AFTER ACTION REPORT — AWG FIELD OPERATIONS
CLASSIFICATION: EYES ONLY // LEVEL III
OPERATION: ECHO LANTERN
AREA OF OPERATIONS: ECHO 63
1840 HRS: Bravo Squad crossed the designated perimeter and advanced into the northern ridgeline sector. Thaumaturgic detection talismans activated upon entry into the previously identified contact area.
2147 HRS: Bravo Three reported visual contact with a figure matching Bravo Eight's physical appearance, uniform, and equipment configuration. The figure requested assistance using Bravo Eight's voice and assigned call sign. Bravo Actual denied authentication and ordered the squad to maintain observation.
2151 HRS: The figure disappeared into the treeline. Bravo Six subsequently reported hearing Bravo Eight's voice from a separate location to the squad's rear. Bravo Actual confirmed Bravo Eight's position was unaccounted for and prohibited personnel from breaking formation to investigate.
2236 HRS: Multiple thaumaturgic talismans activated simultaneously. Bravo Two reported movement along the eastern treeline, followed by a second visual sighting of a figure resembling Bravo Eight. Bravo Actual authorized the squad's established anomalous-threat engagement protocol. Visual contact was lost before the element could confirm neutralization.
2251 HRS: Bravo Actual ordered an accountability check. All assigned personnel responded correctly to identification challenges. Bravo Eight remained absent. A transmission matching Bravo Eight's voice was received over the squad's internal communications channel despite no authorized transmitter being active at the reported location.
0350 HRS: Bravo Actual terminated the search and ordered withdrawal to the forward staging area. During exfiltration, Bravo Four reported hearing Bravo Eight request permission to rejoin the squad from beyond the northern treeline. No response was authorized.
0525 HRS: While Bravo Squad established security at the staging area, Bravo Eight's voice was heard from within the secured perimeter. No unauthorized personnel were located. Bravo Actual ordered communications discipline, confirmed accountability, and maintained the perimeter until relieved by Charlie squad.
RESULTS: Primary objective not confirmed. Skinwalker neutralization remains unverified. No casualties among present squad personnel. Former Bravo Eight confirmed KIA per scrying magic performed by Bravo Four during operation. Tracks associated with the suspected entity terminated abruptly on undisturbed ground. No physical remains were recovered.
COMMAND REMARKS: Bravo Actual recommends specialized thaumaturgical munitions, stating: "The dragons breath and Willie Peter weren't enough to get the job done. This one's old, and powerful. Next time we're loading up the rounds blessed with white ash." No personnel are authorized to pursue, approach, or respond to any apparent manifestation of former Bravo Eight without direct authorization from command. Bravo Eight is KIA. Any entity reproducing his voice, appearance, call sign, or authentication credentials is to be treated as hostile.
SEMPER IN OBSCURIS.
Continued in Field Report: Operation Echo Lantern II — Pt. 2.
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