**Chapter 709: Galactic Herald Special Report**
**Galactic Herald Studios, Coruscant**
**Live Broadcast**
The familiar theme music of the Galactic Herald swelled across trillions of holoscreens and comm units throughout the galaxy. The camera panned across a sleek, modern studio bathed in soft blue and gold lighting before focusing on the two primary anchors.
**Anchor Lira Voss** (human female, poised and professional):
"Good evening, citizens of the Republic. This is Lira Voss, coming to you live from Galactic Herald Headquarters on Coruscant. Tonight, we bring you an emergency special report on the shocking events unfolding in the Geonosis system. What began as a routine Republic military operation has escalated into what many are calling the most dramatic single engagement of the Clone Wars."
**Anchor Jorak Thorne** (male Twi'lek, serious expression):
"That's right, Lira. Moments ago, Republic forces under the direct command of Supreme Commander and Jedi Grand Master Dagon Marek launched a lightning strike on Geonosis. But what they discovered — and subsequently destroyed — has sent shockwaves across the galaxy. We go now to our senior military correspondent, Vella Korr, who is embedded with the Republic fleet."
The feed cut to a split-screen. On one side, the studio anchors. On the other, a female Bothan reporter standing on the observation deck of a Republic cruiser, the scarred remains of Geonosis visible behind her through the viewport.
**Vella Korr**:
"Thank you, Jorak. What we're witnessing here is unprecedented. Just hours ago, Supreme Commander Dagon Marek personally led an assault on a hidden Separatist stronghold beneath Geonosis' surface. Our sources confirm that the CIS had been secretly constructing a moon-sized battle station — a weapon of terrifying scale, unofficially being called a 'Death Star' by Republic intelligence. This station was designed to house a superlaser capable of destroying entire planets."
The screen switched to dramatic, partially redacted footage captured by Republic probe droids. A massive, spherical structure — clearly incomplete but already terrifying in size — hung in low orbit. Its surface bristled with weapon emplacements and hangar bays. A partially completed superlaser dish glowed ominously red.
**Vella Korr** (voiceover):
"Moments after General Marek's strike team engaged Separatist forces on the surface, the *Terminus* — one of General Marek's personal flagships — executed what appears to have been a deliberate suicide run. The ship overcharged its kyber matrix reactors and collided with the Death Star's core. The resulting explosion was visible from across the sector."
The footage shifted to the now-infamous pocket nova — a brilliant white-blue flash that bloomed into the unmistakable shape of Dagon Marek's Dark Star symbol. The symbol hung in space for nearly a full minute, burning like a second sun before slowly fading.
**Anchor Lira Voss**:
"For those just joining us, that was the now-famous 'Dark Star Event' — a deliberate signal from Supreme Commander Dagon Marek. Republic analysts are calling it both a declaration of dominance and a warning to the Separatists. In the aftermath of the explosion, Geonosis itself was subjected to a full Base Delta Zero orbital bombardment under General Valentra's command. The planet is now effectively sterilized."
**Anchor Jorak Thorne**:
"But perhaps even more shocking was the personal confrontation captured on helmet cam footage from Mandalorian and clone forces inside the hive complex. We must warn our viewers — some of this footage is extremely graphic."
The screen displayed heavily edited but still intense footage: a massive armored figure in Wrath Shield Nova Mode clashing with a glowing hero wielding a legendary bow. Itsuki's Justice Bow fired volley after volley of glowing arrows, while the girls — clearly under mind control — attacked relentlessly. Then came the final moment.
Dagon's deep, distorted voice echoed:
**"Foolish sinner, I sentence you to cast your screams unto the heavens! Within the dragon's jaws born from my flesh, become an offering to the gods as you howl in pain! BLOOD SACRIFICE!"**
The skeletal dragon trap erupted from the ground, clamping down on Itsuki with terrifying force. The corrupted hero's scream was cut short as the construct devoured him, shattering the Justice Bow and reducing both to dust.
**Vella Korr**:
"According to preliminary reports, the so-called 'Hero' Itsuki had been brainwashing several high-ranking Jedi, including members of General Marek's inner circle. The Supreme Commander personally ended the threat. All rescued Jedi are currently receiving medical treatment aboard Republic medical frigates."
**Anchor Lira Voss**:
"Reactions across the galaxy have been swift and intense. Chancellor Palpatine released a statement praising General Marek's decisive action, while Loyalist senators have expressed concern over the 'excessive force' used on Geonosis. Meanwhile, Separatist propaganda channels are calling the event 'an act of terrorism.'"
**Anchor Jorak Thorne**:
"For now, the Republic celebrates what many are calling a turning point in the war. With Geonosis neutralized and a planet-killing weapon destroyed before completion, the CIS has suffered a devastating blow. But the question remains: what will General Dagon Marek's next move be?"
The camera cut back to the studio as the anchors exchanged grave looks.
**Lira Voss**:
"We will continue to bring you updates as this story develops. This has been a Galactic Herald Special Report. Stay safe, citizens. May the Force be with us all."