Introduction
I love story and character. It’s my favorite thing about cosplay. To know who “I am” and who “I was” as the character I am is not only fun but, I think, important. It’s why with every TK or TD I’ve done for the 501st Legion I’ve had a character. This time I thought I’d type it up; not only for myself but for everyone else so that it might inspire others to do the same.
Early Life – Where was I born and where did I grow up?
Garik Drayson was born around 40 BBY in a traditional, upper class, Corellian family. He was brought up with all of the old Corellian beliefs and learned all of the old myths and legends as a boy. Family was a big part of his life as with most Corellians. His father, older brothers, and uncles were all enlisted in the military or security in one way or another and Garik had dreams of following in the family traditions as well. “Green is in your blood,” his father used to tell him.
Early Career
At the age of 19, 21 BBY, Garik joined the Corellian Security Force (better known as CorSec). Trained at CorSec Academy headquartered at One CorSec Plaza. Garik soon joined the Smuggling Interdiction Division and was quickly noticed by his commanding officers because of his attention to detail and strict work ethic. It wasn’t long before the Director of CorSec and eventually the Imperial Liaison officer took notice of him as well and asked him to consider joining the Galactic Empire.
Honor, Duty, Empire
In 14 BBY the Empire was dealing with increased corruption and gangs in the Core Worlds, including Corellia and in the capital of Coronet, and Garik was eager to help join in the worthy fight. So when he was approached by the Imperial Liaison officer as a possible good recruit for the newly formed Imperial Patrol Troopers division he didn’t take much convincing.
“FIVE” Nickname Origin
Garik was assigned the designation of TB-8541 and went to processing to receive his armor along with the other new Patrol Trooper recruits. Being almost alway early he was first in line and said to the officer handing out helmets, “I get the first one, huh?” The officer looked inside his helmet and saw that it was not “#1” but “#5”; handing it to Garik he said, “You’re FIVE,” and the name stuck.
