of an event that happened during this time in his life. As a boy, he had dreamed of becoming a big time sabacc player. Because Adner was annexed by the Galactic Empire, the young Duros would however be ushed into a military career when he came of age. Forced to enlist in the Adner Defense Force (ADF), it quickly came to light that Ark had very little talent for flying - something rare for a Duros - while able to grasp the basics, he would never make it as a combat pilot. This was however offset by his prodigal abilities in tactical analysis and naval strategies. This allowed the young Duros to enter the officer and leadership program.
Most information on his military career with the ADF has however been lost, and Colonel Lassik seems unwilling to discuss why he left. Someway or another, the Duros ended up becoming a spacer with a lucrative gambling history. Though not the famous sabacc player he dreamed of being, he did rather well for himself - in his mind anyway. There is very little detail on how Lassik's life went as a spacer, or indeed, how he ended up in the Kr'Tal System.
Since his arrival in the system, the Duros was quickly scouted by the Dark Jedi Overlords of Taldryan. Because of his prior military experience, Ark felt deterred at putting his life on the line once more. Especially since he had no loyalty to this region of space. Yet, when approached by some of the higher standing members of Taldryan, he was made an offer he could not refuse. Ark entered the Taldryan Military Institute, circumventing the regular procedures and joining straight into the Katarn Academy. It was here that the first signs of his DID were seen by Taldryan. Normally, this would have stopped any being from joining TalEx - yet the prowess displayed by one of the alters was convincing enough in order to ignore the mental disorder. Asserting and refining his tactical acumen, Lassik was offered the rank of Captain upon his enrollment into the Taldryan Naval Services.
After experiencing a handful of conflicts with the Navy, Lassik was pushed towards Starfighter Command. Here is tactical and strategic prowess would be put to their best use. Ultimately he would be receiving promotions upward to Colonel as he assumed command of the Taldryan Home Fleet, a position he still serves in faithfully, and with utmost dedication, to this very day.
Physical Description
Like many Duros, Ark has deep blue skin, red eyes, and lacks a visible nose. Standing at 175 centimeters (5'9"), Colonel Lassik is not the most imposing of military commanders, yet he holds a certain wiry strength and above average agility that has taken many unsuspecting crew members by surprise. Pristine conditioning and smooth features hide the roughness of his early life. He takes pride in his rather bland features, as they "make his life easier" when not executing his job.
Personality and traits
Colonel Lassik suffers from DID (Dissociative identity disorder), his body houses a multitude of personalities that seem to wax and wane depending on certain triggers.
Dominant: That is to say, the one that is out the most. Ark is a very retracted and introverted person. He prefers to keep to himself, and despite his Duros genetics, seems to not draw any attention to himself. He can come across as cowardly and doubtful. Ark enjoys the occasional drink, cig, and card game with his subordinates.
The Commodore: When the colonel frequents the bridge of the Archanis' Redoubt, his personality shifts violently - becoming a fierce tactician and battle-hardened commander. Not afraid to sacrifice the lives of the few for the many, not even his own. Aside from the personality change, the very air around him seems to vibrate with determination and conviction. Possessing great wisdom in warfare, The Commodore is a fierce soldier who sparks fear and admiration among his enemies, colleagues, and allies.
The Warlord: Triggered when the colonel is faced with such overwhelming odds that there are no tactical outs. Throwing his tactical prowess and will to keep casualties at a minimum overboard, the warlord seeks to bring others along with him in his downfall. Aside from his ruthlessness, the warlord is also highly suspicious - bordering on paranoia - and will brutally punish what he sees as insubordination in his delirium.
Behind the Scenes
Kazmir Natas - #7722