Closed Log

[tiedonastring]

Who: Armitage Hux and Ulaz
Action: At the obstacle course training.
When: Current



[It had been some time since Ulaz had rescued Hux from the mist. Since then, Hux had arranged to meet with Ulaz for some training. He felt that his own skills were slipping and after what happened at mist he didn't want a repeat.

While he believed that the Galara race were similar to the First Order, he wasn't sure how extreme they could be and what their training consisted of. Regardless, he wanted to push himself. He arrived on time and kept his clothing simple, not wanting anything bulky to get in the way. It had been some time since he did any type of training. His work schedule never really allowed for it to happen, even though he did try to squeeze in some time for it. So now...he really should remedy that.]

Comments

[scalpelofmarmora]

[It was good that he had kept clothing simple. It was always easier to train that way when freedom of movement was at its best. Ulaz himself had actually worn something a bit bulkier, not going for full Blade of Marmora armor. For simply helping train a human, that was excessive. Being Galra alone was enough that he was making an attempt to handicap himself without being obvious of it.

He was already there, checking the equipment and the space they were going to be using. When Hux arrived, he stopped, giving him a nod in greeting]

Good morning. You are on time. That's good. Before we begin, we should warm up.

[And he'll lead through some stretching, both normal ones he knew most races could do and also ones he'd seen Shiro do periodically]

[tiedonastring]

I believe in punctuality and expected my crew to do the same. I would be a poor leader if I didn't follow through it myself.

[Hux gave a nod in greeting. And began to follow Ulaz through the warmups. He noted immediately that he was going to have to do this on a regular bases. He was more out of shape then he believed he was. Thankfully, he didn't struggle through them because if he had he didn't deserve this type of training.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Good. It is best practice the same rules that you give to your underlings.

[He had always done that when he was working with other Blades. If he told them to be there at certain time, he expected them at a certain time. Almost literally on the dot because they shouldn't be loitering in a potentially dangerous location or at least that was the theory.

He did keep an eye on Hux as they warmed up. It definitely seemed he was more out of shape doing this, but this was fine. He could still work with it as long as he had the determination. No Blade was able to do all the things he could immediately after being accepted. The obstacles at least had different levels or ways to modify them so it could be used for anyone]

What sort of training have you done previously? What did they focus on in your fleet?

[He wants to know where to start]

[tiedonastring]

I'll admit that I didn't have a lot of time to exercise or train once I became General. In the past I was able to put the time in, now not so much.

I know hand to hand combat, sparring, and various weaponry skills. When time did allow it I used to practice with my Captain. She was never afraid to throw a punch at me.

[Hux quietly explained. The last time they had trained together it was in front of a bunch of new cadets. Phasma had thought it would be great motivation that they see their leader fight as well. It was worth it.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Good, I think those are all skills we can work on here. I find the best training partner is one who is not afraid to throw a punch back.

[Not that he was going to be throwing punches yet, but it was the best way for improvement, when you had to have a reason to use it]

Let's start with some basic hand to hand to get started and see what level we should start at. For now, I won't hit back and don't be afraid that you are going to injure me.

[He'll block just fine]

[tiedonastring]

Well, if you decide to start fighting back, I won't be opposed to the idea.

[Alright then. Hux began with a basic warm up set of punches before he moved up to more advanced ones. He wasn't shy about his punches either.

In ways he was glad to release some aggression he had been feeling. It was also great to have a worthy training partner as well.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

I will see how it goes first before I commit to that.

[Ulaz was used to doing this, having trained younger Blades in their fighting style. He was used to being punching bag for them. Hux starting out slow gave him a chance to study key points of his style before he picked up the pace. He was quick to block and use his hands to give Hux something to punch. He knew cathartic this could be

Once he was sure Hux was getting into a rhythm, he did take the opportunity to throw a punch. He held back from using his full strength and gave him (the first time) enough of a window to know he was doing it. No fair to not give a warning when starting to punch back]

[tiedonastring]

[Hux was quick to react to the first punch, Ulaz threw. He grinned, pleased to see that Ulaz was now throwing punches at him.

Granted, he did leave a wide window of a warning. Most wouldn't have. The gesture was appreciated. Now he felt things would be more challenging.

Like most things he handled, Hux kept focused on the task before him. He tried to keep a vague sense of what was around him just in case something should happen.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

[It was the trainer in him. With some newer Blades, the first few times, they needed that cue to know to start blocking. Once they figured that out, there was less warning.

Now that Ulaz had subtly warned him of the upcoming attacks, Ulaz didn't make them as obvious. He didn't aim in a way that would cause harm, but if his attacks did connect, they would hurt a bit even if he was pulling his punches. He had easily bested several of the paladins, even if Keith had improved since then. Hux, by his own admission, was lacking in training.

At least now he could see how Hux dealt with an opponent fighting back]

[tiedonastring]

[Hux continued to punch and block in return. After a while, he decided to make a few attempt to hit at a few weak areas he knew were there for a human. He wasn't sure what a Galara's weak spots were. He didn't think he would get to far, knowing his own skills weren't up to par and that this was their first session.

Hux did want to make sure that Ulaz knew he was serious and wasn't weak or to be underestimated.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

[It was definitely a good call on his part that he was starting to look for weak points. Galra were bigger and in someways more durable, but he was trying at least. He had to be given credit for that. Of course the other problem was that Ulaz a trained fighter and still trained. He could usually ignore his own weak points.

There were a few that hurt more than others though and it did slow him down a bit and he allowed it to, almost as an encouragement for him to keep going]

So you have done some fighting before. I was wondering when you'd show that.

[tiedonastring]

If I didn't, I wouldn't have made it this far in life.

[It was a shame he didn't have his viro-blade on him. When he didn't have a sniper rifle, or his faithful blaster, his viro-blade had been the least expecting weapon that people weren't ready for.

Aside from just relying on his hand to hand combat he back to throw in some kicks at well. Those were a bit more rusty on him. And he didn't do them too much for now. His body was already being to wear out.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Of course not. At least that is the hope.

[Some people managed to survive on pure dumb luck while others did not. Ulaz found this very unfair. He had seen too many good people go down.

If Hux were going to use weapons, Ulaz would have his blade too. But that's good they weren't using those.

Ulaz could tell kicks weren't Hux's strong suit - his form wasn't the best and he didn't have a lot of force behind it... or he used it all too soon and later attempts became increasingly futile.

Before either of them has really "lost", Ulaz decided they needed to actually do some work]

Good, I think that is good. I think you do have some good skills, but you need to work on kicks and leg strength if you were to ask my opinion. It is doable.

[tiedonastring]

[Hux was thankful that their training was called to a halt. He didn't think he would be able to handle it much longer.

He gave a nod in agreement to Ulaz's assessment. He understood that his kicks were a weakness. He hoped that through Ulaz that he could improve on that. It was good to note that overall his skills were passable and worthy. He wasn't weak. Hearing this outside his own people was good for him.]

I will be glad to learn what you have to show me to improve. I do not liking having a weakness. [Hux replied as he went to go grab a towel to wipe away his sweat. ]

[scalpelofmarmora]

[Ulaz honestly didn't want to put him in a position of failure. For someone trying to improve skills, that was a way to potentially discourage them from wanting to continue, which was not the goal of this.

No, Hux was not weak. He was not up to Galra standards, but for a human or relative equivalent, he was not weak. Still room for improvement, but there always was]

Of course. You wouldn't have asked otherwise.

[Ulaz waited patiently for him to grab the towel and return with it]

We will start with some basic leg exercises to help with strength, which will help both with the kick itself and with balance while performing the kick. It's not an instant fix. It will still take some time and consistency.

[tiedonastring]

Then we have a good starting point to work with. I'll be sure to practice basic exercises as well to keep things up.

[Hux said as he returned with the towel. He was going to have to shower once he back to his ship. It's been too long since he worked like this. He knew later he would end up feeling the soreness in his muscles from the sudden use. For now he felt good.]

Do you think we could also work with weapons one point?

[scalpelofmarmora]

Good. Practice creates improvements. Improvement means increasing the difficulty.

[The question barely got a pause from Ulaz and he nodded]

If you would like to work with weapons we can do that at some point.

[tiedonastring]

[Hux gave a rare smile in response to Ulaz's reply. He was glad to have found a worthy opponent. One that was stronger then him and one not afraid to fight back or to criticize him.]

I will look forward to that session. This was a good warm up.

[scalpelofmarmora]

[One good thing about the Blades: Seniority wasn't permission to sit around or avoid criticism. In fact, it was more of a reason to keep training to avoid comment from less senior members. Kolivan always commented on everyone's skills when he trained with them, even Ulaz's. It was for improvement. In a similar way, since Hux had asked for training, not saying something or giving him a challenge would be doing him a disservice]

I am not as skilled with fire arms and the like, but swords and similar blades I would consider myself an expert in.

[tiedonastring]

[He gave a nod in understanding.]

I'm sure we can find a common ground to work on. Otherwise, it doesn't hurt to learn something new as well.

[scalpelofmarmora]

No, it doesn't hurt to learn something new. You never know when you might have a call to use it.

Have you ever used a blade of any sort?

[tiedonastring]

What I had used was similar to a knife. I wouldn't really call it a blade in the terms you're referring to.

I would appreciate learning how to use one since I know someone back home who uses a blade. I may end up having to fight them and would like the ability to do so.

[scalpelofmarmora]

[Color him curious]

What sort of weapon did you fight with then?

[tiedonastring]

I used a monomolecular dagger. It was created using a single high strength molecule. While deadly the weapon was also fragile. When used I make sure my actions are precise.

[OOC: I realize at one point I may have said viroblade, but I had been wrong in the term and found out that this particular blade is called the monomolecular dagger. I had based the earlier term on information from the fandom. Apologies for the confusion this may have caused.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

It sounds like it would be incredibly fragile. If you should how find one, I'd be interested in seeing it.

[tiedonastring]

I keep looking for one when we are off planet. So far I haven't found something similar. If I find one I'll be sure to contact you.

Thanks again for taking the time to train me. I'll see you at the next session.

[He gave a nod in Ulaz's direction and headed out of the room.]