[ WP ] Recently a new tribe was discovered in a rainforest that has never been seen before . Rather than being behind the rest of the world technologically , they are far more advanced .

I board the chopper and we take off from the improvised heli pad. This place used to be a mining town during the Brazilian gold rush, but its been abandoned for decades now after the last descendants of the miners were pushed out by the strip foresters. 
 
 There's an uncomfortable silence aboard. Shifting eyes keep jumping from person to person, as all of us try to evaluate each other. No one wants to go into the citadel alongside some trigger happy jar head or a big mouthed scientist. Actually, no one wants to go into the citadel at all. Maybe the young sociologist in front of me has convinced himself she does because it's a great study opportunity. Maybe that soldier over there thinks she can find some escape from the boredom of regular service. Maybe I've talked myself into this too. Yes, it's a great career opportunity, and I'll get to chose any posting after this. And I'll have first-hand contact with them, which should teach me a lot. And it's safe, absolutely safe. There's soldiers with guns around us, after all. 
 
 As we roll in, the shimmering barrier becomes obvious in the distance, then slowly the dome-like shape is larger and larger, until it is all we can see. It's a strange feeling, looking into something that looks transparent and yet reveals nothing of what is beyond it. Oh how the military is desperate to land their hands on this. And yet, they're missing the point - they were here before we could see the dome. This is not them hiding, this is them showing themselves. 
 
 The pilot warns us to hold our static discharge rods, and we cross the thresholds. By the time we land on the illuminated platform, my goose bumps have subsided, but the young scientist seems to still be struggling to even breath calmly. I hop off first, then help him down. The soldier too comes out and then the chopper lifts off again. We are truly and well stranded, and we did on purpose. Protocol dictates that my advisor should be waiting for us, but we can see nothing beyond the platform. There is an enveloping blackness that I could swear was n't here before. 
 
 `` Hello? Mr. Franco are you here?'' - I yell 
 
 `` Yes. Please step out of the platform.'' 
 
 `` How? We see nothing. There appears to be nothing here'' 
 
 `` It's a safety measure, just walk in whatever direction'' 
 
 I take a few steps forward and indeed after a bit, suddenly, I can see Mr. Franco in front of me. Behind my shoulder, I can see my companions walking towards me, apparently oblivious as to where I am. 
 
 `` Step out of the way, please. Or they will crash into you.'' - my advisor proves loyal to his title already 
 
 I do, and then take in the sights around me. Outside of the slight shimmer of the dome, there is nothing out of the ordinary. Just jungle with its trees and birds and sound of running water. I can even tell apart some clouds up there and the sun shine coming trough and lighting up the clearing which was opened for our chopper. The advisor looks exactly like they have been described to me. Slightly darkened skin, blue eyes, no hair, and an hardness to him that seems a little upsetting. 
 
 `` Excuse me, but are you actually speaking English or using a translator?'' 
 
 `` I'm speaking your language. We've been instructed to learn it. However, there will be those of us who speak to you only trough science.'' 
 
 `` Very well. If it's ok with you, I'd like to start right away. There is a lot we need to learn about each other, and clearly a lot to discuss regarding peace.'' 
 
 `` I have been instructed to lead you to our diplomats. The order of business is not my responsibility. If you would be so kind as to follow me, we shall meet them now.'' 
 
 `` Please lead the way. But what about my companions?'' 
 
 `` They shall be escorted by different personal.'' - and he points to two others who have appeared silently and are walking towards my fellow travellers. 
 
 `` I was under the impression we would all remain together.'' 
 
 `` You will not. Please follow me.'' 
 
 `` This should have been discussed beforehand. I would really like to at least be told where you are taking them.'' 
 
 `` I was not informed of that. Now please follow me. We are attempting to be civil with you, and would appreciate the same courtesy.'' 
 
 `` Of civility and courtesy I seem to know more than you, but so be it'' 
 
 He starts walking towards the trees, but stops just as he is about to cross the tree line. I look at his feet and see they are standing on some sort of platform. He points me to one right next to it, and I stand on it. 
 
 We're now in a white room. There is an oval table and some floating chairs supporting what I assume to be the negotiating panel. Some of the members almost overflow the chairs with their bellies. So it seems even this civilization is not above becoming fat, after all. The thought amuses me, but I stop myself from smiling. 
 
 The one at the head of the table points me to a chair and speaks in a markedly electronic voice. 
 
 `` Please sit. We must talk compensation.'' 
 
 I sit as I reply - `` Absolutely. Countless lives have been lost. What are you wiling to offer?'' 
 
 `` You misunderstand. You are the ones owing us compensation for the damage done to this forest. How many lives you are willing to forfeit?''
