I know that Warsaw will sometime reawake.
I know that Warsaw, so completely destroyed
That birds no longer wheel above the ruins,
Has not perished. She is just cruelly wounded,
Lost in thought, in a terrible, deathless stubborness.

-Anonymous, 1944
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:39, Thu 11 Mar 2010.

Saturday, October 21st, 2000
0800hrs.
37F
Thick overcast
Strong breeze from the N
Approximately 20km SE of Warsaw, Poland



You climb into the high cargo bed of the Stalwart, dragging your considerable stock of weaponry and supplies with you. By the time all of you and your assorted gear are aboard the Stalwart, the sun, soon to be swallowed by the low band of dark grey clouds, is starting to creep above the eastern horizon. A chill breeze blows, bringing with it the scent of rain.

Once everyone and everything is aboard, the Stalwart's engine rumbles to life and it starts crawling down to the draw in the west bank of the Vistula. You are jostled about somewhat as the amphibious cargo carrier travels the relatively short distance off road and the acrid smell of its engine exhaust is sharp in your nostrils.

The Stalwart eases into the frigid brown water of the Vistula river and paddles sluggishly across like some olive green hippopotomous. It comes as some relief as it begins hauling itself out on the east bank. You hold on for dear life as it slowly lurches its way up the steep riverbank. Once it makes it on to more level ground, it starts picking up speed. After a few kilometers, you hardly notice the constant vibration.

You pass through miles of deserted countryside. Empty villages line the way, looking like neglected Hollywood sets. The bordering fields are thick with long, wild grasses and weeds. Reminders of war are everywhere. Burned and rusted out AFVs and trucks litter the landscape like the long discarded toys of some child giant.

100 meters off in a field on the right side of the Stalwart, several wolves burry their muzzles in the innards of what is either a large deer or a small horse. They barely pause to notice your passing.

Your driver keeps to the roads, weary of long forgotten but no less deadly mines. The vibration in the floor of the cargo bed grows steadily more intense as each kilometer passes beneath it. After traversing about 10km, a high-pitched whine starts coming from deep inside the vehicle. The driver pulls to a halt. After a minute or two, he emerges from the cab's top hatch and addresses the recon team (in Polish).

"The transmission's winding up. We've got to take her off road for a while so hold on. I don't know how much farther this thing can carry you."

During the time it takes to traverse the next few kilometers, each of you is hyper-aware of the danger posed my mines. In the thick grass and snow-flecked mud that borders the roads, it will be nearly impossible to spot one until it is right beneath the Stalwart's wheels.

As it emerges from a small wood approaching a run-down satellite town a couple of kilometers to the northeast, the Stalwart literally grinds to a halt. The smell of superheated metal and singed oil surrounds you. After another two or three minutes of uncertain silence, the driver emerges again.

"Sorry guys. She's just about done in. If there's any chance of getting her back to Gora-Kalwaria, I'm going to have to drop you off here. It may even be too late. I hope you brought food for three more*."

You look around. Drab fields, dead wood, gray sky- It's all very grim and oppressive. Somewhere to the northwest lie the ruins of Warsaw. And you know that the Black Baron is waiting...

Next Moves?

*NPC list to come shortly.

Please do me a favor and post a combat tag with your PC's carried weapons and electronics in this first turn so that I have an easy-to-find record of what you've brought.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:39, Sat 13 Mar 2010.

Jan hefted his pack onto his shoulders and moved forward to talk to the driver.  Even though the pack looked to be quite full and had an SMG strapped to the side Jan seemed to move easily under the weight.  Even allowing for webbing, grenade vest, assault rifle, grenade launcher and other gear he was carrying.

"Someone get the gear unloaded and someone else keep a watch out," he commented to everyone, more making suggestions than issuing orders.

Reaching the driver he switched to Polish.  "Any idea where we are now?" he asked while waiting for Konrad to arrive with his map.  He looked around him, trying to spot any landmarks that would identify their current location.



Jan
F88 Steyr AUG with underslung M203 (carried)
 - 7x30rnd (5.56mmN) mag (1 in rifle, 6 in webbing)
 - 4x30rnd (5.56mmN) STANAG mag (in backpack)
 - 10x 40mm HE, 4x 40mm HEDP & 2x 40mm ILLUM (in grenade vest)
Sig Sauer P226 (in drop leg holster)
 - 4x15rnd (9mmP) mag (1 in pistol, 1 in holster pocket, 2 in thigh pocket)
PM-84 submachine gun w/suppressor (strapped to side of backpack - suppressor in backpack pocket)
 - 4x25rnd (9mmM) mag (1 in SMG, 3 in backpack pocket)
 - 2x15rnd (9mmM) mag (in backpack pocket)
Bayonet with Sheath (on webbing)
IR Goggles (in backpack)
SEM 52-SL Hand Radio (on webbing)
Geiger Counter (0.5kg) (in backpack)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:00, Thu 11 Mar 2010.

Dieter didn't feel good. He didn't like travelling by truck, and often got motion sickness. Throwing up on his new colleagues would be a bad start to this mission, so he occasionally sipped at his water bottle and tried to focus on the horizon.

But that wasn't the only thing making him queasy. He thought back to his last mission. He unit had met with a large Soviet force and they had been hit hard. He had managed to get away, but had left friends either dead or dying. Those who had survived were either scattered like himself, or captured by the Russians. And he knew capture nowadays probably meant death - the Geneva Protocol was something for the history books.

As the Stalwart finally whined it's last breath and ground to a halt, Dieter actually felt relieved; at last he could get out and stretch his legs. As the more mechanically minded of the team fussed over the dead vehicle, he took the opportunity to scan the local area, looking for obvious landmarks, suitable cover, items of interest, and of course, danger. He had been pleased to see the wolves - that meant there was game about, and that meant hunting! His hands itched at the thought of tracking game again - he hadn't had the opportunity for a while. He also looked at the skies, keeping an eye on the weather. If it turned they would need to act fast to get out of heavy snow or rain.

Dieter waited for further instructions from Konrad or one of the NCOs.

Dieter Brandt
Scanning the horizon for anything interesting
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Thu 11 Mar 2010.

In reply to Jan Cerny (msg #3):

Dawid sighed as he climbed down from the MG mount. He thought that they should have been going off-road more anyways, as anti-personnel mines off the road were much less of a threat than anti-tank mines on, but that was neither here nor there.

Jan asked if "someone" would get things organised. May as well be him, he reckoned.

"Dieter, Thor, Drew, Sutherland, you're on watch."

"Everyone but Konrad and Avel, please help me unload."

"Avel, contact Dreamer and advise them of our position."

"Jan, let me have a look around myself. I may be familiar with the area, Mariusz too."

Making sure his own gear and weapon was offloaded, he began helping the others.

As the fantail of the Stalwart drops Craig is one of the first off, he moves to the side and takes a knee scanning for immediate threats while covering the others as they disembark. He directs anyone standing around to do the same while the truck is dealt with or they move off.

“Keep your eyes open ladies where in bandit country”

Craig keeps the AKS-74U at his shoulder as he scans the farmland in front. He tries to identify any features he remembers from their flight from the city or the patrols with the Barons army.


AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
RPG-7D Grenade Launcher, PG-7N HEAT Grenade x 4
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
E-108 Thermite Grenade x 2, RKG-3 AT Grenade x2
No.80 WP grenade, L13A2 CS grenade
UK/PRC-349 VHF/FM transceiver Radio - ear piece
ON1x20/IR "Nighthawk" NVGs
Fire Support Element
Scanning surrounding area

Mariusz grew gradually quieter the closer they got to Warsaw. Memories of a previous life, memories he'd suppressed since the days before the siege of Warsaw. The dreadful look on his father's face as he told them they had to run for their lives, his mother's tears as she looked around the cosy apartment and lives they had to leave behind.

He stared at the icy puddles by the roadside and remembered taht last morning with both his parents. They'd been on a road near here and had spent the night huddled together trying to sleep despite the fury of the Allied guns behind them. They were tired and hungry, the family had always been plump and weren't used to hard exercise.

They'd lost most of their food when a Soviet patrol had shaken them down at the perimeter of the Warsaw defences but Mariusz' mother had managed to hide a few potatoes. Mariusz remembered the pangs of anger he'd felt as she'd shared the morsels of food with the strangers around them. he was hungry and that food should have been for him.

Then some thugs had come along, claiming the food. Mariusz' father had complained to them, appealing to their sense of fairness. Their cruel laughter still echoed in Mariusz' ears as they beat his father to the ground. Mariusz' hands shook as he remembered crouching there, crying and hoping that he wouldn't be next. He hadn't been, his mother, a gentle woman who had caused only happiness wherever she went had launched herself at one of her husbands attackers.

The man had thrown her to the roadside and Mariusz could still see the dark pool of blood gathering under her head and staining her fine blonde hair a dirty black. The men had left his father a broken, shoeless wreck beside the road and Mariusz had waited by his side for two days until his father had finally given up on life.

He'd left them there, by the side of the road, unable to even bury them.

Tears stung his eyes as he was jolted around in the back of the Stalwart.

He hardly noticed tha fact that the vehicle had stopped. He looked around, blinking back the tears and then dropped to the ground and went to stand next to Dawid.

His face was grim as he went to war again, he locked his parents away in the same corner of his mind that held his dreams of marrying Maria and raising fat babies. Life was for others, he was a warrior in the Valley of Death and his only hope was to become the hardest, meanest motherfucker in the whole damn valley.

He chambered a round in his Tantal and prepared to fight the good fight and die with his enemy's heart in his hand.

Mariusz
Tantal 30/30 (6 spare mags)
Bayonet
4x frag
1x smoke

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #7):

Seeing his friend was down in the dumps, Dawid put down his gear and gave him a quick sideways hug around the shoulders. he lit a precious smoke, offered Mariusz a drag. Cancer might kill them both, but odds were neither would die in bed.

"So many bad memories for both of us, my friend. Just get your mind off them, try to focus on what we're doing here. I don't know what you're thinking about, but try to keep focused. If we defeat the Baron, perhaps the rebirth of something good here in Poland is just around the corner? We'll be great heroes, like Joseph Pilsudski and Lech Walesa! Well, maybe you," he added with a grin."

"In the mean time, help me with the bikes. I'm going to see about the engine."

With that, he walked around to the engine compartment, tried to see if there was any help he could lend to the crew, being a fair mechanic in his own right.

Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG + 1 belt, Stechkin + 2 magazines
2 frags, 2 smoke grenades
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Fri 12 Mar 2010.

Thor pointed towards the south.
"Bragi go there."
"Thor go there." He pointed east and lumbered off about fifty metres, disappearing into the surrounding countryside.

Barret M82A1(he calls "Mjollnir")
10x telescopic sight (Járngreipr)
Add-On Starlight Scope (Megingjord)
10 rd .50 BMG mag, full x 6
H & K USP-9SD, 9mm
15 rd mag, 9mmP, full, x4
M-26A1 hand grenade, x6
M-18 Smoke grenade, green, x2
M72A4
Bayonet
Entrenching Tool
"Yowie" suit (furs, skins, etc)
Flashlight, Mini Mag-Light
Overwhites
Watch, Military
Individual Tactical Radio
Compass, Lensatic
25x Spotters scope
Light Intensifier Goggles
Geiger Counter
plus more....

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #5):

Drew replies,

"Right!" as he grabs his light pack over one should and climbs down from the vehicle.  He aproaches Dawid and whispers to him,


"We'd better set up a perimeter while we unload,  and where do we want ta stage and head?"

  Drew stands for a bit turning his back to Dawid, but standing near him, as he scans the area around with his hands on his M240 the weapon at the low ready hanging from the sling.

Sgt Drew
M240
Talking to Dawid
NVGs handy

In reply to Steven Drew (msg #10):

From over at the engine compartment, Dawid replied to Drew, "thanks. Set up your machinegun to cover our rear trail in case we were followed, and the left flank.

He called Dieter and Thor over.

"Dieter, set up with Thor, cover the road ahead of us and the right flank."

"We should have enough people to cover 360 degrees."

He spoke to Pawel, the driver. "Don't worry, we brought extra food, to trade or give us a margin of safety in case we're delayed. You're welcome to share, of course!" He clapped the man on the shoulder.

"Fortunately, we shouldn't need you along. If you can, I suggest you try to make it back to Gora Kalawria safely."

Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG + 1 belt, Stechkin + 2 magazines
2 frags, 2 smoke grenades
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Fri 12 Mar 2010.

Dieter nodded to Dawid, acknowledging the given order. As Thor (who appeared to be a one-man walking arsenal) headed towards the right flank, Dieter followed him. He scanned the area with his rifle scope before finding suitable cover with a good arc of fire and LOS down the road. He settled into good cover, keeping an eye on the road and surrounding countryside.

  Drew nods slightly further aknowledging by a grunt as he walks out a certain distance and then takes a knee.  His eyes scanning his sector, only casting a glance back towards the main body every couple of minutes to make sure he knows what they are doing.

Sgt Drew
M240 and M9
Covering his sector as tail end charlie.

Bayer climbs down from the cab, notices the unloading and security is being handled well, and squats down to view his map again. After placing his compass to orient the map in relation to to the ground, he looks up calls over, "Team leaders in here." He then motions for the driver to come over as well, to confirm Bayer's indication of the patrol on the map.

He'd spent the move into position with the map and compass out, plotting the Stalwart's progress. "Here." he says pointing to spot on the map. "Southeast of the city a little ways. We're a bit short of our intended drop point, but it's not a problem. And here is the farm that Lieutenant Sutherland spoke of. If it turns out not to be suitable lying up point, I can't see finding a hide in all of these ruins being difficult. We'll try there first though."

Looking up he says, "Order of march is main element, the drivers with the bikes, and Dawid you pull up the rear with support... Sutherland has a radio so I suggest you put him on rear security."

"Main element will move in arrowhead ^ formation with Tucker, Jan, and Quyen on front security. I'll be close behind navigating, with Apel as my pacer."

Dieter, you and Thor will screen us on extended flank security."



Bayer
G36 Assault Rifle/HK-69 Grenade Launcher
Binoculars
Image Intensifiers (loaned)
Tactical Radio
Map & Compass
NATO NVGs
Geiger Counter

Jan nodded in response to Konrad's orders.  He had joined Konrad's briefing when the Captain had called for Team leaders even though he wasn't one and had paid close attention to the points Konrad indicated on the map.  It was good to know exactly where they were in case anything problematic occurred.

It was worrying that the Stalwart had broken down severely enough for the three militia men to be forced to join them but that was the way of things these days with much technological equipment and vehicles.  Well that was the case in most of the world - if he returned to France then many of the comforts of life would be available again but he wasn't sure that he wanted to return home.  He felt that the French Government's current approach to the rest of the world was wrong, particularly demonstrated by the mission that had brought him all the way to Poland.

He glanced again at the map.  "We need to set up an initial rally point in case we get split up.  How about somewhere on the fringe of that small town ahead?  Also do we want to make an effort to hide the Stalwart or at least make it look more derelict?"

Once the rally point was agreed Jan then moved off with Tucker and Quyen.  "I'll take the first stint on point," he offered while slinging his rifle over his should and detaching his PM-84 from the side of his ALICE pack.  Attaching the suppressor he chambered a round and prepared to lead them in the direction Konrad had instructed.

OOC - Had I been actively online this would have been in the patrol order.



"This wooded area here." Bayer points first to the map, then towards where it stood. "I'll designate rally points on the march. Make sure you look back at them from the opposite side to be familiar with their appearance to how you'll be approaching them on the return. Failing any linkup, everyone is to make for the river, in any westerly direction and follow it upstream until you see G.K. again."

Looking at the huge vehicle, Bayer asks, "Can it move it all anymore?"

Quyen nods and throws her pack over her shoulders. The RPG-18 she'd been detailed with was looped underneath the straps lengthwise. "I'll take the left side of the arrowhead." she suggests to Tucker.

While she waited for the order to move out, she leaned up against the Stalwart. He legs were still sore... no painful. Beneath her pants the gunshot and burn wounds were freshly cleaned and bandaged prior to leaving. Figuring there wasn't enough time for a smoke, she placed one of her last ones beneath her nose, and savored the tobacco scent.

Quyen
AK-74 / M9 / RPG-18 / Couple of mines

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #14):

Leaving the GPMG with Mariusz, Dawid hustled over when the team leaders were called together. He didn't really have much to add.

"We don't know if the truck is moveable, Kapitan. We will know shortly. If it isn't, then the MG3 will be added in, probably with the bikes."

"Understood about the rally point. I'll bring up the rear. Also, Jan and Drew had some ideas about a reorganisation of the patrol which we didn't have time to bring up before we left. We may be able to incorporate some ideas on the fly, with your permission."


Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG + 1 belt, Stechkin + 2 magazines
2 frags, 2 smoke grenades
Receiving orders
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Sat 13 Mar 2010.

Tucker gets down and starts help with the unloading of the supplies from teh Stalwart and then reports over with his element over to Konrad.  "I guess the right side is mine then!  Not a problem.  Whenever you want to switch off jan just let me know and I'll rotate up to point."

Tucker
M-16A2 [30/30] / M-203 [HE]
IR goggles
2 KM hand radio
R/H side of lead element

Saturday, October 21st, 2000
0845 hrs.
37F
Thick overcast
Strong breeze from the N
Approximately 2km SW of Minsk Mazowiekie, Poland


While the team leaders confer, the Stalwart's driver and his assistant can be heard clanging around inside the big amphibious vehicle. A string of Polish curses emerges from the engine compartment. They emerge from the belly of the beast as the conference starts to break up and, covered in grease, return to the Stalwart's cab.

The Stalwart's engine grumbles to life. The driver's asssistant shouts down from the top hatch of the cab.

"I think we can make it back- at least, most of the way. Good luck all of you!"

With a friendly wave, the Stalwart's crew climbs back inside and the six-wheeled truck turns around and starts trundling back the way it came, keeping just off the side of the road.

You watch it disappear into a small patch of woods. The sound of its engine is first muffled by the trees before fading slowly into the distance.

You're on your own now.

The party splits into its various elements and the point team sets off north up the 50. The heavily laden bikes are fairly easy to manouver on the hard-topped road but the "drivers" can tell that off-road movement will be difficult, if not impossible.

The group is dangerously exposed on the road. Aside from the curve of the road and the shallow depressions lining either side, there is very little cover in this area. Fields of long, yellowing grass flank the road on either side. To the northeast lie the outskirts of a large town- Minsk Mazowiekie, according to your maps. There are no signs of life there as of yet, at least, nothing that can be noticed from this distance- no smoke, no noise, no movement of any kind.

As you walk along the 50, which appears to skirt the main part of the town to the west, one of the bike drivers feels a slight tug from his charge. A second later a single rifle shot splits the stillness of the morning.

Next Moves?

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms...7212,0.2635&z=13
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Sat 13 Mar 2010.

At the sound of the rifleshot Drew shouts,

"CONTACT! TAKE COVER!!"

Drew goes to ground, seeking out the nearest cover, be it a bush, a clump of grass or a rise in the land.

  "ANYONE HAVE A LOCATION OF THE SHOOTER!" Drew shouts.

  Drew scans the woods and the buildings looking for movement, smoke or anything else out of the ordinary.


Sgt Drew
M240 and M9
NVGs
Scanning the area for contacts

With Tuck on his right side and Minh on his left Jan led the patrol off North up the 50.  It seemed like they’d hardly gone any distance at all when Jan heard the crack of a rifle and Drew’s instinctive warning.

Jan reacted quickly as well.  He shouted, “Cover!” before diving off the left hand side of the raised road, looking for the closest piece of cover he could find for himself.  He kept looking along the road towards the North, scanning for possible threats in front of them as he was best placed to observe in that direction.

They must have heard or seen the Stalwart, he thought to himself.  He was also conscious that he now had the wrong weapon ready but ascertaining the current threat was more important at present than swapping firearms.


Jan
Diving for cover on the left hand side of the road and then observing along the road in a roughly North direction.
PM-84 submachine gun w/suppressor (25/25)
F88 Steyr AUG with underslung M203 (slung on shoulder)

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #20):

Dawid organised the element with Drew and Coulter first, closest to Konrad so he could grab them and employ them efficiently if needed. Then Mariusz (with a bike) and himself. Sutherland was last, taking "drag" and providing rear security.

Apel was pushing a bike for now, but if it proved problematical Coulter would have to take it from him, and that was just the way it would have to be.

When the shot rang out, Dawid dropped hid pack and dove for cover in the slight ditch on the western side of the road. He then checked his men. Drew and Coulter were oriented roughly Eastwards towards the town, no need to say anything there.

He oriented the GPMG West on its bipod and grabbed Mariusz, handing him his binoculars. "look this way with me, away from the town. Keep your eyes open, in case we are flanked. Sutherland, secure our back trail South."

"Everyone, hold your fire unless you see a target." Americans had a reputation for blazing away at the slightest provocation. In his experience that wasn't always the case, especially for non-conscripted US troops, but he hadn't personally seen either Sutherland (who wasn't actually a yank, he realised), Coulter or Drew in combat and didn't want to take any chances.

This didn't seem like a "real" ambush to him. Usually, they would all be dead or pinned down within seconds if that were the case in a hail of explosions and automatic weapons fire. Still, that shot had come close and a bullet fired to harass them could kill just as easily.

He gripped the plastic grip of the PKM, snugging the skeletal wooden stock into his shoulder with his free hand.


Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG + 1 belt, Stechkin + 2 magazines
2 frags, 2 smoke grenades
Taking cover, dropping pack, giving orders.
Left (West) side of the road, in the ditch
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

Sweeping from left to right as he brought up the rear of the patrol, Craig was in his element. He would stop every five minutes or so to take a knee while scanning the rear sector slightly longer.

It was during one of these short stops that the shot rang out. Craig drops to his chest instantly, he quickly scans ahead to make sure everyone else was down and then rolls into the left side dip of the road. As the American screams his head off Craig watches for any movement to his left and right.

He suspected that the sniper was not a professional, if he was he would be moving. He tries to get a bearing from the sound of the shot in relation to his last position on the road.

With the AKU at his shoulder Craig waits for any sign of the sniper, moving brush, dust etc... He tries to conceal himself in the under brush on the side of the road without making any noise.


AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
RPG-7D Grenade Launcher, PG-7N HEAT Grenade x 4
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
E-108 Thermite Grenade x 2, RKG-3 AT Grenade x2
No.80 WP grenade, L13A2 CS grenade
Fire Support Element
In the ditch looking for shooter

As the shot rang out Dieter automatically sprinted a few metres looking for cover, hopefully finding a low wall or ditch to provide some solid protection. Once in cover he positioned his rifle, scanning the area where he perceived the shot had come from. Looking through the scope he hoped he would spot movement or something unusual, or even the shooter himself.

If he spotted the shooter he would call to his colleagues, identifying direction, location and approximate distance. If he had a clear shot he would probably take it, unless told not to.

-----------------------------------------------------
Dieter Brandt
In cover looking for the shooter with his scoped rifle
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack
This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

Mariusz dropped next to Dawid and took the field glasses. He scanned the area intently trying to find potential targets for Dawid's machinegun.

Mariusz
Tantal 30/30 (6 spare mags)
Bayonet
4x frag
1x smoke
Observing through binoculars

Once the patrol began moving on the road, Bayer ordered the change of formation, "Loose file." he calls up and down the line. "Staggered in pairs... left side and right side." He didn't like the idea of moving on the road, but made the best of it. At least they'd cover more ground quickly.

When the shot rings out, Bayer drops to the ground and unsnaps the quick release straps of his rucksack, freeing himself from the burden. He then lies behind it, using it for whatever cover it could provide.

After digging into his tac vest, Bayer then holds up the image intensifiers and scans towards the source of the crack. "Nobody fire. No shooting." he calls out while looking amongst the possible hiding locations. "Identify the position only."

Bayer
Dropping cover / searching for shooter

When the shot rings out, Tucker immediately begins to look around as he moves to find cover.  He watches as Jan and Minh (figures she's doing the same in her post) get off the road their following and hear the other team members behind them start to yell and scream if they see where the shot came from.  Robert finds the best available cover and tries to make himself real small, also checking the ground to make sure there's no 'surprises' left where cover maybe.

Tucker
M-16A2 [28/28] / M-203 [HE]
Going for cover and looking for the shot and checking for booby traps on the ground near him

Thor's heavy pack hit the snow with a dull thud, the fur clad warrior already seeking cover and searching for a target to send a half inch wide lump of metal into...

Thor
Dropping pack, seeking cover/concealment
Observing for target and aiming
Barret M82A1(he calls "Mjollnir") (10/10) + 6x10
H & K USP-9SD, 9mm (15/15) + 4x15
M-26A1 hand grenade, x6
M-18 Smoke grenade, green, x2
M72A4
Bayonet/knife
Entrenching Tool
Individual Tactical Radio

The ground is cold and damp. Your only cover is the road itself and it's hard to see very far from the prone position due to the tall grass that surrounds you. You are silently still as you attempt to pick out the location of the shooter. After a minute or so- it seems like much longer- you hear a faint but persistent shouting. After a few repetitions, you can make out the words (in Polish),

"Hold your fire!"

It's not immediately clear whether he's addressing you, some hidden companions, or both.

"Don't shoot! I'm coming out to talk."

A man emerges from a stand of trees to the northeast, about 400m distant, and begins walking towards the recon party. A white hankerchief dangles from his upraised right hand. He's dressed in civilian garb but you can see an automatic pistol tucked into his belt. At about 300m, he calls,

"You are surrounded! Don't do anything stupid! You harm me and you will all die!"

At 200m he stops and shouts,

"You people know not to come around here! We told you before, we're not afraid to fight you! What are you doing here?"


Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:09, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

Hearing the shouts from the newcomer, Dieter observes him breaking cover, white flag waving. Judging the distance, he is certain that he can aim and fire quickly and the man will be dead before he takes another pace. He holds fire. As the man approaches, Dieter scans the surrounding ground, looking for evidence of other people who may be a potential threat. If he spots any he will call to his colleagues, identifying their locations. This call will be loud enough for those near to him to hear, but not loud enough for the approaching man to hear.

Once threats have been identified Dieter will keep scanning, then zero in on any personnel who appear to be leaders or armed with RPGs, mortars etc.

Dieter Brandt
In cover looking for other threats
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

Mariusz looked over at Dawid and asked, "Should we ask the Captain if he wants us to deal? We might handle the language best."

Jan had luckily picked the correct side of the road when he'd dived for cover on the left but that meant that the first he knew of the man was as a result of his yelling.  During the minute or so that it had taken for the man to make himself known however Jan had slung his PM-84 and switched to his Steyr.

"Hold your fire but keep scanning around for other targets," he said to Minh loud enough, he hoped, for Tuck to also hear.  Jan then crawled a little further north alongside the road before turning and crawling up to the edge of the raised tarmac.  Using a combination of the long grass and the road's slight embankment as cover Jan firstly glanced towards Tuck to check that he was ok and then pulled out his binoculars to start scanning the woods behind the spokesman, trying to spot his claimed allies.

As he listed to what the man said Jan thought to himself that their little patrol might well have just gotten lucky and found someone else who was standing up to the Baron.  Or the Baron's forces themselves and they were standing up to the Polish Army which meant that they were in trouble.

Lowering his binoculars Jan then keyed the send button on his radio.  "Hailstorm one this is Hailstorm five.  I think that I'm closest to the man.  Do you want me to talk to him or do you want one of the Poles to explain who we are?  National compatriots might be best.  He looks civilian not military."

Thor stood up, threw Mjollnir over his shoulder in a decidedly unmilitary manner, and began to jog forward. He totally ignored any cries to take cover or queries as to what he was doing.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:17, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #32):

Dawid replied, "don't worry, if the Kapitan thinks we're the best to negotiate, he'll let us know."

He rolled his eyes when Thor jumped up and started walking over.

"That guy's a terrible sniper. Dieter's going to have to sit on him in the future to make sure he doesn't kill us all. What a complete idiot, we may have been better off with him going back with the Stolly. Oh well. Mariusz, keep watching the left flank."

He raised his voice. "Sutherland, keep an eye on our back trail. Kapitan, want me to go out as well and see what he wants? Probably thinks we're either government or Baron's troops."

Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG + 1 belt, Stechkin + 2 magazines
2 frags, 2 smoke grenades
Waiting

AS long as Tucker was able to hear Jan, he will do as he was told and begin to scan for any other targets than the single figure that just popped out.  He gives Jan a thumbs up that he's OK and goes back to scanning.  He call out anything that he may see as a threat.

As the giant approaches, the man in the field is instantly on his guard. He lowers one hand towards Thor in a gesture clearly meaning "halt" while the other stretches out behind him in a similar gesture aimed at his hidden comrades.

"Hold it right there! Don't move another centimeter! This is your last warning!"

As the Norwegian sniper entered his sight line Craig utters;

 “Ah for fuck sake, comedic relief is going to die.”

Craig wasn't close enough to make a dash to the snipers position even if he had wanted to. He knew very well that actions of those sort  would get you killed out here in very short order.

He shakes his head in frustration, they should of come in with just what they could carry on their backs. Within minutes they had been spotted by a potential foe and while they are not operating like the barons men, it doesn't make them any less of a threat.

He grips the AKU a little harder and goes back to scanning the far side of the field and down the road for additional targets making as little movement as possible.

Jan hadn't really spoken to the big Norwegian and he suspected that he might never get the chance to.

When Jan had first spotted Thor jogging forward his instant thought had been that Thor knew the man ahead.  But the spokesman's reaction indicated that he didn't know Thor and that meant that Thor was in danger of turning this encounter hostile.  At best Thor's actions were impetuous, at worst they were designed to instigate a firefight.

Jan wasn't even sure whether Thor could understand the spokesman as the spokesman was yelling to them in Polish.  From what he had been told Jan had thought that Thor was a professional, a Norwegian Marine Commando, and someone to be respected.  He was demonstrating though that he was an amateur and couldn't be trusted or relied on.

Unsure what to do Jan dropped his binoculars back on their strap and aimed his rifle at the woods behind the Polish spokesman, using the 1.5x sight to scan for potential threats.

If they shot Thor though he wasn't completely sure that he would fire back.  At the present moment he was wondering if they would be better off without Thor accompanying them.

Mariusz spoke softly to Dawid, "If they shoot him, I get first go with his gun."

Dieter catched Thor's movement in the corner of his eye. He cannot believe the idiocy of the man. He is clearly deranged. Looking back to the approaching newcomer who is clearly surprised by this move, Dieter readies his aim. This could turn nasty very quickly, and he didn't want to be caught out. Seeing the man's gesture to hidden comrades, he continues to scan the surrounding area looking for possible targets, as well as good hiding places.

OOC - I will hold fire if Thor is fired upon, but will retaliate if they attack us in force.

Dieter Brandt
In cover looking for other threats
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack

Thor halted as instructed, Mjollnir's barrel held firmly in one hand with the rest of the weapon balanced over his shoulder.

"Loki," he said, disappointment and hurt clearly in his voice.
"Ty widzieć mi?"
His free hand tapped upon his chest.
"Tylny wszystko mamy poszedł zrobiony?"

Still lying behind his rucksack, Bayer nods over his shoulder and replies back down the line, "Ja. Dawid talk to him. I think we are misidentified, but don't tell him much. Leave the GPMG with someone."

As Dawid gets up, Bayer turns his head over to the flank and gives Dieter a stern look. He the points at him with an extended finger before jabbing in the air towards the Norwegian. "Erhalten Sie Steuerung von ihm. Oder ich erhalte jemand anderes, das kann. Verstehen Sie?" Bayer then resumes observing to the front, while thinking he was a little hard on Dieter, but hope he understood his reasoning behind it.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #43):

Hearing Bayer's command, Dieter turns to look at him, a slight look of panic breaking through the normal teutonic stoicism. What should he do? The sane person in him said leave the crazy Norwegian to his own fate, but the German in him said he should follow Hauptmann Bayer's command.

He had never wanted to be a soldier, he was only here because he was conscripted when the war started. He didn't want to have other men's fates in his hands, which is why he had refused that commission into the military engineers.

He turned back to where Thor was walking, and did all he could think of. He shouted in English, "Thor, get back!"

Then in broken Polish, he shouted to the other man, "Don't shoot, don't shoot!"

He hoped these commands would work, but wasn't going to break cover and risk getting himself shot, no matter what Bayer might say. Hopefully he would act on his threat and get someone else to take charge of the situation.

Dieter Brandt
In cover, shouting at Thor and the newcomer
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #43):

Dawid grunted out a short chuckle in reply, not wanting to interrupt Konrad. After listening to his instructions he got up. "Mariusz, you're gunner now. Sutherland, you have command of the MG team." He left the PKM there for Mariusz, but didn't draw his sidearm.

Jogging over to where Thor waited by the man, Dawid was relieved that somehow the man hadn't taken offense enough to shoot him. He was sure this wasn't a real ambush, although if the town wanted to keep someone away like bandits or the Baron's men then a random shot wasn't going to do much more than piss someone off.

He said in Polish, "Please, for the love of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, don't shoot, my friend. We're just passing through, and we're not with the Baron or anyone else."

Dawid kept his hands on his head, fingers interlaced. "Please, there is no need for violence."

Mariusz slid in behind the machinegun and covered his comrade as he followed the shamboling bear creature that had joined them.

With the appearance of a well spoken and seemingly rational countryman, the spokesman seems to relax just a little but he is still clearly on guard. His tone remains rather unfriendly.

"Then pass on through- but stay away from Minsk Mozowiekie. We don't want any trouble but if you don't go on your way right now, you won't live to regret it, understand? We'll be watching. Now fuck off!"

With that, he starts backing away. After several meters, he turns around but frequently looks back over his shoulder as he continues to vacate the field.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:01, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #47):

Dawid didn't know if mentioning they were looking for friends who were against the Black Baron was a good idea or not. If they were neutral, giving away that information may not do them any good and it might get back to the Baron.

Still, it looked like he would have to throw the dice if this opportunity were not to be lost.

"Please excuse me, sir, I am Dawid. We have been fighting the Black Baron's troops, and wish to know if you are having troubles as well. I am with the Home Army and Free Polish government, we're not with the communists in Lublin or some warlord's bullies. Perhaps we can help?"

It was a long shot, but he wanted to keep the dialogue going for as long as he could, get at least a little more information. Even if the man was just worried about bandits and not the Baron's troops, that was something good to know.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

Thor looked on, puzzled by the rapid exchange of words he barely understood at the best of times, struggling to make sense of the quickly changing situation.

Craig continued to switch his view from down the road and back towards the edge of the field. If anyone got killed because of the fool in front Craig would take out that guy first.

Craig acknowledge the order from Dawid with a nod and covered him as he moved forward.


AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
RPG-7D Grenade Launcher, PG-7N HEAT Grenade x 4
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
E-108 Thermite Grenade x 2, RKG-3 AT Grenade x2
No.80 WP grenade, L13A2 CS grenade
Fire Support Element
Scanning surrounding area
This message was last edited by the player at 07:19, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

Jan smiled to himself as Dawid turned on the charm, talking like some kind of relationship councillor and not like a Sergeant!

Jan continued to listen and to scan the trees the spokesman was heading back towards.  Maybe this was just a big bluff and they didn't have much of a militia but it seemed like they were able to stay outside of the control of the Baron.

Still lying, Bayer looks back at Dieter. He was glad he didn't get up and run after him. "Brandt." he calls quietly, "Good for now. I meant in the future... like next time. Let him go now."

He then looks back at the envoy walking away from Dawid. He was releived that the situation seemed resolved (the most part). Not only that, but he'd hadn't put all of his hopes on the first inhabitants they'd come across as suddenly becomming loyal allies either. Even if they weren't friends of the Baron didn't mean they we're all going to fall in line with us, he thought.

Bayer then rises up on one knee and watches to see if the Dawid's last efforts would yield anything helpful. Failing that, he'd put his ruck back on and ready the patrol to head out.

"Our troubles are our own business. I doubt the likes of him..." he points at the burly and socially awkward Norwegian "can help us. Just leave us alone and we'll do the same. This is the last time I'm going to tell you- fuck off!"

With that, the man jogs off towards the trees. Straining his neck to see above the tall grass, Dieter spots another armed man (or woman) in a clump of bushes a couple of dozen meters from the trees towards which the spokesman is returning. The figure is looking over the sights of a rifle with a wooden foregrip at Thor and Dawid.

The spokesman enters the stand of trees. A few tense seconds pass during which you wonder if the uneasy truce will hold. When there are no more shots, Konrad orders the column to stand and move out, following the 50 north towards the farm Craig where had found shelter and succor earlier in the summer. With each step, you can't help but anticipate the impact of a bullet in the back but no bullets come and you are soon several hundred meters from the outpost. The low outline of Mink  Mazowieki passes on your right. The townspeople appear not yet to have fallen under the Baron's sway, but they aren't exactly very welcoming to newcomers either.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:18, Thu 18 Mar 2010.

Jan shook his head slightly to himself as the Polish spokesman from the nearby town withdrew into the woods with his final words of warning.  The big Norwegian had certainly made a bad first impression and Jan couldn’t help wondering whether the reaction would have been better if Thor hadn’t startled the spokesman by jogging towards him.

On reflection though Thor’s actions had probably made no difference to the reception they had received as Jan assumed that the inhabitants of Minsk Mozowiekie were isolationist in their outlook.  That put them in the useful intelligence category and labelled them as a possible community for the Bishop to try to contact in the future.

It also told them that the Baron’s forces hadn’t been able to force Minsk Mozowiekie to accept the rule of the Black Baron and that was also interesting.  It suggested that the Minsk Mozowiekie community were strong enough and large enough to resist him.

The more immediate problem for their little unit however was that Thor had certainly labelled himself as a potential problem for the future.  Even if he had been acting with the best of intentions his impetuousness could well get them all into trouble in the future.  Maybe Konrad needed to have a chat to the Norwegian to set out his expectations of the sniper and the role he should try to fulfil.  That was a problem for when they camped though.

Before moving off again Jan quickly removed the suppressor from the PM-84, stowed the SMG on the side of his pack and hefted his Steyr in preparation to continue leading the patrol Northwards along the 50.  The bikes were going to be problematic off the road but cross country was certainly Jan’s preferred option so he kept looking for a passable route away from the road that led them in the right direction.

He also kept a look out for a good spot to lay up for the rest of the day.  They needed to get past Minsk Mozowiekie now but their original plan had been to travel at night in order to avoid contact as much as possible.

Once they were starting to put Minsk Mozowiekie behind them Jan pressed the send button on his radio to transmit a message.  “Are we still looking to find somewhere to lay up for the rest of the day before continuing tonight?” he asked in English.


Jan
F88 Steyr AUG with underslung M203
Leading the patrol northwards along the 50.
- If we can travel away from the road then Jan will lead everyone that way as long as it's in the right direction and away from Minsk Mozowiekie.
- If we decide to lay up for the day then Jan will look for a suitable spot to do so.
- If we continue travelling for a while then Jan will swap point with Tuck and Minh (if she’s happy going on point) after a couple of hours.

"What the fuck was that about?" ask Apel.

Thor stood in stunned silence as the man once again issued his foul mouthed instruction to leave.
Finally he shrugged and turned to retrieve his pack.
"He come round. Loki not always like that."
"He good man. He not like others know."

Back on the march, he lumbered along from cover to cover, watching his assigned area with hawklike intensity, often spotting potential hazards long before anyone else and covering them with his rifle as everyone passed by.

Dieter smiles gently at spotting the armed man in the bushes. 'Our sniper spotted their sniper,' he thought to himself. He kept this man in is sights until the Polish man rejoined him, and they had moved away. He kept scanning the area for a while, until Bayer ordered them to move out. With that he stood up and gathered up his kit, preparing to move.

As Thor casually picked up his kit and lumbered off, Dieter stared coldly into the back of his head. He could not believe the stupidity of the man. How this man ever made it as a sniper is a mystery. The fact that he is still alive is a miracle.

Dieter resolved to speak to Konrad when they broke for camp. Dieter didn't want to be responsible for this man, especially now he had proved to be a dangerous loose cannon. Thor was likely to do something stupid again, and Dieter didn't want to be near him when it happened.

Craig watched the exchange between Dawid and the representative, these towns would not be easy to win over. Once the order to move was given Craig concentrated on discouraging any followers and watching their backs.

At one of the longer stops Craig moves forwards to look at the maps the German Captain was consulting. He tries to give a direct route to the farm he has spent several months in, hopefully the family would still be there if they make it.

In reply to Thor Halgeirsen (msg #56):

Dawid's only parting words were, "go with God, my friend!" He didn't think it would be prudent to mention that their half-assed harassment had been totally useless. After all, if they had been spoiling for a fight then they carried enough firepower to level the town of Minsk Mozowiekie, or close enough.

"Don't worry, Thor, I think they don't like anyone! Just don't do that again, you are too valuable to risk. Besides, I thought a sniper shouldn't be seen?" he asked, rhetorically.

He turned around and followed Thor, wishing he could have a smoke. While there might be a time and place for that, he couldn't have one of his preciously hoarded cigarettes while in the field or on the march.

After re-joining the column, he picked up the GPMG from Mariusz and got the support team organised to move.

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #59):

Thor looked at Dawid with confusion ib his eyes before pointong towards where the man had disappeared.
"He Loki, no danger. He friend just scared. Many giganten here. Many trolls. Must fight, keep safe."

After setting off again following their little delay, Quyen waves over at Jan until he notices, "Point?" she volunteers. Then nodding over towards Tucker, she says, "Sergeant can take it last when we get closer to the farm."

Whether she takes the lead position or not, Quyen will advance placing as much effort as possible into detecting both possible "enemy" positions and other danger areas (such as any sign of a minefield).

Jan nodded in response to Minh when she offered to take a stint on point and he moved to take over her original position, backing her up in their triangular formation the same way she had backed him up.

He kept his eyes and ears open, scanning his arc on their line of march.

Mariusz returned the GPMG to Dawid and got ready to head out again. He looked at the hairy horny one once more and said quietly, "Just because he survived this time doesn't mean I give up first dibs on his gun."

  Drew watched the scene unfold as he scanned the treeline looking for targets prepared to lay down a barrage of covering fire.  It didn't happen this time.

  Drew tried to wrap his mind around all that had gone wrong.  He moves to a knee before standing up and mutters,


"Fuckin cluster....fuck it, we all gotta die sometime."  As he shoulders his pack and then slings his M240.

  Drew stands there a moment watching the woods still just in case the folks changed their minds.  He waits until the patrol starts moving and takes his place in the route of march, continuing to watch the wooded areas.

  As they march he continualy scans the area, watching the countryside for potantial ambush points or any other area that an attack could come from.

Sgt Drew
M240
Watching for danger as he marches

Apel continues to push his bike along.

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #63):

"Snipers in this group seem to die alot. This means you may get your wish, but then you become the sniper! Sure you want the job?"

He slid the sling for the GPMG over his shoulder, made it as comfortable as possible. When everyone was ready, he signalled them to advance.

Mariusz shrugged, "If the gun is big enough, it's worth the risk. So, when are you going to start teaching me to use the really big stuff?"

After rucking up again, Bayer says, "Alright... let's go. Loose file, alternating in pairs on each side." He the motions for Quyen to start leading off, while he digs out his compass again to check the next nav point.

"About five thousand, five hundred meters until we stop to get eyes on the farm. Halfway on the road before we try to go cross country... if its possible. You three up there alternate yourselves based on that." he adds.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

Saturday, October 21st, 2000
1530 hrs.
42F
Thick overcast
Strong breeze from the N
Approximately 5km north of Minsk Mazowiekie, Poland


You continue north along the 50. A little over a kilometer from a small hamlet your maps identify as Arynow, you come to a road branching off to the northeast. Craig, at the rear of the column spots a young man on a bicycle, apparently following the group at some distance on the 50. The boy stops at around 500m from the recon team and studies them through binoculars. After a minute or two, the boy puts down the binos and pulls a square of green cloth from his jacket. He waves the cloth towards someone further to the east. It looks like the team has picked up a tail.

You hike up the smaller, unnamed road towards a small wood. It's hard not to feel naked as you move through the open country. Although you don't spot anyone else, you are certain that you are being watched by others beside the young cyclist. Still keeping his distance, he stops at the intersection you just passed and watches a bit longer before following again. At the next west-east road he pauses again, studies you through his binos, waves his makeshift semaphore, and then pedals away to the east.

You arrive at the small wood and take a break for lunch. The iron rations provided by Gora-Kalwaria are a little salty but surprisingly good overall. After an hour or so during which you eat, rest your feet, and empty your bladders- all while keeping a 360 degree watch- you set off again, pushing on towards the farm where you plan on spending the night. After clearing the woods, you detect no further surveilance of your party. You proceed north, passing several small homesteads along the way. None of them appear occupied. It's likely that the surviving former residents have sought safety in numbers in Mink Mazowieki or perhaps even Warsaw.

In the early afternoon, you arrive at a larger wood, just a couple of kilometers southeast of where Craig remembers the farm being. After another short break, you continue out of the woods towards an east-west road off of which a dirt road branches to the solitary farm. You study the farm complex through your optics. Several sheds and outbuildings surround the main farmhouse. No smoke drifts from the chimney of the sturdy, brick-built two-story residence. There is no movement outside. It is earily quiet.

The fields arround the farm appear fallow. Corn stubble covers some sections of the fields and tall grass in the others but it is dying and a lot of it is matted down from the last snow. There is very little snow on the ground except what remains beneath the trees and in other shaded areas.

There is a small stand of trees about 200m from where the farm road branches away from the main road and about 700m from the farm complex itself.

Single trees border the sunken dirt road to the farm so there is some cover and a bit of concealment on the way there.


Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

  Upon arrival Drew goes on alert.  Before they break into the main area Drew waves over the patrol to rally.

"Folks, I am not liking this.  I say we set up security, then do a box recon of the area outside the permimeter before our man here goes in and makes contact with his freinds.  What say you?"
Sgt Drew
M240
Discussing security issues and making contact

In reply to Steven Drew (msg #70):

When they arrived, Dawid set up the MG section to cover the back trail. Drew's team was on his right, he was on the left, and they were oriented to cover the respective flanks and rear. They could still bring the MGs to bear on the farm if they turned fully towards it but he was more worried about their followers than anyone at the farm, which no one knew they were heading specifically for.

When Drew waved over the patrol to rally, he debated whether to remind him that was the patrol leader's role, then decided against it. They were not a regular military unit and did not have to always obey the rigid rules and protocols. Besides, the new guy might have something worthwhile to say.

As it was, Drew's idea wasn't bad. "Drew, I would think we usually wait until the patrol leader calls for a meeting, but maybe you do it differently? No matter. Yes, I think a recce around the farm while the rest of us mounts a 360 degree defence is prudent. As well, we should do something about the followers. Throw them off somehow.

"There are many abandoned farms around here. Let's continue on and find one. We wait until nightfall, then send back one or two scouts to the objective. Or everyone back-tracks to the farm. Konrad?"

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #71):

Dieter takes a knee close to Dawid, keen to discuss plans. "Herr Dawid, I suggest a small group go ahead to scout out the farm, but make it look like a routine check, rather than a specific objective. In the meantime the others take a quick break. If we encounter Herr Craig's farmer friends we can tell them we will return later, after nightfall. But if, as I suspect, there is nobody there we can come back later to do a detailed search for supplies and information after nightfall instead."

If this idea meets with approval, he will continue. "I suggest Herr Craig as he knows the farmer, Herr Jan and myself do the scouting."

If approved Dieter will ditch his pack and the radio with the team, retrieving his hunting bow and quiver of arrows.

Craig calls Dawid over and hands him his field glasses, indicating the direction of their shadow:

“Hailstorm, Lightning we have a pursuer. I don't think they are a threat. Out”

As they move off Craig will try to catch a glimpse of who he is signalling too. He will also try to scan for the other people watching as they move along the road.

Once their pursuer moves away to the east Craig is again on the radio.

”Hailstorm, Lightning pursuer has broken contact and is heading to the East. Out”

Once the group stops to observe the farm, Craig helps set up the MG's then moves forward to the Captain. He finds a covered area to observe the farm through his field glasses all the while giving a running commentary of Intel. What's in all the sheds and out buildings, the layout of the main farm house and who should be present.

”Looks deserted, I don't think they would of let the farm go like this. Maybe they thought it safer with the communities closer to Warsaw or even in Minsk Mazowiekie.”

He again raises his field glasses this time to plain an approach to the main house. As the other gather around Craig lowers his glasses and quickly relays the information about the layout of the farm to the group.

”If we are to go in I think we should follow the irrigation ditch. We can form up at that corpse of trees where the majority of the team can cover our approach. Then myself and any other volunteers can go forward.”

“I don't think darkness will help either way as we are probably going to get shot at if we snoop around during the day or at night. I hope they recognise me before they pull the trigger.”


AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
RPG-7D Grenade Launcher, PG-7N HEAT Grenade x 4
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
E-108 Thermite Grenade x 2, RKG-3 AT Grenade x2
No.80 WP grenade, L13A2 CS grenade
Fire Support Element
Scanning surrounding area

Jan studied the farm through his own binoculars and listen to everyone else's comments.

Everyone was pitching in with a version of a plan so Jan joined in.

"Capitaine," he said addressing Konrad.  "I suggest that snipers and machinegun crews stay here with you and Apel to cover Tuck, Minh, Craig and I while we conduct a 360 recce of the farm.  Once we've checked the perimeter and returned here we can then work out how best to approach the farm."

In reply to Craig Sutherland (msg #73):

In response to Sutherland's report Dawid replied, "my mistake, we do not have pursuers at the moment. Still, I think we can't take our being unseen for granted. We did say we were going to operate at night?"

He looked around, and saw that not only he and Drew but Sutherland was involved. He addressed them both, "gentlemen, I don't mean to curb your valuable input, but I see we have left Mariusz and Coulter in charge of rear and flank security. I will attend to this personally now, and please feel free to join me when you're done here. Excuse me, everyone!"

After he returned to his position, he took over the GPMG from Mariusz. He handed the boy his binoculars again. "Here. let me know if you see anything, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Sat 20 Mar 2010.

"You give half hour. Thor go there."
He pointed almost directly at the farm, but made sure at least one person followed his arm to the tiny collection of bushes located about halfway between where they stood now and their intended destination.
From where he'd indicated, he'd be able to reach out and touch potential enemies with Mjollnir long before they became any sort of real threat, while also maintaining an effective cover of the farm itself.
"Bragi come too."
A hand snaked out from amongst the furs to touch Dieters bow.
"Leave. Bring Aych kay. Better."

His intentions stated, the fur clad madman faded into the countryside, heading off to establish his hide...

"OK, Boss," Mariusz said and scanned the area with the binoculars again.

Jan shook his head as Thor forced Konrad's hand.  The big Norwegian had shown little respect for the unit commander and the rest of the squad by setting off without Konrad deciding on a plan.  Come to think of it Jan wasn't even sure which plan Thor thought they were following!

That was twice that Thor had acted impetuously and Jan's previous respect for the Norwegian Marines fell even further.

"He's proving to be a liability," Jan commented to those around him while he waited for Konrad's decision on a plan to approach the farm.  "And I think that the madness and language problems may be faked."

Quyen remains with the main body during the halt. She'll continue to cover her arcs and await the order to move out.

Dieter bristled as the Norwegian reached out to touch his hunting bow. It had been a gift from his father, and he was reluctant to let anyone else use it, especially not this crazy man who he was coming to dislike intensely.

As Thor marched off into his own, crazy world, Dieter turned back to the party leaders.

"Herr Bayer," he said to Konrad in English. "I am happy to do reconnaissance on the farm, or provide support here as needed. However, I refuse to work with that fucking lunatic anymore!"

Clearly very upset, this was the first time the quiet, well-spoken German had sworn for a long time, at least out loud. Looking in Thor's direction, he continued to Konrad, "He is a liability, and I am not going to put my life at risk because he can't follow orders, or even basic military protocols. He has a gun, and his own radio, so let him work as an independent unit. I can work solo, or you can assign someone else to work with me, I don't mind. But if you try to force me to work with that idiot I will pack up my equipment and leave right now."

Dieter's facial expression, normally stoic and impassive, clearly shows he means business, and is prepared to pack up and walk away if he has to.

Bayer lowers the optics he was using to observe the farm and says, "All good plans everyone." But then with nod to Sutherland he continues, "But the Lieutenant is doing the knocking so we'll go with what he's mentioned."

Pointing to the few scraggly trees near farm he says, "Main body will hold in amongst those trees. See the road? It's sunk a bit below the ground level. We'll use that* to approach since the fields are flat and bare."

"Sutherland will take Mariusz." Bayer adds. "No more, as I want to make it as easy as possible for them to recognize him... and for it not to look like an invasion. The final approach will be open and exposed enough as it is to risk two."

Holding up a hand to Dieter, Bayer says sternly, "Then I will shoot you in the back for desertion." He then breaks a rare smile and says, "Das gerade Verkohlen."

"Hang back and take up the rear security for now." he concludes with a pat on Dieter's shoulder. "We'll deal with... this later after we're secure."

* Sutherland mentioned an irrigation ditch but I believe he's referring to a road. Regardless, its a depression.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:43, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

Craig raises his hand as Dieter raises his concerns about the Norwegian;

”Dieter the present plan on the board is for myself, Jan and you to recce the farm and if the Captain here has no objections it still stands.”

“I agree the sniper is a liability and your concerns are correct, but apart from cutting him lose at the present time we have no other option but to let him do his own thing. If he tops one of my friends who may or may not be in that building I'll drill him myself.”



Craig nons at the Captain suggestion.

Taking off his pack and excess equipment Craig un-holsters his pistol and chambers a round he then puts the silencer on the weapon and re-holsters it. He then does a quick inspection of the chamber of the AKU before saying;

"Time to go gentlemen, I would like to know if my friends and savours are mouldering in the front room.”

With that he moves to the jumping off point in the trees.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:28, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

Mariusz handed the binoculars back to Dawid and checked that there was a round up the spout of his Tantal. He moved over to Sutherland and said, "I'm ready to follow you. Let's hope everything is OK."

He was worried however that Craig's decision to desert from the Baron's forces had already wreaked bloody execution on the people that had taken him in. In many areas warlords enforced troop loyalty by threats of retribution on the areas they recruited from. Mariusz hoped that the Baron either hadn't worked this nasty little trick out for himself, or that the vengance hadn't yet been served upon these people.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:20, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

Seeing Craig attach the silencer to his pistol Jan turned to Mariusz.  "You want to take the SMG with its suppressor?" he asked, indicating the PM-84 attached to the side of his pack.

Irrespective of Mariusz's decision Jan moved to join Dawid so that he could act as Dawid's loader should it be necessary.  He also made a note of where Craig had dropped his pack and other excess equipment so that he could retrieve it for the Marine should they have to bug out quickly.


OOC - Craig - did you leave the RPG-7D behind?

Never one to pass up trying a new weapon, Mariusz smiled and said, "Thanks, that could be very useful."

He switched weapons and got ready to go.

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #85):

After receiving his orders from Konrad, Dawid took the binoculars from Mariusz and relieved Sutherland of the RPG-7D and pack with 3 spare rounds.

"No need to bring that with you, Coulter can carry it for now on the bike. There is no apparent need for it."

He addressed the element, which now included Dieter. "Drew, are you going to join us already? Now, when we get there, we're going to provide flank and rear security. The farm will be to our south-southest. So when we arrive we're going to dig in, then we're going to orient north with Dieter in the middle, my MG covering west and north, Drew's covering east and north. Everyone got it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

Making good use of the available cover and concealment, the security and overwatch elements move into position without incident. Thor is nowhere to be seen and it's not clear yet whether that is a good or bad thing for the rest of you.

Following the sunken, tree-lined lane towards the farm, Craig and Mariusz approach the farm complex. They pause from time to time, studying the farmhouse and its outbuildings through binoculars and listening for sounds movement. Still, they detect no signs of life in or around the house.

The pair arrives outside the complex and enters through the front gate on its north side, as expected guests would. They walk into the midst of the sheds, garrage, and greenhouses. Looking towards the two-story brick farmhouse on the west end of the complex, they immediately notice that the front door is hanging awkwardly half-way inside the doorway by its lower hinge. It appears someone else has arrived here first.

The rest of you carefully study the farm and its surroundings from your concealed support positions. As the scouts enter the complex, you see nothing amiss. It really appears as though the farm has been abandoned.

It's grown noticibly colder in the last hour or so and the leaden sky looks like it's going to open up at any minute.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:31, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

"Do you want me to go in first?" Mariusz whispered to Sutherland, "You knew these people and it might not be pretty in there."

He reamined in a low crouch with the submachinegun pointing at the door until Sutherland decided which way he wanted to play the entry.

Jan kept himself hunkered down in cover, watching the farm house and its surrounding buildings.  He had laid the Steyr beside himself and was using his binoculars to try to pick out anything inconsistent in the apparently abandoned buildings ahead.

Though he didn't have much of an angle for it he also rather morbidly started looking for areas of recently dug earth, something that could indicate a reasonably fresh grave.

"If this place is abandoned then it might make for a good RV should we get split up," he muttered to anyone nearby.  "It also might be a good place to sleep tonight."

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #86):

Drew simply replies with a,

"Fine."  as he goes along with the group to whatever is about to happen.  He knows if it comes down to it, he will lay down fire but if worse comes to worse he will disapear into the trees where he has some chance of evading capture.

Sgt Drew
M240
following the group but more to the rear where he can lay down supressive fire.

Craig raises a finger to his lips and looks at Mariusz as he slings his AKU and then UN-holsters his Browning FN. He moves forward in a low run until he is against the right side of the partially open door to the farm house. Waiting for Mariusz to take the other side, he crouches low and scans he interior of the room. He then eases the door aside and begins clearing the downstairs rooms.

Once he has finished he moves up the stairs, hugging the wall to stop any creaking stairs and continues making the farmhouse safe.

OOC: Yep RPG launcher is on the pack.

AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
E-108 Thermite Grenade x 2, RKG-3 AT Grenade x2
No.80 WP grenade, L13A2 CS grenade
UK/PRC-349 VHF/FM transceiver Radio - ear piece
Fire Support Element
Clearing the farmhouse
This message was last edited by the player at 06:31, Mon 22 Mar 2010.

Dieter listened quietly to Konrad's orders, eventually breaking a slight smile at the Hauptmann's quick quip in German. He nodded when instructed to rejoin the team in a support capacity, confident that Konrad would deal with Thor later.

Upon arrival at the farmhouse, Dieter watched Mariusz and Craig head off to recon the buildings. He followed his instructions, and took up the centre ground of the support team, making sure he was not too close to other team members. Looking for a good observation post, he took cover and used his rifle scope to scan the area. He checked each individual window on the buildings, as well as any holes in the roof, etc. Spotting nothing, he quietly radioed Craig.

"Lightning-5, this is Thunder-1. Area looks clear, but keep your eyes open. Will continue to monitor and will report any activity, hostile or friendly. Out."

Swapping to his borrowed image intensifiers for a better view, he continued to monitor the scene as he watched the pair enter the buildings. He also kept his eyes open for Thor, hoping that the lumbering idiot wouldn't do something else stupid.

Dieter Brandt
In cover, observing the farmhouse and surrounding area through image intensifiers
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Mon 22 Mar 2010.

In reply to Dieter Brandt (msg #92):

Seeing that Dieter was carefully scanning the house, Dawid made his way over, keeping low.

"My friend, we have enough eyes on the house, including, er, Thor. Help us detect threats from the other directions? Either east or west down the road, or north across the fields."

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #93):

OOC - have updated earlier post as I had mistakenly thought that Jan was on recon as well, which he isn't.

Dieter nodded in reply to Dawid's suggestion. Once the recon pair had moved into the building he moved position to a new spot facing west, where he had a clear view of the road and the surounding environment. With his rifle in easy reach beside him, he scanned the area with the image intensifiers, checking for anything interesting.

Dieter Brandt
In cover, looking west down the road through image intensifiers
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack

Mariusz followed Sutherland, backing him up as he cleared the farmhouse.

Craig and Mariusz move through the two-story farmhouse from bottom to top and back again, carefully clearing each and every room along the way. The house is currently unoccupied and it looks like the former residents won't be back anytime soon. There are signs of a struggle downstairs. The front door- apparently reinforced by a heavy kitchen curio cabinet- has been kicked in, but not before someone peppered it with birdshot at eye level from the inside. There is some blood splatter on the floor in the foyer and drops leading back to the kitchen. In the kitchen, there is much more blood. The kitchen table is smeared with it. It has mostly congealed, suggesting that it is about a couple of days old. Although many of the owners' modest possessions have been strewed carelessly around the house, looting does not appear to have been the main objective of the intruders- useful items like blankets and clothing remain where they were tossed.

Outside the farm complex, you wait patiently in the cold. It starts to drizzle- a fine, almost freezing mist of small raindrops blown at an angle by the strengthening wind blowing in from the north. Darker clouds over the horizon suggest that this is just the beginning of a much stronger storm. The open fields surrounding the farm are clear and you occupy the only cover and concealment in the area. The lines of sight are good and it is unlikely that anyone would be able to sneak up on the farm without being observed by conscientious sentries.

It is mid-afternoon and you have been on the move since before dawn. The abandoned farmhouse offers immediate shelter and it is fairly well suited to all around defense.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:07, Tue 23 Mar 2010.

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #87):

Thors unmistakable butchering of the english language comes across the radio.
"Thunderer is position. Out."
No sign can be see of the fur clad nutter...

"Thinking you're right Jan.  Would be nice to sleep with a roof over our heads tonight.  Looks like it's got some good defensive possibilities," Tucker says to Jan as he lays next to him while the recon of the house goes on.

OOC: Sorry for the delay...

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #96):

Although things seemed to be going well, Dawid was aware that the unexpected could happen. For example, their transport breaking down!

He made sure everyone was watching their assigned sectors, and pulled out his own binoculars to assist his own visual checks. In the mean time, he waited for orders or instructions.

Once the house is cleard as safe, Craig keys his radio. He then shakes Mariusz's hand for a job well done.

“Hailstorm, Lightning-5 objective is clear. Out.”

Craig momentarily stares at the blood on the kitchen table, before leaving the house to clear the surrounding outbuildings. He motions for Mariusz to join him, confident in the young Pole's abilities.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:30, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

"Thunderer stay. Come in after all in. Over."

Jan stayed in his hunkered down position covering Craig and Mariusz while they moved from the house to search the outbuildings.

"I'm guessing that there's no one home," he muttered to Tuck and anyone else beside him.  What that meant he wasn't certain but he suspected that it was bad news for the family who'd helped Craig.

Mariusz followed Sutherland to clear the outbuildings trying not to think about what might have happened here. It was just one of the thousands of little tragedies that played out in the war-torn country every day to contemplate the enormity of it all was to court madness.

Instead he did what soldiers always did in times of adversity, he focused on the job at hand and made sure his buddies were safe.

"I'm thinking the same thing Jan.  We would've seen or heard something if it was inhabitaed by now," Tucker says back to Jan who's liying next to him while Mariusz & Craig are clearing the structures.

Dieter looked over towards Jan and Tuck, and nodded in agreement. As they had suspected, the farmhouse appeared to be empty, and the fate of it's inhabitants was unknown, but probably not pleasant.

He then looked over at Dawid and Konrad, awaiting further orders. He was hoping that they would be instructed to get some rest, and use the farmhouse as a base. It was a solid enough looking building, capable of resisting small arms fire, so they should be able to defend it if attacked. It would certainly be more defensible than camping in the open.

If time allowed later, Dieter intended to go on a brief hunting trip, no more than an hour. He would look for rabbits, game birds, or maybe even a small deer. Hot, fresh food in the belly is always good for a soldier, and it would certainly help Dieter's standing in the group. He would ask Konrad for permission later once they had made camp.

Bayer rises up off the cold ground and calls over to the rest of the patrol, "Up. We're heading in."

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #106):

Upon hearing the order, Dawid got the remaining members of the support element organised to move out. "We are taking the rear. Coulter and Drew, before me, Dieter, you're last man in the file, check our back trail. If anyone is watching us, they may give themselves away if they have to change position." He slung the PKM GPMG around his shoulder, getting ready to follow the patrol in.

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #107):

Dieter nodded to Dawid, and watched as the rest of the party moved into the farmhouse. He waited until all of the party had entered the building, and continued to scan the surrounding area, watching for anything unusual.

Assuming all is well, he will wait a few minutes and then radio in to Dawid. "Lightning 1 this is Thunder 1. All appears to be clear. No sign of Thunder 2, but I'm sure he's probably found a nice tree to sleep in. I'm coming in now. Out." He will then wait about another 30 seconds or so, and move quickly into the farmhouse.

Once in the building he will approach Dawid and Konrad, seeking permission to go hunting for game. If approved he will head off, and will also look to forage for fruits, vegetables and funghi as well.

OOC - if I go hunting I will take minimal kit - will detail in later post if I go.

"Bragi," Thor called over the radio where everyone could hear.
"You should not stand exposed so long. Enemy take twice long as Thor but still put bullet in head of Bragi."
"Out."

Having made his way into the farmhouse with the bulk of the squad, Jan started to double check the building himself, looking particularly for a cellar.  It was highly likely that Craig would have known if there was one hidden somewhere but there was always the possibility that the family had kept some things unknown to their guest.



Hearing this comment across the radio Jan could not prevent himself from responding.

"Last speaker, this is Hailstorm Five," he transmitted while shaking his head.  "Firstly who is Bragi and secondly please try to remember to use correct radio procedure.  We have call signs for a reason and you're supposed to be a professional!  Out."

Having finished transmitting he continued to shake his head and muttered to himself.  "Dilettante."

He then sort out Konrad to have a quiet word with him prior to Thor arriving at the house.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

Saturday, October 21st, 2000
1700 hrs.
40F
Thick overcast; light rain
Strong breeze from the N
Approximately 5km north of Minsk Mazowiekie, Poland


The support teams start moving towards the farm complex as Craig and Mariusz begin clearing its various outbuildings*. The scout/search search and clear the tractor and tool sheds, guest house, horse stable, pig pen, and greenhouse. Anything and everything of value, apart from few partially-ripened tomatoes in the greenhouse, appears to have been taken.

A quarter of an hour later, the entire recon team gathers in the farm's central courtyard. Light rain is falling.

*See the updated tac-map for details.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:32, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

Woken by sound of the light rain falling against the remaining glass panes that still covered parts of the large greenhouse, Jeff watched cautiously as the two men approached the farmhouse. Jeff edged into the shadows beneath a tomato plant-covered table and quietly observed the men as they entered and searched the building, his suppressed pistol drawn but lowered. Fortunately, the two men did not detect his presence and he was not forced to dispatch them (or die trying).

A few minutes later, after hearing the group gathering outside in the courtyard speaking English, Jeff takes a calculated gamble. He grabs his AK and shouts out "USA FRIENDLY!".  Staying in the shadows where he is unseen, he keeps his rifle raised but not aimed at the group, before shouting again, "USA FRIENDLY!  Start talking or I start shooting. You're too quiet to be with the Baron, so who are you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:32, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

At the shout Jan dropped to a crouch and aimed his Steyr at the new arrival.

"Come out of the shadows and show yourself!" he commanded in accented English.  Jan had seen the dried blood in the farmhouse kitchen so his initial concern was that this man might well be involved in whatever had happened here.  It was doubtful though that any people involved would still be hanging around but caution was called for initially.

Maybe this farm wasn't a good place to set up base though.  It seemed to attract a lot of attention!

Tucker brought his rifle up to a high ready and listened to what this person who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.  "Looks like we need to work on room and building clearing when we get back.  How the fuck did we miss him unless the wall shit him out!"

Drew is tired at the grabassery.  He hefts his M240 and turns in the direction shouting,

"We're in the open, so ya wanna talk step up. Remember, you start shooting and we start....its too late for fuckin games so nut up or shut up."
  Drew is cold, tired, hungry and now getting wet, so he has seen better moods and is not about take any shit from Eurotrash or deserters.

Sgt Drew
M240
Pissed off and in a general hostile mood

There is no discernible movement from the window.  However, out from the shadows of the doorway emerges a figure, who stands just outside the doorway.  It is clearly a Russian Soldier, dressed completely in the Flora pattern found on better equipped troops.  His patrol cap is pulled low over his eyes, and a coyote brown bandanna extends above his nose, so that his eyes are barely visible.  The man has a large black AK rifle, with a foregrip and an odd looking black scope slung across his Soviet style body armor and combat webbing.  There is some form of pistol holster on his hip, but it is unclear the type concealed.

A moment passes in the rain before the Russian says, "Who is your leader?".  The answer comes in crystal clear American English, with no discernible accent.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Thu 25 Mar 2010.

In reply to Jeff D. Warren (msg #116):

"Well, I guess Ivan isn't yer name.  And if you were a badguy you'd of opened up on us already.  So, ya wanna invite us in outa the rain like a good neighbor before it really starts ta piss all over us."


  As Drew faces the man his M240 sling at his waiste, muzzle in the general direction of the stranger.

Sgt Drew
 M240
Talking

"Да, но как же мне знать, если вы хорошо это или плохо?"  His Russian flows just as easily as his English, and could be traced to the area around St. Petersburg.

Back in English, he responds to the Marine with a shrug of his shoulders.  "Feel free to use the farmhouse.  Since you're likely the one's responsible for the mess inside, I won't stop you from hiding the evidence."

Observing the group, he takes note of the German Captain's insignia, and asks "Ist der Hauptmann verantwortlich?"  However it is obvious that his German is not nearly as good as his Russian or English.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Thu 25 Mar 2010.

In reply to Steven Drew (msg #117):

After rejoining with Mariusz, Dawid made sure the MG group was supporting the clearing of the sad abandoned farm.

When the new person showed up, he resisted joining in the interaction as Drew seemed to have it under control. Instead, he made sure he, Mariusz and Dieter (for now) were covering the opposite direction. Technically he wasn't Dieter's team leader but there seemed to be some... issues with Thor, and they would just make the most of the situation until things could be clarified.

"Mariusz, Dieter, let's make sure we have our flanks and rear covered while others deal with this maniac. Or whoever. Even if he's not hostile, there are still plenty of folks around here who are!"

From what he could see the man looked like a Soviet but spoke like an American. He heard some Spetzsnaz could pass for yankees in order to infiltrate NATO lines. Somehow he doubted this, more likely this was yet another NATO straggler who had donned a Russian uniform and kit in order to blend in better.

If that were the case, someone should have told this fellow the Russian border was quite a long distance away, and the Poles weren't feeling too friendly towards their former patrons/masters!

"Responsible enough not to challenge a large group of unknown, armed men in the dark, while hiding in a greenhouse... unless I needed something." Bayer replies in English.

His rifle was still slung, and his hands gripped around the shoulder straps of his rucksack to take off some of the weight. There was enough firepower around him as it was that he decided not to arm himself.

Nodding towards the greenhouse, Bayer says dryly to the man, "I'm coming in. And my men here will go where they want here as they are not going to be the first to cause any trouble. It's raining anyways."

"You wouldn't have started this if you didn't want to talk. I'm coming in."

"That's how it is."

Bayer will then drop his ruck and step towards the greenhouse with his hands down by his sides.

"Gentlemen, I mean you no disrespect.  It is just in these times, all newcomers must be treated with skepticism.  Now if I could just have a quick word with the Captain.  As a token of faith, I will follow you to where you wish to talk, but it will be in private."

He will then follow Bayer to the location of his choice to talk, even if it's right where they are standing.  Warren will speak in a low tone, so that only Bayer hears it:
This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Thu 25 Mar 2010.

Seeing the newcomer, Dieter was surprised that Sutherland hadn't spotted him when checking out the buildings, although how any of us missed a man hiding in a building made of glass is a bit of a concern. However, he decided against saying anything at this time.

Hearing Dawid's instruction, and considering the worsening weather, he guessed hunting was off the agenda today. Maybe another time. Looking at Mariusz, he said, "Mariusz, let's find a good spot out of the rain where we can set up an observation post. Follow me."

[Assuming Mariusz is happy to follow] With that he headed off towards the main farmhouse building, looking for some upstairs rooms with windows that provide a good arc of fire and a good view of the surrounding area. Once a suitable location had been found he positioned Mariusz to cover the South and East, whle taking a position to cover the North and West. He knew that they couldn't cover all eventualities, but should be able to identify any troop movements or vehicles in the area. If Mariusz has no binoculars etc. he will lend him the image intensifiers, and will keep watch himself with his rifle scope.



Once in position, he radioed back to Dawid, "Lightning 1 this is Thunder 1. We have set up OPs in the farmhouse and have a good view of the surrounding area. Will report any movements. Out."

With that he settled in to sentry duty.

Dieter Brandt
In farmhouse on highest available floor, observing surrounding area to North & West
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack

"OK," Mariusz said, "let's go."

He followed the man to the vantage point he selected and then took the proffered image intensifiers from him. He was impressed again at the quality of Western optics, it was almost unfair.

He settled down as far out of the wind as he could and started to observe the land around him.

"Jean, is Thunderer," the disembodied and slightly bewildered voice drifted across the airways.
"Bragi Haptabeiðirsen, brother of Thor, husband of Iðunn. He carry bow. Who else would be it?"

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #123):

Dawid looked over at Dieter, then Mariusz. He nodded, giving his blessing.

"Sure, you may go with Dieter. Leave the ammunition here." He added some instructions, so they would understand what was expected of them.

"Leave the ammunition. Dieter, you two cover the road, east and west, and to the north. I'll cover south. Don't get distracted, cover your sectors. Not that you won't, of course."

"Also, in addition to taking my assistant gunner, you may consider talking to Thor, getting taht problem dealt with. He's going to be with us for a while, I think, and someone has to bring him under control, yes?"

Sighing, he shrugged a little deeper into his coat, to fend off the cold drizzle.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Fri 26 Mar 2010.

Craig was not surprised he had missed the stranger in the green house, his mind was not on the job. He stood with his AKU at the ready across his chest as the Captain and the new guy talked.

Jan ignored the radio transmission from Thor and stayed in his kneeling posting, keeping his rifle aimed at the new arrival.  Konrad seemed to be calm about the situation and happy talking to the unnamed man but Jan valued Konrad as his leader so he kept his rifle aimed until given the ok by the Capitaine.

He wasn't taking any chances.

Dieter looks distainfully at Dawid before taking up his cover position, pointedly ignoring the request to reign in Thor. If someone else wanted to try and control him they were welcome to try, but Dieter planned to stay as far away from him as was humanly possible.

Thor seemingly appeared out of nowhere, materialising from the shadows, a brace of freshly killed rabbits in hand and Mjollnir in the other. His furs were more covered than usual in mud and local foliage, a sure sign he'd crawled through some of the worst the local terrain had to offer.

He squinted for a moment at the new face, placing his own just inches away as he examined every detail. Then, slowly and carefully he took a step backward before declaring with great seriousness, "He is Huldrekall."
"No be to trusted. Safe for now, no women."

"Come," he continued, this time speaking to the new man instead of about him.
"Shelter. Food."
The two rabbits were waved towards the guest house.

In reply to Dieter Brandt (msg #128):

Meeting Dieter's eyes, Dawid returned the disdainful look with a snort of derision. He decided against a pithy remark or other parting shot.

Instead, when Thor returned, he called him over. "Thor, come here, please. We need to talk."

Inside the greenhouse Bayer listens and to Warren. After a few moments he exits and recovers his rucksack. "We're staying here tonight." he announces, with a nod to Sutherland.

After learning that Dieter and Dawid already begun on hide security, he acknowledges, "Good. Work out a sentry rotation roster for the night as well as a challenge and reply. I'll confirm the positions later."

Bayer then adds, "This is Mr. Warren. An American, who is here for partly the same reason we are. He'll stay with us for the night."

He then motions for the Warren to follow him into the main house. Over his shoulder he adds to the team, "Q and A period to start soon. I'll give a briefing once we settle in and security is up."

Handing the two recently deceased rabbits to whoever was closer, Thor moved to join Dawid.
"Yes my kamerat?

As the two men exit the greenhouse, Warren suddenly finds himself accosted by a large bear.  As it rapidly approaches carrying a pair of bloody rabbits and an M82 in one hand, Warren is unsure whether to throw up from the stench, or draw his pistol out of self defense.  As they come face to face, Warren keeps his hand lightly resting on the grip of his pistol, and stifles a gag.  He is slightly relieved as he backs off, and is slightly amused by the man's comment.  He is surely dangerous, but his stealth skills, if not eccentric, could give Warren a run for his money.

As the bear is pulled aside by one of the Captain's men, Warren follows Bayer into the farmhouse.  Those inside catch the tail end of his conversation with the Captain. ...reaches friendly lines in the northwest, and you are with us, my superiors will have much they can offer you.  Money, hot food and showers, even a ride home if you're lucky enough."

In reply to Thor Halgeirsen (msg #132):

Dawid nodded his thanks.

"I will keep this simple."

"My friend, because of the way you talk, and the way you have acted when meeting the man at the village of Minsk Mazowiekie, your talk on the radio, they way you treat Bragi, I mean, Dieter..."

He paused, looking sincere and concerned.

"Look... people think you are either crazy or a childish fool. Either settle down and follow Dieter's orders, or you will be asked to leave, perhaps to stay here where it's safe until we return."

"I am sorry if this was never explained to you or made clear, I take that responsibility. But you must choose if our paths separate here or not, my friend. I don't want to see you go and I think you are a brave warrior. But you are not the only warrior here and you cannot do what you feel like."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Sat 27 Mar 2010.

Saturday, October 21st, 2000
1745 hrs.
39F
Thick overcast; light rain
Strong breeze from the N
Approximately 5km north of Minsk Mazowiekie, Poland


Dieter and Mariusz have just set up watch in an upstairs room of the main farmhouse when they spot what appears to be a large group of horsemen approaching the farm from across the fields to the north-northwest. The steady light rain slightly reduces the clarity of the picture they see through their optics but it appears that 30 mounted men are so are on their way towards the farm. The main body of horsemen rides down the center with small groups of outriders about 100m out on either flank. The entire group is approaching at a steady trot and are currently about 450m out.

The rest of you are either in the courtyard or on your way to the farmhouse. It's grown darker in the last hour. Sunset is less than an hour away.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:51, Sat 27 Mar 2010.

  When the alert of the unknown horsemen is given Drew turns to look through the rain to study the threat.

  "We can't stay here tonight."  He adds.

  "We'd better disapear into the woods unless we want a bloody shootout.  They probably know about this place and plan on stayin here tanight.  I say we let em have it.  We can watch em and find out who they are.  Maybe hit em in the morning as they sadle up if we have to.  What ya all say?"

  Drew stands, hands on his weapon waiting for what the others in his unit want to do.

Sgt Drew
M240
Waiting to hear what everyone else wants to do.

Mariusz said to Sutherland, "Keep an eye on them, I'll alert the others."

He slid down from the OP and rushed to Bayer, "Kaptain, horsemen to the Northnorthwest, there are approximately thirty of them, a main group and two flanking groups. They were about half a kilometer away when we spotted them."

He listened to Drew's assessment and said, "That's a wise choice although I don't know if the terrain will allow us to withdraw undetected, the only cover in a seven hundred meter radius is the sunken lane an that patch of trees. We could get caught in the open. If it's feasible however, I'd agree with Drew's suggestion."

Jan turned to Mariusz's and listened in to his report to Konrad.  A stand up battle with 30 horsemen wasn’t what they needed at this precise moment and 30 horsemen sounded like a military patrol rather than something more innocent!

"I agree with withdrawing.  We need to avoid contact wherever possible."  As he spoke he took the opportunity to return Mariusz’s Tantal to him and retrieved his PM-84, quickly removing the silencer and attaching the SMG to the side of his ALICE pack again while stowing the silencer in one of the pockets of the pack.

“We should head South East as quickly as possible and hope to be in cover before they have any lookouts able to see that side of the farm.”

Climbing over the threshold into the farm house Craig get a sense something evil happen here. If he was able to he would find out what.

As the sentries call out the warning of the approaching men Craig grabs his pack and sprints to the second level, he takes a position at one of the windows facing the threat. Seeing members of the team still standing in the court yard he yells

”GET INSIDE AND AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS.”

Then on the radio to warn everyone.

"Hailstorm, Lightning, Thunder - Lightning 5. 30 riders approaching from the Northwest, believe they are hostile. Take defensive positions, stow exposed gear they may not have spotted us, let them in close, out."

It was to late to leave they would be ridden down in the snow.

He moves any large piece's of furniture into the centre of the room using any mattresses for side protection. Grabbing a chair Craig puts his AKS onto the table as he takes three FRAG grenades off his vest to have them close at hand.

AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
RPG-7D Grenade Launcher, PG-7N HEAT Grenade x 4
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
E-108 Thermite Grenade x 2, RKG-3 AT Grenade x2
No.80 WP grenade, L13A2 CS grenade
UK/PRC-349 VHF/FM transceiver Radio - ear piece
ON1x20/IR "Nighthawk" NVGs
Fire Support Element
Preparing position
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

Jeff stands calmly off to the side as the others scramble around him. He says to no one in particular, "Thirty? We got more of them than I thought. There used to be about a company of them, but my men and I  killed most of them when they tried to assault us at night. Would have held if it wasn't for that damn mortar.  After we broke contact, I spent the past two days E&E'ing them, although I picked a few more off when they got too close." he gives his AK a quick once over.  "They're with the baron, no doubt. They came for the prisoner we took.  I lost several good men to them. I say we stay and fight. Kill them all, and send the Baron a message.  Spread fear in his ranks, until the 10th is here."

He waits until an order is given. If they leave, he will shoulder his pack and radio, and move out towards the rear of the column. If they stay, he will take up a position back from a window, and take aim at a group of soldiers.


Jeff Warren
Following 'orders'
AK-103 w/POSP4x24 [30/30]
SIG P220 [holstered]
3 RGO Frag Grenades
3 SOV HC smoke grenades
Assorted personal gear

Dawid was dug in covering the south away from the road, and decided to hold his position as he wasn't visible from that direction.


Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG
South side of the farm, dug in.
Covering the southern approaches

  Drew shakes his head as he shoulders his pack and looks for a good defensive position that allows him a good field of fire with his M240.

  He mutters,

"They're tryin ta get me killed.  Thats it! That's gotta be it.  They wanna make sure I get killed!"

Sgt Drew
M240
Looking for a good position

In reply to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski (msg #134):

Thor placed his free arm around Dawid's shoulders.
"Not childish, maybe little crazy," he shrugged.
"Midgard not as Thor remember," he looked sad. "Even Mjöllnir not same, not proper hammer."
He brightened.
"Still good. Still kill giganten."

The alert caught him by surprise. He'd not seen any sign of approaching anything before catching the rabbits and coming in, but the weather wasn't exactly great for long range observation.
Releasing Dawid's shoulders, he followed his Polish kamerat to cover, picking a slightly different area to cover with Mjöllnir.

After Mariusz had left to inform Dawid of the situation, Dieter radioed the team. "All units, too late to retreat from this location. Running away in the snow would be suicide against horsemen. Suggest we stay put and fight if they identify us. Out."

Dieter held his position, keeping an eye on the group of riders. He made an effort to identify likely leaders and NCOs of the band, making a mental note of faces, uniforms, equipments and horse markings. He also looked for anyone with a radio. If given the order to fire he would take these out first.

He whispered into the radio. "Hailstorm 1, Lightning 1, this is Thunder 1. Targets identified. Can take out officers and NCOs quickly if needed. Awaiting orders. Over."

As Thor appeared in the room, Dieter quickly indicated the best firing position for him, and gestured for him to stay in cover and not fire, yet. He then described the senior figures to him, hoping he would understand what he meant. Thor may be crazy, but this was an opportunity for him to prove his mettle. How good was he really?

If given the order to fire Dieter would take out officers, NCOs and radiomen first. However, if anyone was trying to make their escape he would take them as well. If necessary he would aim for the horse to bring it down, and then take the rider after the animal had fallen.

Back on the radio, he whispered, "All units, if possible please spare the horses, they could be valuable, but take them out if necessary."

Dieter Brandt
In farmhouse, observing riders, identifying main targets
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
Hunting Bow strapped to pack

Slipping his helmet back over his head when he's informed of the approaching men, Bayer says, "It's too far with not enough time. We will hold our position. Listen here."

Nodding to the door, he says, "Dieter, Thor... get outside. Position yourself somewhere else. Stay in radio contact."

"Dawid, Mariusz... place gun one to the northwest corner of the farm. Jan, Quyen... find a spot on the same side of the farm with them."

"Drew, Coulter... gun two in the main house here, upper floor."

"Lieutenant Sutherland, Tuck, and Apel will hold the ground floor."

"Remember to stay away from the windows when firing. Preferably back against the far wall. If there is a need to fire, I'll initiate it. Keep out of sight until then. Listen to the radio for further orders."

Bayer then turns to Warren and asks quietly, "Can you identify these men as the Baron's?"

Before the boy leaves, Bayer then gives Mariusz a single, slow confirming nod.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:46, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

Mariusz dashed over to Dawid, he'd thought it was too long a shot to bug out, no doubt some people would be bemoaning the complete and abject failure they seemed to have experienced when it came to being unobtrusive. Still, the young partisan thought to himself, at least we know where they are.

He picked up the spare belts once more and looked at the older Pole, "Where too, Boss?"

"I'm ready." Quyen says to Jan, unslinging her rifle off of her shoulder. Quyen will then follow out behind him towards a suitable firing position. "Go around back she says. So they don't see any movement here."

Jan nodded in acknowledgement of Konrad's orders and paired up with Minh before setting off to find a suitable firing point near Dawid and Mariusz on the North Western corner of the farm.

As he moved he loaded an HE round into his M203 and, once he'd found a suitable firing position deep in cover, he aimed his grenade launcher at the enemy horsemen.  He looked for the largest grouping possible, aiming to cause the maximum damage possible with the HE round.

Once he and Minh were in position he sent a brief radio message.  "Hailstorm's five and three in position.  Holding fire until ordered to engage."

This was exactly the sort of situation where Thor worried him.  As he aimed his M203 Jan worried that Thor would kick this firefight off before being told to do so by Konrad!


Jan
Finding cover in the NW corner of the farm, loading a HE round and then aiming at the largest group of horsemen.
F88 Steyr AUG (30/30 rounds - 7 mags total)
Underslung M203 (1/1 HE - 10x HE, 4x HEDP & 2x ILLUM total)
Sig Sauer P226 (15/15 rounds - 4 mags total)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

"Roger. Stand by. Out." Bayer replies, watching the approaching party in the shadows from the upstairs window. Maybe they'd change direction before it was too late, he wondered.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #146):

Dawid smiled at Thor, glad he seemed to be getting through to the warrior. He kind of liked him, as strange as he was, but he could see how the man's chaotic demeanor was grating on some people.

As Mariusz came over, he was already in motion. "We sure haven't seemed to have caught many breaks this time, my friend," he agreed with Mariiusz. "Still, let's get into cover on the NW corner. Let's go!" Leaving his pack in the rear of the farmhouse, he grabbed the PKM and ammo cans, passing the ammo to Mariusz. He easily slung the GPMG over his shoulder to rest against his hip, running low to maintain concealment behind the stone wall that fronted the farm.

It would be too bad if they killed the horses. He liked them and was a good rider, they had kept horses among the livestock on the farm. Still, this was war, and they had to survive first and foremost.

They took cover behind a stone wall, aiming through a gap and concealed by a tuft of brown grass.

"Hailstorm One this is Lightning One. In position. Out." He knew Konrad trusted him enough to not open fire without either orders or being in dire danger.

He made sure his helmet was securely on, as well as his vest. Lastly, he made sure a round was chambered in the GPMG.

Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG (100/100, 1 spare belt)
Taking cover, NW corner of farm
Aiming and covering horsemen, waiting to fire.

Mariusz arranged the two belts he had so that they were close to Dawid should he need tham and then he checked the flank, looking for good firing positions should he need them.

He lay down beside Dawid and prepared to assist the feed of the machinegun. He resisted the temptation to clip all of the belts together as that would make it hard for Dawid to move quickly. He kissed the holy symbols around his neck and smooted out the belt.

He looked at the horses and imagined the carnage the machinegun would wreak on the poor animals. Still, it couldn't be helped and a machinegun was hardly a precision weapon. The wholesale death it could unleash however made it vital in this sort of battle. Grimly, Mariusz began to run through various recipies that he could adapt to horsemeat...

As you move through the rain to a suitable defensive position, the horsemen continue to ride directly towards the farm. By the time that all of you have settled in, the horsemen are no more than 200m from the northern side of the low stone wall that runs in a circuit around the farm complex. At this distance, you can make out more details of their kit. Most of them wear Soviet-pattern camouflage and are armed with Soviet-made weapons. There's not a whole lot of difference between the way Warren and these riders are kitted out.

You realize, however, that if Warren has lured you into a trap, he has placed himself squarely in its jaws as well. It also occurs to you that these horsemen may be coming to the farm for the same reason that you did- to find a dry place to spend a cold, wet night.

Whatever the case may be, the horseman will be riding in through the main gate in a matter of seconds. They slow down a bit as they move closer to the farm. A few of them unsling their AKs and hold them at the low ready. The riders on the wings pull to a complete stop. The nearest horsemen are about 150m from the farm. The few riding trail are around 250m away.

Next Moves?

Warren gives a half-shrug, "They're the Baron's or hostile Soviet.  They're not friendly.  The 10th doesn't have that many horses, and the enemies we encountered the other day were all horsemen, and alot were dressed in a similar manner."  If Bayer has no more questions, "What do you want me to do?

Drew bounds upstairs expecting Coultier to follow.

  Drew stands in the dark hall as he looks and then bursts into the room that gives him the best field of fire.  He pulls whatever furniture is around to give him a stable firing position.  He will also clear the path behind him so he can easily back out the door into the hall if need be.

  Drew will also survey the other rooms so he can move to them if he needs to relocate his weapon or shift fire.  Drew will stay closer to the room entrance to keep well clear of the window.  He knows when he lets loose with his first burst the room will light up light a spotlight, so he will do his best to stay back from the window and low so as not to give away a silhuette.

  As the riders aproach Drew will aim in on them.  Aimming for the largest concentration in order to make his fire the most effective.  He will track the group shifting his weapon and aim to follow his target.

Sgt Drew
M240
Tracking the band of horsemen

Jan kept hunkered down in his firing position and continued to aim his grenade launcher at the largest grouping of horsemen close to him.  He tracked them as they moved, waiting for the order to fire, should Konrad decide to engage.

"Pick a target," Jan muttered quietly to Minh.  "Anyone who looks to be in charge or armed with a heavy weapon."

Jan hoped that Konrad would let the enemy get as close as possible before unleashing their ambush.  They were outnumbered nearly 3 to 1 so needed to inflict maximum casualties with their initial onslaught!


Jan
Continuing to aim his M203 at the largest group of horsemen that are closest to his position, i.e. the largest group that are at an acceptable range for an M203 (ideally within 100m)
F88 Steyr AUG (30/30 rounds - 7 mags total)
Underslung M203 (1/1 HE - 10x HE, 4x HEDP & 2x ILLUM total)
Sig Sauer P226 (15/15 rounds - 4 mags total)

Tucker quickly heads inside to the interior of the house and stops when he hears Konrad give out assignments on who will be where for this engagement.  He moves off and makes sure that he has an HE loaded into his M-203 grenade launcher before he sets up for some cover/concealment until Konrad intiates the ambush.  When he's ready he calls in, "Lightnening One, in position Boss."

When Konrad opens fire, Tucker will pop out of one of the windows, utilize his grenade launchers sights, and then fire the 40 mm HE grenade at a concentration of the horseman.  He will then duck back to reload with another HE and then look to engage with his M-16A2 on single-shot.

Tucker
M-16A2 [30/30] / M-203 [HE]
Finding a facing in the house to hide and take shots when the ambush is sprung
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

In between moving furniture Craig stops to listen to the assignment given out by the Captain. He then resumes making a barricade of the heavy curio cabinet, the table and any other furniture in the rear of the foyer. Turning to Apel;

"Just like last time Apel, double taps at the riders. Engage and then the next. Good man."

Craig grabs his shoulder as he rises to move into position.

He takes a place behind his improvised barricade to the left of the door and aims at the riders. Once the ambush is sprung he will fire three bursts of ten rounds at the horsemen moving left to right.

AKS-47U (45/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
Fire Support Element
Firing at horsemen
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Tue 30 Mar 2010.

Nodding at the Hauptmann's instruction, Dieter moved toward the exit of the building.

<Blue>"Thor, follow me," he instructed simply, hoping the Norwegian would do as instructed. He quickly dropped his pack with Konrad, and retrieved the image intensifiers from Mariusz.

At the exit he headed east, towards the trees on the eastern flank of the farm buildings. From here he sought out a good spot where he had cover and a good field of fire into the courtyard area, as well as out to the fields where the riders were.

As Thor had been unable to follow him, he radioed, "Thunder 2, remember, do not fire until given the order. If you wish to be friends with our team you must learn to follow orders. If in doubt, do as instructed by Dawid." He hoped that this would convey the seriousness of the situation. If Thor went crazy again then Dieter, and a lot of the others, may die.

Back on the radio, he simply stated, "Thunder 1 in position." With that, he prepared to unleash hell.

Dieter Brandt
In cover on eastern flank, observing riders, ready to fire.
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

Hearing Dieter's report, Bayer was satisfied everyone was ready. As he watched the enemy approach to 100 meters, he decided that was close enough for effective fire from all of the weapons they had, yet not close enough that the survivors could rush their positions and gain some cover.

Getting onto the radio one last time before he'd fire, Bayer alerted everyone, "All call signs, this is Sunray. Be alert to any enemy who may attempt to flank us and gain entry in the rear once the shooting's begun. Pass this on if observed and listen for orders to adjust. Stand by..."

From the back of the room, then aims his G36/HK69 through the window towards the very center of the enemy main body. After double checking the range on the sights, he fires. Without waiting to observe the impact, he'll drop down to one knee as quickly as possible.

Bayer
Farmhouse (upstairs)
G36/HK69 (HE)
Firing (aimed shot) at very center of main body

Jan was feeling the buzz of adreneline running through his veins as he watched the enemy horsemen close towards the farm.  They appeared to be unaware of the improvised ambush they were riding into and that was going to prove to be fatal to many of the enemy soldiers.

Hearing Konrad's order and then the sound of a grenade launcher firing Jan fired his M203 a fraction of a second later at the group of horsemen he'd been aiming at.  He then flicked the safety on his rifle to single shot and prepared to fire at other targets.

"Watch for anyone flanking," he relayed to Minh.


Jan
Firing an HE round from his underslung M203 at the group he's been aiming at and then switching to the Steyr intending to fire single shots at target of opportunity (probably next round)
F88 Steyr AUG (30/30 rounds - 7 mags total)
Underslung M203 (1/1 HE - 10x HE, 4x HEDP & 2x ILLUM total)
Sig Sauer P226 (15/15 rounds - 4 mags total)

Hearing Konrad's order, Dieter opened up with his PSG-1. His first target will be anyone identified as an officer or NCO, he will then target anyone with a radio. He will also watch for anyone trying to escape, and will target them as a priority. He will aim for head or chest. Once target is wounded, he will move on to another, uninjured target.


OOC - I have updated this post and my previous one to reflect discussions OOC with Dawid & Thor. Hope it all makes sense.

Dieter Brandt
In cover on eastern flank, sniping senior enemy figures.
PSG-1 (20/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #159):

Dawid relayed Konrad and Dieter's instructions verbally to Thor. "Officers first. Wait for the signal." When he instructed Thor to follow Dieter's orders he expected the big guy to actually follow Dieter, but he realised he never specified that and Thor had more or less followed him. Thor was so quiet he didn't even realise he was near until it was too late to change position.

"When I say "reload", you have the next can ready and the end of the belt in your hand. I will detach the empty can, you attach the new one and feed the belt in, I will charge the weapon and resume firing. For now, open fire when I do. Take aimed single shots at the middle of the column. Good luck and may the Black Madonna protect you."

When the order to "stand by" came across the radio Dawid drew a breath and snugged the PKM's skeletal stock into his shoulder. He sighted in on he rear of the column, believing that most of their firepower would be brought to bear to the front. "Get ready."

There was a "thump" from inside the house, and he was pressing the trigger as the "BANG" of the detonating grenade reached him. he held the trigger down, raking the end of the column starting from the left and swinging the barrel right. "Fire!" This wasn't short controlled bursts, this was spraying as much death as possible. Normally, this kind of sweeping "grazing fire" was directed between the knees and neck of the target, but these men were mounted and so he adjusted his aim a little higher. Still, a lot or even most of the horses would be hit, but there was nothing he could do about it.


Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG (100/100)
in cover, NW corner of farmhouse complex
Grazing fire from left to right, starting at the end of the column. Full autofire, 5x5-round bursts per turn as long as there is ammunition.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

Mariusz nodded at Dawid's instructions and then shouldered his Tantal. He aimed at the main group of riders and selected a dark figure to the far right. As soon as the grenade exploded he fired at his target.

Mariusz
Tantal 30/30
Firing at a rider (aimed shot if time allowed and then two quick or three quick otherwise)

Satisfied that Bayer had no more questions at this time, Warren took his own firing position.  He had fought these men before, and unlike his last engagement, they did not have the advantage of knowing he was there.

Staying slightly back from a window and in the shadows, Warren puts the reticle of his scope on the chest of anyone with a radio.  He opens fire as soon as the grenade explodes within their midst.


Warren
In cover, inside Farmhouse 2nd Floor.
Firing 5 Semi-Auto shots [1 Aimed]
AK-103 w/POSP4x24 [30/30]

Situating herself on the left, Quyen levels her rifle towards the mounted platoon's flank security. With her finger ready to squeeze the trigger, she keeps it aimed at the center of one of the riders. Upon hearing any shooting, she'll fire a double tap.

Minh Quyen
AK74 (30/30)
With Jan on the NW corner
Aiming at rider on the left flank
Firing 2 shots (1 aimed / 1 quick)

As a few riders pull ahead of the main body, making their way towards the farm's main gate, a rider further back pulls at his horse's reigns and points at the upper windows of the farmhouse. It's too late. The leading edge of the main body of rain-soaked horsemen is no more than 75m from the front gates when Konrad innitiates the ambush.

What follows can only be described as slaughter.

Konrad's 40mm grenade must have had a faulty propellant charge because it lands short of his intended target in the center of the largest cluster of riders. Instead, it explodes about 5m in front of the advancing point rider, showering man and horse with deadly shrapnel and knocking them both to the ground. (Konrad -1 40mm HE)

A second 40mm HE grenade (Tucker's) detonates in the midst of the largest mass of riders, spraying mud and red-hot steel fragments in all directions. Wounded horses rear bug-eyed in terror or fall kicking and screaming to the rain-splashed earth. Some unfortunate riders are thrown by panicking horses while others are crushed my the weight of their falling mounts. (Tucker -1 40mm HE)

Drew joins the symphony of death with a long, staccato burst of GPMG fire. Tracers blaze from a second story window of the farmhouse into the midst of the bloody chaos, striking horse and rider alike. Bullets kick up little geysers of wet soil and chaff all around the horses' stamping, sliding hooves. One or two of the bright red tracers strike burried stones and ricochet high up into the leaden sky. Craig too sends bullets scything into the killing field. It's almost impossible to tell if you've hit your target because so much lead is going downrange and almost all of it, it seems, is hitting home. (Drew -20 round; Craig -10 rounds)

Warren watches through narrow aperture of the scope mounted on his AK-103 as his target's (a squad leader, in his professional opinion) head explodes like an over-ripe mellon. Dieter, concealed somewhere on the team's far right flank, sees a similar picture through his sights as his target, an LMG'er, rocks backwards from a solid chest shot and goes completely limp in the saddle. The survivors are moving too much now to get a good bead on but both shooters squeeze off a couple more quick shots at them anyway. (Warren -3 rounds; Dieter -2 round)

On the team's left flank, Jan looses a 40mm HE grenade at the westernmost outriders just as Dawid begins to rake the same group with PKM fire. With Mariusz and Minh joining in, the results are absolutely devastating. All six riders, and their mounts, go down in a screaming, writhing, bleeding, heap. (Jan -1 40mm HE; Dawid -15 rounds; Mariusz -3 rounds; Minh -3 rounds)

Thor, meanwhile is just settling into a concealed position on the west side of the complex and setting up his rifle, missing out on the opportunity to add his own .50 caliber mayhem to the one-sided fight.

Of the westernmost enemy group, no survivors- neither man nor beast- remain.

In the center, several men and horses are down, either dead or wounded. The rest- about a dozen or so mounted men and at least one riderless horse- begin to scatter and flee in disarray

The eastern group is down two riders- both victims of precision gunfire. One of the three survivors looses a burst of one-handed, automatic fire in the general direction of the farm while trying to turn his horse around with the other. His remaining comrades yank hard on the reigns of their respective mounts, the frightened steeds spinning around in compliance with the rough, unspoken commands.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:05, Wed 31 Mar 2010.

It was too easy Thor thought as Mjollnir settled on it's bipod, barrel lined up with the furthest target.

BOOM
Thunder shattered the air, and the head of a rider on the east flank exploded into red mist.

BOOM
The second shot came a heartbeat later.

BOOM
A third.

BOOM
Then a forth.

BOOM
And a fifth, ripping the arm off the poor soul unlucky enough to have been struck by the lightning.

Thor "The Thunderer"
Five quick shots at furthest targets (still close range though)
At least two dead, possibly three with one more dying.
Barret M82A1 ("Mjollnir") (5/10) + 5x10
H & K USP-9SD, 9mm (15/15) + 3x15
M-26A1 hand grenade, x6
M-18 Smoke grenade, green, x2
M72A4
Bayonet/knife
Entrenching Tool
Individual Tactical Radio

Drew adjusts his position to get a better view of the scene.  He runs his hands over his remaining belt of ammo to get a feel of how much ammo he has left and to make sure it is clear of kinks or debris.

  He then scans the field, shifting his weapon to cover what his eyes see.  If he sees any signs of movement designed to return fire or move for an offensive he will send a burst of 7.62 rounds into the unfortunate creature.

  Drew mutters,

"Looks like meats back on the menu boys!"

Sgt Drew
M240 w/80 rounds
Scanning and firing at any targets who pose a threat
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:17, Thu 01 Apr 2010.

Dieter adjusted his line of fire to target any enemy attempting to flee. If possible he will taken them down.

Dieter Brandt
In cover on eastern flank, taking out escapees
PSG-1 (18/20)
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio

Craig now concentrated his fire as short bursts as he tried to hit as many of the fleeing riders from the main group as possible. He keeps firing until the main group are well out of range or sight.


AKS-47U (35/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
Fire Support Element
Firing at horsemen

Without breaking rhythm, Jeff continues to work on the flanking group.  He aims 2 shots each at the riders attempting to turn around, and a final round at the rider who got off a burst.  If Dieter or Thor take out any of the riders before he does, he will use the remainder of his rounds as single shots against targets in the center group, prioritizing with those attempting to flee.  Mid-shooting, he calls out "Don't let any get away!"


Jeff "Ghost" Warren
5 quick shots, 2 each at east flank riders attempting to retreat, 1 at the one handed automatic shooter.  If any targets neutralized, remainder aimed at center group.
AK-103 w/POSP4x24 [27/30]

This message was last edited by the player at 07:40, Wed 31 Mar 2010.

Seeing the Western flanking group all collapse like cut wheat Jan adjusted his aim towards the central group and looked for slower moving targets, intending to thin their numbers out even further.  Picking some poor bastard as his target he aimed at the man using the 1.5 times optical sight incorporated into the Steyr before firing a pair of single shots at him.

If he hit he moved onto another target and repeated the process, firing another pair of single shots at his new target.  If he missed then he continued firing at the fleeing man.


Jan
In cover on the NW corner of the farm.
Firing a pair of single shots at a member of the central group.  If he hits he'll fire a second pair of single shots at a different target in the central group.  If he misses then he'll continue firing at the first target.
F88 Steyr AUG (30/30 rounds - 7 mags total)
Underslung M203 (0/1 HE - 9x HE, 4x HEDP & 2x ILLUM total)
Sig Sauer P226 (15/15 rounds - 4 mags total)

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #166):

Gritting his teeth around foul curses in Polish, Dawid kept the trigger depressed as he swept the barrel from left to right. With no one up on the left, he targeted the centre group. He couldn't easily target the far right group, and any stragglers would be taken care of by the prevision weapons weilded by others.

He hated slaughtering the poor horses, but something he'd done all too often in this war. Also during the Twilight War it was common to shoot first if you asked any questions at all, but the horsemen riding hell-bent for leather at the farmhouse with flankers didn't strike him as having particularly peaceful intentions.


Dawid Piotrowski
PKM GPMG (85/100)
in cover, NW corner of farmhouse complex
Grazing fire from left to right, full autofire, centre group.

Quyen shifts her position and lines up her rifle with the center group. Selecting one of the nearer riders, she squeezes off another double tap.

Quyen
AK74 (27 rounds)
Left Side
Firing 2 shots at one rider

Mariusz wasn't sure if any of his shots had caused some of the carnage in front of him but he was certain that he was glad he wasn't on the recieving end of such a massacre.

Things weren't over yet however, he stood up and rested his left elbow on top of teh wall to get a better shot at the retreating horsemen. He reaimed at the nearest fleeing cavalryman that he could see. He took careful aim and squeezed off a single shot at the retreating man's back.

Mariusz
Tantal (27/30)
Standing up
Reaiming
Firing single shot at teh nearest cavalryman

Tucker takes a quick moment to admire his handy-work with the M-203 launcher as he opens the breech of the weapon as the empty smoking cannister drops to the fllor of the house.  Robert reaches to one of his MOLLE pockets and reloads his launcher with another HE round, closing it, then finds a target to begin firing his rifle at on single-shot.

Tucker
M-16A2 [30/30] / M-203 Reloading HE round
Reloading M-203 with HE round and then get ready to engage targets on single-shot with his M-16A2

Now kneeling, Bayer ejects the warm, spent 40mm casing and inserts a fresh one. The lack of return fire and the sudden scattering of survivors was a great relief. He'd anticipated dueling it out amongst the farm buildings with some flanking units, but the enemy appeared to be in no position to press an attack.

Rising back up into a standing position, Bayer aims towards one of the fleeing riders in the main group and squeezes off two rounds from his rifle.

As the two shots are fired, he reaches for his radio.

Bayer
G36/HK69 (HE)
Firing 2 shots at rider in center group
Farmhouse (upstairs)

Focussing on the rapidly dwindling number of enemy horsemen on the team's right flank, Dieter and Warren take care of two of the remaining three riders. Warren's third double tap tears through another skull while Dieter's shot punches through the second to last horseman's torso from back to front. The rider who'd had the temerity to return fire, albeit briefly and wildly, somehow avoids parting shots from both Warren and Dieter and rides north at a gallop. (Warren -3 rounds, Dieter -2 rounds)

With the milling of the wounded horses and the nearly panicked attempts of the surviving riders in what's left of the main/center group to flee the kill sack, it's extremely difficult for the rest of you to tell exactly who is doing what damage to whom. What is clear is that someone is doing something right, as riders and mounts continue to tumble and fall right and left.

All of the following takes place nearly simultaneously and is a mixture of your PC's perception and reality.

Thor's tardy contribution is hard to miss as the big .50 caliber slugs from his Barrett literally tear three men apart in quick succession. (Thor -5 rounds)

Jan squeezes off a double tap at a fleeing rider and, through the 1.5x integral scope of his Augsteyr, is fairly certain he sees his target's scalp jump about six inches to the right before the rider slumps in the saddle and bounces awkardly from the field on the back of his terrified mount. (Jan -2 rounds)

Craig sends two 5-round bursts after the fleeing enemy. The second, he is sure, stiches an enemy rider up the back, sending him falling head-first into the mud. (Craig -10 rounds)

Dawid rakes the most tightly bunched group of riders (there aren't many left now) with another 20-round burst. Tracers disappear into the bellies of two horses and shots also appear to hit three riders. (Dawid -20 rounds)

Minh fires twice and sees her target and his mount fall. Mariusz is somewhat horrified to have shot a rearing horse in the belly. The horse falls on its side, whinying piteously. (Minh -2 rounds; Mariusz -1 round)

Konrad and Tucker both watch their respective targets jump and jerk as their shots appear to strike home but both riders continue unabated to exit the field. Jan's second target escapes unscathed but the man's mount leaps as though stung before galloping wildy away. (Konrad -2; Tucker -1; Jan -2)

During the massacre, Drew scans for threats and, finding none, frugally conserves ammunition. The others appear to have the situation well in hand.

Of the approximately thirty or so riders that came to the farm, only five ride away, a couple of them, at least, apparently wounded. Five riderless horses also trot or gallop away in several direction (mostly northward-ish). Another limps slowly off on only three legs. One clearly traumatized and riderless horse mills around the kill zone aimlessly, dazed but apparently unwounded.

The scene before you resembles the aftermath of Balaclava nearly a century and a half earlier. Light rain continues to fall, drenching the writhing or stone-still forms laying in the mud of the fallow farm field. A few badly wounded men and horses continue to cry out periodically in fear and agony.

Lowering his eyes from his scope, Warren notices Coulter laid out on the floor beside him. The top of the Green Beret's head is a mangled mess of blood, brain matter, skull, and hair.

Next Moves?

OOC: The battle- if you can call it that- is effectively over. Any shot attempts from here on out are going to be rolled as impossible skill checks (1/4 attribute + skill, rounded down).
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:49, Thu 01 Apr 2010.

Braced against the table and with his legs spread wide. Craig aims at one of the fleeing riders and fires a three round burst, he does the same to two of the other horsemen. He wasn't going to let any leave even if there is  the slimiest of chances of bringing them down.

He turns to Tucker and Apel as he moves forward after firing;

“Cover me, and then follow”

As he moves out of the house foyer to the stone fence surrounding the courtyard he uses his radio.

"All elements. Lightning 5, Hailstorm 2 and Hailstorm 4 moving forward to stone wall. Out."

Here he waits for Tucker and Apel to catch up as he covers the field full of the dead and dieing.



AKS-47U (25/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
Fire Support Element
Firing at horsemen

"Hold up. Wait for it." Bayer replies over the net to Sutherland.

Bayer speaks rather slowly into the radio, "All call signs, Sunray. Cease fire and send me a casualty report." He then slings his rifle and begins heading down the stairs to the ground floor, continuing with his message, "Sutherland, Tucker, Jan, Quyen... move forward and sweep the kill zone. Leave weaponry recovery until you've confirmed back with me on the status on the dead and any survivors." He stressed the word 'survivors' as he didn't want any potential prisoner's killed.

"Dieter, Thor... reestablish a suitable OP. Dawid, you have command of both gun teams and with the sniper det. Coordinate and maintain all around security. Friendlies to the front."

"Out."

Now on the ground floor, Bayer waves over at Apel before heading out the front door, "Head upstairs and join with Drew's gun team. Coutler's gone."

Bayer will then position himself midway between the main body in the farm and the clearing team out in the kill zone. While the sweep is being done, Bayer will cover them and scan with his image intensifiers.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

As the message comes over the net Craig stops at the door frame and takes a knee as he waits for the Captain. He scans the field looking for any survivors. Once the additional orders have been relayed he gives a nod to the Captain then looks towards Tucker as he moves to the wall to wait for the others.

AKS-47U (25/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
Fire Support Element
Firing at horsemen

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #180):

Stiffly, Dawid stood up, leaving the PKM where it was. The barrel smoked a little in the cool, although he'd put rather few shots compared to usual through it. There was no brass twinkling on the ground, as the brass-catcher contained all the spent casings and links. He turned away from the carnage and collected himself, lighting a cigarette to calm down.

"Yes. Fine. Mariusz, good work."

He raised his voice, not wanting to use the radio. "SNIPERS! MACHINE GUN CREWS! ON ME IN THE FRONT! ON ME!" Sound discipline was pointless after the recent fusillade. He squatted down behind the stone wall, not wanting to invite a sniper or stray shot but keeping in view of the house.

When everyone got there he explained, "we will set up perimeter defence. We are expecting the threat to come from the front. Therefore I will deploy here in the northwest corner. Drew, you take northeast. We will dig in and create an interlocking field of fire. Dieter, deploy Thor and yourself to cover the southern approach. Arpel, I see Coulter is out of the fight, bad luck."

Knowing that Drew would know his stuff, he spoke to dieter and Thor. "Good work, Dieter, keep it up. You too, Thor. Deploy yourselves to cover the rear and flanks." He made it clear he was primarily addressing Dieter, reinforcing who was in charge between them.

OOC: I am assuming that the PCs in question heed his call to assemble. If not, he sends Mariusz to physically round people up.

  Drew replies to the call.  At the mad idea of staying in the area when the survivors of their attack are riding back to alert their presnce he is angry.

"Are you smoking fucking crack?" he asks.

  "Ya know they now know we are here.  What the fuck are you thinking?  Duudem you suffer a head wound we should know about?  I mean, the decisions you are making are really fucked up.  I mean really dude!"

  Drew complies after voicing his concerns and questioning the current leadership.

  As he takes a position he shouts,

"Hey, fucktard!   How about getting some of that horse meat before it rots, some hot food may help us from getting sick in this fuckin rain."

  Drew settles in under his poncho as he mutters,

"I may have ta frag that fuckin polack!"


Sgt Drew
Settling in under his poncho not overly secure in the leadership
M240 w/ 80 rounds
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

Hearing Konrad's orders to check the fallen enemy across the radio Jan rose from his position.  "Hailstorm's five and three acknowledged!" he replied quickly across the radio net.

"Minh, we're sweeping the enemy, looking for survivors," he said, relaying Konrad's orders.  "Back me up!"

He climbed over the low stone wall he'd been crouched behind and started to make his way forward.  "Tuck and Craig should also be sweeping from the other end," he added, aiming to ensure that Minh knew exactly what was going on.  "Konrad says to leave weapon collection for the moment.  He wants a prisoner to interrogate."


Jan
Moving forward to sweep the enemy dead & wounded.
F88 Steyr AUG (26/30 rounds - 7 mags total)
Underslung M203 (0/1 HE - 9x HE, 4x HEDP & 2x ILLUM total)
Sig Sauer P226 (15/15 rounds - 4 mags total)

Dieter moved quickly to a position to see the remaining riders fleeing. If possible he will compose himself and use his old sports shooting training to target the riders and fire single aimed shots to take them down if he can.

Once this is done he concentrated on the wounded horse. Taking aim, he targetted a shot between it's eyes, trying to kill it instantly and put it out of it's misery. He hated to see a wounded animal, and the sight of so many dead and dying horses made him physically sick, but he had a job to do.

Once the horse was dealt with he acknowledged Dawid's orders. To Thor he instructed, "Thor, you take the South-Western corner and find a good spot, then cover the approach from there." He hoped the Norwegian would understand this instruction, or would have the wits to decide this himself.

OOC - Depending on Thor's location, Dieter will have either given this instruction face-to-face or over the radio.

He then moved himself into the South Eastern corner and found a good OP, and set about covering the flank. Once in cover he made sure his rifle was clear of debris from the fight, and replaced the magazine with a fresh one.

Dieter Brandt
In cover in SE corner of compound, covering East and South
PSG-1 (16/20) - will replace the magazine
1xFrag, 2xSmoke
x25 Image Intensifiers, PRC-77 Manpack Radio

Jeff takes one last double tap at the last rider from the Eastern Flank, and then lowers his rifle.  These strangers had been brutally efficient, finishing the job he and his men had started, although the ones who escaped were an inevitable shame.

Let them tell the Baron what has happened here.  Dissent, Fear, Chaos.  Exactly what was needed amongst his men.

He gives the dead man [Coulter] a quick glance to confirm he is in fact dead.  That one burst had been incredibly lucky to slay the Green Beret.  Ghost wondered if he had seen him before when he first glanced at him, but hostile action had prevented a good look, or formal introduction.  Now with everything above his jaw scattered across the room, it was unlikely he would ever know, and at this point care.  He nonchalantly flicks a tooth off of his shoulder.  He takes the man's knife, and gives him a quick pat down of useful gear before heading downstairs.

Once there, he first amuses himself at the remarks of the man he had taken to be a Marine earlier [Drew], albeit without showing any emotion.  Finding the Hauptmann, Ghost lowers his brown bandanna from around his face to by his neck for the first time, revealing his full face [Eyes are still semi-concealed under Soviet style patrol cap, however].

"One of your men is dead, I do not know his name.  Sorry.  Had an AK-74.  I relieved him of some of his gear, if you don't mind.  He's upstairs."

He then moves with the Captain to watch the rest of the squad slowly move through the dead and dying.

"You know Hauptmann, I can be of use in 'questioning' those survivors. Afterwords, we should still kill them to make an example."

All of what he has said is low, but concise enough to be understood.

OOC: I'll let you guys know what gear I took once I see a list.  It won't be much, and it won't be all the good stuff either.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

"Thanks," Mariusz said to Dawid. He bent down and picked up the four spent shell casings and then rearranged the spare ammo belts into his ammo pouches.

He looked around and stood next to Dawid, "Who's good with animals? We need to get that horse calmed down and get the injured horse. That way we might be able to attract the strays. Do you want me to stand guard or pick up enemy casualties?"

He listened to Drew's diatribe and cocked his head to Dawid, "What language is that guy speaking? It sounds like American but I'm only getting one word in ten."

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #187):

Dawid let Drew rant and merely replied, "I am sorry, Drew, I do not have any of this "crack" of which you speak for you to smoke. Please accept my apologies! I do have some vodka if you like."

After Drew stormed off, he confided to Mariusz,

"We were told many American soldiers are criminal drug addicts, and like heavily-armed children often murder their officers and NCOs for little or no reason when they are told to do something. It is little wonder they have done so poorly in this war, despite having so much! It is much like the American war of aggression on Viet Nam, or so I am told." He shook his head ruefully.

He replaced the half-spent ammunition belt with a fresh one, then covered his weapon. Taking out his entrenching took and began digging a fighting position. The rich farmland soil was wet and although it was unpleasant it was relatively easy to dig.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

  Drew continues to dig.  He casts angry looks at the two Poles muttering,

"Fuckin Pollocks!" as he heaves a blade full of mud from his hole, in their direction.

"Fuckin cannon cocksuckers, don't know jack about shit."

  Drew continues to dig as he grumbles and the rain continues to fall on them.

"Fuckin may as well be diggin my own fuckin grave....fucking <unintelligble grumling>"

  Drew digs a decent position but due to the weather as of late it is not likely a real position will be dug.  Drew does make a point to ensure his M240 is covered by his poncho as he digs and it remains dry.  He also makes sure he is in a good position that allows a good field of view and fire, as well as multiple means of escape to the woods.

  Drew eyes the others positions as well and shakes his head muttering even more.

"May as well put out a fuckin callin card, digging in."  As he looks around surveying their position.

"A fuckin commie kid and pogue....this is gonna suck."

  Drew resists the urge to light up one of his cigarettes although he feels he needs one badly.  He hands instinctivly go to the pocket they are kept and then falls down realizing its too dark.  He mutters,

"Not even a last fuckin cigarette.  Fuck....at least I got my grave dug....what a cluster."

Sgt Drew
M240 w/ E-tool in hand
Digging his grave err fighting position

At some point it occurs to you that you haven't seen Apel for some time. He was on the lower floor of the farmhouse- at least Craig remembers seeing him there as they prepared to fight off the horsemen- but now he is nowhere to be found.

OOC: No need to edit your posts but, just to clarify, no one has seen Apel since just before the firefight started.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:41, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #190):

Noticing Drew was working alone, Dawid said to Mariusz, "shit. You better go find that Arpel chap. Drew could use a hand before he blows a fuse! He's probably with Konrad."

Positioned in the middle between the farm and the sweep team, Bayer squats alone, watching the progress of the sweep team and keeping an extra eye out on the horizon. Every few seconds he'll also steal a glance over towards the dazed and traumatized horse still standing amidst the carnage of men and beast alike.

After a few moments, Bayer stands and begins walks towards the kill zone, slinging his rifle. Leaving the dead/alive men and animals for the sweep team to deal with, he focuses on the horse. Approaching slowly with his arms down by his sides and palms open, Bayer speaks calmly to the animal. Then after having gotten in close, he squats down in the field, making himself seem as less of a threat as possible while still trying to soothe the animal.

If he can, Bayer will then rise and try to take passive control of the horse. He won't grip onto its reigns or anything, just make physical contact with it by placing his hands on the animal, while giving it room to back off if its not ready.

OOC - Rae, I'm going to try using Bayer's Riding asset to calm/control the horse.

Mariusz listened to Dawid talk about the Americans and said, "Some seem like that, just like some ZOMO were sadistic bastards and others were good guys in bad circumstances. Same with the Russians. I remember what Brother Stanislaw said about them, "The Americans have fought for freedom in three world wars and countless other wars and they have won more often than not, yet all the land they have taken has been the ground in which to bury their dead." Now, I know like all pieces of rhetoric that's not fully true but it's true enough. Drew might be a grumbling old fart but he's here and he's fighting and every enemy he kills is one step closer to us freeing the Motherland. He doesn't have to like us, he just has to keep fighting and I trust him to do that. The fact that he's moaning just means he has the breath to stay in the fight."

He looked at the hasty position he'd been preparing with Dawid, "I'll look for Arpel but things are a bit confused, if I can't find him I'll help Drew. taht sound OK?"

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #193):

Dawis raised an eyebrow. "Well, there was the American war of extermination against the Indians, the unsuccessful one against the British and Canadians, their victory over the Mexican Empire, and the aggressive war against Spain, all of which helped them gain new territory. You can't choose to remember the "good" wars and forget the "bad" ones! Even the Americans have their problems, what with the military coup against their government, so perhaps they have to relearn their own lesson in freedom and democracy, yes? The ones that are here to help us, yes, I am glad for that. Maybe Drew is just blowing off steam."

Lecture over, he was all business. "Check in the house, first, then report to me and Konrad if you can't find him. After, go help Drew, why not?"

"Thunderer still able to take escaping enemy," Thor replied over his tac radio while lining up for another shot at the fleeing horsemen.
"You sure you want let go? They still in range of Mjollnir. Easy if use Járngreipr too."

Thor "The Thunderer"
Reporting by radio to Konrad while aiming for additional shots
Barret M82A1 ("Mjollnir") (5/10) + 5x10 (base range 139+35m)
H & K USP-9SD, 9mm (15/15) + 3x15
M-26A1 hand grenade, x6
M-18 Smoke grenade, green, x2
M72A4
Bayonet/knife
Entrenching Tool
Individual Tactical Radio

Dawid radioed Konrad, "Just to let you know, Kapitan, I can easily butcher the horses. I know how, I've lived on a farm and spent time in the woods."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

Prior to previous actions I posted Bayer doing...

Bayer radios back, "Sunray. Roger. Give them another volley."

The rest as posted (including acknowledging Dawid)...

When he pulls the trigger, Craig's AKS-74U jams. By the time he clears it, the riders are well outside the effective range of the Soviet-made carbine. After double checking checking the action, Craig moves outside to the low stone wall where he and Tucker provide close cover for Jan and Minh as the pair moves cautiously towards the mass of dead and dying men and horses. (Craig -1 round)

Dieter takes careful aim at the badly wounded horse's head and, with a single shot, puts the suffering animal out of its misery. (Dieter -1 round)

Thor's Barrett 82A1 thunders five more times as he attempts to pick off the surviving riders. The rider's improbable luck holds and they continue their headlong flight for the treeline to the north. (Thor -5 rounds)

Mariusz moves quickly through the house but can find no trace of Apel. He exits out the back door to make sure that the cargo bikes are still there. One, at least, is. The other is gone. Most of the packs that had been strapped to it are still there, lying next to the remaining bike, but one of the food bags appears to be missing. In its place is the manpack radio Apel had been carrying. Several quickly disolving boot prints lead off to the south.

Drew, meanwhile, begins digging his fighting hole. After every shovel-full of wet soil, the earth at the bottom of the hole starts filling up with muddy rain-water. He lets loose another stream of curses.

Warren polices up Coulter's gear and covers the dead man's face with a pillow case before exiting the house and moving towards the wall to help cover Konrad and the others. (Warren has stacked Coulter's gear in the farmhouse's front room.)

Konrad climbs over the wall behind Jan and Minh and follows it to the east where the seemingly unwounded horse stands timidly amidst the bodies of four dead riders (all shot through either the head or torso). The horse shies away a bit as Konrad approaches, but, moving slowly and speaking soothingly, the German officer still manages to gently grab ahold of its reigns. The horse allows Konrad to reassuringly stroke its brown muzzle.

Jan and Minh quickly find a prisoner. A moaning man catches their attention. While Minh covers him, Jan drags the man- who lets out a pained yell- from beneath his dead mount. The man's pelvis is probably crushed but he is otherwise unwounded. In her peripheral vision, Minh sees a man lying on his side in the mud rise up on to one elbow and shakily attempts to level his short-barrelled AK at Jan.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

Mariusz cursed loudly as he saw that Apel was gone. He dashed out of the house and called to Bayer, "Kaptain, Apel has gone and stolen one of the bikes and some food. That puts him in the frame for the traitorous bastard that ratted on us here. I hope we find him again, I'll serve him his balls in batter."

In the instant Quyen swings the rifle over to bear on the threat to their flank, she briefly contemplates attempting a peaceful resolution. However by the time her aiming posts were lined up on her target, she figured this guy was probably already committed to ending things here in a hail of bullets.

Quyen will three shots into him. "Look out!" she yells to Jan.

Subsequent action will be to continue firing if the there is still a threat.

Quyen
AK74 (27/30)
Firing semi-automatic

Hearing Quyen's yelled warning Jan reacted harshly.  He dived away from the armed man without releasing the wounded man he had been dragging clear of the fallen horse.  He was trying to use the wounded man as a shield, putting him between Jan and man Quyen had warned him about.

Though Konrad wanted a prisoner Jan would rather the crippled man took a bullet than take the risk of one hitting himself!


Jan
Diving for cover and using the wounded man as a shield.
F88 Steyr AUG (26/30 rounds - 7 mags total)
Underslung M203 (0/1 HE - 9x HE, 4x HEDP & 2x ILLUM total)
Sig Sauer P226 (15/15 rounds - 4 mags total)

Minh takes quick aim and puts two rounds into the brave but rash potential shooter's unprotected abdomen. The man instantly drops his weapon and doubles up in the mud in obvious pain and shock. He is no longer an imminent threat. In all likelihood, he'll be dead in minutes if not seconds. (Minh -3 rounds)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

"Thanks," Jan said with relief to Quyen as he took a deep breath.  For a second there he had feared that he might never get the chance to breathe again!

Jan then returned to his prisoner, checking to see if being thrown around like a shield had finished the man off.

"You still alive?" he asked the wounded man he had hold of, speaking in Polish.

The man grimaces in agony. He eyes stare uncomprehendingly at Jan. He babbles something incomprehensible. It sounds like he's speaking Russian but it's hard to tell.

Craig curses as his AK jams, he works the bolt as the horsemen gain even more distance raising the rifle to his shoulder as the riders disappear.

”Shit, they will be back .”

He says to no one,  moving forward to the stone wall he covers the search party. Scanning to their immediate front for any threats and movement

He reacts to Minh's sudden change in posture more then anything else as she raises her rifle. Craig drops the muzzle of his rifle ready to fire just as Minh takes down the wounded man. Craig moves forward to the edge of the killing field with his rifle at his shoulder taking up a new position to better cover the group.

AKS-47U (24/45) + 5 spare magazines
Browning HP (20/20) w/ silencer + 2 spare magazines
F-1 FRAG Grenade x 6, Smoke Grenade
Fire Support Element
Covering search party from stone wall

Jan quickly searched the wounded prisoner for any weapons and then ensured that he wasn't lying anywhere near one either.  He then pulled the belt off a nearby corpse and used it to tie the man's hands together.

"I think that this one's Russian," he called across to Konrad and the others, before continuing the sweep of the bodies with Quyen.  From now onwards though he ensured that any firearms were pulled out of reach of any potential survivors before he started checking for signs of life.

Dieter follows up on the radio, "I can help, I've cleaned enough game in my time. Let me know if you want a hand."

After finishing off the wounded horse, Dieter replaces the clip with a fresh mag. He will refill the old one later.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

  At the shouts and subsiquent gunfire Drew shoulders his weapon and takes cover behind the mound of muddy earth he has placed infront of his hole scanning the area in hopse of covering those who were in the field to police the dead and catch the stray horses.

  "Fuckin monkey fuck!"  he hisses.

  "Whose fuckin security!  Fucking piss me off.  Fuckers goin out without overwatch.  Thought we had snipers...tell me those fuckers are doin their job the lazy fucks....where the fuck is that kid....babel...abba Abel...where the fuck is he.  Fucker should be helpin dig.  Fucking dig in the fuckin freezin rain and we're gonna be boogeying soon.  Whats the fuckin point...fuckin flying monkey cluster fuck....three ring progie eating circus!"

  Drew spits out a piece of old muddy wood that has gotten in his mouth while diving for cover and shouldering his machinegun.

"PFFFT!...Bleh!...This sucks."

Sgt Drew
M240
Taking a break from digging to shoulder his machinegun and cover his team members while bitching and moaning, but hey, being in the cold wet rain sucks!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:45, Sun 04 Apr 2010.

Tucker moves up to a spot near by to Sutherland and (if he's still able to fire at a target) Robert will begin to engage targets that Craig was shooting at OR try and assist Minh and the immediate threat to her and Jan (if he can do that!  Once again, sorry for posting so late)

Tucker
M-16A2 29/30 / M-203 [HE]
Trying to help out wherever he can
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:46, Sun 04 Apr 2010.

Thor heard Dellingr bitching, moaning and complaining and agreed completely with him. People had begun to move into the kill zone before the battle, such as it was, was even over. There'd simply been no time for anyone to deploy into proper positions, something that obviously needed to be talked about later.

In the meantime, Thor kept his mouth shut, replaced the spent magazine with a fresh one, and repositioned himself to fill the gap in the south west. At the end of the long building on the southern extremity of the farm, he found himself a relatively dry position under the eaves, settled down on the ground and slowly, carefully worked on concealing himself and his weapon while watching his arc.

"Thunderer in position."

Mariusz finished reporting the desertion of Apel and then walked over to Drew's position.

"That putin, Apel, has run off with a bike and some food. That leaves me as the only assistant gunner. I've helped Dawid dig in a bit, do you want help here?" he asked.

Jeff had followed somewhat behind Bayer, although he remained a safe distance away, and stood ready to blend into cover at a moment's notice.  After Minh had obliterated the wounded enemy, Jeff reemerged and approached Bayer.

[German]"You know Captain, my offer still stands on 'assistance' for 'questioning'.  My Russian, as you have seen, is excellent, and my government has taught me well on how to extract information."

Back in the rain, and preparing for interrogation, Jeff has replaced his trademark bandanna around his mouth and nose, leaving only his blue eyes, which are still concealed behind the brim of his Soviet issue patrol cap.

"Do you have interrogation schooling?" Bayer asks as he guides the horse back towards the farm. "One of my team is trained in such." Following his reply, he adds, "If you can be of assistance you may help."

Once the horse was back at the farm, he tied its reigns to something secure near the bikes. He'd hold off any move orders until the sweep team was done as well as a few more tasks that needed completion.

When he heard about Apel, he did all he could do suppress and conceal the rage. "Does the OP have any sight of him? Is he within rifle range?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:24, Sun 04 Apr 2010.

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #211):

Drew looks at the youth.

"Thanks Mar."  as he mutters,

"That sonofabitch."

  As Drew pauses for a moment his jaw visibly clenched,

"That fucker took my extra ammo."  Fuck!  Fuckity fuckity fuck!" he mutters.

  Drew traces the belt of ammo in his weapon with his fingers.

"Gotta be more careful from now on....."

  Turning to Mar,

"Ya know Mar, I fuckin had turncoats and traitors.  I fuckin hate em."

  Realising Mar has asked a question he replies,

"No.  I got it good enough kid.  We aren't gonna stay here long, its good enough.  Thanks though."

Sgt Drew
M240 with 100 rounds less ammo than he had a minute ago
Done digging, and now feeling very tired, PS he still doesn't know about the casualties.

"No problem," Mariusz said, "that traitor left the radio he was carrying, I'll see if he left the spare ammo there, otherwise, will the MG3 ammo fit your gun? I have two belts for that."

Mariusz waited to hear Drew's reply and then returned to where Apel had left the radio to see if the ammo was there too.

"Yes, although it is not my specialization.  I will work with your interrogator as a supplement to their abilities.  Good Cop, Bad cop.  Just tell me who this interrogator is, and if there's any specific information you want, and I will inform them and then we will set up to begin questioning the prisoner, likely in one of the out buildings."

He pauses for a moment, then adds, "What do you want us to do after we have all the information we need?"

Once Jeff has all the information he needs from Bayer, and the perimeter is secured, he will move off to find the other interrogator, and relay Bayer's instructions.

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #204):

After Mariusz left, Dawid continued digging in the rain. He looked up from his wet and filthy work when the few scuffle and shots at the ambush site happened, although he didn't flinch when Thor's cannon went off. Satisfied that this wasn't some new call to arms he continued.

After a few minutes he stopped to rest in the rain. Sighing, he called over to to the other gun position, "Mariusz, Coulter had Drew's spare ammunition. Please go fetch it if he hasn't already!"

In reply to Mariusz Tokarski (msg #215):

"Don't waste your time kid....If he jett'ed then he probably didnt't stop ta dummp his gear....and don't worry about the MG, that is non desingigrating link, my stuff is.  Two different loading systems....whats done is done...we just gotta play it alot closer...er more cautious now is all kid."

Sgt Drew
M240
Watching, talking to Mar
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:00, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

"It's no problem, Mr. Drew," Mariusz said smiling, "it's good exercise and I now know something more about Western guns. That's always good."

As he trotted to check for the ammo he heard Dawid's call and replied, "I'm on it Dawid."

He quickly found Coulter's blood spattered gear and located the ammunition belts. At the same time he stripped of several rounds of AK-74 ammunition and topped up his ready magazine.

He returned to Drew and said, "Here's the ammo," he paused for a moment and brought out his tobacco tin, "do you smoke? I only have roll ups made of old butts, but these three are made of cigar stubs, I haven't tried them yet so I don't know what they're like, these four are from Western butts. Would you like one?"

By the time Thor repositions himself on the south side of the farm complex, Apel is nowhere to be seen. Fortunately, he left all of the 7.62mm N ammo behind with Coulter, and while he could have deprived the team of one of its medium range radios, he did not. Perhaps his flight was not traitorous in the sense that he is actively aiding the enemy, but merely cowardly. He never seemed much like the soldiering type.

Jan and Warren drag the injured Cossack to one of the farm's outbuildings and lie him on a heavy wooden work bench. The man's hair is long and unkempt, as is his beard. His clothing and equipment are mostly Red Army issue. With every bump and jostle, he cries out in pain. He can't move either of his legs without adding to his agony. As he's laid out on the table, he begs for a shot of morphine or a slug (or nine) of Vodka.

Minh, Craig, and Tucker clear the rest of the kill zone. A couple of direly wounded horses loll about in the muck and mud. A couple of others are just barely clinging to life. Steam rises out of their many fresh wounds. Minh, Craig, and Tucker also find two badly wounded men, besides the one Minh's just gut-shot. Both are pretty far gone, each barely conscious and covered in a messy paste of blood and mud. It's hard to determine where and to what extent they are wounded. About 50m further north is a man trying to crawl away. This is made particularly difficult by the fact that he's missing his left arm from just above the elbow. Blood drips from the huge, open wound.

The last of the surviving horsemen have disappeared into the treeline to the north.

Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:39, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #220):

"Shit!"

Dawid dropped his entrenching tool, exhausted but also sickened. Leaving the PKM in it's cover, he climbed out of the MG position.

Drawing his pistol, he chambered a round and walked towards the wounded horses, intending to to put them out of their misery. Bayer had the unwounded horse secure, there was little to lose by shooting the others.

It was one of the few acts of mercy that could be performed in this war, not the least because the meat could be salvaged.

He noted the wounded man. Once he had finished off the horses he would go over to him. At that time he would decide if he was going to bind his wounds or show him the same mercy he'd shown the horses. If the man was one of the Baron's men, or even just a bandit, it was more than he deserved.

Jeff ignores the wounded man's pleas for now, and instead turns to Jan.  "I need you to find the other interrogator and bring them here.  I will handle it in the meantime.  After you're both back, stand off to the side looking very tough and menacing, as if you are going to break every bone in his body, because I'm going to tell him just that.

With that, he turns to the wounded Russian.  The first thing he does is shush him quiet, and then Jeff speaks. "Привет, мой друг, я Павел Филиппов КГБ. Я знаю, ты трусливый дезертир родины, а не с единицы в нашей славной нападение на собак в НАТО. Я знаю, вы и ваши друзья пытались теперь убить меня дважды в последние тридцать шесть часов. Я также знаю, что я только у вас есть шанс выжить свои раны, и возвращается к вашему дому." To reinforce this last point, Jeff pats the man in what would normally be a friendly way on the thigh, however he has applied just enough force to make the man scream out in pain, which is exactly what he intended. "Теперь, вот - то, что собирается случаться. Вы собираетесь давать мне информацию об этом Бароне, Вы работаете для, и мужчины, с которыми Вы работаете. Все Вы знаете. Числа, местоположения, оружие, слабости, сильные пункты, все. И не стесняйтесь добавлять что - нибудь еще, что Вы думали бы, что кто - то в моем положении найдет полезным. Если Вы не делаете, то мой друг, которого Вы только встретили, вернет его друга, и они не хорошие люди. Я проинструктировал их что, если Вы не говорите, когда они возвращаются, что они должны будут отключить ваши яички. Мы не имеем товарища большого количества времени, таким образом я предлагаю, чтобы Вы сказали мне, что я хочу знать."  Jeff waits patiently for the man to speak, and for Minh and Jan to return.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

Still begging for something to dull his considerable pain, the wounded Cossack spills his guts. What he reveals is news to Warren but much of it is already known to the others (see message #31 in Intel thread).

He adds that the Baron's army- the Black Legion, he calls it- has been somewhat dimished by recent actions against a large group of heavily armed "Catholic Crusader Zealots" from a little pilgrim's town to the southeast of Warsaw, on the west bank of the Vistula. The Baron thinks that these zealots are receiving aid from Lublin.

The company of Cossack cavalry of whom the wounded man had been a part has been playing cat and mouse with a small group of Red Army soldiers for the past two days or so. The cavalry company lost a whole platoon (KIA and WIA) in killing them off. Two wounded Soviet soldiers were captured and taken to Warsaw for interrogation. The rest were put to the sword. This man and his mounted platoon were searching for survivors. They'd learned of the farm from the Polish cavalry unit that had been sent to collect the farmer and his household a couple of days earlier. Apparently, this couple had been aiding and abetting a deserter from the Black Legion's Western (ex-NATO) company. The cossack platoon was going to search the farm before bedding down there for the night. The cossack company is now effectively kaput.

He also adds the following tidbit. The Baron is currently building a sort of fort (he calls it a castle) in south Warsaw, on the east bank overlooking the river. He's building it around the remains of old National Stadium on the southern edge of the old Praga neighborhood. He's using civilian labor levies to move rubble and construct a large outer wall on the remains of the grandstands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:45, Wed 07 Apr 2010.

Jan had followed Warren's instructions and had returned with Minh to help with the interrogation of the prisoner.  It appeared that the man was so badly wounded however that he would tell Warren whatever he wanted to hear.  Not understanding Russian Jan wasn't sure whether the information was useful or not or whether it corroborated things they already knew.

"I don't think you need me here anymore," Jan muttered to Warren and Minh when the prisoner stopped for breath at one point.  With a nod he then exited the workshop they were in and headed back to the scene of carnage.

Once there he started the grisly task of searching bodies for useful and salvageable equipment, ruthlessly stripping them of anything valuable.  He carried everything he found into the farmhouse, picking a room to use as a storeroom, intending to then catalogue what they had recovered so that they could decide what to do with it all.  Jan suspected that it was going to be more than they could carry on their available transport!

As the steam rose from the mound of dead horses and soldiers, Dieter pulled his coat close around himself. It was getting colder, and the skies were darkening. He didn't really want to hang around here any longer than they had too.

He was annoyed with himself for letting some of the riders escape. He knew he was a good shot, and though Thor was arrogant, he was at least telling the truth about his skills. But it was still annoying that they escaped. This meant that the farmhouse, which an hour ago had seemed like a comfortable refuge for the night, was now a target, and he didn't want to be here when the enemy returned, in force.

He turned back to the job in hand. He shifted position to get a better view to the north of the farm complex. He couldn't see anyone returning, but it was only a matter of time.

Wondering what Thor was up to, and where he was now that the gunfight had finished, he keyed into the radio and said, "Thunder 2 this is Thunder 1. Status and location report please, over."

OOC - assuming Thor confirms all is well he will continue:

To Bayer he then radioed, "Hailstorm 1, this is Thunder 1. Perimeter is secure and compound is safe, for the time being. Suggest we prepare to leave as soon as possible. Awaiting further instructions, over."

He then went back to covering the perimeter, watching for newcomers or prying eyes, awaiting further instruction from the CO.

Once the sweeps where completed and security was in place Craig began the task of helping with the search of the bodies. Helmets, webbing and boots it all had value either in trade or for the village.

Once everything of value was in the house Tom began to ask where Apel was. On learning of him “doing a runner” Craig shakes his head masking his reaction.

“He wasn't much in a fire fight but I thought we had gotten over that. I'm sorry he did just want to keep going, but when we saw the boat. I suppose coming back was just two much.”

Turning to the Captain he says;

“You may want to radio back to the village he may just turn up back there, it's more likely he will be well gone though.”

He then goes about getting himself ready to move when the order is given.

Tucker walks around and surveys the ambush carnage and then looks to Minh and Sutherland, "I'm no fuckin' expert here but, we gotta put these animals down.  You two take care of the four-legged ones and I'll take care of the two-legged ones that are already too far gone like these two and the one-armed bandit out there.  Unless someone has a problem with that?"
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Tucker turns as he leaves Minh & Sutherland to take care of the near dead and dying men they had just ambushed and dealt them a bad hand. Robert draws out his Browning High-Power pistol from his MOLLE vest and slides the safety off when he sees Dawid moving over towards the kill zone with his pistol out.  "YO!  Get back to your position!  We got this out here Dawid.  We don't need your help right now so thank you, no!"

After securing the horse and listening to the various reports that were relayed to him by mouth or radio, Bayer returned to the main house. Leaving the team to go about their tasks, he nodded for Sutherland to follow him. Digging out his map, he unfolds it on the kitchen table and places his compass on top. "We're to leave tonight. You know the area. I want to head west towards the city. Someplace unoccupied but intact enough for shelter. Suggestions? Don't need to be specific, a neighborhood or other village will do."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Wed 07 Apr 2010.

  "Thanks kid, but I still got a couple left I took off them prisoners last week."  As he pats his pocket.

  "Its too late ta be smokin though.  A sniper can zero in on you.  That glow can go a long ways.  We best not smoke tonight, at least not unless we go inside...then I'll give you one of mine."  As Drew flashes a smile at the eager youth.

Sgt Drew
M240
Talking to Mar and advising the youth about the dangerous of smoking

Settled in and relatively dry and comfortable, Thor searched his arc, all the while pulling in dried up peices of vegetation and whatever else was at hand to conceal his position.

"Thunderer still position." he replied to Bragi's transmission, wondering why he'd broken radio silence when he already knew Thor was set up.
"Still quiet. Out."

The screaming of horses at his back was a little annoying, but his spirits were bouyed at the prospect of fresh horsemeat on the menu for the next few days. He just hoped the butchers had the sense to use knives, axes and swords rather than their deafeningly loud magic. The echos of the earlier storm had died away - they didn't need to rekindle it with further unnecessary noise informing any within earshot of their continued presence.

In reply to Robert 'Tuck' Tucker (msg #227):

Craig turns towards Tucker and with a nod and adds; “Better to get it over with, but maybe a little more quietly.”

He then un-holsters his own Browning HP and puts the silencer on the barrel. He offers the butt of the weapon to Tucker.

If he does not take it Craig will walk over to the wounded and puts a bullet in the base of the skull of every man. He then walks over to each of the horses and does the same thing.

He then re-holsters the pistol and continues to strip the dead.

"That sounds good," Mariusz said smiling back, "and thanks for the advice about smoking, I knew it was bad for your health but not the lead poisoning type."

He noted Dawid walking out to the injured animals, "The MG3 is not manned, I'll head there and man it. If you need anything, give me a shout, that's what I'm here for, the American in my partisan unit called me Gofer, it was always "gofer this, gofer that". See you later."

Mariusz headed over to the improvised machinegun pit and manned the MG3 just in case.