Machiko is on the roof when the aircraft arrive: a pair of Federated-Boeing Commanders descending simultaneously to the rooftop aeropads. A trio of helicopter gunships, Q-modified Hughes Airstars, take up positions around the roof as the tilt-wing Commanders descend. A third F-B Commander stands off, slowly circling the pyramid of the hotel. Machiko's discerning eye observes that although this third plane displays no obvious weapons, its gunports are open. Doubtless, a full complement of combat-ready SDF aircrew man the firing stations.