But the Chicago bugs offered no quarter to the hapless people in their way. Here, humanitarian concerns applied. The task force’s tanks and IFVs mounted blaring loudspeakers that called upon the marchers to disperse peaceably and urged them to respect lawful authority, promising no reprisals against rioters who surrendered themselves to military custody. Most of the shanty town’s population simply turned out and watched, but the rioters holding the bridges remained firm behind their barricades. They were well armed and supported by a magicker, and Black’s armor was effectively neutralized by the need to avoid serious damage to the bridges.