Private Shadows of the Vanguard

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

The air at Shiraya's Rest was thick with anticipation, the quiet hum of energy barely masking the tension that vibrated through the training pit. Lorn adjusted his grip on his lightsaber hilt, the cool metal a familiar comfort against his palm. Around him, members of the Vanguard moved with a practiced efficiency, checking their gear, their movements fluid and silent as shadows. They were the spearhead of Naboo's defense, an elite force of Jedi warriors, and tonight, they were poised to strike.

Commander Lyra, her dark eyes sharp and focused, stood before the assembled Vanguard. Her voice was calm, yet carried the weight of authority. "The intel is solid. This 'New Way' cell is operating from a warehouse in the lower districts of Theed. They are planning something, something big, and we will not let them succeed." She gestured toward a group of heavily armored figures, the Elite Royal Crusaders, their polished breastplates gleaming under the dim lights of the courtyard. "The Crusaders will provide the muscle, we will provide the finesse. This is a joint operation, and success depends on our unity."

Lorn nodded, his gaze sweeping over his fellow Vanguard members. He felt a sense of duty, a responsibility to protect the peace of Naboo, but he also carried a different weight. He had invited Aiden, a young initiate within the Vanguard, to join them tonight. Aiden, with his complicated history that intertwined with the very group they were targeting that night. He had waited for him in the training pit, his brow furrowed as he ran a hand through his brown hair. He glanced at his chrono, and there was still no sign of him. He couldn't waste any more time.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of footsteps approaching. He was at the back of the pack, so he couldn't see who yet but he could feel a familiar presence getting closer. He glanced to his right and to his left, seeing the Vanguard members getting prepared and the Elite Crusaders moving to the exit.

"Let's move out." Lyra exclaimed, turning away from the group and starting to walk to the exit. As he walked, he felt the familiar rush of anticipation, the calm determination that settled over him when the time came to act.

 

[Aiden Porte]

The New Way....

Religious fanatics, they have ruined the lives of so many people. Family, friends and countless more were reeling from their acts. Aiden hadn't seen anything like this before. The Sith were one thing, but this was something else entirely. Aiden had a personal stake in this, he had lost someone close to him due to the New Way. He was broken essentially for all sorts of reasons. He tried for as long as he could to push through and rely on his own personal hope to get him through.

With everything, Esme, Sion, and the dark exchange it finally became to much for him and he broke on the Life Day celebration in the mountains. It was the long trudging through the mountains and the snow that he realized that he wasn't alone. He had those that he could count on, and he could rely on when things were tough for him.

Friends and family.

Kalantha, Dreidi, Brandyn, Briana, Blaire, and Jun.

Most recently her also had another friend that was becoming a strong patriot to him and confidant. And that was Lorn Reingard

His personal stake in this, he knew he couldn't be blinded by his own grief. He had finally made a promise to let it go, and to move forward. His only purpose now was to make sure the New Way didn't drag down anyone else. He would fight for as long as he could to make sure they were finally defeated.

Aiden looked over to Lorn and gave him a small nod as he watched the Commander Lyra speak. Aiden looked aside to the rest of the vanguard members. Those who were becoming brothers to him. Forged in the fires of purpose and strive for eliminating the darkness that was out to engulf Naboo.

Aiden walked in stride with Lorn.

"I'm with you brother."

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

As Lorn spotted Aiden, relief surged through him. With a quick stride, he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arm around Aiden's neck in a friendly greeting. "It's good to see you, brother." Lorn said, a genuine smile breaking across his face amidst the tension of the night.

They began their descent down the mountain, the chill of the evening air swirling around them. Lorn could sense Aiden's turmoil beneath the surface, the young Jedi grappling with his personal demons, and Lorn felt a deep sense of camaraderie and responsibility towards him. "I know this might be personal for you," Lorn said, his voice lowering to a hushed tone, "but if we all keep our cool and listen to the Commander, we come home safe and Theed is safe." He punctuated his words with an affectionate slap on Aiden's chest, a gesture meant to instill confidence and remind him that they were in this together.

Their transport arrived shortly thereafter, cutting through the darkness as they sped toward Theed. The hour-long journey felt interminable, filled with an electric anticipation and a gnawing apprehension that accompanied every mission. As they approached the lower district, the night cloaked the city in a thick blanket of silence, only the occasional flicker of torchlight breaking the darkness.

Once they disembarked, the sight of the warehouse loomed before them like a sentinel, ominous and foreboding. The Elite Royal Crusaders moved swiftly to set up a perimeter, their movements precise and calculated. Commander Lyra's sharp voice cut through the air, and Lorn felt the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through him. "Stick with me, Aiden." he whispered, his tone serious as they began to scale the warehouse using their Ascension guns.

They reached the rooftop with practiced ease, the cool night air rushing around them as they crouched low, surveying the scene below. Lorn's eyes narrowed as he spotted the gathering of New Way terrorists around a table marked with a map of Theed's market district. He glanced at Aiden, searching for a sign that his friend had noticed the same details, their intended target.

The atmosphere shifted as Commander Lyra and a select group of Vanguard members slipped down to ground level, intent on gathering intelligence. Lorn felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. They were the front line, the guardians of peace, and every decision made tonight could tip the scales in their favor, or lead to disaster.

Lorn remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings as he and Aiden kept lookout. But something didn't feel right. A chill danced up his spine as he sensed movement beyond the Crusaders, shadows shifting in the darkness. "It's a trap," Lorn gasped, his heart racing. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut as he watched Lyra approach the table, completely unaware of the impending danger.

Through the comms, he felt a surge of urgency. [[Commander, get out of there!]] Lorn called out, desperation lacing his voice. But as Lyra reached the table, the scene took a horrifying turn. The figures around the table were bound and gagged, the trap laid out before them with cruel precision.

And then it happened—an explosion rocked the warehouse, sending a shockwave that tore through the air and flung Lorn and Aiden from their perch. The world spun around him as he tumbled through the air, his instincts kicking in as he fought to regain control. The ground rushed up to meet him, and with a painful thud, he hit the ground, the breath knocked from his lungs.

Chaos ensued, the Crusaders were regrouping, turning to face the incoming assault as fires blazed behind them, illuminating the silhouettes of the New Way insurgents emerging from the shadows.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"It's good to see you, brother."

"I know this might be personal for you,"

"but if we all keep our cool and listen to the Commander, we come home safe and Theed is safe."

"You as well my friend." Aiden said with a big smile at the sight of Lorn Reingard

Aiden gave a small nod and he then spoke to dissuade any of his companions concerns. "Of course my friend. I promise my heart is not shadowed by revenge and despair as it was a month ago. I wish to simply wish to ensure this fanatic group never harms anyone else again." Aiden had been through much in the last several months, but the trainings and the everything else that has followed has forged him into a better man than he was those months ago. Still much to work on, but his way forward was clear. His conscious was clear, and he was ready more than ever to join the fight.

With a strong heart, back with a strong motivation for peace and security for Naboo and her people.

"Stick with me, Aiden."

Aiden followed Lorn's lead, as he would, his friend had proven to be a constant companion and brother in the short time that they had known each other. They utilized their ascension guns to reach the rooftops, everyone was settling into position. Aiden nodded to Lorn as he too saw the New Way personnel around the table.

And then almost in unison, Aiden felt the tremor through the force.

"It's a trap,"

"I sense it too...." Aiden said and he was then cut off as the explosion rocked the area, the Jedi padawan tumbling down. It was good that his training with the Vanguard had commenced, otherwise this fall would've led to more harm than usual. Aiden was able to land on his feet but still stumbled backwards as debris fell around him. The Padawan coughed lightly, the the smoke and debris dust filling the area. Then the new way personnel that appeared from the darkness had charged in.

Aiden had been thrown a good way from Lorn as he regained himself and he could look from afar as they began to surround Lorn.

"Lorn!" Aiden shouted, worry for his friend setting in as he charged forward. The Jedi Padawan leaped forward, tackling three of them to the ground by way of momentum and a small force push. The attack would give Lorn enough time to engage where necessary.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn coughed, the taste of dust and smoke thick in his mouth. He spat, the grit coating his tongue. His head swam, the world a blurry mess of fire and chaos. His brothers and sisters in the Vanguard… the explosion… were they even alive? The thought was a cold fist squeezing his heart. Then, a voice, strained and worried, cut through the din. "Lorn!" Aiden's call was a lifeline, pulling him from the edge of panic.

He frantically scanned the scene, his eyes searching for the Padawan. Aiden. He was his responsibility. If anything happened to the young man… Lorn's fists clenched. He spotted him, thankfully unharmed. Relief washed over Lorn, quickly replaced by a surge of adrenaline as he realized he was now the center of attention. A ring of New Way terrorists surrounded him, their blasters leveled, the metallic glint of their weapons catching the firelight. He reached for his lightsaber, the familiar weight grounding him, his fingers wrapping around the hilt. Just as they were about to open fire, Aiden's tackle provided the precious seconds he needed. He ignited the yellow blade with a snap-hiss, the bright gold reflecting in the fear-filled eyes of the terrorists. He parried several blasts, the energy bolts exploding harmlessly against his lightsaber, buying precious time.

The Vanguard and Crusaders, though outmatched, fought with a raw, desperate ferocity, moving like a well-oiled machine despite the absolute chaos. But it was no use, they were being overwhelmed, pushed further from the smoldering warehouse and towards the enemy. A surge of protectiveness flooded Lorn as he felt Aiden move closer to him, his back to the Padawan's. "Aiden!" he shouted, his voice raw, "We have to get everyone out of here!" He knew in his gut that this was a deliberate trap, a calculated maneuver by the New Way to lure them in. They had fallen for it, hook, line, and sinker.

"Fall back!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the cacophony. "To the waterways!" He pointed towards the back of the warehouse, towards the canal system that ran through Theed. It was their only chance. The water and sewer systems were a maze, difficult to navigate for any that didn't know the way, and that included the New Way personnel.

He turned to Aiden, his gaze firm and unwavering. "Aiden, get everyone out of here." He needed his friend to move the troops, to get them to safety. Without hesitation, he started to deflect more blasts, moving towards his friends as he was the target. They needed to escape and he would buy them the time they needed. He knew that the odds were against them here, but he would be damned if he let any more of his comrades fall tonight.

 

[Aiden Porte]

It was just the perfect, well maybe not exactly perfect maneuver that was needed to give Lorn enough time to act. And he did so with perfect timing, Aiden dispatched those around him, his blade coming to life with a familiar snap-hiss. Aiden was determined to take out as many of these New Way personnel as possible, until he heard Lorn's voice direct him.

"Aiden!"

"We have to get everyone out of here!"

"Understood...." Aiden said as he glanced around for a brief moment and began to do as he was instructed. There was the smallest of glimpses that he wanted to stay and fight, yet he knew better. The bigger picture was present, and he couldn't jeopardize that. Lorn Reingard declared the retreat as he then began to cover there retreat.

"Let's go, now!" Aiden announced to those that were still trying to stand and fight. "Do as he says, now! Fall back to the waterways!"

"Lorn! Come on!" Aiden said, he wasn't going to leave him behind. Aiden turned back to those that were falling back. "Go! I don't care what you smell!" The Jedi Padawan's blade twirling around deflecting what blaster fire he could, as his hand shot forward sending a force push to more that were advancing.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn stood firm, a golden whirlwind of controlled aggression. His lightsaber danced, deflecting a relentless barrage of crimson bolts. The New Way terrorists, their faces contorted in a mix of hatred and fear, pressed forward, but Lorn was an immovable object, a golden barrier between them and the retreating Vanguard. Each parry was precise, each movement fluid, honed by years of training. He was a bulwark against the chaos, buying his comrades precious seconds. He moved with an almost inhuman speed, each movement calculated, deflecting bolts back towards those that had fired them. He was a force of nature, a golden wall of energy, pushing them further away from his friends, giving them the time they needed to escape this deathtrap.

A stray bolt clipped his shoulder, a searing pain that blossomed into a hot, angry ache. He grunted, the impact momentarily disrupting his rhythm, but he recovered instantly, adjusting his stance, his focus unwavering. The smell of burnt flesh filled his senses, but he couldn't afford to dwell on the injury. He had to keep them at bay, had to ensure they got out alive. He could feel the energy, the surge of adrenaline that was coursing through his very veins, he was unstoppable.

Lost in the chaotic dance of fire and steel, Lorn almost forgot about his own escape. It wasn't until he heard Aiden's voice, strained and echoing, that he remembered he also needed to get out of here. "Lorn! Come on!"

He took a step back, the gold of his blade glowing brightly in the darkness. With a final, explosive flourish, he disengaged, sending a wave of energy that toppled several of the terrorists back. He sprinted backward, towards the canal, jumping into the cold, murky water. The frigid water shocked his system, but he pushed forward, his feet finding purchase on the slick, algae-covered stones beneath. He burst out of the water, his boots finding the edge of the sewer entrance. The sound of blaster fire echoed off the tunnel walls as more shots ricocheted off the concrete around him.

He moved swiftly, the rhythmic sound of dripping water filling the air. Reaching the rendezvous point in the darkness, he saw his brothers and sisters scattered, their faces grimed with dirt and soot, but alive. He met Aiden's eyes, a silent message of relief passing between them. The sounds of pursuit grew louder behind them.

"Split up?" He spoke, his voice strained but firm, the words cutting through the damp air. "No choice. Find a way back to Shiraya's Rest." He commanded, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Aiden, you're with me." he said, grabbing the Padawan's arm and pulled him towards the rightmost tunnel, the golden glow of his lightsaber acting as a beacon in the gloom. "Watch your step, Dianoga live down here" He warned, his voice low, the threat of the sewer creatures a new worry added to their already dire circumstances.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Aiden, you're with me."

"Yes sir, be careful my friends." The Padawan said to those splitting up as he gestured a sign of goodwill to them all. His right hand moving over his heart and he gave a small bow of his head.

"Watch your step, Dianoga live down here"

"Great." Aiden said with a small smirk, glancing to Lorn and ahead, the light from his saber blade showing a path ahead.

"A part of me wants to say we were set up." Aiden said with a small scowl before speaking again. "The fact is the New Way are far more organized than I originally thought."

"We must take great care my friend." Aiden wasn't just speaking about their situation right now, but overall, the entirety of the Vanguard as well as Naboo. "Has there been any word from the commander?

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn nodded grimly, his gaze fixed on the slick, dark tunnel floor as they moved. The idea that they were set up had been nagging at him since the ambush. The New Way's coordinated attack, their relentless barrage of fire, it spoke of a level of planning and organization he hadn't expected. "Agreed," he replied, his voice low, echoing slightly in the damp tunnel. "They weren't just a ragtag group of extremists. This… this was calculated, systematic."

He held his golden lightsaber down, its radiant glow illuminating the uneven path, the murky puddles that had collected in the hollows of the concrete, and the algae-slicked stones underfoot. "As for the commander…" Lorn paused, his jaw tightening with the weight of a terrible realization that had been growing since the explosion. "I don't think she made it, Aiden. The blast... it was right under that table, where she was. I don't sense her presence in the Force anymore, it's... like a void." A hard, cold stone seemed to settle in Lorn's stomach, the thought of losing another friend, another ally, weighing down on him.

The echoing sound of approaching footsteps jolted Lorn from his thoughts, a reminder of the very real danger they were in. They came to another junction in the sewer system, the blackness yawning before them. "Hold," Lorn whispered, his hand instinctively reaching out to halt Aiden. "We'll let them pass, then ambush. Maybe we can get some information on how they found us." Lorn pressed his back against the cold, damp wall, his golden lightsaber deactivated, plunging him into near-complete darkness. Together, they melted into the shadows of the tunnel, the silence only broken by the gentle drip of water.

The approaching footsteps grew louder, closer until they neared their position. Lorn tensed, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. That's when it happened, a sudden thrashing and a muffled cry of alarm. One of the Vanguard members, huddled against the opposite wall, was being dragged into the black water. A thick, tentacled arm, slick and black, had wrapped around the Vanguard member's leg.

"Dianoga," Lorn hissed, his eyes going wide. The Vanguard member was panicking, his struggle getting more frantic as he made an effort to prise away the tentacle. "Quiet!" Lorn urged against his teeth, his voice barely a whisper, but edged with the urgency, and a mixture of warning and anger. Lorn feared the Vanguard member's cries would spoil their ambush on the New Way who were moments from their position.

The chaotic situation was quickly spiraling out of control.