Slowly and carefully the village is searched. As time passes and more and more buildings found uninhabited, the feeling of beeing totally alone grows.
You're almost through to the other side of the abandoned settlement when Sergio spots something slightly out of place. Horse dung, fresh by the look of it, no more than half an hour old. A little closer and the marks made by shod horses can clearly be seen in the dirt that's blown from a nearby garden bed over the bitumen of the road. With several of you onsite and able to track, it's evident that they came from the south and are heading north. As fresh as the dung appears to be, there's little doubt that they would have heard your arrival on the other side of the village.

You're now about 400 metres from the vehicles - well within range of Winters loaned radio. I'll assume that Finnegan is carrying it unless told otherwise.
I'll also assume that due to your cautious movement, you are all in cover with Matterson either on a rooftop or other well chosen snipers nest.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:35, Wed 22 Nov 2006.

Sergio immediately signals the others to keep an eye out, then to the nearest, points he's heading up to get a better view and look around.

Then heading to the nearest building (back if need be) he'll check it out inside before looking around and taking his time surveying the area for more signs. Trying to find a spot where he can see Matterson, at least one of the otehrs and have good cover, whilst the freedom to see what he needs to to be able to tell others, or provide cover.

Heading upwards as much as possible.

A honey coloured brow rose slowly, glancing from D’ammond ‘s departing form to Finnegan, then to Smith and back with a troubled frown;  She inclined her head to Tanya wordlessly.  Camilla huddled down into the haphazard line of rubble, covering the group’s six, until they were ready to move again. She considered trying her hand at a little tracking, but waited to see where the Major, or  Marcus was going to direct things as he had point.

At the sight of tracks Marcus gives the hand signal to security halt with hand up palm open.  Crotching down himself behind some cover and concealment, most likely rubble, Marcus scans all the nearby structures that the team hasn't yet checked out, looking for signs of occupation.  He waves back the way they came, the signal for attention to Matterson on overwatch at their first foothold building with a bird's eye view or the best approximation thereof over the village.  Using hand and arm sginals he signals to Matterson to scan the tracks and follow them as far as he can through his sniper's scope.  Meanwhile the team should be holding in a line security formation while they attempt to quickly investigate the tracks and immediate area.

Tanya holds fast on the outside of their security line and keeps an eye out to their right/left fronts and sides for any kind of movement or tracks.

Bernhard lowers his large frame to one knee and covers his zone with his rifle. Glancing at Sgt. Smith he watches for any sign of where the tracks may lead, or that whoever made the tracks has doubled back to ambush them.

With everyone watching their assigned sectors (otherwise known as "arc of fire"), Marcus scoots forward for a closer look at the horse droppings. Knowing shit when he sees it, it's fairly obvious from the heat it still contains that it has been there no more than about ten minutes.
Matterson scans the tracks through the PSG-1's high powered scope, following them as far as he can through the buildings. They appear to be headed in roughly the direction you came from albeit by a different route.

Marcus tosses the dung onto the ground and curses under his breath at their faux pax stumbling past a contact. As an afterthought, it's probably better that they're focused on the armored vehicles anyway. He looks back to the Major expectantly, probably concerning answering the radio.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Tue 20 Dec 2005.

Bernhard shakes his head at the mention of horsemen at the vehicles,"Finnegan to Brown, We will return to your position ASAP. Which direction did they come from?"


The Major motions to Marcus first then everyone else in the dismounted team to get their attention, then indicates the radio and that they have 4 visitors at the vehicles. He motions they will move in bounding overwatch, Marcus and himself, followed by the other three.

Marcus scoots over to the Major, "Sir, we need to survey this area before we head back. The horsemen came from here," emphasizing with a swirl of his finger at the tracks originating from the garden. He adds, "I think they can handle themselves for a few more moments, we don't want something behind us."

Bernhard nods at the sage advice given by the noncom,"Your right of course, we can check around here real quick for any others, then follow their tracks to the vehicles, catch any who are hiding from behind. Lead us out of here"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Tue 20 Dec 2005.

Bernhard shakes his head at the mention of where the horsemen came from. How the hell did that happen? Damn I need my eyes checked. He motions to Marcus to lead on.

Marcus motions to the two in the trail to stay put, using his index and middle fingers in a "V" he points to his eyes indicating he needs security and points to the elements rear (where they came from) and towards the area that they'll be investigating, namely the garden. Satisfied the message was passed correctly he looks around and barring any contact he'll bound quickly to the garden area and start poking around, hopefully with at least the Major and one other in tow.

From his newly elevated view he looks around. Sadly not seeing much he checks his position and then heads back down to cover the others rear as well as remain to see of other back attack.

Camilla had been monitoring their six, doubly so since they hunkered down, nodding silently as Sergio returned.  Ashton did as was expected, holding down that spot until otherwise indicated. She wished the others good fortune wordlessly, a tight frown on her lips as she scanned the area.  There wasn’t much to say, or even much that could be said..  Such sentiment would complicate matters, and ultimately it would have been a wasted action.

Bernhard scans ahead of where Marcus bounds, covering him in case anyone wishing to do them harm should suddenly appear. As soon as Marcus stops Bernhard also bounds to the garden and starts looking around for any signs of the horsemen and anything they may have left.

Moving rapidly but with care, the four hundred metres or so back to the vehicles is eaten up in a few short minutes. Stopping and propping (taking cover) at the edge of the buidlings (vehicles are in the open just outside the township), you observe the two vehicles have their weapons pointed in the general direction of four horsemen. Don is standing well out of the way with his weapon (PM-63 smg popgun) slung over his back, while Michelle has approached, disarmed the riders (all soviet small arms) and managed to persuade them to dismount.
As you watch, the gunners hatch on the BTR-80 lifts open and reveals Browns head....

As the team moves back to their original start point, he makes sure not to take the same route, and also makes sure not to end up in the direct line of fire of their comrades. He manuvers to the "left" flank of the vehicles and the "right" flank of the horsemen and themselves. He looks back to Major Finnegan as they move and whispers tersely, _{"Radio we're moving to their left flank."}

Upon arriving at the flank, he notices them unarmed and dismounted already with our lovely medic standing unarmed herself in the midst of it all. He can only shake his head in wonder as he crouches down behind some cover and concealment overwatching the scene. Waving his non-shooting arm and hand down the line across a pile of rubble he indicates a line formation best for support fire or pre-assault, whichever they may become. He indicates to SFC Redgrave with his two fingers to his eyes and out to their six indicating security to the rear. It should be given that those on the ends provide their own flank security.

Once the nod was given, Cam filtered down the indicated line of rubble, settling in low behind a bit of concrete and rebar providing there was enough of it around to accommodate, and took up position.  Her rifle was held tight in to her body at that point,  tilting a glance around the debris.

She didn’t want to cause any unfortunate misunderstandings either,  but would rather be, prepared if there was any kind of escalation.  Her gaze drifted upwards and over the buildings that might lend support to the strangers, just to see if maybe they had some help waiting up there.

(This is all providing there’s any such-said cover to be had in the area.)

As they trot back to the vehicles Bernhard nods to Marcus and radios back,"We will be approaching your position from your left flak. I say again Your left flank." No need to have them shooting at us, that would make a bad situation even worse.

When they arrive in position Bernhard takes a position on Marcus right side, about 7 meters away from him. Scanning the group of horsemen and his sector over the sites of his C7.

Tanya replies with a nod and a 'thumbs up' to Smith as she repositions herself for rear security of their scouting team.  She tries to find a decent spot with good cover allowing her to maintain optimal security.

Following up a little later than the rest, he used all his surveillance skills to see any signs of ambush.

He keeps in eye contact with the last person and goes once more to investigate the tracks on the way.

This message was last edited by the GM at 10:15, Thu 16 Feb 2006.

Grabbing his things he heads out, the orders seemed good and hopefully they'd not find anything out of the ordinary. It certainly seemed like this group were travelling solo.

But then there was the trouble of the tracks? He'd have to have a closer look to see how fresh they were again. Still maybe they had some allies in this, or a good ambush from behind. He looked to the group and hoped them all well. Giving a brief nod, he joins Smith and Ashton. It seems the work continues.

Marcus nods to SFC Redgrave, "Problem is what we already cleared is technically not secured, we might as well start on the side of town that we're at now and clear up to our last point."

Lieutenant Ashton nodded her agreement to Tanya’s words and searched Smith’s features for any expression, even if but a shadow.  Sergio’s arrival heralded their departure. “Smith, Tanya,..  Me,  then, Sergio..” She said plainly, and pointed  off through the buildings. “Call as-see-fit Marcus…”

She intended to pick up where they left off as suggested, but the new vector idea sounded as promising, Clearing the area nearest the negotiations and continuing back couldn‘t hurt..  Time was a consideration too, she didn’t want the sweep to take so long as to get dark. Few of them had night equipment, and the rubble of any place could be treacherous even in the lit hours. -As many could imagine, the journey through the desolate streets and side shots seemed a surreal one. Almost like walking through a forgotten place, or some hollow picture, snapped in the blink of an eye when no one was left in the frame..

Ghost towns always seemed to feel haunted, devoid of life in a way that could only bring impact when set along side a child’s toy.. or some other mundane thing left behind as  luke-cool testament of the normal life that had gone on prior to the interruption.  Time had not been kind, and from what could be seen several of the establishments were in need of basic maintenance at least.

A rusting shed here, bone dry wood riddled with worm and rot marking a shambled wall..  There, too, was the peeled paint and blistered wash of white on concrete stripped away by wind and rain…   some of the wear and tear having happened even before the occupants left..

There was a quaint little barber shop, still sporting an off-kilter sign which dangled from rust pitted chains,  and moaned its ancient protest to the stirring breeze.  A general store,  shop-front riddled with brittle splinters of glass.  -And across the way,  rest the gaping maw of a grocers. Its fragile window panels equally shattered, and  most of the shelves laid bare long ago. What could be seen of the floor was scattered with debris from fallen leaves and even split tiles ..   Some more other small corner shops  sprouted up here and there.
She paused in reflection along the shadow of one wall peering out that the , weapon at the ready,  as a distant sound snapped out ..
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:18, Sun 19 Feb 2006.

Tanya looks back to Marcus, Got no problem goin' over and making sure shit's secure to be on the safe side.

Tanya gets up from her kneeling position as Cam gives the order of who's moving with whom.  She pairs up with Marcus and begins to head through the town.  Left side or right Marcus?

It sounded like the crack of a rifle way off in the distance somewhere. Probably just a hunter but then nobody had seen any signs of recent habitation near the abandoned village.
Peering into buildings as your patrol moves through the empty streets reveals what could be a termed a treasure trove of domestic equipment, furniture and personal belongings. Whoever had lived here had moved out in a hurry and it is obvious that in the year or so since then, nobody had been back, not even scavengers.

Very odd...

Sergio waves and whispers over ideas of this strange fact. Mines come to mind, a place people wouldn't willingly go to. He starts to split his eyes from the surroundings to the floor. One step...

He also thinks of some of the bits they could take. There must be somehting of use, even if it's just canned food. Things get knocked over and lost. Stuff can always be found or overlooked.

The gunshot didn't help matters. He starts looking for a high place to get a good view and be able to cover his friends.

Looking through some of the belongings very quickly, Tanya is amazed at some of the things she hasn't seen or wore in a long time.   Wow, I haven't seen a decent sent of bra and panties in a long time, she thinks to herself.  She moves next to Cam when she has a chance,  I know you saw 'em too Lootenant!  We should try and pick up some items for us ladies since I haven't seen stuff, albeit a bit outdated, in a few years.  It would need some scubbin' I'm sure but, worth it!

Camilla, was certain that the shot had been fired some ways off..  -It reminded her of the sniper; Their unknown ally during the liberation.. And also how that person was still unaccounted for.  This wasn’t to say that she felt safer after hearing the sound, just that she didn’t show much concern.  Echo’s had a way of playing with people, so she only made a brief attempted to guess at the direction.

-The Danish Lieutenant was shaken from her thoughts by RedGrave‘s voice, staring in one of the shop windows like an orphan on bread-day, watching even the poor make off with some treasure or another. Cam looked down at her hands where she cradled her weapon, then glanced to Tanya with a ghost of a smile…

There were other concerns as well.   The doctor had been running low on bandages, and such, last Cam had heard. There could also be some tools for the vehicles and such around as well.. Perhaps a temporary sealant for the holed Petrol-tank..

Not to mention the prospect of picking up non-military clothing, for various subterfuges.  Just in the case that some other justifications might be needed besides the obvious..   They had dealt with things as  they had to for a while, and without complaint over the matters of their gender. And she wasn’t just thinking of comfort, there was the whole monthly cycle to contend with.. Not that she would ever make a big production over such  a private matter. At least in her opinion it was a personal thing.


“Mmm, we finish sweep first..  On way back, we collect.. Yes?  -Other’s heard shot too maybe,  think we check in and they not worry?..” Her words were thick with accent, though getting better all the time, along with her slowly growing vocabulary..

Tanya nods in agreement and returns the smile, Right Lootenant, first things first.  Good idea about the bandages and other 'personal needs' we need to consider with the extra clothing available.  I guess I let my mind wander too much about having some new clothes to wear rather than these BDU's.  Seems like I've been in the forever!

Marcus led the small group through the town, clearing the buildings quickly one by one, which was tedious and slow but necessary.  It would've taken at least an actual battlion-sized element to clear and secure the town, and here they were clearing with four only.  Being a ruined city one could see into many of the buildings before even entering them, but that also meant it went both ways.  The signs of sudden abandonment were worrying him a bit, but he had not said anything aloud about it yet.  At the sound of the shot Marcus called a security halt to investigate further.

Crotched down at the corner of the building where SFC Redgrave is admiring wares Marcus glances back at the female soldiers bantering with a casual, straight-lipped expression.  Removing the hand radio from his webbing he passes it to SFC Redgrave since it seems she had become by default the RTO.  He looks at Lt Ashton a moment longer before his left eyebrow twitches and he turns away returning to scanning and determining the direction of the single shot.

Tanya takes the radio from Marcus and tucks into her webbing.  It's in good hands Sarge!

Cam pulled her gaze from a barely cleared mark she’d made on the window pane,  and the reflection she’d been staring past, and then ultimately at..  “Major?.. Readings?..”, Her gaze seemed troubled, or maybe just thoughtfully distant, before she turned toward Marcus..  “Thoughts?..”,  Ashton studied his profile for a time, curious perhaps.

Sergio secured a good position of safety, then flips on the geiger counter again (OOC: No idea how these things work, if they're an area, a cone, continously one etc... anyone know?) He nods as the area seems safe.

"If the town had been the target of a missile, they may have fled, but then, why did they not come back?" Thoughs of the hollywood movies of alien invaders, but instead replaced with russians, come to mind.

He shakes his head to Camilla, "Looks alrigh for now. I'll have ta keep an eye out for when eet dozent" He siles her way, hoping the little emotion will help calm her nerves. Thing was, this place was eerie.

Marcus glances back over his shoulder from his security scan and simply says, "Perhaps we should check-in as the Lieutenant suggested." before turning back to scanning.

The counter still shows a high level of background radiation but certainly not at a critical level. You wouldn't want to stay more than a year or two but shouldn't suffer any ill effects from shorter exposure - a bit like the rest of Europe really...
You continue searching through the deserted township and still nobody is found, not even a sign of recent habitation. It's as if the place has been sealed off from the rest of the world to prevent people returning and resuming their previous lives.
The town appears to have been abandoned in a hurry. Some of the houses you look in still have the days dirty dishes stacked on the kitchen sink, clothes waiting to be folded and put away after washing, school books on the table where the children had been doing their homework - all the usual scenes you'd expect to see in the average house on any average day.

Sergio takes note of the area and scans a little further out to make sure no one si walking into danger. Then heads into, cautiously, a house to check to see how fresh the left items are. Food should have gone to nothing by now. It's been a while (OOC: Hasn't it?) but it might still give a reason as to why people left so quickly... unless they were still here somewhere?

Looking closer inside reveals much information. A calender on the wall is still showing June of 1999 - about a year ago. Abandoned on the table next to the desicated remains of a meal is a pair of surgical masks...

You want me to get Finnegan and the others on the horn Major D'ammond?

He glances up, unsure she was addressing him. Ahh this rank thing. "Well at the moment we've not got much. But yes, gessus an update on them and them us. And mention is about a year empty." He assumed a horn was the radio. It was that or something to do with finding someone sexy?

As an afterthought he adds "And tell em iz safe for the wadiation around these here." he keeps the fact it's not perfectly safe, to himself.

Marcus turns slowly to Major D'ammond with a slightly furrowed brow as he stands inside the building looking outward doing his usual security routine. He says quietly, "Sir, do you have a chemical sniffer or better yet, something to test for biological?"

Tanya get the radio out and sets it down.  I'll advise them as such Major, Tanya says as she grabs the mic to speak.
Tanya will now wait for a reply from the vehicles.  Home Base, Home Base, Romeo PaPa One.  Be advised, village is eerily clear and safe of rads as far as we can tell.  Village seems to have been clear for past year or so.  No contact to report.  Over.

OOC: I went back and found our recon patrols (Romeo PaPa) and base (Home Base) call signs.  Should've done that sooner but, it hit me later that we had somewthing.  Just had to go and find it!

Cam peered at Smith a seemingly long while, then back to Tanya..  Providing their sweep was finished, she’d wait for further orders, save one small amendment..  “Ask about sniffer..”  Judging from the places they had already looked in there was a grim line forming as her thoughts shifted a different direction.. If they hadn’t finished the sweep Camilla refused to expose them much further to possible contaminants without proper equipment to test with..

If they were lucky it would have just been some sort of viral outbreak which died out a long while back.. Until then she wanted avoid using any water source or the like..  Either way they’d have to head back and get the gear before dragging anything back to the others.

“We get sniffer, make  tests before any else?..” It was more of a statement but in question form, blinking at Sergio and stepping back from the latest darkened doorstep..

(yen yep that's them  ^.^ Lil Recon Patrol as we is-is, was-was, are-are.)

Tanya nods, Yes ma'am, and ques the radio once again.  Yeah Home Base, requesting the chemical sniffer at our location to check out a theory we've got.  Copy that, chemical sniffer requested.  Over.

That look. It meant HE'D be doing the testing. Just as he was the one with the geiger counter out of them all, he was now the survival expert. Wait. He WAS the survival expert.

He returns a smile to help spread the feeling he had. Hell if it had been chemicals, they'd have cleared, or they'd all be... wait... checmicals still leave bodies?

He starts looking carefully for any tracks from anything, especially animals. They had better senses and would avoid dangerous areas, and with the food near gone, but still in the houses... ah he'd wait for the feedback like the rest.

Tanya gives Major D'ammond a thumbs up and replies to Major Finnegan, Roger that Home Base.  Wait one for location.  Over. Tanya looks around to see if there are any names or street signs or names of buildings she can use as a marker or if anyone else has any idea.  Major Finnegan said he needs our location and he'll get us the sniffer, sir.

Sergio looks around. They could try to explain location and... It might be easier to send someone, or go himself. Looking around he sighs, "Neeone want go back to get? Iz to be easier than speak where, tis to be sure!" He grins that roguish handsome frenchman grin.

"The rest of you keep alert and don't shoot the person returning!" he adds with a wink.

(OOC: If no one volunteers, he'll head out)

Camilla shifted her weight, and cradled her weapon point down, turning to the French Major, who, while outranking her, also spoke better English..  Blue eyes tilted toward the horizon..  “Day slips..  I go sir.. Should only be water..  at worst yes? Long time.” with that, Lieutenant Ashton peddled back the way they came off to retrieve the device..

Before Cam could actually leave, Marcus moves quickly to grab her arm, not aggressively or even tightly, just enough to get her attention and stop her.  In a firm, yet gentle grip he simply says quietly, "You shouldn't be alone."  Pivoting on her arm he moves to her front and nods his head in a direction of travel towards the vehicles but off in a different path.  He starts moving and glances back to see if she follows.

Home Base be advised, we have a pair enroute for that item.  Copy that?  Over.  Tanya watches as Smith and Cam take off back towards the vehicle for the chemical sniffer.  She waits for a reply from Major Finnegan's group while continuing to look around at her surroundings.

Tanya looks over to Major D'ammond, It shouldn't be too long now Major.  They'll be back right quick with it!

He nods and grins, looks good so far, "Then secure your place and... I'll go scout to check for more tracks. Keep sight contact and blow with lips, what you call?" he says miming whistling

Her forward momentum faltered and came to a stop at the touch.  There was some hint of surprise in Camilla’s gaze, drifting to the hand, then upward to meet Smith’s quietly a moment.  The barest hint of a nod followed,  eyes locking for a brief time..

It almost felt as if she had been caught in some childishly foolish act, and it embarrassed her..  Perhaps that was the cause of the faint flush that brushed her cheeks.  It was hard to make out through the smudges of road dust..

Naturally the Sergeant was already moving ahead, her puzzled expression smoothing as she reclaimed her center, trailing along in his wake.

Tanya looks at Sergio and gives him a smile when he mimmicks trying to whistle.  I'll whistle if something comes up Major, no problem!

Tanya moves herself and the radio back into a building where she can easily keep an eye out on the street.  She will take a quick walk through the place (again if needed) to make sure it is clear.  She then sets up inside and waits for the others to return.

"Wheestal... whissytul" he says trying to copy her as he shakes his head and walks off, eyes taking in as much as they could, and gets back to re-examining the tracks, and surroundings.

The Estonians appear to be fairly happy with the food they have been given and are certainly not about to press their luck with four machineguns from two armoured vehicles pointing their way. Eventually the bottle is drained and they unsteadily reclaim their weapons and climb up onto the horses with the newly aquired food.
A way and a few words of parting and they are away, headed north on their long journey back to their homeland. Maybe they'll make it, if they manage to sober up enough before running into any trouble...
Cam and Marcus arrive back at the vehicles together and grab the chem sniffer from where it's wired to the BRDM-2 (so it doesn't fall off while on the move).
Heading back into the town, they stop every few hundred metres to check the readings - no chemical agents are detected.

Soon after and the village is deemed "safe". Nobody seems to be around although it would take a full battalion of 700+ infantry to make sure of it in less than about three weeks. Many items are discovered just laying about ready for the willing to pick them up. Almost all food, blankets, camping equipment and other items essential to surviving outdoors is gone. The stores are empty - either raided by the owners, emptied by the long war and minimal supply, or picked over since the settlement was abandoned.
Investigating the school hall gives the biggest clue as to what happened here. Several hundred decayed bodies are laid out in row upon row. If you had been there six months previously, the stench would have been impossible to withstand, but now most the bodies are little more than bones. A tattered biohazard sign tacked on another exterior door flutters in the wind, barely held by a tarnished thumb tack in one corner.

Backing hurriedly out you vow to keep your distance from the hall and set to work stripping the houses of any items deemed worth anything as trade goods.

OOC: For those who haven't previously had access to this thread, I suggest you read over the previous posts before replying.

After the barest silence of a prayer for those lost souls, Lieutenant Ashton crossed herself, then set about helping out where ever she might end up being needed.  The shadey gloom of deep thought edged in onto her mild features and lingered for some of the salvage operation, though not so much as to cause any trouble..

After a time, providing there was any before the watch was set, Cam would dig around the clothing department for anything a little less soldierly.. Okay so maybe a lot less soldierly, not racy if it could be avoided, just something that didn’t scream early BDU. -Of course this would be only after the essentials were seen to.

Might even pal around with Tanya a bit while sifting.

The horrors of the school were not lost on her, but they’d seen a lot of horrible things,  maybe nothing that absolute lately,.. but certainly had seen only some of the evils human beings were capable of. Between fatigue and the empty pit that she’d called her middle.. she wasn’t sure there was anything to feel.  Camilla just tried not to think about it.

Sergio gives the circumferance a last run over and check before going into the buildings looking for supplies. [Private to GM: Collect any canned goods] he also starts to collect wood and tinderling, small pieces that would burn well. Finally a bag of other useful impliments as well as a good collection of sharp knives (and any useful carrying cases)

His huge chest and muscles allow him to carry it all with ease. He seems to walk and work with speed, efficiency and a silent fire that you've not seen him with before. His eyes burn when making contact with one of you and he doesn't speak other than simple one word answers.

[Private to GM: Collect materials and food we need. Knives are going to be a good new age weapon. The wood and BURNING PRODUCTS are to build up in the school to set the whole place on fire as they leave. To give them a send off. Obviously digging graves for each one would take much too long. But they should be sent to rest. Hence the hatred and silence as he works. Using full use of the STR and CON 10]

When the all-clear is finally given to begin a search of useful items, Tanya joins (or waits for) Cam to go back looking for the not so "ARMY- We want you," type of look.

"I haven't see that many bodies together like that in a long time.  Fuckin' shame life has come down to what it has, Tanya says to Cam while trudging through the store.


OOC: Tanya will be looking for obvious feamle type clothing/fashions for herself and Cam.  Underwear, bras, stockings, slack/jeans, shirts/blouses, shoes/sneakers would be items for the civilian type look.  It might also help them to blend in a city or town like Krakow.  Also any other kind of femine care products will gladly be taken (i.e. deodorant, tampons or suitable clothing equivelants, shampoo).

After the Estonians have left Brown jumps back on the BTR and drops himself down the hatch, retaking his spot behind the weapon.

He stays there as long as needed. After the all-clear signal is given and some of the others start their search for usefull items, Brown keeps close to the vehicles. Checking over the main weapon and after that, when time permits, his own personal weapon, while keeping his eyes and ears peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

Bernhard has the two vehicles moved closer to the center of town, allowing them to cover tha main entrance points, while still covering each other. Once this is accomplished he finds a spot nearby to sit and watch the looting. Checking his weapons and keeping an eye out for any uninvited guests. He won't partake in the looting himself, not out of any law an order feelings, more he just can't think of anything he needs right now.

Sergio is deep in the bowls of one of the local cafes ransacking the kitchen of anything sharp or edible when he hears a crash out the back of the building.
Weapon at the ready and his partner in support (lets say it's Michelle shall we?) he heads cautiously towards the rear door.
Slowly he opens it until he can see the narrow alley. Crowded with refuse and abandoned crates, rubbish bins and miscellaneous clutter, there are many places somebody could be hiding. The crash was apparently a bin that had tipped over. Why it did isn't immediately evident.
Was it an animal that knocked against it?
Could it have been the wind?
Are you really alone in this apparently deserted small town?
[Private to Major Sergio D'ammond: Thought you wouldn't mind being NPC'd for a few seconds. ;)]

Virgil had found himself a nice comfortable hide where he could observe most of the open areas near where the group was scrounging. Up on the roof of a shop on the edge of the town square, if he strained he thought he could see the pall of smog that undoubtable marked Krakow off to the south east.
The heavy weight of the PSG-1 felt right in his hands. It had been quite a while since he'd held a peice of precision engineering such as this and he savoured the moment.
A crash, off to the left. Wasn't that where Sergio and Michelle were? The rifle barrel swung around to face the direction of the disturbance. His master eye fitted snugly to the telescopes eyepeice. Although it caused his eyes to strain, he kept his other eye open to maintain at least some periferal vision. Oh what he'd give for a spotter right about now.

Michelle follows Sergio for lack of anything better to do. Checking on wounds had gotten monotanous anyway, ant wounds were healing just fine. And you never know when you might be able to culture more meds from stuff found. Hearing the crash in the hallway, Michelle loks quietly to Sergio, and takes up a position just besie him, but able to provide cover if need be. Cautiously she approaches the barrel that had tipped, knowing whatever tipped it must be close by. Giving Sergio a silent signal to move the can away.

Sergio follows directions, ready for reacting as fast and as deadly as possible. As long as this thing wasn't human, it could happily be dinner.

[Private to GM: No worries.]

Cautiously he moves the can with one arm, whilst ready to attack with a pistol in his other. His large build allows him to do this and he mentally notes where he had concealed the knives on his person, incase they were needed.

Ashton nodded solemnly at Tanya’s remarks concerning the bodies, still trying to put it from her mind with only partial success as she began sliding things into her newly found pack. “Hope  and this”, She responded, patting the strap of her rifle with a grim look.. “Though maybe this..”,  Light fingertips touched her temple momentarily with a brief smile.

“Hmm..” She cast over the area a couple times..  “ You see picture? Or  how you call?..”  Curling her fingers she linked both hands together and peered through them.. “Look far?..  Maybe one here, or picture??..”

At the last mentioning,  Cam squinted holding her hands in a box-like frame, peering through with one eye  only to  tap at the air with her index finger..  “Picture with look far maybe?..”

At least it was something to take her mind off the troubles..   She wasn’t sure what the word was in English, but then hopefully either or would be easily recognized from her simple attempt at charades. Getting clean would be nice, but even with the all clear on the sniffer Camilla didn’t trust the water in this place..  That would have to wait.

At the moment, she was unawares of the troubles beyond.. Though for how long was the question.

Marcus' suspicions about an NBC attack being the cause of the mass exodus appears to be evident in the school building and the bio-hazard markings.  He hopes that by this point whatever agent had been unleashed had run it's course, if not, well they would all find out eventually.

Disregarding his usual nonchalance Marcus did a bit of rummaging of his own to find some civies, as in civilian clothing.  He figured like several of the others that it might come in handy for staying below the radar in a big place like Krakow.  After finding some suitable digs he makes his way to Virgil's position to help keep an eye out and give the sniper some relief.

Hopefully more of the latter Lootenant!  The former's there for a backup in case we can't use our heads to get outta something!

Tanya continued to collect the items for her and Cam as she looked to see her trying to describe something to her because she couldn't think of or know the right word.  Tanya watched her as Cam made the hand motions, then came with a thought, You mean a camera Lootenant?  Ain't shit 'round here worth takin' a picture of if you ask me ma'am.

The can is a bit heavier that first expected, probably still some old rubbish in it. Sergio pulls it away to reveal......

.... empty space. But not just any empty space. In the soft dirt is a footprint. Whoever it was there wasn't wearing any footwear - the toes made a clear impression in the dirt.

"Seems maybe less worry, I no think many would wear no shoe by choice." He speaks to Michelle but his eyes scour the area, looking for more footprints. He'd never had people attack him, his size always put them off. It was a good thing.

"I'd guess just a keed." He nods and waits to see her response.

Bernhard finishes cleaning his rifle and climbs into the BTR. "Winters? take a turn at looting any goodies you need. I will take a turn on the cannon for awhile. If you see anyone in town not too busy, send them to take over for Brown in the BRDM."

Bernhard climbs into the turret and familiarizes himself with the controls, it had been some time since he had been triggerman on a cannon, but he could vaguely remember what all the switches and dials did.

Michelle looks at the footprint, and is inclined to agree with Sergio. Looking back into the door they just came through, she feels the maker of that print may stil be here somewhere. "Care to follow?" She points off in the general direction the footprint is headed.

Winters can barely contain his relief as Maj Finnegan climbs into the gun to relieve him, "Aye sir" is his curt reply before he deftly slips from the turret and out of the vehicle.  He pauses a moment to rub his legs and buttocks which have gone behind pins & needles to plain soreness.  Stretching out a little while standing beside the vehicle he contemplates what he might be able to gather.

Winters manages to score some civilian clothes with the idea of disguise in mind as well.  In one particular house he finds a smashed glass picture frame holding an old sepia-toned black & white photo of a woman holding a small child.  Winters can't help but sit down in the rubble around him staring at the picture in the shattered frame.  Tears well up in his eyes, but he does not cry, fighting men don't cry...right?

The adult sized footprint is facing towards Michelle and Sergio. Whoever made it had been looking in the direction of the doorway when the can had fallen - probably when they accidently bumped it. A quick search in the alley reveals no more prints, probably just luck that they had stepped in the soft damp earth near the can.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:37, Mon 13 Mar 2006.

Vigil hears Marcus climb up behind him and only spares a quick glance in his direction before turning his attention back to the alley across the town square once more.
[Private to Marcus L Smith: "You got a radio?" he asks urgently. "There's somebody down there with Sergio and Michelle but I can't get a clear look."

OOC: I think you gave it to Tanya...]

Frustrated, Michelle looks back to sergio, disapointment showing in her face. "Well, at least we know we are not alone. Hope whoever it is is at least freindly enough to get over shyness and say hello." Giving the alleyway one more sursory glance, she looks back to where they came from. "We probably should report this though. SO if anyone comes calling, they will be expected." She looks at Sergio, as if awaitning him to agree or disagree. Anything just to get him to talk to her.

Marcus crouches low and eventually moves into a high crawl along the roof to Virgil's position.  As Virgil asks him a question Marcus simply shakes his head secretly wishing they had more commo, especially his handy-dandy headset and mic.  As he gets closer to the sniper he asks in a whisper, "What've you got?"  Quietly he again wishes for a spotter's scope that he'll probably never receive.

Sergio comes back to his senses. Every-so-often he looked at Michelle and his mind was overflown with bubble baths...

"I am thinking a man with no show is not of great help to us, and we not much food to pass around. Lets head out and pass on the message to the others. It good they know to be wary, but I no think it a great security measure." He wonders how woefully inaccurate he might be. But after their last prisoners situation he was loath to get more dependents so soon.

Having Sergio remind her of just how hungry most of them are, she nods. "Lets get back to it then. Although, if someone does need help, we can at least try." Pusing for a few seconds, she allows herself to look into his eyes, and a certian part wants to reach out and just touch that face. but then, he's spurned her before, why would now be any different. Grabbing a pantleg instead, she swallows guiltily and turns to head back in the door and report to the Major what they had seen.

Brown looked up when he heard major Finnagan mention his name."... If you see anyone in town not too busy, send them to take over for Brown in the BRDM."

Sitting on top of the BRDM he was not actually in it. He was sure he had a better chance of spotting anything happening where he was right now, on top of the BRDM, with his legs partly disappearing in the commanders hatch. If need be he could be inside the turret within seconds.

He followed Winters as he started for the village. Everybody seemed to be keen on getting themselves some civies. He probably had to get himself some as well. Although he doubted there was any chance they would ever be able to pose as regular civilians. With their western appearance and speech it wouldn’t take to briliant a man to understand their real background.

After Winters disapeared out of sight when he turned a corner, Brown returned to the business of cleaning his rifle.

Virgil whispered back to Marcus, still desperately wishing he had a radio.
[Private to Marcus L Smith: "One adult, probably male behind the junk in that alley." Following the line of his barrel, Marcus could see that he was talking about the area Sergio and Michelle were at.
"Damn, they've moved out of sight."]

Soon both vehicles are loaded with a few items of personel equipment, clothing and general knick-knacks. No more incidents occur and by mid afternoon you're ready to move on.
Your looting and with a little judicious negotiation, the goods should fetch a fair "price". Hopefully it will be enough to buy access to Krakow...
[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton: Don't find a camera or other vision devices besides a kids kalidiscope ;)]

Tanya gathers up her new findings with Cam and packs them away in a bag(?) she found laying around.

Items she would be most interested in:
 - civilian clothing (shorts, shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses, etc.)
 - female undergarments
 - feminine hygene products (to include shampoo, soap, make-up)
 - sneakers, shoes, stockings, socks
 - jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, belts, handbags

Cam blinked, not entirely sure what Camera meant, but the context that followed seemed to confirm it if but vaguely. She nodded slowly,  hesitant to commit to the answer at first, though it seemed to be one of the devices she meant. “Yes, Cam-er-ah?   No good picture here, but maybe see far.”

The passage of time while Ashton tried to keep company  with Tanya seemed to go by rather quickly. A little like a shopping spree.  A back-pack, the clothing,  varied toiletries..  Floss and the like..  -And a couple oddities..  One of the store’s fire extinguishers, multi-purpose pocket knife.. A bottle of sleeping pills.. packet of nails..   Even a hatchet and a gardening trowel.    Those were just a few things she was trying to tuck away when they came across a small kaleidoscope..   Simply little more than a child’s toy,  her expression smoothed to nothing as the fingers of one hand curled about the small item lifting it to her pale blue gaze..  Wordlessly she slid the thing into a pocket.

As the shadows shrank then slowly reached out again  Cam shrugged on her newly found pack, fingers curled around the empty pail.   Her other hand cradling her rifle, she glanced to Tanya with one of those unredable, yet mild expressions. Maybe to see if they were ready. for the most part.

Sergio was happy with his knives, a handful of silverware, useless but for trade, and some quality (and not so) kitchen knives. He'd also found a nice cook book (at least he guessed so) and though that maybe a touch of the language could be learnt this way?

Finally he gets replacement for his worn out clothes and says casually over the radio Looks like me and Michelle found tracks of what is to be a stranger. Is barefoot, so keep eyes poking. But see nothing. Heading back. He already has a good backpack, larger than most people could dream of. Oh the joys of being large.

Fine, until dinner time.

I was never much into photography Lootenant but, I hear some of those zoom lenses they had for some cameras were better than rifle scopes.  Hell, they used to take satellite pictures so you can imagine some of the stuff that used to be available in stores.

Tanya will go back to searching with Cam and also look for combes, hair pins, braids, scissors, groomming items as well.

Marcus didn't do much "searching" for items, but he did grab a few things, such as...

- civilian clothes
- anything closest to a spotter's scope, if he could actually find one all the better
- preserved food stuffs
- sewing kit
- batteries
- medical supplies to include strips of cloth for bandages
- rope

Winters brief search only generated a few items -- civilian clothes, any silk he will collect.

Don hasn't grown used to these ghosttowns, but this seem to have been deserted for some time, and the risk that some relative will come to him and claim whatever thing he might find here, is slim.

Therefor he joins the others, helping out to find good things to use.
[Private to GM: Okelidokeli then, sorry it has taken some time: Don helps the others decide what to take or not. But for himself, he looks for a nice suit with tie and all. He also tries to find some plaid, and sewing stuff to be able to get a kilt. What he really would like to find is a nice scottish whisky. He guesses there is not a big chance to find it though...  ]

Major Finnegan watches the looting from his position atop the turret. After a couple of hours of sitting around and watching he calls whoever has the radio,"This is Finnegan, we have used enough daylight, round everyone up and get back to the vehicles."

As soon as everyone is back and assembled he calls them all together,"After our talk with the four horsemen, I think the best plan is still to head out to Krakow. The only change I want to make, is that we need to be on highest alert for ambushes. Of course, unlike them, I want to get ambushed. All the gear we gathered here is good, but I think some of the best trade goods for Krakow will still be military items. My plan is to hope we get attacked on the road and then take everything we can from our attackers after we kill them all. We will of course not be going anywhere near the castle they mentioned." He looks from one member of the group to the next before finishing,"Any questions?"

"Not a bad idea so long as we're not the ones getting killed," Virgil says.
"Better to do the ambushing ourselves than walk into somebody elses trap and hope we survive."

As Sergio returns, helping Michelle walk after a slight tumble (and they both realise she doesn't NEED any help) he separates from her, obviously trying to keep a 'work' style relationship infront of the others.

"Um  we want to walk into a Ambushy? Doesn't that mean some of us is to be shot?" You can tell the idea of walking infront of a target is not one he'd ever considered...

Or want to do.

Brown didn’t have alot of time for scrounging around for some civies, but he had managed to get some out of one of the nearest buildings. He had even managed to get find some sowing gear. Maybe he could use that one to fix his webbing in a more lasting fashion. On his way back he had even picked up a pot and a kettle from out of the kitchen area, thinking it might come in handy. Back at the vehicles he soon returned to his spot on top of the BRDM, near the hatch.

“Major, I like the idea of getting more military equipment, but I’m just wondering. You say you want to get ambushed, but isn’t it reasonable to asume the fact that if we get ambushed the oposition is in a position to do us some serious harm. If they are not convinced they are, they will probably stay low and let us pass. I know I would.”

"Driving through mines to get some more guns doesn't seem like the best of ideas I must say. I'd rather waste one of the cars to get me to Krakow in that case"

Marcus frowns more than usual and addresses the Major quietly.  Although Marcus speaks low enough to avoid the ears of the others his body language and inflection seem serious.  "Sir..." [Private to Major Bernhard Finnegan, Nuked: "...I'm all for movement to contact, we know that's what infantry is all about.  But I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with the Chief.  Anyone willing to ambush us is likely to be a greater force, otherwise they wouldn't even attempt it.  If you insist we engage someone, then might I suggest using a small forward element to draw out an adversary?  However, even then we don't know what's out there in terms of opposition..."] "...sir"  Marcus' face seems a bit troubled as if he's wondering if his old PL has gone mad.

Tanya's eyes go wide when she hears Major Finnegan's plan of getting more military type of equipment by getting ambushed.  She sigh's after a minute shaking her head, Beggin' your pardon Major but, no combat unit, no matter how good they are or think they are, want to get ambushed.  Least none I knew!  We should be the one's ambushing, sir!

Michelle snorts with derision at the comment of wanting to get ambushed. Meaning no disrespect, sir, but to hell with that whole blooming bloody idea." She is beginning to get aggrivated, something no one has seen in her yet. "We got military equipment. We got that damn BRDM and the BTR 80 Let them have those. Dressing and acting military asks for trouble. Get rid of all military stuff. Get where we need to go on horses, dressed as plain people, Not a bloody huge target.." She turns to walk away, then turns back around. We have meager food. We have No med supplies. We can get theese things for those two pieces of junk out there and a bit of our time and talents. I for one am tired of fixing them. I am tired of making fuel for them. I am tired of guarding them. I am tired of driving them. I want nothing to do with them any more. Get rid of them. Not gain more." She shakes her head. "If gaining more military eqiupment is the path you follow, then we part ways, for I will not follow that path any longer." With that, she grabs up the few pair of civilian clothes she has found, and stalks out, not even turning around.

" 'ey lassie. Now you're talking, hehe! Stop right there, you are completely right, Michelle. Get your sweet, pearshaped ass over here, and you and I probably can talk Bernie into our idea. I grabbed some clothes as well, but Krakow is the best way to go, as we know now. The cars will get us there, and hopefully they have a plane leaving for Scotland the day after, so that we can get home, hehe!"

Obviously Don likes Michelle showing some temper.

"And it isn't THAT bad, driving, hehe"

Bernhard holds his hands palms out in front somewhat defensively,"Woa, woa, woa!" He looks at Smith,"Don't worry the old man hasn't completely lost it, yet. One, those Estonians said partisans in the forest we are about to drive through shot first and killed three before they even knew who it was they were shooting at. Two, the partisans apparently thought the Estonians were Russians. Three, we happen to be running around in two russian APCs. That adds up to us getting shot at, plain and simple. The Estonians said they didn't see any heavy weapons, but they could be lying, or the Partisans just didn't waste the heavy stuff on a few cavalry. So, if we get shot at by a few nuts with small arms, I want to shoot back and take their gear for trade. If we get shot at by anything heavier, then we run like hell."

Bernhard looks at Brown,"I mispoke when I said I want to get ambushed. What I meant was, I want to get ambushed by someone who thinks it might be fun to shoot a few rounds at the Russian APCs."

"Lt Don, you want to chase after Sgt. Gallin and convince her to stay with us? Tell her whatever you have to to get here to stay."

Brown looked back at major Finnagan.

“Agree on that. The point I wanted to make was I doubt those partisans will be crazy enough to go up against our two vehicles. Soldiers on horseback, alright but soldiers locked in a tin can. I doubt they will be foulish enough. If they are......that’s probably how the evelution theory came into being” He added with a smirk.

“Something else to consider might be the need for military equipment. One of those Estonians told me something about Krakow and as far as I could understand almost everything can be traded for a good price out there. Not only military stuff, but all kinds of comodities. Maybe we’re focussing to much on trading military stuff. We can just as well trade away some of the more common stuff.“

Listening to the original building conversation and ultimately sensing the tension in the air, a lot of it being pent up aggression, agitation and just generally being together too long without personal space.. Had probably taken its toll. Even the flare up, which was inevitable, followed by the swiftly attempted to defuse would not settle things completely.. Not for everyone.. and in some cases might even lead to new issues.

Cam had been studying psychology at the university once upon a time, so.. The signs of the stressing points were showing.

The lieutenant blinked quietly wishing to offer her voice to be encouraging, but didn’t have the words.. Not really in English, but she tried to at least state her own case..  “I too take clothes,  they say people like soldier no,  and other place not let soldier inside maybe?  Place with castle snipe soldier..  But non-soldier clothing not sturdy as soldier clothing..”

A honey colored brow arched slightly and she offered a smudged smile..

“I think Major’s first speak was part for joke on serious topic.. Maybe make lighter?   We all hard time yes?.. “

“I want get home, no plan to live in Krakow, no plan to live in APC, but need APC for  she-lter?”, Her broken words were followed by a steepled gesture of her fingers over her head..  “for cover?..  Maybe for barter?  Many not betray deal with person with big gun on wheels in open place?.. Not talking Krakow, but other places”

“Not my say..   If lose car, we travel less noise.. Go place car not go..  Not so visible.. “ She shrugged..  “no horses now.. Need carry supplies.. Need carry trade..”

“Getting wagon here yes?..”, She recalled momentarily one of the possible plans from before that was made impossible earlier for lack of a wagon or even a spare wheel.. But now? Maybe- maybe-not..  Blue eyes traveled over what of the group that she could still see, hopeful.

At Brown's comment, she blinked curiously.. "Like Nails? tools?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:44, Mon 03 Apr 2006.

Brown looked back at the Danish officer.

“Yes like that,
nails, tools, whatever you can think of, almost everything seems to be short in supply and much needed in the quick growing city of Krakow. The Estonians mentioned that some of the more luxorious goods like soap, paper or something trivial like a pen or ink seem to be of astronomous value down there. I understand that’s how they’d bought themselves that stash of sigs. With a pen and some paper.”

Brown remained looking at the female officer, making sure she had grasped at least most of what he said.

Her light gaze settled onto William as she puzzled through his response and nodded slowly. “We get team to get things then..  Paper.. Paste for teeth and such… I need two maybe three for help move. We load  packs found at store, then bring here. ”

Camilla offered to help try and get the loading of trade goods under way. With any luck and a collaboration between everyone, they could hit the possible ‘hot’ items and turn it into more of a spree. School packs, back packs, tote bags, even bed sheets (if need be) could be filled hand-over-fist.

Marcus simply nods and heads off to grab more 'mundane' items they could possibly be of some bartering value in Krakow.  He returns with a few backpacks full of just things.

[Private to Nuked: Question -- any flowers around?  Can I find the odd dandelion growing from the crack of a ruined building or something like that?]

Smith’s motion attracted her attention, quiet gaze trailing after him as he strode off purposely.   Cam imagined that it would save time to do, rather than try to say, so would join in as well.  Something like socks and laces, note-pads, toothbrushes, and maybe even toothpaste might do well she imagined. She'd either pal around with Redgrave, or try and keep up with Smith so as to not be bobbing about unescorted.


[Private to Nuked: (any batteries, audio tapes/CD’s, Torches/flashlights? Books like paperback novels,  magazines  or that sort about?, dun matter if it‘s old I suppose as long as someone who could read it might find it entertaining.)]

Major, as long as we're doin' the ambushin' not be the ambushees, well hell, that suits me just fine.  Shit's been real crazy sir, don't sweat it, Tanya says to Major Finnegan and the others gathered around.

Tanya listens to the others and follows Cam and Marcus back to the store where they found all of the stuff.  Wait up!  I'm comin' too Lootenant!

The day is beginning to draw to a close after everyone has had a chance to do a little "shopping". A decision needs to be made and made quickly wether to move on today or encamp for the night. Staying allows you to find more than adequate shelter (even a garage for the vehicles if you choose it) as well as civilised cooking facilities, real beds, etc.
Drawbacks include the rotted corpses in the school hall (due to be burnt) and the still unknown cause for these deaths and the abandoning of the township. Also, the area to the west (the direction you came from) is overrun with marauders, any of which could potentially "drop in". The closest signs of them is a few miles away though.

Brown’s gaze followed the small group as they went back into town to pick up the pack’s. After that he looked at major Finnegan.

“Major, seems like we’ll soon be running out of sunlight. Maybe we should consider spending the night in this little hamlet. This way we’ll have plenty of time to prepare camp for tonight and the town can provide us with plenty of shelter. When we move on there’s no guarantee we will find a decent camping spot before nightfall.”

"I'm still wondering why everyone is dead here. There wasn't any big signs of either chemical or nuclear things around the place, how about bacteria? Have we made any checks on the B:s in the ABC-thingie? You guys are the military ones, you should know? When you are wondering, I'll go after Michelle..."

"Unless you want to, Serge? I'll give you the first shot at her, if you want to?"

If Sergio isn't interested, Don walks over to her and tries to calm her down.

NPC'd
Sergio new better than to follow Michelle. Something was definately eating at her and he was probably the last person she needed to be around just then.
[Private to Donnachaidh (2nd Lt): Go chase her Don ;)
Nuked]

Pack bristling, suitcase listing, or was it her that was set off-kilter a bit to port.. From the heavy luggage she’d packed in.  Camilla’s impassive gaze trailed over the faces as the light which was there was not,  or was rather on its way out for the evening.

Stray wisps of  hair had escaped their bindings some time ago, and the cooling breeze stirred  them lightly across her pale brow. The blue eyed Lieutenant turned up a little later than she had expected, pausing to run the goodies she’d found past Brown, since it was his suggestion that they find non-militaristic trade goods.

Unfortunately what little she could turn up were paper-back novels, a stack of old magazines, some assorted audio-tapes and CD’s..  “These work?..” Ashton had looked for more than those, but turned up  nothing, hopeful that Marcus and Tanya had better luck.

Was Gallin still at odds?  She studied those gathered, their expressions and the current setting.  If they were planning to camp-out here….   She frowned slightly to herself, returning her attention to the finds and any following verdict on them.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:21, Mon 17 Apr 2006.

"You mean there is a biohazard over there?!"

Don rushes toward Michelle.

"Hey, Michelle! Stop! There's a biohazard sign pointing in that direction. Probably danger in the water or maybe even on the ground, in any case, DON'T GO THERE!"

"You, if anyone, ought to know that biohazards are bad for you health!"

[Private to GM: I haven't got a clue on how long she has gone. Since I didn't get a response on my last comment on her, I thought that Michelle was without a player, and therefor I thought she had stopped by us. Anyway, Now I'm on the way to her rescue ;)]
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 09:33, Tue 18 Apr 2006.

Tanya walks over to Brown and Cam with the items she dug up.  She opens the bag/suitcase/sack in which she collected her items and began to lay them down on a blanket in an area in which she could take count on which hse did actually find for her and Cam to share.

I didn't find no CD's or books or nothing like that Lootenant but, I got us enough stuff to share between us to tidy up some.  Unless of course the Mr. Brown would like to endulge? Tanya says playfully as Brown looks on (and if he's still present).

Brown soon noticed the blue eyed Danish leutenant return, dragging behind a decent amount of luggage. As she moved closer he noticed how some of her hair had gotten loose and moved across her face. The sight made him think of home in a flash. He wondered how things were back in Britain at the moment.

As she passed the grabs by him, Brown tried his best to remember what the Estonians had told him about tradeable goods.

“The paper should bring in a deal of money, I don’t know about the tapes and CD’s but if we can find someone who has a working player for either of them, who knows...”

Not much later  Sgt Redgrave returned, somehow similarly encumbered as the Leutenant only moments earlier. As she started spreading the grabs on a blanket, he had a look.

...Unless of course the Mr. Brown would like to endulge?

“No, no!!, you ladies take whatever you need. Although I can imagine some of those items, like the fire extinguishers and those sleeping pills might prove to be quite valuable. Of course those toiletries might bring in a fair price as well, but I don’t want to steal that away from you girls.

He answered in the same playfull fasion.

She offered a pale smile, the extinguishers and the pills had been another brainstorm, but the application of them as commodities hadn’t struck her initially.  Cam nodded slowly and could barely resist falling into a fit of soft laughter at Tanya and William’s banter..  She could just picture some of these rough and tumble soldiers trying out a few of RedGrave’s tidying products.

Ashton bent her head to inspect the collection and then set a sidelong glance toward, Brown (and who ever else she could spy.)  “You mention Camp yes?..    I think  Smith take team,  could secure building.. You sort watches and what we take?.. Make easy for Major yes? We need police up our peoples.”

Cam was using some of the English terms that Tanya had been drilling her in.. possibly to some benefit. “We get good building, for camp, take and come-togther..” One thin brow arched slightly as she struggled to complete her words and sighed.. “Maybe best I leave to you.. Need all one place..  With watches..”

Her hands were linked together palm to palm and shook once or twice for emphasis.  “Careful of water.. Maybe con-tami-tam-  may be bad..” She assumed that after such a length of time, that the primary points of contamination would be the site itself where the bodies would have been.. Or the ground water.   Of course she could be wrong, Camilla wasn’t all that versed in hazmat situations.

Marcus makes his way over to Chief Brown. "Chief, let's setup our alpha alpha before we lose any more light." Without awaiting an actual reply he nods to Winters who had been standing nearby, and the two ground some gear by the vehicles before moving over to the buildings to find a suitable one for occupation.

You're spoilt for choices for buildings to set up camp. For once, everyone shall be able to sleep in a real bed, with real sheets and blankets. Of course a little work needs to be done dragging said furniture about from other buildings to allow you all to remain secure in one place.

The only unfortunate detail is that cover for both vehicles cannot be found (unless you wish to split them up). Probably for the best anyway as you can use them better out on the street with a person inside one on watch. It's also agreed to post a guard inside the building for closer security. Naturally the two guards will be in constant radio contact using either Winters hand radio or Sergios tac radio and the vehicle systems.

The chosen building is two stories tall with an attic and underfloor crawlspace. Access to the crawlspace is through either a trapdoor in the pantry or from outside through a small wooden door (only about two feet square). Teh attic is accessible by a stairway. Overall the building is in good shape with only minor damage from wind and storms. A hole approaximately a metre square exists in the roof but doesn't pose much of a security risk - it looks to be near immpossible to access the roof from outside without a ladder (which would probably be seen by whoever is on guard outside.

Although there is no power, the kitchen is of an older style - still has a wood burning stove with hot water system connected. Providing there is sufficient water pressure, hot showers may be available, the toilet might even flush too!

On the ground floor a small porch runs across the front of the house and three windows overlook this from the house. A door and two windows look out of the rear. Three windows front and back also exist on the second floor. No windows look out to the sides.


OOC: Yes, it's the building on page 171 of the rule book. Don't think that the scenario described there will occur though, I'm just using the drawing.

Tanya moves over to the wood burning stove and inmspects it.  She will look around to see if there is any wood left over before the town fell to ruins.  If not,  Now I know I'm not the only grunt here who could use a hot shower!  We could also use the water to wash our gear with too.  God only knows mostly everything could use a good cleaning.  Like the lootenant said, we got to be careful about the water for any kind of toxins or bio-hazardous material, if we can detect it!

"Maybe good Give Radio to Virgil Too?.." As he seemed to be their resident eye in the sky.. (or close enough)

Based on any suggestions from the soldiers, Cam would try to help move furniture and such if the extra hand is needed.  Otherwise she’d be interested in figuring out how to test the water.

Ashton supposed the Chem-sniffer would be alright, and the Geiger-counter..  It wasn’t like they had a portable lab.  Boiling might cover most forms of bacteria, and amebas..

Industrial metals and the like could be harder to figure out. A filter system would be nice.

The Danish Lieutenant rubbed her face quietly and moved into the kitchen to  take stock of what was there.  Bottled water, if the store had any, would be okay for internal consumption. She seemed to phase out there..  Staring absently into the room, one shoulder resting against the door frame, arms folded.

“Maybe Coal?  black rock..   Maybe some one knows make water cleaner?”  Oh oh she’s talking crazy talk now.  There likely wasn’t much they could do about the water if it was contaminated. The only thing they could do is not consume it, or not touch it.  What to do?- what to do?

[Private to Nuked: (while we were zipping around town, were there any fruit trees or out-of-control vegetable gardens that happen to be about?.)]

Virgil, as the groups only real sniper, immediately heads for the attic, determined to scope it out for it's possibilities. Unfortunately the hole in the roof is instantly obvious as unsuitable - there's a corresponding hole underneath it in the floor!. But, with a little preparation....
"Sgt Smith! Wanna be my buddy?" It would pay for everyone to pair up if they left the house. Always handy to have somebody watching your back.
"I wanna strip a few planks and cover the hole in the attic floor. Should be a decent enough spot up there then." A few sandbags, a little scrim here and there, a nice new (or better yet, well used) yowie suit, would all be a bonus if they could be scrounged up.

With Major Finnegan apparently preoccupied, Sergio decided it was time to get people moving.
"Winters, you've got good weapon. Find spot and give cover." The M249 SAW he carried represented the heaviest firepower that they had short of the vehicles. Tanya's RPK wasn't that far behind though.
"Good thoughts Tanya. You do kitchen. Cam help?" Hmmm, maybe that wasn't the best thing to say. He was already in trouble with Michelle for some unknown reason, did he really want to assign cooking duties to the only other women in the group? Sure, Sergio was french and automatically a sexist pig, but...
"Finnegan, you first watch in vehicle? Me and Brown unload what needed for night."

Marcus makes his way to the attic  carrying a few sand bags in each hand and simply nods and replies to SGT Matterson, "Sure."  Placing the sand bags down he looks around the hole and takes stock of the situation.  He nods again and says, "Sounds like a good plan Virgil, let's get started."  Walking to another part of the attic he checks the condition of the wood planks before prying them up and humping them over to the hole in the floor.

Tanya listens to Sergio's suggestions and nods with her approval.  I think the Lootenant and I can take care of that stuff.  Let's get a move on ma'am, we got a lot of work to do if we want hot showers and potable water to drink!

Brown looked at major D’ammond.

“We better start unloading and get this building prepped for the night.”

Picking up his own pack and weapon while saying it. After that he starts moving towards the house.

Winters simply nods to Sergio already knowing the importance and relative firepower of his weapon.  He finds himself in the attic where SGT Smith and SGT Matterson are building their little love nest.  It wouldn't be a bad position for the SAW either, but since the snipers already staked the spot out he offers to help.  If they decline, or once they're done building their position he moves to find a location on the opposite side of the building that overlooks what would be likely avenues of approach to the building they were now occupying.

There wasn't really a lot of gear that needed to be unloaded, just packs, food and the spare ammo and grenades.
Up in the attic, Marcus and Virgil soon complete their makeshift floor and give it a cautious test - it holds although it could do with a few more planks from the neighbouring buildings.
Winters finds that the roof on the other side of the attic is easily holed - a gap just about the right size for an automatic rifle is quickly made and a few old items of furniture and so on dragged around to make the position just a little more safe from incoming fire.
Down stairs a supply of wood is found out the back. Leaning against the small pile is an old rusty axe that had probably been left there when the previous tenants fled. With a bit of oil and a lot of work, it might even still be salvagable. A few minutes later and the fire is lit.

Sergio enters the kitchen with his weapons slung over his back and dumps his armload of fresh vegetables on the table.
"Brown bringing more."
As soon as his hands are free, he reaches into his webbing and retrieves a grenade.
"You know bombs Tanya? Make trap with string?" The fingers of his free hand mimed a person walking and tripping.
"I help cook and you do traps?"
Six more grenades, joined the first along with a Russian made claymore directional mine, an improvised anti-tank grenade, and bottle filled with what looked suspiciously like gasoline and a paper envelope taped to it's exterior.
"No string, sorry." He looked a bit downcast but then smiled broadly, "More grenades though."

Tanya smiles at Sergio, Now that's my speciality Major.  I'm one of the US of A's finest Army certified Combat Engineers!  Maybe not the best but, the best we got right now I think.  You want a couple of strings laid out to protect our blind spots and more traveled route in to us?  Gunna be tough without string.  The Red claymore's a start though.  Let me get a quick look see and I'll let you know.  I might be able to find some string or improvise something.

Tanya sets a few booby traps about the place using some twine scrounged from the kitchen cupboards and a length of thin wire from a nearby backyard shed. Although far from perfect, the grenade traps should work.
The claymore is possibly the one weapon that needs careful siting - with a fan shaped danger area (mind you, you really don't want to be standing too close behind it either!), the burst covers a fairly large area. [Private to Marcus L Smith: Can't remember off hand what the spread is. Far too many years ago for details like that I'm afraid.] It will also require the sentry to manually activate if required.
The evening meal is being prepared, bedding has been arranged and sentries are in position. A test soon shows that although low, there is enough water pressure to shower with.
Who's first? ;)
[Private to Donnachaidh (2nd Lt); Sergeant Michelle Gallin: There's a little I want to do with you two before rejoining the main group.]

As tanya is done setting the last of the perimeter booby traps, her head turns towards the direction of the school where they checked earlier.  She turns to the nearest person and in a low voice, she asks, You hear that?  Sounded like shots.
[Private to Plt Sgt Tanya Redgrave: A single short burst lasting perhaps half a second.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Thu 25 May 2006.

After helping to get the nessesary stuff inside the house Brown took it on him to walk the grounds so to speak see if anyone needed assistance. Furthermore he was working on the watch roster for the night.

He was sitting in the door entrance. His weapon was leaning confortably against the door post, when his attention was drawn by Tanya suddenly turning her head and calling out to him.

You hear that? Sounded like shots.

He wasn’t sure if he had heard anything but Tanya sounded serious enough.

“Where from?”
He said while moving to get his AK.

Without pointing or making any indications to the direction she heard the shots, she casually walks over to Brown and begins to converse with him smiling, It sounded like it came from over by the school.  It was a short, quick burst.  That's what it sounded like.  I hope I'm not going crazy but damn, it sure sounded like that to me!

"The direction of the school.... Don and Michelle?... Let’s move inside…"

After moving inside, making sure they are out of sight from any possible outside observer, Brown calls out so others can hear.

“We got possible shots heard comming from the direction of the school. I’m going to investigate. Who’s with me?”

Marcus taps his sniper, "You'll be alright? Good." not really waiting for a reply.  He slithers out of their hide position and makes his way downstairs to Brown and Redgrave. Checking his weapon and gears quickly for security and function he chimes in, "I'm in."

Several more bursts are clearly heard just a few moments after Tanya hears the first shots. Although muffled, they sound as if they could be being fired from a location in or near the school grounds. The sound is characteristic of a light automatic being fired inside a building...

The school (if that's where you think they are), is several minutes by foot away, even at a fast run. Piling into a vehicle and driving would take nearly as long - climbing in, starting up, etc...

Marcus' head pops in the direction of the muffled shots as he mutters a curse, _"Sh*t". He begins to move out the closest exit, waving to the others, he states urgently with flat calm, "Come on." Heading down a parallel street to the one that would lead to the schoolhouse directly from their location he moves at a jog eyeing rooftops, windows, doorways especially, and occasionally glancing back to see if his compatriots are following. When he's about 100 meters around the corner from the schoolhouse he stops to a quickstep crouched movement often used for clearing. Again he makes sure the area they currently occupy is clear up, down, and all around. Without turning to the others he asks in a audible whisper, "Find a piece of mirror."

[Private to Nuked: Time of day?]
[Private to Marcus L Smith: Late afternoon, about an hour or two before last light.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:39, Tue 30 May 2006.

Buildings seem to flash by as the small team of rescuers rush towards the school. After the intial bursts of gunfire a deathly silence falls over the deserted town. Whatever had happened had been short, sharp and over in mere seconds.
The school soon looms ahead, the main building squatting ominously next to the overgrown field where only a year or two before would have been seen children running and playing. There are three main entrances - the first leads directly into the main gymnasium where many bodies where discovered earlier in the day. The second opens into a long hallway, the gym forming one wall and classrooms the other. The third is located at the other end of this hallway. All three doors were unlocked on the previous visit and presumably still are.

Moving quickly to the side of the roof which faced where he thought he heard the gunfire coming from, Aaron brought the M249 up and began to scan the streets and buildings.

Crouching down Aaron set the bipod on the edge of the roof so he would not have to hold it, and so he would be able to fire more accurately if he had to. Scanning the roofs, windows and streets again he strains to try and see anything.

Standing in the hallway with some of the rest, Brown was thinking about the best course of action, taking one of the vehicles for extra firepower and cover or go on foot for stealth. His decision was easilly made when sgt Smith came rushing passed.

No reason for doubt, Brown turned and followed the sergeant closesly. Making sure to keep his eyes on windows and other possible hiding places. When Smith comes to a halt Brown moves to a position from where he can have a concealed look of the school. He’s looking for any sign of movement or other forms of life.

Since no one obliged him on the mirror he enters the nearest building and should be able to find a piece of mirror quickly. Grabbing it he jumps back to his corner and does his best to manipulate it for a view of the school and surrounding area without flashing the mirror into any sunlight or exposing it too much around the corner. He does his best to analyze likely ambush points and avenues of approach.

Everything is quiet, perhaps too quiet....

Tucking the mirror piece into his gear making sure the reflective side is facing inward, he jumps up with a curse,"S**t", and waves the rest of the group on to follow him. Rounding the corner he dashes along always checking the possible ambush points and the school as he moves towards it.

You reach your objective without incident.
Time to decide upon entry point. Besides the three doors, windows can be found in all external walls although only accessible by ladder to the Gym - just your typical school complex...

Something thuds against the inside of one of the hallway doors. Not a body, something small and hard from the sound it makes.

Even Marcus' eyes grow wide at the prospect of what just hit the door, he says loudly enough for all nearby to hear but not a shout, "Grenade" as he dives away from the door in an attempt to find cover.

Tanya moves out with Brown and Marcus towards the school.  By the time she knows what's going on, Tanya is off and running with them towards the school, leaving her 'booby-trap' making stuff on the ground.  Tanya thought about her RPK back by the rest of their gear upstairs but, by the time she went up to get it and the ammo, came back down and then tried to follow them, they'd be gone and she'd be playing catch-up.  The Polish SMG was on her hip so, that'd have to do for now, it'd be better for CQB rather than the bulky RPK.

She looks down at the ground for a piece of glass for Smith and doesn't see anything that could be used to check corners.  Smith had found his own mirror, looked, and took off after tucking it away and waved to her and Brown to follow him.  She extends the stock of the PM-63 as she tries to keep up until they get to the building.

There were three doors in the building to get in and windows.  Not there that long, Tanya watches the reaction of Smith as she hears the solid object hit something inside too.  'SHIT!' she thought to herself as she dove away for cover.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Fri 02 June 2006.

Several seconds go by. No explosion rattles the windows or stirs any dust...
Maybe a dud? Might not even have been a grenade?

The door opens a crack...

The seconds seemed like hours but, Tanya lifted up her head towards the beuilding and the now cracked door.  She looked to Brown & Smith, DUD?

Marcus makes sure he is closest to the door (and about six inches off the wall), his weapon eternally on semi-auto fire mode he brings it up to his shoulder and levels it at the doorway as it seems to be opening. He motions quickly to the others to 'shush' and move towards to building wall before replacing his left hand on the foregrip of his MP5SD. His finger inside the trigger guard, any slack in the trigger is taken up, calmly ready to fire.

Sliding his image intensifiers onto his head Aaron began to scan the area around the building. He couldn't just go firing with his comrades inside. Upping the intensity all the way up to 25X he slowly scanned each window of the surrounding buildings looking for threats.

While moving towards the building Brown make sure he takes up the rear position. While Marcus and Tanya take up a position close to the door he looks for a spot where he can cover the door, but also oversee the surrounding.  Nothing is more annoying than being focussed on a door while someone circles around and sneaks up from behind.

Michelle's head pokes cautiously from the slightly open door although she seems careful not to expose her body to view.
[Private to Donnachaidh (2nd Lt); Sergeant Michelle Gallin: Continue in here please.]
Uncharacteristically she's not wearing her kevlar helmet and is looking somewhat disheveled. A dead leaf flutters in the wind, tangled in her mussed hair.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:21, Sat 03 June 2006.

Marcus knew those with im were professional soldiers so he didn't concern himself with assigning sectors since they would analyze the situation just as well and know what needed to be covered, especially their six.

As he saw Michelle's disheveled head emerge from the doorway he relaxed slightly, at least moving his finger from the trigger to outside the triggerguard and lowering the muzzle slightly to avoid flagging his friendly. He called to the medic as quietly as possible, but of course with enough force to be heard, "Michelle. Friendly right." He remained ready, just in case there was someone unfriendly following behind her.

Back in the attic, Virgil kept still and silent, senses straining to catch any sign of potential trouble. Several of their number racing off towards the school suprised him somewhat, but he attributed their actions to something they'd heard on the radio.
The comfortable shape of the PSG-1 rifle felt oh so right cradled in his hands. The high powered scoped allowing him to make full use of the weapons awesome range and accuracy. Spotting something to hit was the real problem.

Tanya mmoved up on the other side of the door near Smith and just kept eyes on when he signalled to be quiet.  Stock extended on the Polish machine pistol, she swiped the safety to off and kept her finger outside of the trigger guard.  When she saw Michelle, she was obviously surprised to see a friendly face in front of her and immediately switched the safety to on.  Seeing the dried leaf/leaves in her hair, she lowers her weapon and asks,  You OK Michelle?

Michelle sighs with relief as she hears and then sees Marcus. She opens the door a bit wider, and motioned him in, also revealing the massive amount of bruising and damage she has suffered. "We got ambushed by seven rough looking wanderers, they took everything we had. I had to play dead just to survive. They got Don a nasty crack on the head, he's lucky he lived. You better get in here and help me with him." as Marcus can see, they took indeed everything but the underclothes.

Marcus frowns deeply, which turns into a snarl.  He asks quietly and calmly, "Where are they now?" as he moves up to Michelle.  Not awaiting her answer he enters the building tactically, weapon up and scanning.  He asks again simply, perhaps expecting an answer now, "Where?"

Tanya steps into the room and moves next to Michelle trying to give her a 'female' helping hand thinking that she may have been violated against her will.  She turns quickly towards Marcus and takes a step towards him keeping herself between him and Michelle.  Relax a second Marcus.  Let's get them some first aid here and then we can get that info.  Running off with a pecker full of lead and gunna help anyone much.  We'll get them soon enough.  First things first though.  Give me a minute alone with her first, OK?

Tanya takes off her BDU shirt and gives it to Michelle so she can cover herself up (she is without clothing (except undergarments) correct?).  She clears away an area and has her sit down.  She sits next to her and begins to check her over and in a quiet voice so none of the other men in the room can't easily listen to she says, Michelle!  I know this is a bad time and I don't want to upset you but, we want to try and get the people who did this to you OK?  Did they do anything to you?

Through the open BTR-80 turret hatch Major Finnegan poked his head. Occasionally the electrics whirred quietly as he spun around, training the two mounted machineguns on a potential danger area.
There was little he could do really, stuck in the metal can. Camilla was in the kitchen as far as he knew, Virgil up in the attic and Sergio roaming about doing who knew what Frenchmen did. With everyone else rushing away to the school [Private to Aaron J Winters: I assume you went too]it seemed very quiet, too quiet...

Michelle waved a hand off in the direction they ran in. "They ran that way, as best as I could tell. there were at least seven of them, and they weren't scared off by the gunfire that don sprayed the cieling with. They attacked me with pipes to the legs and chest just as I was coming out of the checmitry lab. I'm battered and bruised but otherwise I don't think anything is broken. I had to play dead, or die. I was afraid they would do more...." She gave Tanya a knowing look as she gratefully accepted the BDU top and buttoned it up. "They didn't touch me other than stripping our gear." Still, Michelle is badly shaken, and visibly upset that she did not do more to stop them.

Fresh pockmarks in the wall show that Don did manage to at least point his weapon in the right direction. Fresh blood splatters on the floor a few metres from where he lays shows he actually hit some of them too.

Marcus simply regards Tanya with a neutral expression. He taps Brown, "Let's follow the trail Chief." He begins moving cautiously but relatively quickly down the hall, weapon ready to 'clear' anything.

Camilla had helped out as she could during the trapping, and the cooking, and the Chem-testing and whatever else needed to be accomplished in the kitchen.  When people began to disperse to handle the current situation, the Lieutenant found herself in an awkward position.  Soft lines of concern creased her brow.  She’d heard the commotion.  Gun shots, what-have-you, and -at the time -felt that more than enough personnel were on task handling the situation.  Good people too.

Her attentions in the mean-time were set to making sure the place was good to go when they came back at least until otherwise ordered.   Keeping track of heating the water for whichever projects had been started before the commotion.  Keeping an eye on the food, checking on any other people in the building near to her position for any updates..  At that point all she could do was wait.. And try to figure out what was going on from whatever sounds could be heard.. Or what might have been left to her with her limited linguistic skill..

Where had those pesky radios gone off to?  Did they ever get one to Virgil?  Was a certain Frenchman trying to cook snails for our dinner?..  You know, the tough questions.

Blue eyes seemed to drift from spot to spot as she worked, feeling a little out of sorts and wondering who would come back..

Brown stays close to the door while Sgts Smith and Redgrave take care of the situation inside. When everythings seems to be clear inside he slowly moves inside quickly scanning to assess the situation.

Brown moves closer to the Lt Don. lying on the ground, not moving.

"Did someone check him out?"

He called out just loud enough for the others to hear.

When he felt the tap from Smith “Let’s follow the trail Chief” he looks back at the two women sitting in the hallway. After that he follows. Making sure to give tactical cover to Smith while moving down the hallway swiftly.

Brown will make sure he stays in the hallway not moving out of sight from the rest of the team. When the trail leads to far out of sight he will call out for Smith to halt.

With the Chief following, Marcus moves while trying to maintain an eye on the blood trail. He didn't say it, but he hoped that the rest understood that they needed to find the threat and neutralize them now while they were still possibly wounded, otherwise it could come back worse.

It's not actually a blood trail, more a few splatters from when they were initially hit. Probably not more than a graze but enough to hurt anyway.

OOC: Will post more in a few hours - working.

Tanya Redgrave looks up and away from Michelle and towards Brown.  She quickly looks back at Michelle, "Michelle!  Listen to me OK?  I need you to check on Don real quick OK?  We're going to check on Don.  I don't know what to look for something else that might be wrong with him.  Can you do that with me?"

Tanya gets up and helps move Galin over (if she needs help) to check out Don and see if she can make a quick assessment of anything else not obvious before them.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Fri 09 June 2006.

Michelle nods. "I looked him over before you all got here. They mostly concentrated on beating on me, but gave Don a really good thwack on the head, through the Kevlar. He's probably got a cracked skull, we need to get him awake again. If it wasn't for the Kevlar, he'd have died. Thats why I played dead.So they would leave us alone. It was the only way to survive."

EDIT: I appears my computer IS messed up. As this post makes NO sense wth what is here now. Whilst it did when I posted it! Think I have a problem with the refresh?

Sergio follows slowly and with deliberate movements. Covering the teams as they go, keeping an eye on the far as well as the near, looking for signs of ambush.

His thoughts are with Michelle but his training and respect of his collegues mean he has to take the slower observant route, whilst they rush in.

Still, even going slowly, he moves with a speed of urgency.
(OOC: Hi guys I'm back, ish...:D hehehe)

This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Sun 11 June 2006.

"Hurglr"

Marcus manages to follw signs of the attackers about as far as the door. Concrete paths and bitumen roads make it next to impossible for futher tracking, unless they'd erected signs with "we went thataway"...
Don regains consciousness (again!) and although groggy, should be alright with a good nights sleep and light duties for a few days. Besides a very nasty headache he seems to have come off fairly well.
As previously suspected, Michelles wounds prove to be mainly cosmetic. A few nasty bruises but nothing broken.

Don blinks a few times and watches around.

"Michelle? Is she ok?"

"She's OK Don.  You're a little banged up though.  You're going to need some rest and very light duty for a couple of days."

Marcus curses as he loses the trail, "F**k". He attempts to look around where he lost the trail and perhaps figure logically where they might have gone, rat holes, nearby buildings, anything as an indicator.

Once Marcus starts to really look at the town surrounding them, he realises that it's essentially a rabbit warren with hundreds if not thousands of places for a person to hide. If whoever had attacked Don and Michelle had any familiarity with the place, they'd be nearly impossible to find.

If it was earlier in the day, or you had any really effective lighting (even just working street lights) it might be possible to continue but with dusk threatening to fall...

When Marcus reaches the door it seems the trail they were following leads into a dead end. Marcus’s swearing affirms his suspicions. When it becomes obvious that this pursuit is not going to be very effective Brown signals Marcus he is returning to the rest of the group.

When he returns with the rest he looks over at Don who seemed to have regained consiousness.

“We better get moving back to the house. I’d rather move while we still have some light”

Marcus growls quietly in frustration as he scans the surroundings, It's never safe any more. Turning back to the others he addresses no one in particular, "This place is full of mole people, let's get back to our encampment and make sure there aren't too many holes leading into it." He nods in Don's direction, "Have we got 'im? Let's go, now."

"Even if the look of Michelle is even more appealing now, stripping us means they now have weaponry. Guns and a few grenades. Risk is that they will try to go for our food. They looked like they didn't have too much to eat..."

Don climbs unsteadily to his feet, takes one step towards the door and promptly collapses.
Seems he's just a bit more hurt than anybody originally thought...

Marcus moves to catch Don from behind and eases him down to the floor. He states matter-of-factly, "Must be a concussion. We need a stretcher." Upon laying Don on the floor he moves to find anything that could be used as a stretcher, poles, cloth, whatever is available.

Tanya moves with Michelle and leaves her where she is seeing Don fall.  She moves right up with Smith trying to find something to use as a stretcher.  "Christ, it's not even safe to travel in pairs!  We need to get Don outta here and back to camp.  He needs rest but, how long do we stay here in 'MoleTown' before we get hit?"

Brown overheard Tanya while he was observing the surroundings especially concerned with the receding lighting.

"Christ, it's not even safe to travel in pairs!  We need to get Don outta here and back to camp.  He needs rest but, how long do we stay here in 'MoleTown' before we get hit?"

“Probably not to long, but we’ll see about that when we get back to the safe house. For now that’ll be our prime priority. The house will provide some decent protection to get us throught tonight even with those mole people around.”

While Smith and Redgrave are looking for something to be used as a stretcher Brown moves back to an overwatch position. Making sure he can have an optimal view of the surroundings so no one will be able to sneak up to them unnoticed.

There are plenty of real stretchers in the same building you stand in however rotted bodies lay decaying upon them. The gymnasium holds at least several dozen servicable stretchers but...
Otherwise, scrounging about the next best thing might be a door - if you can get if off it's hinges. Anyone got a screwdriver?
The curtains hanging in the classrooms might have been of use but with most of the glass broken out, they've been exposed for about a year to the elements. The fabric proves to be too rotted for use.

Marcus grabs Redgrave to go with him as he goes to the gymnasium and tosses a corpse off of a 'servicable' stretcher.  Moving quickly he moves to a classroom and grabs a curtain that's the least rotten to throw over the stretcher as an impromtu barrier on the bottom of the stretcher that wasn't in direct contact with the corpse.  Sliding it next to the prostrate Don, he indicates for the others to help him onto the stretcher, and urges simply, "Let's go."

Tanya follows Smith to help him get a stretcher from the dead and bring it back for Don.  When he gets the curtains on it, she will grab one end and help carry him back to there camp.

Michelle also suggests to flip the stretcher over, and carry DOn on the other side, the side not touched by the dead bodies. "And don't breathe in any dust kicked up in there getting the stretcher either." She rubs a sore arm and gived Don another check over.

Even without having to carry any extra equipment, Don is a heavy load. Almost one hundred kilograms (213 lbs) tends to make for very slow going, especially if only two are carrying - but there are four of you still walking and between you the distance is covered in about 15 minutes.

Back at the house Camilla has managed to create a decent meal which coincidentally just happens to be ready right about the time the stretcher bearers arrive. With a few changes in the guard, everyone is soon fed and allocated a place to sleep for the night. Extra checks and improvements are also made to overall security of the building.

Not a lot more can be done to secure the vehicles though but at least they are within your defensive perimeter of claymores and grenade traps.

Anyone going to make up the picket (sentry) roster and overall security plan for the evening?[Private to Marcus L Smith: Want to put up your hand for that? Need somebody with real life experience I think.]

Sergio listens worried at the report. Offering to do more than one shift or to covere those needing sleep or recovering from an incident... Don and Michelle (extra concern) as primary examples [Private to GM: A con of 10 has to allow such things without penalty now and then!]

He's not too sure he can get much sleep anyways. He should have been around to look after them. Still they did need food, and he seemed one of the only competant foragers.

As the group returned, Camilla made sure each would receive a portion of the meal..  The Danish Lieutenant glanced between Smith and RedGrave curiously, awaiting word of what had transpired beyond the walls, and their assessment of the situation. It was a disturbing prospect, what had transpired, but such a thing was likely to be common the longer they went while society fell to shambles around them.

Already anarchy ruled most areas in the world.

Tanya returns back to the camp and places Don down as gently as she can.  She takes of the remainder of her combat equipment and goes to clean her hands up from the stretcher haul from the school to here.  Tanya returns amd accepts the bowl of food from Cam with a smile,  "Thank you Lootenant!  It sure does smell good!"

The watch is set and everyone settles down for the long wait until they can sleep. With no light besides that of the kitchen stove and a few flashlights, very little can be done to alleviate the boredom. Each of you struggles to fight off the fatigue that is threatening to overcome you. A nudge every now and then from a companion prevents possible catastrophe.

The night air is still, an eerie silence desending over the town as the sun set, a curtain of darkness in which anything could be happening. If it weren't for the infrared goggles and image intensifiers most of you are carrying, you'd barely be able to see your own nose.[Private to Marcus L Smith: Don't forget you have 3 40mm ILLUM rounds that may come in very handy.]

Despite, or perhaps because of your vigilance, nothing happens in the hours before midnight. Nothing moves besides the clouds drifting overhead, further blocking what little light filtered down from the darkened, moonless sky.

Marcus makes sure to make available for each watch his 40mm GL and his three illum rounds.  If there's an overwatch on the roof, then he leaves those items with them and the SAW.

"Michelle, you can use my machine-pistol here.  It's doesn't have a lot of punch but, it goes full-auto and has a forty round magazine!"

Michelle smiles and accepts the weapon, giving it the once over beofre securing it. "Thanks." She says quietly. "Not just for this, but for everything." By the look in her eyes, Michelle is still thinking about what could have happened out there, and what thankfully didn't.

Sergio remains awake most of the night, not being able to sleep. He offers his pistol or SMG to whomever would prefer it.

Into silent thinking and despairing mode. He stars at the stars through the trees and thinks of ways to solve all the problems he... they face.

Maybe he was home? He thinks, looking at Michelle fondly, mixed with anger. If he ever found the people who did this...

After returning from the school Brown takes his bowl of food and savours the relative safe atmosphere of the house. After finishing he walks over to Leutenant Ashton.

“Compliments to the chef, a very fine homey dish you made there, leutenant.”

He complimented, hoping the leutenant at least got the meaning of his words.

After that he started on arranging tonights duties (see OOC list). He walks around the house to instruct everyone on the guard roster. With three men wake at all time they should have enough eyes and ears for the rest to be at ease and get some zzz’s.

“I have one pair of IR goggles to be used by those on guard duty. I fear it might get pretty dark tonight”

Cam simply smiled and nodded her thanks, she could understand more of what Tanya had said, and Brown’s general outward appearance seemed to suggest praise. “Sergio, help..ed”, She said slowly, not completely comfortable to take much credit.

Considering the situation Ashton didn’t say much concerning the food.  People were wound a little tightly.  Understandably so. She just glanced over those gathered prior to parting and took a slow breath. “Good work today. I know it hard gather up  with many thing to find useful..  And keeping it together.”,  Her hands joined lightly before her as she said so..  And with a nod her awkward speech was done.

She wanted to approach Finnegan, see how he wanted to handle the next morning, so went about searching for the Major, before getting some rest.

(OOC: If we're all ready set into motion, then disregard the looking for the Major bit and sleep instead. ^.^)

Tanya nods and smiles, "Don't worry about it Michelle.  You'd do the same for me if the roles were reversed.  I'm glad to see you're all right."

Partaking of some of Cam's homecooking Marcus seems to relax a little he even flashes a quick, small smile to Cam when she hands him a prepared bowl.  Instead of inhaling the food like he might normally do so he eats slowly savoring each spoonful as if it were a fine wine or perhaps a fine woman.  He occasionally glances up at Cam as she fusses around the kitchen while he eats.  For a few moments he stares at her, but not actually seeing her, as if he were seeing a vision or something else far off, perhaps another lifetime.

Once finished with his meal he washes his provided bowl and utensil graciously and returns it to Cam, "Thank you." Simply stated he moves on to find a spot to rack out until his watch.

So where are the guards to be stationed? Only really needs one vehicle manned and the others on guard elsewhere. I imagine one up in the roof and the other roving around the immediate exterior (not too far out so as not to trigger the grenades). Also who has the claymore trigger and where is it pointed (generally)- front or rear?

Major Finnegan eats heartily of Lt Camilla's stew before checking over the notes that Kett had left him. He pulls out a stub of a pencil that he had managed to scrounge and marked up the list of names, hhhmmmning a few times while he looks at it. Damn, there just weren't enough of them for a good watch rotation, no matter how he tried to work it out. He looks over the list a bit more before making a final decision,"All right, I think I have a watch rotation for tonight figured out. It sucks, but we are short-handed, and have a bad defensive situation to boot. What with the mole people knowing the terrain and seemingly being able to move unseen, I think I have a plan that will see us through the night." Bernhard looks to make sure everyone is paying attention before continuing."I want the SAW to stay up top where it can give good covering fire if we get attacked from ground level, other than that, personal weapons for the rover, and the obvious choice out in the vehicles. First watch will go from 2200-0100, it will consist of Sgt. Redgrave topside, Lt. Ashton roving the lower floors and close outside, and Brown covering from the BTR. Second shift will be from 0100-0400, that will be Major D'ammond on topside, Sgt. Smith on rover, and myself out in the BTR. Last shift will be from 0400-0700, it will be Sgt. Matterson topside, Sgt. Gallin roving, and Winters in the BTR. I think we should park both vehicles around front, and load most of the ammo for the turret guns into the BTR. I thought I saw the claymore being planted out back earlier, someone correct me if I'm wrong, put the switch in the ground floor, maybe by the door, if the rover sees trouble that direction they can get inside and detonate it. I want the topside people to all sleep up there, that way if we do get attacked, one of them can watch the direction the attack isn't coming from while the other two fire the way it is. Everyone else sleeps inside, the BTR watch can move outside when it is their turn. I know I stretched the watch out to 3 hours each, but with 9 of us able to keep an eye out, and 3 areas to watch over, it just made sense to give us all 6 hours sleep and 3 awake. Any questions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Sun 02 July 2006.

"I'm good with that."
Matterson retired to his assigned blankets as soon as possible. Six hours sleep wasn't exactly a lot, especially when you'd been on the road for as long as they had.

The soft comforting sound of rain penetrates your dreams (those not on first watch anyway). Even in the devastated world you live in, nature continues, seasons change, crops grow, children are born and somehow hope is born along with them.

quote from my previous post:
^{After that he started on arranging tonights duties (see OOC list). He walks around the house to instruct everyone on the guard roster. With three men wake at all time they should have enough eyes and ears for the rest to be at ease and get some zzz’s.}

When he returns to the kitchen he hears the Major call out to everyone for attention. When everyone is collected in the room Major Finnegan starts explaining he own version of tonights roster. Well didn't that make HIM look like a fool...

He listened without mentioning a word. Only nodding to the Major when being looked at. When the major was finished he turned around, quietly collected his stuff and walked out the door, towards the BTR.

Those that pass him in the process of this might have overheard him muttering something to himself. Something that sounded like _"Officers?"

The gradually increasing rain lulls you deeper and deeper into blissful sleep. Raindrops tap and rattle on the tiled roof, drip, drip, dripping down through holes and gathering in slowly growing puddles.

Virgil snuggled down inside his "borrowed" Russian sleeping bag on top of the Polish mattress somebody had salvaged during the afternoon and dragged up into the attic for him. Ever the sniper, he was loathe to leave his nest for long once he'd had it set up "just right".
Dreams of home and better times drifted through his unconsious mind as the rain poured down drenching everything out of cover.

Sergio tries to get to sleep, but finds it difficult, he's not going to get much sleep tonight, one way or another. The rain reminds him of his friends tales when he went to england. Supposed to rain just about every day in that land. He'd never understood why it was so popular for a holiday destination, especially with the french who shared no love with the english.

He tries to attune his hearing to that of the pattern of drops to pick out any sounds that may be people sneaking up and using the rain as cover. Resting with gun on his back, he hold s his image intesifiers in one hand, his pistol in the other and tries to see the current roving guard with his IR goggles. They'd lasted a long time and he'd looked after them well, much as they had with him. He'd hate to see them go missing.

With a sigh he tries to close his eyes, trying to get to sleep? Or trying to hear through the rain, it doesn't last long, and he shivers as he looks around. Wrapped up under a waterproof.

 There was no doubt about it, Michelle just couldn't sleep. Everywhere she turned, she was bruised, She was tired all right, but the days events just wouldn't go away, they kept replaying over and over in her mind, like some bad scene from a movie. God she missed movies. Hell, even a kids projector projecting good pictures on a wall would make her feel better. Sighing, she sits up, rubbing her face in frustration. Hugging her knees to her chest, she rocks back and forth a bit, fighting the tears that came with realizing life was short, and It could have been over. Glancing around, she sees Sergio adjust deeper into his blankets, and shivering slightly with the cold, crawls and drags her blankets over towards him. She lifts up his waterproof just long enopugh to stuff her blanket in, then suprisingly, herself, letting her body spoon up beside his, falling into his shape. When he starts to protest she simply says. "Cold. Keep warm. Body heat."

Whilst this sort of situation had played through his mind a few times (being a gentleman he had fought it down, but being french sometimes it just ran away into fantasty land) he realises this isn't the way he'd ever envisioned it.

Still glad for the warmth and the chance to hold onto her and keep her safe, he wraps his big arms around her and tucks the waterproof around her t make sure she doesn't get wet. As he tucks her head beneath his chin, he half watches her sleep. Finding himself smiling slightly, replaced with confusion, and then the smile returns.

Still though he finds he can't sleep. Now more than ever he was a watchout for her. The gun he keeps within easy reach, but alternates between checking on Michelle and using the image intensifiers (OOC: anyone know a nickname for these?)

Michelle isn't cold any more, but still isn't able to sleep very well. still feeling a bit restless, she can't help but feel him move once in a while, and he would notice, especially with nightvision goggles, she was still awake. Finally unable to stand it any more, she rolls over into him and buries her head into his chest, snuggling in as deep as she could, wrapping an arm around his waist, placing a few light kisses on his throat. smiling slightly, she waits to see what his reaction to that might be.

Holding her tight he looks down into her eyes, trying to work out what she wants. Was this a test? Was it the shock of being attacked?

"Are you okay?" he whispers to her. He doesn't stop her though. Just looks at her fondly, wondering if she needs a distraction or just that the time had come. Those eyes connectiong so many times before had been more than friendship.

Michelle looks up at the frenchman, the smile still on her lips, and pulls him in closer. "I am now." She whispers and lets her lips cross over his lightly. Seeing he is just as ready for this as she has been for a while, she lets herself go, slowly, letting the needs and pent up desires find thier release at last.

**Fade to black for all you young guys PM for all the rest LOL**

Your dreams are interrupted rudely by a loud noise tearing through your subconscious. Feeling as though you'd barely laid your head down, the fog clouding your mind slowly clears and the realisation that a burst of gunfire caused you to waken dawns upon you.

OOC: Anyone with an initiative of 5 or more many act immediately. Initiative 4 and it takes a few moments to wake. 3 a bit longer and so on til 1 means you're useless for about 30 seconds. Lucky Don has an effective initiative of 0 at the moment so he might as well just stay in bed.

Bernhard falls asleep easily enough, although with the rain it is a fitful sleep at best. He hears the burst of gunfire and his eyes snap open. Where did it come from? The sound of the rain on the roof and up in the attic make it impossible to tell the direction of the first shots. He rolls out of his sleeping bag, the comforting weight of the C7 already in his hands. He glances around the room and realizes he is the first one awake. He doesn't want to make noise and give away his position, but needs to know what is going on, where to react to. He moves to the closest window, shouting as he moves,"WHERE are they?! How Many?! How Far?!" Damn, he hadn't meant to shout that loud. He glances out the window, scanning for targets.

OOC: I figure Bernhad was sleeping on the first floor by the fireplace, and is now by one of the back windows looking out.

Bundled up, asleep on the roof something decided to rudly inturupt that sleep. When he awoke Aaron's hands instantly went to the M79 laying next to him as he rose to a crouch. Eyes flicking left and right he swept the M79 over the edge of the roof to point down at the street below.
[Private to Aaron J Winters: Your SAW is presently in Tanya's hands and poking out the hold in the roof. Her RPK as well as any other weapons you have (grenade launcher for example) are all within easy reach.][Private to GM: Changed it to the M79 launcher]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Mon 17 July 2006.

(OOC: Who was on guard?)
[Private to GM: Any any bonus when Sergio wasn't going to sleep! Hey he now has something to protect! And still feels bad about the happenings before]

Sergio prepares himself and looks around for trouble, trying to conceal himself in the shadows of darkness and use his ears and his imager to find any movement, friend or foe.

[Private to Nuked: Can Tanya hear the call?]
[Private to Plt Sgt Tanya Redgrave: Absolutely unless you fire another burst this phase.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:22, Sat 15 July 2006.

The rain was actually a comforting white noise to Marcus as he slept.  Rudely awakened by the burst of gunfire, some elite soldier, it takes several seconds for Marcus to fully comprehend what is going on, but once his head is cleared he immediately puts his MP5 in the ready position since he was already cuddling with it.

He moves to Major Finnegan, "What've we got sir?" His eyes shift a moment as if something dawns on him before he asks calmly, "Where's Cam?" He attempts to look outside in the general direction of the burst without disturbing the window and never actually silhoutting himself by standing in front of it, instead to it's either side to get a full picture.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Sun 16 July 2006.

She moved in from the kitchen entry, maybe not on cue, but certainly not long enough to prolong the torture of not knowing.  The goggles helped her to navigate, even though for some it might not have been that big of a stretch.  “There Moving, on  Street, sound moving under house.. And short contact on roof.  Shot come from roof… here radio.. Tanya say clear..”

The words were a series of rushed broken phrases, but the Radio was handed off to the Major, so that he might get any clarification that he wanted. Her attention seemed to rest on Marcus in the gloom, “We maybe have person under..” She had intended to take a look just before the shot peeled out.. “I go check sounds… Then Bang from roof..”

The silhouette of the blonde woman stiffened, as though she might leave, but wasn’t sure if the Major had other designs...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Sat 29 July 2006.

"I'VE GOT ONE ON THE ROOFTOPS!"

Finding a space, he uses all his expertise to reamin hidden, whilst settling into sniper mode. Fixing whatever is needed to see with his trusty rifle, he tries to locate the rooftop rambler.

(not sure what initiative we're on? I've got 3)

To Michelle he whispers "Keep an eye on the door, we don't want to be taken from behind." His words, for a non native english speaker, had no double meaning for him.

At the gunfire, Don turns over to his other side, covering with a pillow. He needs his sleep... He feels terrible...

Two more bursts of automatic fire rip through the rainy night air, dragging any still struggling to stay asleep into consciousness. The flashing of the muzzle lights up the interior of the attic and could probably be seen for a mile or so if it weren't teeming with rain.
[Private to Plt Sgt Tanya Redgrave: Once again the target doesn't seem to be hit. Are you just halucinating? You'd think that out of 30 rounds at close range some might actually hit!]
[Private to WO1 William Brown: You glance upwards as Tanya fires again and see a body laying on top of a wire stretching between the two buildings. Probably once used to hang washing or a telephone cable, no sane person would ever even attempt crossing on such a flimsy thing. It's a miracle it hasn't already snapped under their weight and sent them falling very painfully to the ground.]

"Sweet Mary, my head's exploding", Don whispers for himself.

He sits up in the bed, but is way to dizzy to walk away, so he leans to the wall, sitting for a while, before he lies down again.

"A glass of water would be nice... Or a sip of a single malt"

Marcus moves to accompany Cam, "Got rats in the basement?" he jests rather dryly. Nodding to the Major he gives a quick point to his eyes indicating security and points outside with a mimic of a person walking using his index and middle fingers perimeter walk he then thumbs at Cam indicating with her before he moves to egress to the exterior of the building glancing back quickly to see if Cam is following.

Making sure Michelle is alright he goes through a mental dilemma. To help the friends and leave her, or to stay with her and see if he can take out anyone from here.

Sticking his head out, he tries to see if he can get to a point where he can snipe and provide cover. Having chosen their present location for it's access, safety and view, he might yet be some help.

I posted back under the 'Picket' thread (after reading your PM) until her next action is ready since no one else can really see or hear her too good.

Bernhard nods to Marcus, then Cam,"You two check outside, I'll check for rats." He leaves his position at the window and moves around to where the trapdoor leads below. He grabs the radio mic,"Major F to Red or Brown, sitrep? Over."

Now, Bernhard, how you getting down there without getting ambushed by the rats?
[Private to Nuked: In the map it calls the cellar area a crawlspace, but then gives it a depth of 5 meters. I take it there is a ladder at the trapdoor going down? Or is it supposed to be 0.5 meters? Also if I drop a frag through the trapdoor how should I roll to-hit? Or should I just roll to make sure the frag isn't a dud?]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Sun 30 July 2006.

Looking up from his position in the BTR Brown could spot a shadow across a flimsy little wire, suspended between two houses across the street. That shadow must have attracted Redgraves attention... and fire.



"Brown here, occasional movement in the buildings across the street and movement on a wire between the houses, that's the one attracting Red's firepower. Else no hostilities so far"

Cam’s attention shifted to Marcus at the sound of his voice and the question.  A pained expression rose  as she bobbed her head slowly, perhaps confusion settling into her soft blue eyes as she relinquished the radio to the highly mobile Major.   Honey locks ranged in disarray, haphazard despite the lengths she’d gone to in order to tie them back, and a foot fall brought her toward Smith and his quiet gravity..

A blink and the Lieutenant offered a brief half-smile as if to assure herself or the others near by that things would be fine despite the shots.. Of course it's possible some of that was lost in shadow.  Shortly after, Ashton was slipping through the room into the next.

She studied the Sergeant in the gloom before silently turning her attention to their surroundings. It wasn't long before a pale hand came to his shoulder, looping her other arm under her rifle she let it sag in the crook, before removing the night-vision gear..

If Marcus was taking point she wanted to be sure he could see..

(If he’s already equipped,  then disregard the last bits.)

 Michelle hears the gunfire at first as if from something from a dream, but as Sergio starts to move beside her, reality forces it s way back into her consiousness rather quickly. Looking to see which way Sergio was heading, she heads for Don, knowing if the intruders got inside, he'd need protecting. She was a medic, after all, not the combat expert, so she  decided that was her best bet until she was called elsewhere, andhoped desperately that didn't happen.

Marcus opens the door to see the rain teeming down outside in the darkness. With Cam close by, he steps out and is almost instantly soaked.
Finnegan begins the long task of shifting firewood from the trapdoor which leads to the half metre deep crawlspace.
Up in the attic, Winters Joins Tanya at the hole in the roof while Sergio takes up a sniping position on the other side of the attic. With all available firing positions taken, Virgil begins to climb down to the next floor.
Outside, Brown has spotted the person on the wire, seemingly just metres away from Tanya's position. The flash of the muzzle lighting them up. [Private to WO1 William Brown: This is in addition to the person you saw moments before on ground level.]
Don rolls over and buries his aching head under a musty pillow, desperately attempting to deaden the pain reverberating through his skull with every burst. Even the rather attractive Michelle by his side fails to help much.

Luckily Marcus enjoys the rain, and of course the old addage reverberates through his thoughts If it ain't rainin', you ain't trainin'.  Using the sound of the rain to his advantage he could actually move a little faster than normal and maintain some level of stealth.  Checking in a 3D way, he moves around the building looking for openings to the "basement" or crawl space, whatever occupies the underside of this building.

During the day it was found that there was only one obvious access point from the exterior of the crawlspace. This small wooden door was secured in a makeshift sort of way by piling firewood and rubble against it as well as Tanya laying one of the grenade traps.
Rain pouring down and soaking through everything, Marcus heads directly for this small door while maintianing his situational awareness. Cam close by they soon see the barrier does not appear to have been disturbed...
[Private to Aaron J Winters; Major Sergio D'ammond; Plt Sgt Tanya Redgrave: I suggest one of you deal with the person crawling across the wire just metres away. Might also be time to light the place up with the ILLUM rounds and grenade Launcher - just a suggestion, feel free to totally ignore.]
[Private to WO1 William Brown: Might be useful to deal with the person on the wire. Tanya doesn't seem to have had any luck hitting them even though she could almost reach out and touch them...]
[Private to Major Bernhard Finnegan: It'll take a while longer to clear the trapdoor. Sure you want to open it without somebody backing you up?]

Marcus curses under his breath. They must've seen the trap or suspect that there is one there.  Turning to Cam he uses hand signals for her to security halt.  Crouching down he uses hand and arm signals to show that they're going to go on a perimeter walk before re-entering the building and checking inside for trap doors.  Even though it had been done earlier, it didn't hurt to check again, plus he wasn't sure if Cam was enjoying the downpour as much as he was.

The bite of the rain kept her awake, a chill and an edge that brought a shiver to her spine and radiated outward from her core. Camilla moved along with Marcus, locks plastered against her brow and droplets forming at the curve of her lashes. It was dark, and the rain made her squint in blurred patches of obscurity.

She blinked away the rain, and felt it upon her face as she studied the sergeant’s movements. He moved faster in the down-poor and then so would she. As they came to the point of interest she flinched at his swearing, entertaining her own thoughts as she scanned the broken skyline of black on storm wracked gloom.

Lieutenant Ashton fell into her assumed security position, scanning the rear and exposed area along her arc from the building’s wall. “Maybe they watch us make?.., Her voice was soft, probably lost in the steady drainage from the roof-tiles and bloated gutters above. Fear and cold, those two things drove off the fatigue, but for how long?  One assaulted her senses and the other pumped her full of adrenaline. It was hard to keep from watching Smith's back, in the literal sense, so she just huddled up, weapon steady despite the shiver, and watched for trouble.

Marcus could barely hear Cam's comment/question over the din of the rain hitting the buildings and ground around them.  He simply nodded in reply, indeed they were probably watching them right now.  Not wanting to be a sitting target Marcus stood up slowly, scanning the area and made to move around the bobby-trapped area and continue their perimeter sweep.  Glancing back to make sure the good lieutenant was following his gaze lingers but a second more noticing how her golden yellow locks are clinging to her forehead in the heavy rain.  Back to reality he turns back to the task at hand, to seek, close with, and kill the enemy.

She was glad Marcus was moving again, there were few times where they were alone.. Even before.  She’d meant to say something about circling the building, or perhaps relate the information about the Trap-door entrance that the Major had said he was going for. She knew where it was in the kitchen, had burried it before setting about cooking, but for some reason she faltered.

Sergeant Smith seemed sure and capable, so Camilla wasn’t surprised when his survival instincts kicked in and moved them along. Having some experience with traps, she made sure to watch his every move. Especially if this was a set-up that she wasn’t present to witness.  The uniform was soaked through, -hers too, of course..  water streaming off the wrinkled fabric like criss-crossing tiers. Skyward.. It was a safe place to turn her gaze as they moved ahead..

The roof-top’s seemed to have the action, and Brown had radioed seeing motion along his stretch of the house.   The second vehicle was of some concern,.. But more so she was worried, that without a radio, she and Marcus might suffer friendly fire.

Swinging the M79 up to bear on the person crossing the wire Aaron quickly ran the calculations through his head. Nope couldn't use it on him, the distance was to short, the HEDP wouldn't prime before it struck. Looking at the wire he smiled slightly. Shifting slightly he ran his eyes over the rain blocked view of where he thought the wire ended. Adjusting his aim slightly he pulled the trigger of the launcher slowly, if he couldn't use it on the person, maybe he could take out the line where ever it was anchored on the other end.

Brown keeps his eyes trained on the person moving along the wire, lining up the coaxial as he goes about. Then he notices movement. Tanya's burst had obviously not taken this one out. Would she be able to get in a second burst? He didn't want to take that chance. His index finger depressed slighly on the PK trigger.

OOC: one burst, just to make sure.[Private to Nuked: Brown will use his best judgement before drepressing the trigger. If in any way the person is to close to the house he might jeapardize moving his danger zone to close to the building he will move his aim a little away from the house behind his intended target, just to spook him]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:32, Sat 05 Aug 2006.

Half shocked the man is crossing along the wire, Sergio takes a shot at the figure. Whilst normally going for a wounding shot to get them out of the fight but leave them alive, with images of Michelle still fresh in his mind he hastily wipes away an angry tear and shoots. A single shot to not give away his position. Aimed to kill.

[Private to GM: Dammit, I believe the last PM we had about shooting is archived and I can't read it?

Aimed shot to the head. Small arms of 8 means a 16 is needed. Rolled a 10.
Believe this hits. (technically automatic)

Weapon   ROF  Rld   Round   Dam   Pen   Blk   Mag   SS   Brst  Rng  IFR Hit Mod
FR-F1     SA   - 7.5mm MAS   4   2-Nil   6     10    3     -    75   -     -

Damage: 11
If doubled on a head shot: +13

Lets hope this sniper rifle does it's business.]

Bullets fly and tracers light up the falling rain drops but the target still clings to the cable far above the ground...
Are they blessed or simply stuck to the cable with super glue? Who knows?

Down on the ground Marcus continues to lead Cam around the exterior of the building when he hears a heavy, dull thunk sound from behind...
[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton: Something hits you in the side of your head and pain like you've never felt before shoots through your skull. A moment later a warm liquid oozes out from under your helmet and down the side of your face, cooling as it mingles with the cold rainwater.
The realisation you're hurt has barely sunk in before you feel yourself falling into darkness, or is it just the ground jumping up at you?
Head hit for 5 points and you'll be unconscious for a few minutes after which your Initiative will be reduce by one until the wound is healed.
I've updated your character sheet. Feel free to post what Marcus sees if he turns around (oh, and you've got a bolt/arrow sticking out the side of your helmet, just thought I'd let you know.)]

The violent sounds from above and beyond never really gave the still of the night a chance.. Camilla stumbled, faltering behind the sergeant. Something seemed to tug at her, head snapping to one side abruptly and then righted with a blink.  In the icy rain she stopped, as if regaining her composure, and stared blankly..

Ashton's expression was puzzled, tentative fingers drifting to the skin of her cheek beneath the tangled string of knotted hair where it protruded from the Kevlar helmet. That was bare moments before collapsing against the wall.. “Mar-” The word faded, unfinished, as she landed like a heap in the muck and grit of a chilled puddle.

[Private to Marcus L Smith: Closer examination seemed to reveal that there was an odd object jutting out from the side of her helmet.  The shaft of an arrow?]

"What the hell is going' on here?" Tanya looks at the figure on the cable to see if it is moving towards here or away from her.

Turning at the sound of the thunk, an eerily familiar sound, but quite unexpected he sees Cam stumble and collapse against the wall.  Before she can collapse completely he's on her.  His suspicions were confirmed, An arrow?! What the f**k?! he thought to himself.  He checked quickly to see if had penetrated flesh, satisfied he scanned for a target while taking Cam under her arm and carrying her in their original direction and hopefully closer to getting back inside.  His brow furrowed at the oddness of the situation, another stray thought, F**kin' cowboys and indians now?!.

With only about six few inches of the shaft showing, it's quickly obvious that it's not an arrow but a crossbow bolt and is wedged firmly through the side of her kevlar helmet. A warm, sticky liquid is running down the side of her head, diluting quickly as the heavy rain mixes with it. At first inspection, removal of her helmet does not appear to be an option - the bolt has pinned it to her head.

Marcus cursed aloud albeit under his breath this time, "F**k." as he felt the sticky warm fluid run down from under Cam's helmet.  Without wasting another second he put Cam as gently as possible onto his shoulder in a fireman's carry and made a sprint for the closest egress to the indoors and some cover.  It was one of those moments where he would've sold his soul for a viable target to kill.

Stumbling through the darkness, Virgil made his way to a second floor window and opened it a few inches. Carefully he pushed the muzzle of his precision rifle through the gap and peered into the wind and rain swept darkness in an effort to find something, anything, worthy of his marksmanship.

Slack, her body was limp and sagged like a rag-doll from Smith’s shoulders, limbs swaying with the motion..  Rain pittered,  pattered, and spattered slanting downward with little care for those beneath it.

Don digs his head deeper into the pillow.

[Private to GM: Doesnt a jacket appear quite like a person if hung over a wire in the rain? ;) ]

Noticing how several lines of fire converge on the single target on the wire above him. Brown shifts his vision and systematically scans the surounding buildings, scrub and other possible hiding places for movement.

Nothing moves in the darkness besides the target on the wire appearing to frantically scrabble back the way they'd come. Although darkness can play tricks on a persons eyes, it takes only a moment looking through IR goggles or the use of an image intensifier to identify them as alive and, if seemingly not human, then at least similar in shape and size.


OOC: Remember some characters possess these night vision devices in addition to flashlights and a spotlight attached coaxially to the vechile machineguns. Also, if you really want to see what's about, there are three illumination grenades sitting between Tanya and Winters. Pop one of those in either Winters M79 or Marcus's HK-69 grenade launcher (which is also presently positioned with Winters and Tanya) and watch the rats scurry for cover. ;)

"POP A GODAMNED FLARE WINTERS!  SOMETHINGS ON THAT WIRE," Tanya screams out as she fires another ten-round burst (if the figure is still there and visible through the NVG's).

Small Arms:6 / STR:6
Using 10d6 [1,2,4,5,6,5,1,2,6,2].
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Thu 10 Aug 2006.

A fourth long burst screams form the M249's barrel. Once again the muzzle lights up the raindrops within a few metres of the weapon but this time something is different...
As eyes adjust from the sudden flash of light a heavy thud is heard. Peering through the darkness reveals the figure on the wire is no longer there, but a large pile of wet cloth and bleeding flesh now lays directly underneath.

Momentarily blinded, Sergio curses the scope and everyone shooting together. "Mierda mes yeux!" he says, still quietly but enough for nearby people to hear. As his sight returns he stretches out a bit and resting the gun on the sill, he uses the Image intensifiers to find another target, or friends to cover.

Finnegan pauses in his task of unpiling the wood from the trapdoor to the crawlspace. This is stupid, leave the pile, it will make noise if they come up through it. If they can even open the door with all the wood piled on it. He turned out of the room toward the back door. May as well cover the back, and give Marcus and Cam some back up firepower if they need it. The Major moves to the  back door and takes a knee just inside.

As Marcus bends down to pick up Cam, something whooshes past in the darkness right where his head had been moments before and thunks into the wooden wall beside him.
Meanwhile, Major Finnegan abandons the woodpile and moves to the open back door and takes up a firing position just inside. As he settles into position, a sudden sharp pain shoots through the left side of his chest causing him to fall to the floor.
[Private to Major Bernhard Finnegan: 6 points damage to the chest (I've updated your character sheet) and you're knocked down for the remainder of the turn (about 15-20 seconds). Upon inspection it appears something sharp and pointy has hit you. Fortunately for you, your ribs managed to prevent a serious injury such as punctured lung, etc ;)]

Marcus unflinchingly grabs up Cam and her weapon.  Using Cam's unsuppressed weapon he fires a few bursts of suppressive fire towards the direction of the apparent crossbow bolts origination as he moves.

Brown still is looking for any movement but so far everything seems to be quiet.

“Brown here, everything is quiet on my side. I know there are some more in the building on the other side but no movement at the moment. Any more movement spotted besides those on the wire?”

"GOTCHOO YOU SUNUVABITCH!  WHO'S NEXT?" Tanya yells out as the figure finally drops from the wire connecting the buildings.  She looks to Winters quickly, "You gunna pop that flare troop or are you waiting for a invitation?   POP IT NOW WINTERS," she tells Winters in a sarcastic but, serious voice.  If he doesn't grab the launcher to fire off an ILLUM round, she'll do it herself.  "FLARE OUT!"

Bernhard feels the impact before he hears the bolt thunk into his chest. Fortunately he falls to his right, missing landing on the bolt protruding from the left side of his chest. He looks down and sees the bolt. What the F**K?! An arrow? I got hit with an arrow. He inhales a quick breath through his clenched teeth before calling out,"SNIPER! BACK SIDE! We need cover fire!" Where the hell are Marcus and Cam?

Tanya releases her grip on the light automatic and scoops up Marcus's already loaded HK-69 grenade launcher. Bracing the butt on the floor of the attic, the barrel points skyward as she releases the safety and gently squeezes the trigger. With a hollow "thump" the weapon discharges and a few seconds later the round ignites, bathing the area in a bright white glare.
Shadows flicker and move as the flare slowly begins it's parachute supported return to earth.

With the new light Sergio resists the urge to leave and go to those under fire. He'd stay close to Don and Michelle. They were under his protection now and he'd make sure they stayed safe. Moving cautiously, he uses the depth of the room and his image intesifiers to see outside without being anywhere near the openings. "You both okay?" He says moving around. Seemed the fight was elsewhere, but with the flare, he'd be able to pick off anyone who wasn't part of their team.

"Ah, there's one" Virgil thought happily to himself as he lined up a window about a hundred metres away.
Gently he squeezed the trigger, the familiar feel of a high powered precision weapon craddled in his arms almost sensual.
A single shot rocked the night...
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:28, Thu 17 Aug 2006.

As  chance would hve it, it was the same unfortunate guy Sergio had in his sights, and a second shot rang out. (7 to hit - hits any but long range for 15 damage - unaimed shot hitting the right arm)

Moving to hide his location, he checks outside to see if the figure is down yet, and to try keeping an eye on the other room inhabitants. Lisening out for how the others are faring.

Brown instinctively looks up as he sees the flare go up and start it's slow decent down. Creating a strange illumination on the surrounding area. He makes sure not to look into the light any further with the goggles in front of his eyes. He imediately starts scanning the shadows again, hoping the light will drive the rats into those scarce shadowy spots trying to stay hidden from the light... but not hidden from his sights.

The two single shots ring out, sounding somewhat pathetic compared to the bursts of automatic fire a short time earlier.
Brown peers into the shadows with the IR goggles giving vision no unaided human could hope to emulate while Marcus reaches the rear door to find Major Finnegan just beginning to regain his feet - another bolt lays close to him on the floor, blood flows in a steady trickle from his ribs.
[Private to Major Sergio D'ammond: Your shot goes right through the window and the target disappears. It's possible you hit them, but...]
[Private to WO1 William Brown: Even with the flare and goggles, you do not spot anything that could be termed a danger. Only the body on the ground, hit and knocked from the wire shows that there ever even was a threat (Besides Cam and Finnegan now sporting crossbow bolt wounds.)]

Without his radio he felt out of touch with the others. "Michelle, tu want a take a walk an make sure the rest is alright?" He points to one of his spare weapons on his belt if hers isn't here or nearby.
"ANY sight of trouble you is to be back ere, s'okay mon petite?" He tries to wink at her, whilst looking through the window. Again his single shot from far back should leave him safe from detection, yet he moves to the side incase.

OOC: I feel I should point out that most of you can communicate with each other by shouting. Naturally this will be heard by those outside apparently trying to get in and may give away your positions. On the other hand, if several bursts of automatic fire wasn't enough to blow your cover....

Jumbled words, faint and lost beneath the commotion, came forth from.. Pain addled her senses, forcing her eyes to open in the dank dark beneath the downpour. Disoriented Camilla couldn’t tell why she felt so nauseous..  Shadows stole the sign of her unhealthy pale. The jumble must have been in her native tongue.. Or it was possible she was just mumbling.

Michelle looks up at Sergio, somewhat troubled by the silence. There should be at least a fierce fire fight going on somewhere. If it is over, they should be back. She gives a quick silent nod to Sergio and grabs her weapon, making sure it is ready to fire, and moves quickly to stand next to him, making sure her back is to the wall, looking for any sign of the men returning.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:14, Sat 26 Aug 2006.

Tanya begins to search around her for targets.  "Are you all right Winters?  Are you hurt?" she asks him.

Marcus curses quietly, "F**k." as he sees the Major injured by the stealthy and pesky bolts as well.  He does his best to lay Cam down gently while yelling to the back, "Medic!"  Upon hearing Cam's mumblings in whatever tongue a flash of hope crosses his otherwise stoic face.  He attempts to communicate with her, "Cam, stay with me girl." as he examines the severity and liklihood of her wounds.

Half a minute or so after Sergios shot the tinkling of breaking glass is heard mingled in amongst the rain that continues to fall. Not close, it would have been missed but for the effects of adrenaline rushing through your bodies.

OOC: Sounds as if it's at or near the building Virgil and Sergio shot at - roughly 100 metres away.

“M-Marcus?…” She seemed relieved and confused and fretful all at once.. Camilla tried to push herself upward, paling further at the thrumming pain in her head and there was a moment of disturbing familiarity as she drew her hand to the spot of her complaint and saw them come back dark with liquid, though the rain thinned it out..  “What-”, She caught sight of the Major then, just past the sergeant with a gasp, and peered upward into the shadow of Smith’s face. “I- I be ok.. We move Major.. Get back inside talk plan…”  Perhaps the wound looked worse than it was.. or something. Either way, cam seemed a little foggy, possibly from pain on top of fatigue. Though the bolt sticking out of the helmet wasn't a very promising looking.

Bernhard glances back at Cam and Marcus as he regains his feet,"I'm fine, they barely hit me. Let's get inside further, by the fireplace, better cover there." Bernhard hefts the C7 and aims out the doorway, covering for the others before backing down the hallway to a safer spot.

Sergio again hides in the shadows, looking out with the image intensifiers, zooming in and letting the view re-establish itself with the new light levels, looking for movement, enemies, or the wounded. A few quick glances and his ears are focused on the entrances to the room, he'd need to be Don's eyes, ears and protection.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:17, Sun 03 Sept 2006.

Marcus puts a hand out on Cam's shoulder to prevent her from rising too much, although the elevation will help the bleeding, he attempts to comfort her, "You'll be alright."  He attempts to examine the wound without disturbing it too much by using a red lens flashlight and peering inside her helmet where the bolt lays.  If it's not embedded to deeply he does his best to stablize it before moving her again deeper into the building by the fireplace as the Major had suggested.

[Private to Nuked: Did I want a high or low #?  I forget.

07:42, Today: Marcus L Smith rolled 1 using 1d10. Medical Roll to Assess Cam's Wound. I really really hope I needed a low roll

Education is 8, Medical is +2.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:44, Tue 05 Sept 2006.

Marcus quickly ascertains that Cam's wound is not life threatening even with the bolt still pinning her helmet to her scalp. Just a flesh wound, like all head wounds it is bleeding copiously making it look worse than it really is. Removal of the bolt shouldn't require much effort, perhaps just cutting through the shaft between her head and the helmet to allow removal of the latter. This would allow the head to almost fall from the wound.

Outside a curtain of heavy rain falls over the area reducing visiblity to barely a few dozen metres. The flare drifts groundward, it's radiance virtually swallowed by the teeming rain and the constant thrumming on the roof and just about every other surface makes hearing even normal conversation difficult.

Surely the storm cannot last much longer at this intensity?

Tanya will continue to scan the area outside the window through the NVG's she has on and looks for any more targets or signs of movement.

[Private to Nuked: Is Winters still in this?  Is he alive or doing anything up there with her?]

Apparently coming around, Ashton helped herself along and eased into the crook of the wall and the fireplace… Frowning darkly. “Top shoot first out of us, no know what go on Maybe Crossbow too?.  I put wood on under-house door when was cooking supper.  If no fire or bang yet then I guess no worry about under?..”

“No identify enemy yet.. Am tired too… Say form team three maybe four send across road for cover and seek destroy run.?”, She glanced between Smith and the Major unsure iof they understood what she just said.

Nothing more occurs in the next hour and so the order to return to "normal" is given. Those due for sentry stay awake while the rest bed down to get what sleep you can.

Camilla and Bernhard have their wounds dressed by the combined efforts of Marcus and Michelle (after the bolt pinning Cam's helmet to her scalp is removed!) and neither will suffer any real long term effects (should be healed in less than a week).

The rain continues to pour with visibilty rarely increasing to more than about 50 metres, even with all the high tech gear at your disposal. Finally at around 4am, it reduces to little more than drizzle and by dawn is gone completely.

Brown was pleased when he was relieved from sentry duty. Back in the house he was glad he could take of his clothes. At the time the little doubt he had about if it were sensible or not was replaced by the urge to get out of these wet clothes.

Soon after he had put his wet clothes somewhere to dry he crawled into his sleeping bag and closed his eyes.

Tanya keeps her state of 'readiness' peaked as high as she has to so she can get through the rest of her watch.  She rearranges the items in the area in case any were knocked over or mishandled during the action that occured earlier in the evening.

When she's relieved, she gives whoever it is a quick rundown of what she saw and shot.  "I know I got one of them bastards.  Anyone find the one that fell down from here?"

When she gets down to her bed area, she strips down to something dry and comfortable and tries to get to sleep before something else happens.

Dawn breaks clear, sunny and wet. Everything exposed to the weather is now absolutely sodden although it is promising to be a warm and sunny late summers day...
Down below the wire, the growing light reveals the crumpled form of whoever - whatever was hit during the night by the bursts of gunfire. Whatever it is hasn't moved in the 6 hours or so since it fell.

Cam wasn’t sure what all transpired after they got back to the questionable safety of the  hearth stones. The last thing Ashton remembered was discussing plans of action and trying to take her mind away from the thrumming ache in her skull, and then the next thing she knew she was waking up to the pale light of a soggy dawn.  The light was as grey as she felt as it played in small pockets on the flesh of her hand.. She didn't risk peering out a window to notice the full of the sky blooming with rich promise of what some might coin a perfect day. Blue eyes traced the motion for a moment before she nearly bolted upright..

Her attention flashed outward as she steadied herself with a palm to her head, searching her immediate surroundings for familiar faces and states of awareness.  Maybe taking a personal headcount. Then wobbly pressed up from the floor trying to claim her feet and get to the kitchen. “Sit-Rep?..” She’d heard the term coined enough to parrot it, and have a general understanding of what the thing meant. Of course if no one there was conscious she’d feel a little silly, but continue along one wall toward her destination.. All the while her gaze would flit about as if looking for someone in particular..

Virgil woke slowly. Was the events of the previous night just a dream or had they really happened?
Prying his eyes open he greeted the day desperate for a decent coffee. The smell of bacon frying from the kitchen below reminded him that food was more important than a soft, comfortable, dry, warm bed - but it was a close call.
sitting up, he tucked his feet into his boots before collecting the his rifle from where he'd lent it next to the bed and headed down stairs.
"Anyone know how much fuel we've got for the BRDM?" he inquired. "Must be getting down a bit after the long leg we did yesterday."

As Tanya awakens in the morning, she quickly washes up and puts on some clothes and stretches herself out.  The long night, the dampness, and how she got no help from Winters had her in a terrible mood.  She would eventually bump into Cam at some point since she's been fairly close with her through conversation and helping her get a better feel of speaking English.  "God damn Lootenant, what the hell happened to you?" she asks her eyeing up her bandage and her being a little wobbly.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Thu 14 Sept 2006.

“I get shot… through helmet.”, She managed, blinking her hello to Tanya with a tentative brush of her fingers to the bandages. “Maybe we get team together.. Some on roof to cover and we make search?..” Camilla was looking a bit slow in her reactions.. Blue gaze lacking focus a moment before she started scanning for her rifle. “You and Team ok?..”, It wasn’t really an after thought, but she wasn’t thinking too clearly at that point.

"Only problem I had was Winters just standing there next to me doin' nothing!  I don't know if he froze up or what but, he was as useful as tits on a bull Lootenant!  I'd like to see that body I knocked off the wire trying to get to me and the SAW upstairs.  I think one or two others caught some minor wounds as well, nothin' serious I don't think."

Gaze wandering toward the exit of the room they were in, Cam was thoughtful for a time. “Mmm, This not like him..   We need to know enemy.  Eer I-den-tify?”, She spoke calmly acknowledging Tanya’s concern over what happened, and agreeing about the body.  “We maybe check other building for clue too?.. Need roof cover..”

A little unsteady she puzzled over things,  and nodded to herself.. “Get what you need.. I find gun and come with, less you want go out in civi...” The back portion was added on almost whimsically.. Either Ashton's head wound was that bad, or she was entertaining an odd idea.. "Just get what you need for look.." Possibly dismissing the notion she had just had.

"The Major" Virgil nodded at Sergio, "and I will head up and take watch for a bit. Give us five minutes before you poke your head out please."
The sniper quickly grabbed some food for Sergio and himself and headed back up to the attic with his high powered rifle.

Marcus walked the interior security perimeter checking for any signs of a breach or attempted breach during the night.  He stops over by Cam when he's done and inspects her bandages and wound.

Bernhard tosses fitfully through the rest of the night, the pain in his chest making sleep hard to come by. When dawn breaks he gets up in a less than good mood. He begins the day with his usual routine of checking his weapon and giving his web gear a once over, double checking to make sure all his gear and ammo are still in place.

He nods to Virgil when the sniper puts forth is fuel concerns,"As far as I know we should have enough to get the rest of the way to Krakow, but not much past that. We will need to refuel it before head out today, that is if we still want to leave. God knows I do, I have had more than my share of this place."

He moves closer to Camilla and Tanya at the mention of a recon patrol and expresses his agreement,"Sgt. Smith, if you would, once Our two snipers are in place upstairs, lead out the front to this corpse Sgt. Redgrave shot, we will check it out. I would like to check the buildings across the street out for signs of our attackers. Then we can circle around and check the ones behind us to see if we can find someone to payback for hitting Lt. Ashton and myself with arrows." He rubs the bandage on his chest to emphasize his point before continuing,"Order will be Marcus, Tanya, Cam, then me with the radio."

Before they leave Bernhard will retrieve the tactical radio from whoever has it at the moment, and make sure that Matterson or Sergio have the 2km radio upstairs with them.

"Lemme go grab my RPK and I'll meet you here in a few minutes, OK?" Tanya says as she goes to retrieve her RPK auto-rifle and her bandolier/web gear of equipment for it.

She will muster up with Major Finnegan, Smith, and Cam and move out with them to take a look around their makeshift camp.

Lieutenant Ashton barely had time to respond to any of Marcus’s prodding’s before the Major moved in.  Still as she nodded her acknowledgement of the current orders, and Masterson’s words with any sort of confidence she couldn’t keep from searching the Smith’s face.  Getting hit like that out in the open..  It was embarrassing..  “I ok..”

Cam lowered her gaze, reaching out to take up her rifle, and absently touched at the side of her head before forcing a smile into place.  Blue eyes still seemed dim as she brought them back up, but some fragile confidence was pasted there.

With her left hand she took up that helmet, turning it over in her grasp to peer through the hole and shook her head..  “Humph..” A plop and a tug she put the infernal thing back on, getting ready to file on out according to orders, then tilted a glance toward Marcus once again.. “Thank you..” It was quiet but heart felt..

Marcus simply nodded in his tight-lipped laconic way with a tip of his boonie hat to Cam before moving out towards the exit.

A quick inspection of the exterior through any open means was in order before stepping outside, including looking for any booby traps in the vicinity.

The group steps out into a bright early morning, everything washed clean by the drenching torrent of the night. Up in the attic both Sergio and Virgil keep watch, their firepower and vigilance supplemented by whoever had drawn the first daylight shift in the vehicles.
Scouting around reveals very few clues from the night before. The downpour erased everything besides the most hardy of signs. Only the pile of rags laying where they fell from the wire remains.
Cautiously you move closer...
It reveals itself as a body. Rolling it over, long, rain sodden hair obscures their face until a brush of a hand shows the features of a young woman, barely more than a child. A tell-tale bulge in their abdomen can only mean one thing - she was pregnant, probably four or five months....

Marcus can only shake his head to note the apparent tragedy.  Making sure the body itself is not booby trapped he continues to search for more clues, including whether she really is pregnant or not.  Once satisfied there are no traps he drags the body by it's scruff to a sheltered area.  Someone might have cared for the young girl and maybe even her unborn child, so he gathered a sheet from a nearby building and placed it over her under the shelter of whatever building was available.  The closest he would probably show for compassion.

Tanya appraoches the body and is amazed to see that it is of a very young, and pregnant, girl.  She closes her eyes in disbelief and tries to control her emotions in seeing what she's down to the girl.  "Shit.  I plugged a pregnant girl!  What next?" Tanya says in a low voice as she lets the RPK fall on it's sling not taking her eyes off of the corpse.

She looked away, biting back a hiss, but said nothing.. The Danish Lieutenant turned to place a steady hand on Tanya’s shoulder with a squeeze before letting the fingertips trail away..  Camilla would help Marcus with the moving if need be, and crossed herself whispering a quiet prayer as the make-shift cloth was pulled over the girls head. “We need finish sweep..”, She murmured.

Nothing that she had done and nothing that she could say would take the sudden impact that realization could bring. Busy work wouldn’t even help all that much, and her gaze drifted over her shoulder toward Tanya with a measure of readable concern.  “Maybe still dangerous..”, That said, she rose up and traced the cross over herself once more.

Cam still walked that shadowy path between the specter of her brush with death the night before, and the grey rot that filled her gut with the sight of the girl.  Maybe it was different because of the wound, or the bleak contrast of the find with the glorious blue of the new day.  How cold a thing to steal the sun’s light.. And how grave a thing to endure.

Bernhard looks at the corpse on the ground and shakes his head. Seeing Marcus take the initiative and move the body, the Major takes a knee and shoulders his rifle covering his zone and keeping a watch on the buildings nearby. He hears Tanya's comment and considers for a moment before correcting her,"No Sgt. Redgrave, your wrong. You defended yourself after some A$$#@!& ordered a defenseless girl to mount a stupid assault on your position. Commanders that send children to do adult work deserve what they get. So let's find whoever gave her the order and put them down." Finnegan glances back at the others. Seeing Cam's reassuring touch on Tanya's shoulder makes him glad she was on the ad-hoc team. "Sgt. Smith, as soon as you are done, lead on."

The girl shows no signs of belonging to any sort of military unit. She's only armed with a makeshift knife and is wearing dirty rags - very odd when you're surrounded by what is essentially a wealth of materials here in Wolbrom...
At the very least she could have looted decent clothing...

Marcus did not dwell on the dead girl for long.  Once under shelter and covered he was already on the move again.  There may be something deeper in the depths of this town than they were obviously seeing.  Perhaps slavery?  Some sort of sweat shop or derelict army of destitute children under the thumb of some raving adult?  Who knew, and would they have time to deal with this horrible side-effect of war.  For now they needed to do their best to secure their environment so he continued with the security sweep.

A ray of sunlight shining in his eyes made Brown wake up. The scent of breakfast in his nostrils made him feel like home. Sunday mornings waking up while breakfast was made down below. For only a few moments he was able to linger in this subconcious state until he realised the memories in his head were from a long lost past and the reality of today got hold of his senses.  The sound of noised comming from within the house made him sit up straight within seconds. Looking around Brown gathered part of his uniform. They were still moist but not as soaked as they were last night. He only took most essential and left the rest of it to dry in the sunlight. After that he grabbed his gear and walked to where he heard the noises come from.

“What’s happening he asked while walking into the room”

Tanya grabbed Cam's hand and squeezed it hard while shaking her head, obviously a little bothered about what she had done.  She chokes back her emotions as best she can when she hears Finnegan speak:


Tanya let's Cam's hand go with a thankful pat of her own letting her know that she appreciates the comfort for what happened.  She takes her sleeve and wipes her eyes and sniffles in her runny nose, expectorating on the ground next to her.

"Roger that Major!  Not to downplay it or anything but, the girl did have a weapon on her and who knows what might've happened if she got into my roost!  I think some payback is in order sir, Hoo-ahh," Tanya gets back as she reaches for the hanging RPK on it's sling and returns the weapon into both of her hands refocused on the sweep.