Each of these groups has something the other wants, and as humanity is famous for being so, they cannot share. So, naturally, both sides became more unrest as treaties to solve this error failed. Peacekeepers worked tirelessly in a losing battle for years � until war broke out. A war like no other, this was a civil war not between two nations, but with all of humanity fighting each other.
The war impacted everyone who was among the living; families had been split up across every system. Some to switch sides, others drafted to fight. Though the war seemed in favor of the alliance, just as many people came home in a box as on any side.
Hence, the alliance decided to attempt a negotiation of peace with Clan Sapphire Wolf. To do this, they sent a team of their top negotiators to attempt a peace treaty. They were guarded well by a small squad of about a dozen of the Elite AGF (Alliance Ground Force). This group of the most elite men and women were trained in marksmanship of the highest ranking. Their driving ability contained that of any aircraft, any car, or any boat.
Their leader, David Jackson, stood about seven feet tall. His face was devoid of any complex features, though he had a scar on his right cheek from a bullet grazing during a training exercise. He typed mad strokes on his PDA implant in his wrist, and as he did so, the rest of his team saw his briefing plans on the screens of digital contacts on their eyes.
�As soon as we land on the dark side of the planet on� this plateau�, he indicated, �My team will secure the area within a two KM radius. We will be mostly using tranquilizer rounds; we�re not here to kill anyone. But if it hits the fan, we have a supply of fatal rounds.� He pulled a box from under a set of stationed straps. �These pistols will use the .223 caliber tranquilizer rounds, and is equipped with a silencer. Everyone here will carry one of these as a sidearm. My team will also have some tranquilizer rifles for long-distance shooting. Jensen!� Jensen rushed silently to his side.
�Yes, sir�, reported the soldier.
�Distribute one pistol and two magazines to everyone. Even to our guests.� The negotiators did not protest, though they did not like the idea of creating an image of hostility.
�Exactly what is the purpose behind your bringing of M192�s on this mission?� demanded Samuel Rightsfeld, one of the negotiators. His hair, though only 2 � inches long and well kept, it was practically nauseating to the AGF�s. They had a signature haircut; less than 1 � CM, with a surgically removed section to make a sort of tattoo. It looked like an �O� with two arms: on toward the forehead, the other toward the right ear. A younger, less disciplined member among the squad stood to respond.
�As squad leader Jackson previously stated, if it slams into the fan we sure as hell aren�t going to dance for them and fire tranquilizer rounds. We got the good stuff for when we need it.� David admired his attitude, though the negotiators found it disrespectful. They were, in fact, on a peace mission, not one of massacre. It was, however, more than natural to have and show hatred toward the other side. Not one of the people on board hadn�t lost a friend or loved one on less than one occasion. Another stood up to speak.
�Sir! I should like to request what kind of transportation the Alliance gave us; none of us saw any of the standard issue cargo jeeps we usually operate with. From your briefings we won�t exactly be landing a stone�s throw away, sir.� David called one of the women on his team over, whispered something in her ear, and she went into the back of the craft to the cargo bay. When she returned, she held a jungle-green bicycle.
�What the hell is this? How are we going to get anywhere on one of those lousy pieces of sh-�
�Silence�, shouted David at Waldez. �These cycles were specially created for this mission. Hisheena?�
The woman answered. �Thank you, sir. As Squad Leader Jackson was saying, these are not regular bicycles. Though they weigh only 6 Kilos, they can carry 250 Kg. The computerized suspension allows for up to a ten-meter drop, and to preload the suspension allowing for the bike to �hop� up to a meter. The black box seen at the back is actually a small hydrogen powered rocket pack that, in an emergency, can give the rider a boost of approximately 100 KPH. The advantage of using bicycles is their silence.�
�Correct�, added David. �Since the enemy forces do not know we are here peacefully, we must avoid detection at all costs. At least, until we get to our contact at the enemy base along the watercourse Righon. Silence is life, people.� The crew acknowledged this, realizing their chances if they were discovered. As the squad of AGF�s locked and loaded their weapons, the lights went dim.
�We�re entering the atmosphere of Terrana 6� get ready, I�m engaging the stabilizers�, announced the pilot. As if to acknowledge what he had said, a sudden kick rumbled through the ship as its descent thrusters kicked in. Shortly after the communication cut and the stabilizers were engaged, the crew felt the greatness of the gravity and the slowing of the craft.
Only moments later, an explosion was heard coming from the outside of the craft. The crew panicked slightly, but didn�t truly know the fear until they felt the lunging sensation of freefall.
