2017-08-18 Solaris AAR: Operation Angler

AFTER ACTION REPORT (AAR) SOLARIAN SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (SOLSOC) Prepared by Kahm Yugh Authorized for release to Gebler Special Exploratory Group (SEG) (Clearance-confirmed contractors included)

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SCENE LOG:
LOCATION:
PARTICIPANTS:	Cap. Yugh, Specialist Ribaldy, Black Ties Contractors
DESCRIPTION:	Attempt to target. Partial failure to neutralize POI Hesiod due to intervention by unforeseen events.
PRE-EVENT SUMMARY:	On Sunday at approximately 1700 hours I engaged the target and his retinue accompanied by Specialist Ribaldy and an attache of Black Tie contractors. Target was observed for a time before engagement querying his companions if the area had any relevance to them (note: they were tracked to a mountain pass which ended in a large crater. Target was witnessed to claim that his memories begin here).
EVENT SUMMARY:	Target was observed to hold a smooth, reflective object on his hand which was assessed as a possible weapon, however it was hidden when we revealed ourselves. Target was informed of his transgressions and recommended to peacefully surrender himself, which he refused. Battle was joined in short order consisting of two opposing forces: Myself, Specialist Ribaldy, and the Black Ties Contractors against POI Hesiod and several drifters in his company (The drifters elected to engage despite being informed they were under of no consequence to our operation, Hesiod has apparently joined their group). Target did not make use of any unconventional attacks during battle, and neither the powerful spell he used to damage Diabolos or the dust that damages LT1 Ordell in a previous report were witnessed. The other drifters engaged with largely conventional crest arts and gunsmoke weapons, though one did appear to possess an unusual ability to influence the local effect of gravity. Specialist Ribaldy and the Black ties were able to effectively use fire cover to separate the target from the main group while I engaged, though this did not prevent spellcasting drifters from interfering. I was able to interrogate the target to an extent while engaging, and succeeded in critically wounding him, but was unable to deal a finishing blow due to the sudden presence of enemy gear in the airspace. As we had not observed any members of the drifter group to possess gears during the pre-operation timeframe we were not prepared to engage, and I ordered a tactical retreat. The gear was of unknown design and origin, but appeared to be partially under construction, or re-construction. Pilot was a young female, going by voice.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:	everal facts stand out in light of this operation. First, after consideration of the targets actions as stated and previous reports and his own inability to answer any of my questions, I suspect he does not fully comprehend why he pursues and damages ancient technology. It appears to be part of a compulsion or instinct, possibly a manifestation of mental illness-research of this nature is lacking for surface dwellers. Second, an incongruity is noticed in the surveillance photography taken during the battle. The pilots of the reconnaissance craft confided in a later debriefing that they felt the target was looking at them in one of the images, as if aware of their presence. This ought to be impossible considering the operating altitude of the recon craft at the time, but it is worth nothing. Pilots were recommended 48 hours of rest and follow-up examination by medical. Third, I submitted a sample of the targets blood (Taken during battle) for testing, as a precaution. Preliminary tests have shown no substantial difference, but I have requested additional screening to ensure nothing is missed. I expect it be processed in several days. While the target remains active, they are now aware their activities will result in further attacks if they continues, and their allies are as well. Specialist Ribaldy will continue to monitor the situation to verify if the targets activities show any change. Despite the information gained, Operation Angler did fail to achieve the full breadth of its goals, and responsibility lies with myself for not anticipating the potential interference of gears. My credibility as Marcus Rider may has also been damaged by open association with Black Ties, and may encounter difficulty operating with some drifters in the future. For now, however, my cover is maintained and there is still value in it. In closing, I would like to commend LT1 Voss and Ordell for their efforts in tracking and observing the target, which in large part contributed to our ability to ambush the target at all, and to do so without taking any casualties.
COMMENTS:	Attachments: High-resonance images of the following: The non-descript crater referred to in the report, the winged gear Rephraim, and picture of Ethius staring directly at the camera lens used by the recon craft, allegedly by coincidence.