Once Bayer is back aboard, he pulls aside some of the Kommandos before seeing off Dawid and putting Plock behind them once and for all.

First is Quyen, who he instructs to take custody of the Queen, ordering the two of them to remain in the galley and out of sight until they were ready to put her back ashore. He could sense that the Polish woman's life may be in danger from his own men which could spell trouble for Dawid and his sister - seeing how they were planning on returning to the townspeople that were expecting her release. With that in mind he orders his remaining NCOs to pass it along that she was not to be harmed.

Second is Tucker, who he asks to provide a detail to prepare Gunther's body for removal and proper disposal. He also makes a subtle suggestion that he should probably expect to include Anneka with that as well.

Thirdly, he seeks out Jan and asks him to see that the spoils of war were secured once Thijs has an opportunity to collect a few things. He was mostly concerned with the manpack radio and mortar rounds, but also reminded him that Quyen's PKM and Jay's RPG needed to be returned to stores as well.

Bayer then seeks out Dawid. Finding the Polish NCO, he says, "I was going to ask are you sure about this... but you and I both know the answer to that." Bayer then shakes his former 2i/c's hand and not being one for long goodbyes, he simply says, "You were a big part of this. I hope you find what you are looking for here. Thank you and best of luck."

While everyone else is seeing off Dawid, Bayer pulls aside Griet and says, "I'd like to put on some distance from here, but I'd also like to find some place, a wharf or dock, where we can lay up and sort ourselves out... make repairs and such. Do you know of any place?" 
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Thu 20 Dec 2012.

Resigned to the  loss of his gear, Thijs had replied, "Unfortunately, Gunther and I were quartered northeast of here, well away from our route to the river.  Gunther does not have many possessions; he arrived in Plock with little more than those British BDUs he was wearing when we boarded.  I had more things -- grenades, extra clothes, a chemical suit.  What I really missed tonight was my night vision goggles.  I left them in my quarters because the battery was low and I had no easy means of charging it.  If we find a pair of goggles, I would like to claim them.  I believe the American phrase is 'calling dibs.'  Fighting in the dark is not fun."

Now onboard the tug, Thijs was quiet as he prayed for Gunther's soul.  He had not known the German for very long -- less than a month -- but he had considered the younger man a good friend.

Later, when the booty was gathered and inventoried, Thijs restated his claim to the Baron's NVGs, and picked the British vest as well.

As the others got sorted out, Dawid put together his gear in anticipation of leaving. He decided against asking for a PKM like the one he'd arrived with, that day not too long ago by Nowy Huta and the Monastery on the Wisla near Krakow. Instead, he liked the look of the (unclaimed) Steyr AUG and so he put that with his pack, along with a half-dozen magazines. In its place in the armoury he left the two spare ammo cans for a PKM, which he no longer needed.

Gratefully, Dawid shook the other man's hand and then saluted. His green beret was pulled over his bandaged ear, hiding it somewhat.

"We were lucky, sir. Gunther's loss is unfortunate (not the least because my binoculars were also destroyed) and I am sorry to see the Major is in such poor shape. We didn't always get along  I have a feeling the reign of this "false Queen" is over, even if they accept her back she will find it hard to command these poor children like she did before, now they see she is vulnerable. I am glad to hear the Baron is no longer a threat and has been served as much justice as he deserved.

"You've been more than a commander, you've been a true friend and a mentor to me. I felt I have learned a lot from you, and I am grateful you didn't give up on me when perhaps you might well have. I too wish you the best, I will perhaps remain here in Plock if I can, or return to Warszawa to gather support there, but I shall see these children and this town liberated some day. Hopefully soon! Failing that or in addition, I shall return home with Urzula, if she'll come."

Forsaking ceremony, he grabbed Bauer in a great bear hug.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Thu 20 Dec 2012.

Craig watched the goodbyes from a short distance and when his own time came he shook the man's hand.

"I hope we all last to see better days and if after all this is over and if I get the chance to return I will seek you out."

Once Dawid and his sister leave Craig will help out with the burials and then take stock of the raised quarterdeck where he would have been stationed. It was a sobering sight and he took a minute to look it over. He tried to make a makeshift firing point in the meantime before more extensive repairs could be undertaken at some latter point.

Jay helped to carry the haul back to the boat, and then returned some gear to stores. Later he would have to rearrange his gear, but for new it seemed that they were free of any fighting.

It seemed that while the shore party had gotten off lightly, the boat crew had taken a battering; one dead and many wounded. He helped out with the burial detail, and offered a quick prayer to Buddha for Gunther's soul. He hadn't really known the young German, but maybe he had been a goodman and his spirit would be rewarded.

When Dawid and his sister gave their goodbyes he shook the man warmly by the hand. He had been a brave and noble fighter, and would help to create something resembling normality in this mess of a town.

Griet looked at the map and said, "The village of Dobiegniewo would be the perfect location. It's about 25 kilometers from here and has a small dock that would be useful to make repairs in."

She looked over at the Kaptain and said, "I'm worried about the damage to the boat's defences. If we keep taking damage like this the trip to drop you off wherever you want to go will be our last, I won't have the equipment or people to keep a hold of the Queen. I would like to request that we do two things during the rest of the journey. The first is that we prioritise finding weapons for the Queen as long as it doesn't entail too much risk and the second is that I would like to try recruiting more crew and ship's troops as we head for Gdansk. Picking up a crew at once will leave me open to mutiny. I want time to make the crew loyal to me."

She paused and looked at the map, "I think we need to decide what resources we can put aside for this venture, you will all have to live once we part too, so spending all our resources on the boat would be wrong. Of course, there's always the possibility that we stick together at the end of the journey and seek our fortune in the Baltic. We do after all make a good team."

Danny waits until there's not much audience, then approaches Bayer and Griet.  "Sir," he says, not quite coming to attention, "I hate like hell to say this, but there ain't a whole hell of a lot more we can do.  We've taken a half-dozen units of blood from anyone willing to donate but the round went straight through her liver.  I don't think anyone could fix this without a full surgical ward."  He gestures aimlessly, arresting the movement before he can sling a trail of crimson onto the deck.  "She's still unconscious.  I give her twenty, maybe thirty minutes before she bleeds out internally."

He nods at Griet.  "Not my call, Captain, but you may want to find yourself a ship's surgeon, too.  Much as I love y'all, I've still got an aircrew to take home."

Dawid shook hands with Craig and Jay.

"Thank you, my friends. One day we will meet again, I think. At the least, come visit. I'll show you where to find me, or at least where my home used to be. Hopefully, it's still there." He pointed out on the map the small farming community where he used to live.

To Jay he said, "do you want to keep my night vision goggles? I need to think about travelling light, and without a way to charge them they are not as useful in the long run."

As instructed Jan organised the stores, ensuring that Quyen returned the PKM and that Jay returned the RPG-7.  He also went round and gathered the spare rockets for the RPG-7 that some of the others were carrying.  Lastly of the gear that had taken from the stores Jan also added the M72A4 LAW and belt of ammo for the PKM that he had been carrying, figuring that it was better stashed in the stores than anywhere else.

With the other equipment they had recovered from the Cathedral Jan checked it all over before sharing things out for those who requested them.  Personally he took two of the full AK-74, mags to replace what he had fired, as well as the AK-74 that looked to be in the best condition.  He then thoroughly cleaned both it and his own AK-74 before comparing them and selecting whichever was the least worn.  He'd had trouble with jamming magazines so if he could find an AK-74 that was more reliable he swapped the BG-15 over to it.  He also did the same with the couple of magazines he'd taken, checking the springs and lips on all his mags and discarding anything that was at all damaged.

He also unjammed and cleaned his SMG.  He considered taking one of the two SMGs they had recovered but knew that the important thing was the silencer that he could attach to his PM-84 so decided against it in the end.  It was about as reliable as a politician's promise but when it worked it was a good weapon even though the round was underpowered.

While he worked he called out to Mariusz, their resident chef.  "Mariusz my friend.  If you can make some good food and a coffee appear then everyone will sing your praises and I will swap watches with you this evening so that you get a good sleep."

Once he had cleaned his weapons and had done his admin duties with the ships weapons locker Jan went up on deck to join the others saying goodbye to Dawid.  He was sad to see him go but, in some ways, relieved that someone was once again leaving their small band alive and standing rather than being buried in a hole as had happened with so many.  As he puffed on a cigarette he approached Dawid and offered his hand in farewell.

"David, jesteś uparty drań czasami, ale był dobrym towarzyszem i będę tęsknić. Powodzenia i twoja siostra, mój przyjacielu. Mam nadzieję, że jesteś w stanie nadal czyni różnicę i że spotkamy się ponownie jeden dzień tak, że mogę kupić ci drinka."*

After saying his goodbyes to Dawid, and lighting another cigarette, Jan went to find Konrad and Griet.  "We need to find somewhere to make repairs, particularly as Danny has told me that a storm is coming.  We also have lots of gold, more than we know what to do with.  Do we know of anywhere along the river where traders meet?  Somewhere where we might be able to spend gold to buy us some heavy weapons?  We have not seen any other boats on the river so maybe no one uses it any more but surely this river once have much traffic along it!  Did your father ever tell you of anywhere along the river that might still be a meeting point for traders?"


*OOC - This bit of Polish should translate as "David, you're a stubborn bastard sometimes, but you have been a good companion and I will miss you. Good luck to you and your sister, my friend. I hope that you are able to continue making a difference and that we will meet again one day so that I can buy you a drink."

Gladly, Dawid accepted the handshake and shared a cigarette.

"God has been good in some small ways, I have found my sister and perhaps I will find a greater purpose now. And of course I will take you up on that drink! You have a good heart, are a good friend and companion. Perhaps France prove to be a true friend to Poland, though we need to stand on our feet as well. Go with God, Jan."



Not but least, a farewell to his old companion, Tucker. "Yes! Perhaps that's the only way to do it. We have no need for Kings, or Barons, or Queens, or Hetmans. The people should choose their own leaders. As long as there's something to complain about, things to shoot and vodka to drink, I will be a happy and content man."

He offered Tucker a drink of vodka, then took a swig himself. "To Poland, those who live to fight another day, and those who sleep forever in her soil. Companions, friends, brothers and sisters in arms, they are all blessed in the eyes of God."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:54, Fri 21 Dec 2012.

Thijs found the berthing space allotted to him and adjusted his gear to allow for the weight of the British BN vest he had acquired.  Loathe as he was do do it, he removed his holstered pistol and spare magazines from his webbing and placed them in his butt pack with the snail drum he'd swapped for the one used in the fight.  The pack was now unattached from the LBE and left on the bedding he had been given.

He asked around and borrowed some weapon-cleaning gear and proceeded to field-strip and clean his C7A1 LSW.  As he was doing so, he made a mental note to get some more ammunition to replace what was abandoned in Plock and expended in the firefight.   He would also have to find some clothes to wear while his fatigues were being washed of the CS residue.

He waited for a moment to speak with the departing Dawid.  Shaking his hand, he told the artilleryman, "Zdaję sobie sprawę, że tylko spełnione - Bóg - zaledwie dwa dni temu, i miał niewielki kontakt w tak krótkim czasie. Znałem twoją siostrę na kilka tygodni, a ja uważam ją przyjaciel.  Dbasz o nią, i dbać o siebie.  Być może trzeba trochę więcej amunicji dla tej sierpnia."  He hands the Pole a slip of paper.  "Oto adres mojej kwatery. Możesz mieć swój sprzęt, jeśli ktoś nie ma już go. Obejmuje on przypadek 5.56mm kaset, w większości o przypadku 9mm Parabellum, pół tuzina Granaty, chemiczno-suit i obrona własnej parę noktowizora (trzeba będzie znaleźć sposób na sharge baterie , chociaż).  Idź z Bogiem, i dać Urzula przytulić dla mnie."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
I realize we only met -- God -- just two days ago, and had little contact in that short time.  I did know your sister for a few weeks, and I consider her a friend.  You take care of her, and take care of yourself.  You might need some more ammunition for that AUG." . . . "Here is the address of my quarters.  You can have my gear if somebody has not already taken it.  It includes a case of 5.56mm cartridges, most of a case of 9mm Parabellum, a half-dozen fragmentation grenades, a chemical-defense suit, and my own pair of night vision goggles (you will have to find a way to charge the batteries, though).  Go with God, and give Urzula a hug for me.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Sun 23 Dec 2012.

Once back on the boat, Jay volunteered his services to anyone doing repairs or building new defences. He was no engineer, but he was a good gopher.

Tucker steps into the room and exhales the Cuban tobacco out of his lungs as he appraoches Dawid.  He reaches up and takes the vodka and takes a mouthful before handing it back to the Pole and returns the salute, "To Poland then!"  He extends a hand out to Dawid for him to shake, "I'm not big on sentimental good byes so, this will have to do Dawid.  Good luck to you, and your sister,  Be safe.  And, it was your pleasure serving with me."  Tucker has a smirk on his face as he reaches into one of his pockets and produces one of the Cuban cigars and hands it to Dawid.  "This is for when your battle is over.  Enjoy it in good health, Dudy."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:26, Fri 21 Dec 2012.

"And here's to America's colours, the only colours that never run... something like that? Thanks for the cigar, a priceless gift in this day."

Grinning, Dawid shook his hand, and gave him a bear hug. "There, you fucking bastard. Only if you remember me as the sanctimonious prick that I truly am! I wouldn't have it any other way."

He reached into his pocket, brought out his treasured rosary.

"I saved this for you. I'm sure you've heard the story a hundred times be now. Once belonged to my village priest. Blessed by Father Karol Józef Wojtyła himself when he visited Poland in 1978. I give it to you now, it will bring you luck, may Father, the Son and the Black Madonna herself protect you and our companions."

Mariusz nodded and headed for the galley to make something to eat.

"Alright." Bayer replies. "We move as soon as Dawid and the others are away."

Tucker returns the bear hug with equal enthusiasium and makes sure he doesn't burn off his cigar.  "No worries Dawid, you'll always be a prick in my book!  I expect nothing less of you to think the same of me!"  Robert loks down at the rosary beads that Dawid just handed him and listens to the explanation about the history, for the last time.  "I'm not a religous guy but, I'll gladly accept them Dawid, thank you.  Good luck and I hope that you find happiness here with your sister."  Robert takes the beads and puts them in his BDU shirt pocket and leaves with a nod before returning to the top deck for the final send off.

Quyen dumped the PKM, the metal ammo box, and the remaining ammunition into the armory. She didn't fire too much of the ammo which was good.

Returning: PKM x1, PKM 100rd. box x1, 7.62mmS Linked x154

Quyen then reported to Konrad as requested where she was to take the Queen to the galley as a makeshift brig. Before going inside she snapped her handcuffs on the woman and drew her pistol. Quyen then sat her at the table and stood leaning against the wall next to the door. If the Queen tried talking to her she'd tell her to shut up and threaten to gag her.

When it was time to go Minh escorted the queen back outside and up to the deck. She removed the handcuffs from her and gently pushed her towards Dawid. Quyen then looks at Dawid and says quietly "You are crazy..." Then shaking her head slowly she says "Goodbye and be well Dawid Piotrowski. We are grateful and you will be missed." Quyen then lights up a cigarrete and watches him go.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Sat 22 Dec 2012.

After saying his farewells, Dawid boards the "Princess" with his hostage, the former Queen of Plock. The tug's small boat crew ferries the odd couple ashore and stays long enough to see them safely up the bank. Not far away is a gaggle of sour faced teens, all of them armed. They keep their weapons slung, though. Dawid waves goodbye and marches the Queen (no one ever asked her real name or how she came to be the Queen of Plock) up the riverbank and towards the town. Dawid is clearly entering hostile territory. The Kommando must have killed and wounded at least three dozen of Plock's young defenders in its bid to rid Poland once and for all of Baron Czarny. The Kommando's success in the latter is mitigated in large part by the "collateral" damage done to the former. Dawid and Urzula have a herculean task ahead of them.

The Kommando watch Dawid and the small procession until they disappear behind some battered buildings. All that they can do now is wish him luck and remember him in their prayers.

The Wisla Krolowa draws away from the west end of Plock, steaming towards the wall of grey looming above the horizon to the west.

To Be Continued...

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg # 922):

Letting Tucker have the last word while he wiped at some dirt in his eye, Dawid accepted the prisoner. He turned and nodded his thanks to Minh. "Keep safe, my friend."

He waved to the boat from shore, then began marching his prisoner back.

"So... what's your name? Hos did you become Queen, anyways? Is it like a vote or something?"

OOC: I'm not trying to drag this out, but that's a damn good question and hey, people might want to know. For better or worse she's an interesting character in her own right.

[NPC'ed]

Before Dawid departs, Jeff says goodbye.

"Well, it was fun, wasn't it? Do me a favor, though, OK? For old time's sake. I was happy to help with Warsaw but can you pretend you never met me? I'm not susposed to exist, if you know what I mean. You catch my drift, right? Thanks. Good luck, Piotrowski. Take care."

The Queen, no longer a prisoner aboard the tug, and on her way back to the town in which, until quite recently, she reigned supreme, remains sullenly, or perhaps defiantly, silent. Who knows what's going on in her head. Dawid's going to have to keep a tight leash on the mysterious woman.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:34, Sun 23 Dec 2012.

Danny returns to the makeshift surgical theatre and watches Anneka until her breathing falters and stops.  He checks for a pulse, first manually and then with his battered stethoscope, and finds none.

After a long moment, he steps back, comes to attention, and brings up the perfect salute he never granted Anneka before.  "Goodbye, Major," he whispers.  "No more bullshit here, ma'am.  You were a hell of a good chest-cutter and you took care of the mission.  I'm sorry I couldn't do more."

He draws a sheet over her face and leaves the compartment, softly closing the door behind him.

In reply to Jeff D. Warren (msg # 924):

Before he left, he shook Warren's hand. "Do not worry, unidentified person. You shall be remembered but not recorded, your help will be known but never spoken of."

To Thjis he replied, "my thanks for the wishes. I will give Urzula a hug and kiss for you! I know where your equipment is and should it be there, I'll put the ammunition and explosives to good use and return what I can if I see you again. Or sell it for liquor, I actually can't promise ahead of time."

"God be with you, Mariusz," he told the youth as he hurried off. "Wherever your path takes you, make sure it brings you home. Poland needs people like you, and you will put what you learn from our comrades to best use, I am sure!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:55, Sun 23 Dec 2012.

In reply to Daniel Larue (msg # 926):

When Jan gathered that Anneka has passed away he quietly went to the cabin her body was in to pay his respects.

"Anneka. Tu étais une salope parfois, mais je pense que vous avez toujours de bonnes intentions, même si vous avez causé plus d'arguments que vous avez résolu. J'espère que vous trouverez le bonheur dans l'au-delà."*

He then crossed himself and muttered a prayer quietly in French before bowing his head and then leaving.


OOC:
* - this should translate as "Anneka.  You were a bitch sometimes but I think that you always meant well, even if you caused more arguments than you solved.  I hope that you find happiness in the next life."