Hells Bells

Does Peace Truly Bring Peace?

"Peace is only a precursor to the next conflict in this endless war that begun from humanity's development."

-General Huni Mushin. General in charge of the Indian Army during the Subcontinent wars in the early 2020's.

Originally Written in 2022.

April 26th, 2025. Azur Republic. Azur Dimension.

The radio communications from Azur, explode in a frenzy of transmissions.

SOLDIER: Ambush!! We're being ambushed!!!

The lead vehicle explodes. The street is engulfed in machine gun fire with the adjacent buildings opening up with deadly accuracy.

ODIN: We are redirecting naval aircraft to support you, can you classify the target?

The last vehicle in the convoy explodes, cutting off the communication. A few minutes pass before a couple of aging F18s fly overhead circling the street where the smoking wrecks smolder below. The jets release their payloads evaporating the street and its inhabitants. They turn back out to sea, when Azur Republic flying mechs set upon them. One F18 explodes in flames and falls into the water, while the others pitch up and boost further into the sky. The mechs follow them but soon their engines stall and they plummet back toward the ground. The jets loop back down and fire their main cannons, tearing through the thin armor of the mechs. Some of the mechs escape this barrage and try to counterattack, but are destroyed by air to air missiles coming off the jets wings. The aircraft scream away, limping back to the carriers they flew from. The pilots headsets get a foreboding transmission.

ODIN: Attention all US aircraft and naval vessels, the Azur Republic is now a free fire zone. You have the authorization to sink or down any of the republic's assets. Ground targets are forbidden unless fired upon.

Arragon Republic, Kurzen, Yankee Hotel, Gods Dimension.

The Presidential Suite is alive with officers of the 101st and 82nd talking and having a good time. The TV is on in the background with some people paying attention to it.

REPORTER: The signing of the treaty of Amorain, has brought a new peace to the world that hasn't been seen since the end of the Hurtz administration and the beginning of the Moser administration. All conflict in our world has ended with many interdimensional conflicts ceasing as well.

Wyte throws a dart at a dart board missing the bullseye.

WYTE: That's a bold face lie.

Wyte throws another dart, this time missing the board entirely.

WYTE: We just got into a scuffle with Azur, and then before the ink was dry the Russians launched a full out assault on 159, and not to even mention the 101st redeployment to the Innerworld.

Wyte throws a third dart, hitting the bullseye.

WYTE: And the previous peace she's talking about only lasted ten days.

RIVET: Wyte, are you drunk?

Wyte looks at Rivet who's sitting on Mac's lap.

WYTE: I mean who isn't at this point?

Rivet stands up when Mac starts to get up.

MAC: Alright you alcoholic, step aside.

WYTE: I'm the alcoholic?

Wyte steps back tripping and falling on the bed. Mac sets down his glass and throws his three darts. He hits the bullseye with all three, he turns back to Wyte with a shit eating grin.