The dim light of Lorn's office felt heavy, mirroring the weight on his shoulders. He stared at the data pad in front of him, the after-action report finished, but the mission itself was still raw in his mind. He rubbed his tired eyes, but the exhaustion clung to him.
His body ached. The Netherworld had taken its toll. Every muscle screamed in protest, and a dull headache throbbed, a constant reminder of the chaos they'd endured. Worse were the echoes of his fallen comrades. Their cries haunted him, a relentless, painful symphony. Each name was a weight, a gut-wrenching loss that somehow fueled his resolve.
Emotionally, he was a mess. Grief, guilt, and fierce determination wrestled within him, a tangled knot threatening to pull him under. He thought of Dalia, the only other survivor, and a wave of gratitude washed over him, mixed with the bitter taste of sorrow. They were all that was left. They'd gone to the Netherworld hoping to save people, only to find a nightmare.
He set the data pad down with a quiet thud, the sound final, underscoring the gravity of what he now knew. Operation Sunkiller was real, a dark cloud hanging over the galaxy. They had vital intelligence, but the cost had been brutal, the implications terrifying. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and braced himself for the meetings and strategizing to come.
The future looked bleak, but he was ready. The memory of his fallen comrades was a call to action, a reminder that even in this darkness, hope could still be found. He wouldn't let their sacrifice be for nothing. He would keep fighting, fueled by their memory and the burning need to protect the helpless.
Pressing send, Lorn sat back and awaited any response.
After Action Report
To: The Royal Naboo Republic & Queen Kalantha of NabooCC: Briana Sal-Soren, Grandmaster of the Shirayan Order and Amena Nym, Grand Marshal of the Royal Naboo Defense Force Army
From: Lorn Reingard
Subject: AAR - Mission to the Netherworld on the Third Moon of Naboo
Mission Overview
The Shirayan Vanguard executed a high-stakes reconnaissance mission into the Netherworld following intelligence from Rook Merriex regarding the activities of the reformed anti-Force terror group known as The Unblessed. This report outlines our findings from the mission, the challenges faced, and recommendations for future operations.Objectives
- To confirm the existence of Operation Sunkiller and gather intelligence on its capabilities.
- To locate the potential site of the Unblessed's operations and rescue the kidnapped children of our comrades.
- To assess any threats posed by the Netherworld and its inhabitants.
Execution Summary
Using a rift device procured by Rook from a TNW facility, our team of five scouts, including myself, ventured into the Netherworld. Initial entries were successful, and we quickly confirmed that Operation Sunkiller was not only real but operational.Key Findings:
- Operation Sunkiller: This infernal machine, gifted by the Archon of the Netherworld, is designed to emit a shockwave that neutralizes midichlorians across a vast area. The implications of this project are catastrophic, as it poses a direct threat to all Force-sensitive life forms in the galaxy.
- The Unblessed's Base: We located what appears to be the central hub for Operation Sunkiller. Intelligence indicates that the kidnapped children, including Lossa and Blaire's offspring, along with Elias Edo, are being held there, likely intended to serve as living power sources for the machine.
Challenges Encountered
As we navigated the distorted and perilous landscapes of the Netherworld, our unit faced relentless attacks from Nether beasts and ambushes by Unblessed operatives. The hostile environment, coupled with the potent and corrupting nature of the Netherworld, compromised our senses and operational efficiency.Despite our training and preparedness, our numbers dwindled rapidly under the pressure. Of the five scouts, only I and one other member, Dalia Kreth, managed to escape back through the rift. The rest fell victim to the overwhelming forces of the Unblessed and the menacing forces of the Netherworld.
Conclusion
While we were able to acquire crucial intelligence regarding Operation Sunkiller and confirm the location of the kidnapped individuals, the cost was severe. The loss of our comrades is a grim reminder of the stakes we face against the Unblessed. Their relentless pursuit of power poses an existential threat not just to the Republic, but to all life in the galaxy.Recommendations
- Immediate Response: Given the urgency of the situation, I recommend convening a strategic meeting to discuss a coordinated rescue operation targeting the Unblessed's base. This should involve not only the Vanguard but also the Royal Naboo Defense Force.
- Enhanced Training: Further training sessions focusing on Netherworld survival tactics and anti-ambush strategies should be prioritized for all Jedi and military personnel.
- Intelligence Operations: Increased surveillance and reconnaissance operations should be implemented to monitor the activities of the Unblessed and any other potential allies they may enlist from the Netherworld.
- Psychological Support: I propose establishing a support framework for all personnel involved in any upcoming operation, considering the psychological toll of operating in the Netherworld.
I await your guidance on the next steps and stand ready to execute any orders deemed necessary.
Lorn Reingard
Commander of the Shirayan Vanguard
Sword of Shiraya