The roots of the Vanguard stretch back to the early 31st century on Texlos VI, a lush garden world in the St. Ives Commonality of the Capellan Confederation. Originally part of the St. Ives Mercantile League, Texlos found itself caught between shifting powers of the Capellan Confederation and the Federated Suns during the turbulent Succession Wars. Reclaimed for the Confederation in 3002 by Ling’s Cutlasses, it maintained strong cultural and military traditions.
Local citizens, determined to defend their homes and autonomy during the uncertain times, organized into the Texlos Militia. Equipped with salvaged machines and little more than stubborn resolve, these men and women forged a reputation for grit and resourcefulness.
When the St. Ives Compact broke from the Confederation in 3029, factions splintered. A few dozen soldiers who refused to side with either the Compact or the Confederation formed a neutral militia group – Texlos St. Ives Independent Guard. Their purpose was clear: protect Texlos and its people, but steer clear of the escalating internal conflict.
Under the leadership of veterans like Max Wong, the Guard earned respect not only for defending Texlos, but also for their willingness to aid neighboring worlds when called upon. Their identity as "independent" came from their refusal to submit blindly to any overlord—they fought first and foremost for the people who could not fight for themselves.
The Clan Invasion largely bypassed the St. Ives region, allowing the Guard to flourish. It grew in both reputation and capability, offering stability during a time when many worlds burned. But as the Capellan-St. Ives War came to an end in 3063 and the St. Ives Compact was reintegrated, history demanded change. The Mounted Fusiliers returned to full CCAF duty, and the Guard had fulfilled its role.
During a solemn but proud ceremony, Force Commander Max Wong announced a transformation. The Guard would no longer be a planetary militia. It would become a galaxy-spanning mercenary company:
“The Guard kept Texlos safe when the stars burned. But the Guard has done its duty. The war is over. The world has changed. We are no longer a shield for one system – we are a sword for those who cannot lift one. We move forward now. Not as the Texlos St. Ives Independent Guard... but as the Texlos Independent Vanguard.”
— Force Commander Max Wong, 3063
By 3067, now in his seventies, Max officially retired from combat, naming Ryan Wong his successor. With a new generation leadership at the helm, the Vanguard became a true mercenary command, able to project strength wherever contracts and causes demanded. The Vanguard’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and loyalty to their principles, even as the battlefield around them constantly changes.
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