Awakening from the Nightmare

DATELINE DOLOMIR


 * Editor's note: This report was prepared immediately after Lord Sakaros's announcement. Although representing major factual inaccuracies given subsequent events, it is preserved for historical value.  An updated report may be found here.

"It's time to awaken from the nightmare."

Those were the words of Prince Tariun, Lord Sakaros, over the ruins of Dolomir this morning. Lord Sakaros took to the Royal HoloNet to confirm that the conflict which has consumed the Empire for the better part of this year and been dubbed "the Nightmare War" is ended at last.

"The pitiful shreds of our oppressors' forces that still exist present no threat to the Empire," Lord Sakaros assured, "but they will be hunted down regardless—no enemy who brings war like this to our gates will be allowed to live. But more important now is the rebuilding we all have to commit to."

Rebuilding will certainly require commitment; half a dozen of the Empire's worlds, including Dolomir itself, were attacked by the enemy forces and severely depopulated, with fatality estimates in the billions. Readers will be familiar with the insectoid Skavik soldiers who have swarmed the battlefields of the Nightmare War in droves, but over the past months, the Royal government has tacitly conceded the existence of a smaller, governing group at the head of the enemy forces. These beings have been described as "Dark Jedi" and are apparently capable of using the same powers as Centurions; indeed, lightsaber duels between Centurions and the Dark Jedi have become a common sight during the months of war. Soldiers and civilians alike have reported encountering clone enemies wielding red lightsabers on the battlefield as well.

The government has not addressed details, citing tactical concerns, but sources in the past have speculated these last to be clones of Sacco Vyrak, one of the Dark Jedi who was killed by the legendary Aria Nikina during the Defense of Daispin early in the war.

Though relief seems to be the dominant emotion, particularly in the hard-hit Mezlag and Romasi sectors, many citizens on the street expressed surprise at the sudden end to the hostilities.

"With everything these things have done to us, they're just defeated?" questioned one Mezzel on Mezlagob.

"I expected something a little more…final," a Human concurred.

Unconfirmed reports have suggested a major Royal reprisal in the past weeks, targeted at the Dark Jedi's home system. From wild speculation that the Royal Navy blew up the entire star system to more reasonable suggestions of a surgical strike led by the 11th Massassi Cohort, rumors have abounded and the Armada has refused all comment on the issue. One retired officer believes there must be some truth to the rumors.

"Lord Sakaros wouldn't have declared the war over unless it was," said retired Lieutenant Colonel Amholez Karrab of the Royal Starfighter Corps, a regular contributor to News First Mezlagob's popular Armada Matters segment. "And a war like this doesn't end without a major campaign."

"Keliso and Quadia just weren't enough," Karrab added, referring to battles on those planets in the last two months. Though numerous Skavik soldiers and Vyrak clones, and at least one Dark Jedi, were reported killed in the engagements, enemy capital ships escaped both systems, leading many experts to predict the war would continue with an offensive push into enemy territory.

NFM's Chief Governmental Correspondent, Reye Hajuk, noted Lord Sakaros's statement was also odd…because it was delivered by Lord Sakaros.

"When the Tribulation concluded, Queen Rin herself announced the end of hostilities," Hajuk observed. "It's not clear why she would delegate the task to her brother. He's been actively involved in the campaign, of course, but that was true of the Tribulation as well.  The Queen's absence is uncharacteristic and concerning."

Lord Sakaros took the field during the war to command the Xoquon Sector Fleet, before transitioning command to Commodore Sir Tarse Medrego, another hero of the Tribulation. Princess and Legate Breek Zagrev commanded the Romasi Sector Fleet. Nevertheless, Lord Sakaros spoke live on the Royal HoloNet from the bridge of the Sith Star, where Queen Rin is presumed to be; inquiries to the government about the Queen's absence during the statement have not been answered.

In the wake of Lord Sakaros's announcement, attention turns to the process of rebuilding devastated planets. Experts predict the government will channel resources from well-to-do planets to alleviate suffering on Dolomir, Klee`shlyoo`hshee, and other worlds. Sources suggest the Consular Assembly may be called together for an emergency meeting to discuss rebuilding budgets and repatriation efforts for Doloy, Wooshlyhee, and others off their homeworlds at the time of invasion.