Taras addressed the concern of the radio operator:

Kelsey, you will be part of the Command element together with Clarke and myself. Our HQ will be the old Police station on Main St. Yours is a very important task and there is no need to deploy you with the Emergency Rescue Team for the moment. If the tactical situation requires otherwise, then, we will modify the structure. We need your expertise in the radio network and handling of everybody's codes and overall OPSEC.

I also welcome our new american friend. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko, born in Ukraine and ex-Lt of the Soviet Army as a Combat Engineer. Currently I work for the RCMP with the grade of Sargeant. You may feel free to join the ERT if that is your wish and in that case you will be under the orders of Rachel Zhang Lee, the leader of that element. I'll be coordinating the entire Operation "DREAMCATCHER" as Executive Officer under the overall command of Lt. Cmdr. Clarke.

Shevchenko thought that an experienced soldier will add a considerable scope to the security element. Having Kelsey in the HQ in static duties with the comms somehow could be compensated with the arrival of the american soldier. Making familiar with the survivalists in operational terms will also enhance the chances of success in the next planned battle against the stickmen .

Rob shakes McRae's hand and then turns and studies Taras before speaking.
"I think that will work best for all of us. Have gun, will travel. McRae and I can act as a scout team as needed or break up to cover more ground or assist different areas. You just say when and where. I also would like to go over some details of the stickmen compound before this Op kicks off. That is the main reason I came with Tyler and I'd hate to bite a bullet before having a chance to relay the intel. Before we retire to that however, would someone mind pointing out the head?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Sat 25 Apr 2009.

"The...latrine...is down the hall...though it says...rest room...above the door...whatever that means," Tyler insisted with a grin.  Interservice rivalry was always present in any situation, for better or for worse.

Tyler looked about the room, realizing not everyone would understand their small squabble of syllables.  No matter as he still had some questions.  At that point in the quick moment of silence, Tyler's eyes seemed very distant as they seemed to stare through a few people sitting across from him.  In that moment, Sergeant Hope could still see the man's eyes.  The passenger of the Humvee.  The last 48 hours had been hellish.  As the lifeless body smacked, and slid into the pavement, the face had turned right into view, the eyes somehow staring directly at him.

Tyler continued to stare at the dull wall behind his comrades, and rehashed a plethora of terrors and unnerving moments from the past few years that were all seeming to come to the fore at once.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Sun 26 Apr 2009.

As Gunny Conklin left to find the restroom, Rachel pulled Andy aside.

"I was put in charge of the reaction team because this is a police operation, but as you know my rank is only a Corporal. We've worked together enough for you not to mind, I hope, but I have a feeling that Conklin is kind of in between. That is, he's no longer in the military, but still acts like he is, and I'm not sure he's going to have a problem taking orders from me. So, if it's okay with you, is that I won't order him to do anything directly but go through you. Even then, I'll make it more in the nature of "suggestions" or advice. As a Master Sniper, our ranks aren't exactly equivalent to American ranks, but it should be close enough to his to go smoothly."

"Sounds like a plan?"

She winked at him. He thought she looked a lot more relaxed and easygoing than normal. They day off must have done her a lot of good!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #131):

Kelsey grunts, then gives a thumbs up.  "Sure Taras, but I am fine on the sharp end if you need that too."

"That sounds fine," Andy replied, "I'll assign a couple of my trainees to handle the jeep when we're on foot. They know the area better than I do anyway. When it comes to orders, well, things are rather flexible now, I take my most direct orders from a Soviet El Tee who's a Sergeant in the Mounties. You've been given command, I'll happily take orders from you, but you're right, Conklin could well be an excellent asset to the team so it's worth easing him in without playing who's got the biggest dick. I'll be as diplomatic as I can be, but I'll get the job done, Boss."

Rob returns from the head and addresses Taras once he doesn't seem too occupied.

"Sorry about that. When Ole lady nature calls, she don't always whisper. Gunny Conklin. USMC retired. You can call me Rob if you like. I came with Tyler to relay some intel and possible get some from who ever is planning the stickmen operation. Now when we can, I'd like to brief you. I spent all night in their camp and did some snooping around. I'd also like to go over what your tactics are going to be so I can coordinate our efforts and keep the blue on blue to a minimum. So whenever your ready let me know."

Thank you everybody for your support and understanding...

The briefing was going on as initially planned and the positive attitude of the presents was reflecting. Not only in the acceptance of the roles attributed but also in a pro-active approach. Once again, the warrior spirit of Kelsey showed up across the room.

Mr. Robert Conklin, I'll be glad to hear from you. We need all the possible information about the stickmen that we can gather. We want to get rid of them and for that matter, the provisional Government is counting with the active support of your community. As military people we know well about the strategic situation and value of Stanley Park. We also are aware of the special...identity of your people. The Government will be in need of securing this area and its value and its willing to count with the survivalist community that you represent. As you can see there are many different people that actually are in process of integration. As an armed forced and Law Enforcement branch of the legitimate Canada that we represent we are responsible not only for the reconstruction of the civilian society but also to get rid of the criminal element. Go ahead.

Since the news that the train was coming from Lilloet, Taras felt that something was missing in the overall planning of the operations. While waiting for the american to start talking, the ex Lieutenant got his attache and start looking through his personal papers, maps, tourism brochures, etc...

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #136):

"Sounds good. Legally speaking, Rob and Tyler are "armed civilian contractors" because they don't fall under the Status of Forces Agreement between Canada and the USA (if it's still in effect). Tyler is technically a deserter, but it's from a government Canada doesn't recognise, the military government. For the purpose of this exercise, Rob will be your responsibility, Tyler, mine."

She looked over at Rob, started to say something, then changed her mind.

"We'll get call signs up for the teams. We have a few hours to prepare before we deploy. Plenty of time."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:36, Mon 04 May 2009.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #139):

Kelsey humms, eyes following the conversation, then starts scratching on her notepad.

"Call signs, right.  For this op we have a TOC, a C and C, skilled and unskilled search parties." she chews on her eraser a moment, as inspiration hits.  "Echo for command elements, Alpha for search elements.  Use to the standard MTOE for individual calls, roll out will get the final assignments done.  Taras, you will be Echo six, the... "  the businesslike tone fades a moment as she eyes Rachael, then she smiles and continues "Rachael, you are Echo Eleven.  I'll take Echo One, or Echo Actual, variously.  Each team out there will have a numbered callsign starting at Alpha Two Zero."  She looks between the two mounties.  "Sufficient?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #140):

"Thank you, Corporal, for the call signs."

He smiled at her in appreciation.

"The search parties are unskilled in that they haven't conducted this kind of operation, but the militia have been given basic training, equivalent to GMT, if not advanced infantry training."

(GMT was the CF equivalent to US Army "Boot Camp", but all services underwent the same GMT in the same camps, receiving basic rifle drill and tactical training.)

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #141):

Kelsey blushes a little and smiles widely at Mr Bellinger "Awww.. it's my job, but thanks."  She eyes the mounties a moment, then sighs  "I hope I don't have to kick any of them off my net."

Rob walks up front and takes a look at the map of Stanley park.

"Hope you don't mind if I use your map."

He doesn't really expect any issue, so he continues

First, My recon report then I will go over what we plan to do and that can be modified once I understand what your objectives and tactics are going to be.

"Here is the area I took a look at."

Rob draws an imaginary circle around the whole south eastern leg of the island.

"I found the women and children had a camp in the sports stadium here. Maybe a dozen  makeshift structures so I am going to assume thirty plus noncombatants to be on the safe side. I understand we are tasked with securing them and that should be easy enough if we have surprise on our side. The under-bleacher locker rooms and showers can house them with only two exits to cover. This is assuming they go without to much of a struggle. We plan to envelope it from the west to cut off any runners. The top of the bleachers can provide a good lookout for the area. There is also a stable structure here that we might need to use."

Rob points out the open stadium and the building on the southeast edge of the field.

"I did a fast passing recon of the aquarium. It is probable the most defendable position they have. We plan on securing that once the noncombs are taken care of and secure. It also puts us in a good place to cut off anyone heading to the stadium or our compound."

"I found some burned out vehicle, I am guessing yours?, in this parking lot here."

Rob points out a small parking lot just northeast of the main compound.

"Lastly I did a recon of Cyrus's compound. They have started fortifying the buildings there but they were not complete as of night before last. Mainly boarded up windows, making firing ports etc. A lot of material was laying around for more fortifications though. If they make a stand, let's hope it's here and not at the aquarium. No real defensive positions that I saw in the area so I am guessing they are relying on the buildings. Only seen one guard at the main building including his dog. Both slept through me time here. The Corral here has horses and they have tack for them stored."

Rob points out the main building that is fortified and the corral.

"Now with all this moving around at night, and we have been hearing them operate more at night lately, I seen a total of one dog, one guard armed with a simple spear and crossbow and one feral pig. This leads me to believe that they have a strong perimeter but little else. The main compound is probably their fall back point. I didn't scout the road areas mainly for operational safety. This recon didn't account for anyone living in the north or western areas of the park or anyone already holding up in the aquarium. I am guessing you already did some scouting of your own of those areas. We were mainly concerned with our side of this mission.

Some general info.The women are living in tin and plywood ramshackle shacks while the men live in renovated housing with heat so lets hope they are ready for some change. The old nature trails I crossed are overgrown and can be hard to find though I am sure they know where they are and might use them. Overall if you do have to go in and clear them out or do some heavy handed convincing then lets hope they fall back to the compound once the perimeter fails. If they go feral into the wooded area this will be a long and dangerous search. Who knows what they have cached and dug in out there. If they decide to defend at the aquarium it's going closed quarters fighting in an unfamiliar, and possible prepared, large structure, perfect for their weapon types."

"I am not exactly sure how you are planning to go about this but, as of know, our objectives are to secure the women and children as soon as you start this off. Understand that we absolutely have to have the element of surprise to get out of our compound. We have a narrow bridge and causeway to cross just to get into the park. If It's defenses are beefed up with extra manpower we are stuck there or at the least held up for a good while. We don't have APCs or your manpower. Any major fighting there could cost us a large part of our force."

"Once that is done, our second objective is to secure the aquarium area to try and keep them from using it as a fortified position. I am guessing as soon as your presence is known they will rush people to take up positions against you hopefully leaving the back door relatively open to us."

"Third, and only if needed, we can assist in securing the eastern side of the main compound if it comes to that."

"With that out of the way, we can continue with your ideas or questions on this subject or leave that for later. I just wanted to make sure you got the Intel from the source and could ask questions if needed."

Rob steps away from the map and waits for a reply or questions.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:33, Wed 29 Apr 2009.

Very well, thank you.

Nothing appeared to be of a special nature upon Taras thoughts. Through their spy they already knew that reinforcements were on their way. The idea of launching the orchestrated offensive together with the survivalists worked well both ways. The government forces will be able to support a smaller but better prepared element to close in and eliminate the main compound. Once the other areas occupied by the stickmen would be neutralized, the main thrust will fall over the centre of gravity of the enemy.

Preparations for the assault on Stanley Park is an ongoing issue. There are committed several elements and will demand a tremendous effort of coordination. Today's cordon-and-search operation is intended to put to test the ability to commit to this kind of tasks. As I originally planned the operation for the Park I decided that the only way to achieve success was exploiting the surprise and speed factor. The different units involved will act independently and from different angles but under a unified command and time-table. As the operation moves forward, the force will converge towards the compound. This will amount for a mechanised unit composed by a BMP-2, a BTR-70, other vehicles and in excess of 50 fighting men to reinforce your position.

Rob went to the map, pointing out what he knew of Stanley Park.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #144):

"Taras, what happened to trying to cut the head off the snake?

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #146):

"From my understanding, the idea is to capture Cyrus when he leaves for or returns from Brandie's."

"However that works, we still have to strike swiftly and overwhelm the Park's defenders as well, either at that time or close to it. We hope the Stickmen will collapse without a fight if Cyrus isn't in captivity but that's not 100%, and who knows, Cyrus might ever slip out of our hands."

"We don't have to go in guns blazing, but we're committed to a maximum effort when we move against Cyrus or else at the very least our friends will be in serious trouble."

He nodded towards Tyler and Rob for emphasis.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Thu 30 Apr 2009.

Exactly, Belanger.

Our Intel tells us that Cyrus will be coming back from his Friday visits to Brandi's very late at night. In his way back is when we are planning to snatch him. Then, there is time enough towards daybreak to commence the operation. A simultaneous assault will give us the surprise and their different locations through the Park will be steamrolled by sheer number and technical advantage. His capture will give us tremendous leverage in the progression towards the main compound. Those members of the stickmen that were following him just for the intimidation of his figure will be more likely to decide not to fight for a lost cause.

In any case, the capture of Cyrus is paramount due to the judicial process that he will be facing as charges against him keep on mounting. Taking advantage of his arrest and dismantle the whole infrastructure of the Park will finish the problem. The Government needs the route through the Park and Lion's Gate Bridge open as an strategic way of communication and transportation towards future reconstruction.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #148):

"Sorry Rob, Got a little sidetracked."

He turned back to the map and nodded in satisfaction.

"Thanks for the information, this confirms a lot of what our intelligence has reported already about numbers and locations. It's good that we can cross-check our other soureces for accuracy now."

"I think it's a good idea to secure the aquarium and zoo area even if it's unoccupied as it's made of concrete and there's a lot of underground spaces that could be easily fortified if the Stickmen had a mind to. We'll be supporting your group in force, as you see, and further, we'll assign you observers to supervise, so that no one could question the legality of your participation. My apologies if this seems like babysitting, but at least with our people there you can be assured we won't be using you as cannon-fodder or as a disposable distraction."

Looking at the map for a second, he appeared to be thinking.

"I don't have much further to add. The burned-out vehicles are not ours per se, but there is a large supply of kerosene fuel there that we need to recover. I hate to say this, but any items in the Stickmen's possession or other property are not for the taking, at best it's government evidence and at worst it's looting. However... if there is stolen property of yours you "think" they may have in their possession, or anything else along those lines, we can release it back into your custody after the paperwork is done. If you know what I mean."

Belanger looked significantly at Rob and Tyler.

"A couple more things. Ed mentioned he wanted all your noncombatants evacuated during the operation, and I think this is a wise move. We'll send the whale-watcher, three trips across to the downtown should be sufficient to move everyone and some possessions."

"Second, how is the shoreline along the north and east approaches? It might be an idea to insert a team there to support you, especially if our land forces get stopped or bogged down and can't reach you in a timely manner. What do you think?"

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #147):

Kelsey lightly raps the side of her head with her knuckles  "Right.  Think I'll get another cup of coffee."  She grins, blushing faintly, and rises to do just that, and look over the remaining donuts as well.  Such a treat.

Rob listens to Mr Belangers comments and questions then replys.

"Correct, we will want our noncombs evac'ed before this kicks off. At night would be best as to not tip off the stickies. Most of our folks fall into this category. Once our troops move out there will be little to no defense left at home so this is a real one shot deal for us. While you will have a warm secure compound to return to no matter the outcome, we are risking what we call home and everyone and everything that is a part of it. I personally have family on that island. One of which needs serious medical care that we simply can't provide. So you can understand that this is deadly serious to us and why I might be a bit more forceful or blunt when it comes to this matter."

Rob pauses for a second then gets back to business.

"The northern approaches I haven't scouted but the eastern approach is where I  infiltrated for my recon. Here northeast of the zoo/aquarium. They have fishing boats and a good beach here just east of the aquarium area. A beach landing could be costly but if we are hung up getting off the island then it should only be lightly guarded if not completely unmanned. If your plan is to land troops here I suggest they assault the aquarium as soon as possible. Our guys will join them as soon as the stadium is secured."

"As far as your Kerosene, Its here."

Rob points to the exact spot in the main compound.

"Beyond some flat tires, it looked to be in decent shape and carrying 2000 gallons last I checked. There is a locked moving truck nearby with flat tires aswell. I was going to try and drive them out'ta there and use it as trade for some medical care for my niece and some comfort and security for the rest of our group if possible but it was a long shot anyway. I hope our efforts and trust in the matter will garner my intended objectives for the fuel anyway. I would still suggest someone secure it before the main compound is taken. It could make one hell of a mess and is probably the most potent weapon they possess."

Rob paused for a moment and looked over the map.

"If your comfortable with an amphib assault, I'd also suggest landing some folks on a western beach and have them move east to the compound. This has us moving from  4 directions hitting most of their perimeter all at once. This will keep their forces spread thin and keep reinforcements from other areas to a minimum. Once all the groups close in on the main compound they'll have no escape routes left to them beyond death or surrender. I'm betting on the latter if Cyrus isn't around to spur them on."

Rob steps away from the map again and looks to Taras and Belanger.

"Any more questions?"

Andy sat listening to the planning carefully. He made notes whilst he waited for his coffee to cool. As he paused in his note taking he took a bite out of his doughnut. The missions here were important and could get you killed, he thought, but it sure beat crawling around some Alphabetville in Poland waiting for a Soviet counter-sniper to blow his nuts off.

In reply to Robert A. Conklin (msg #151):

"Thanks, Rob. If you haven't anything to add about their perimeter defences then that should do for now."

"Taras? Commander? Anything to add or any questions?"

I have no more questions for now.

The meeting was adjourned at that point.

It was around 0900 Lima (local), so there was a couple hours to go until the forces started to be deployed for OP DREAMCATCHER. DREAMCATCHER would commence at 1200 hours Lima, once the outer perimeter of the search area was clear.

Outside, it was still raining lightly.