Not a problem with that...Engineer reconnaissance patrols or Inzheneranaia razvedka is common stuff in the Soviet Army and I have some experience. We can start with the main bridge and make an assesment of the fortifications and find out if it is rigged. I was wandering if we can get some help from the Musqueam Reserve...Those guys are usually sailing up and down the Fraser river doing their fishing. They may know very well the area and it will look not too suspicious. We don't need much people for this. 4 as much I'd say to keep it discreet.

We can start from the Celtic Shipyard, cross the river and move ashore taking advantage of the darkness. Then we can take a look at the MacDonald Park and road and check the approach from the bridge to the terminal and make it back at first light. The Sun rises East so it should be in the yes of the bridge OP. The next mission would involve sailing all the way to the Southern part of the island and recon the other bridge and that hovercraft terminal.

Fox rubbed his jaw thoughtfully as Taras outlined his plan for the evening's reconnaissance, before nodding.

"Well, if we're going on a volunteer-basis, consider me volunteered. Be nice to stretch my legs a bit after all these mechanized ops." He gestures to Clarke-Sullivan, and continues, "We needs eyes on the ground, up-close, if we're going to have a prayer of making the timetable without making it a Hail Mary."

With nothing else on the schedule, the various team members bedded down for the night. Like clockwork, Kelsey's friend made contact via radio. He had the information, as promised.

The first set of answers were in regard to Taras' questions:

a) Where are the Head Quarters located? Have they any prisoners with them?

- Todd says the main HQ is in the terminal located in the Level 4 Observation deck on the western side of the terminal. That's where most of the radio and telecom equipment is all set up. I think there was an older one in a more secure area of the terminal, but when the airport was abandoned Basil had them move it to where he could have a better view. There is a secondary command post in Burkeville (the Trolls' living area) at the community centre near Basil's house, which is relatively close to the bridges. It's the one Basil prefers to use now, closer to home.

b) What are the shortcomings being experienced by the trolls in their violent campaign?

- Mostly boredom and social isolation. Not much to do on the island for fun, no one comes there and they are not allowed to leave the island except once a week on Sundays at market. They don't harass people and there are severe penalties for Trolls who assault or rob travelers.

c) What is the trolls operational and political planning?

- Their operational planning is reactive and defensive in nature. Their outposts on the bridges are intended to slow down an enemy to allow for a reaction force from the terminal and reinforcements from Burkeville to arrive. Skyguard, the tower post, mostly looks out to the north, south or west and again will be used to vector a reaction force towards any intruders.

d) What are the trolls numbers, organisation, deployments, training, weapons and communications means?

- They have 94 effectives, organised into 3 rotating platoons and an HQ section. Roughly 30 in the terminal making up the QRF, 30 on bridge/toll duty and 30 in Burkeville as "reserves". There are three M113s; 1 track at the bridge (see below), 1 "ACAV" at the terminal and one mounting a 20mm Vulcan in Burkeville. Three Humvees, Five Milverados (Silverado MILCOTS). Most are trained US or Canadian soldiers from the airfield security detachment, but only a third have combat experience. Lots of small arms and ammunition, but target practice has fallen off lately.

The track on the bridge is a former ADATS vehicle. There are no more rounds so the turret and launch rails were removed but is intact. The thermal optics might have been moved to the Skyguard OP, but if so it's only marginally successful and don't usually work.

Heavy weapons-wise, there's one Ma-Duece at the roadblock on the Arthur Laing bridge and a second one at the terminal. In inventory, there are five M60 GMPGs and Four C6s, a half-dozen SAWs. All leftovers from the when the military pulled out. One 5.56mm portable minigun. There's four M203s, one MK-19 and a Carl Gustav, plus ammunition for them. No LAW rockets. No mortars or artillery.

They have radio and landline communications. Hand-held radios, phones in the bunkers. There are two radio sets in Skyguard, the tower OP.

e) How are the relations with the Hells Angels and other communities?

- No relation with other communities, no defensive arrangements. Trade with the HAs and the Free Market. The HAs have made overtures towards Wright but haven't gotten too far. Yet. The main point of contact with the HAs is via the Free Market on Annacis Island.

f) What is the magnitude of involvement of the trolls against other communities including plans against UBC?

- No plans I know of regarding other communities, nothing towards UBC. Basil doesn't like the "eggheads" but has no contingency plans to deal them other than defensively. There is doubt that the Trolls could mount large-scale operations off the island unless considerably provoked.

Again, Basil seems open to some kind of deal with UBC at some point, perhaps negotiated by a creditable third party.

g) What is the trolls morale like? How are the conditions in their bases?

- There is considerable boredom and discipline has been slipping. So far no major incidents. It's hard to say if anyone

h) What are the troll's intelligence network details and priorities for operations against other citizens?

- The Trolls have no off-island intelligence network, but they pick up some intel from the market and the HAs.


Seth's and Gunny Conklin's questions filled in more blanks.

They really don't use a lot of buildings other than the terminal and the housing in Burkeville, most are abandoned and haven't been stripped although most of the low-hanging fruit has been picked, so to speak. There is a still and fuel dump at the school to the east of Burkeville.

Patrols are random, going out from the reaction element in the terminal and using the trucks. There are about a dozen NVGs for patrols plus a thermal imager mounted at Skyguard and an image intensifier there, too. However, most of the time patrols kind of look for things to sell.

The bridges are mined, basically land-lay for the AT mines and AP mines, the bunkers protected by command-detonated Claymores. Most of the minefields were removed except for the western areas of the Island and the bridges. In other words, no minefields in the rear areas. All the various beaches and potential landing areas have bunkers, but they are now overgrown and abandoned for a couple years. The bridges were not set to blow, there were no demo charges in place.

Personnel wear whatever uniform they had before, US Army and USAF BDUs, CF combats, some Russians. Most have helmets and Kevlar. No special insignia. Basil has a second in command, the platoons are led by "LTs" (Basil fashions himself a "Captain"), squads by Sergeants, etc. All ranks are just what he made up. There are a few motorboats (small bass boats) docked at the marina at the abandoned Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel.

Map:

http://goo.gl/maps/cwnC

Map Notes: The Skytrain hasn't been built, neither was the Sport BC complex.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:12, Fri 31 Dec 2010.

Once the information was delivered, Clarke got everyone up who was going on the recce.

"Okay, briefing in ten, we can go over the information we got then."

Shortly after the briefing called for Clarke would take place the Sargent approached the recon elements:

I guess the information provided by Kelsey's contact if true is going to change the plans around...Don't you think?

I mean all the intelligence we got seems to be quite... reasonable, I'd say. A company size force with a strong defensive element on the bridge and a reaction force. It didn't surprise me that they have some heavy caliber rapid fire artillery as a leftover of the Air Defense component. Is definitely a serious risk.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #38):

"Taras, this recce is your show, proceed as you see fit." She yawned, obviously a little tired. She wouldn't be going along, so it wasn't her own body on the line.

Andy mulled over the intel and then said, "If we're asking for kit from the mainland, can you see if they have an anti-materiel rifle on hand? Even a big game rifle might be enough for me to help the mission by taking out some of the heavy weapons."

We do have available an RPG-7 from the militia and a Carl Gustav that was brought over from the island by Lt. Jagelis team if that helps. I need a show of hands of volunteers for the recce mission. We will go light on equipment. A day long mission.

Rob raised his hand.

"I have been looking over the map and comparing it to our recent intel and had some ideas. Many of which I am sure we share. But it can wait until after you've laid out your plan."

Once he was acknowledged he went back to studying a map he had brought with him.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #40):

Thinking a bit, Clarke-Sullivan replied to Andy, "Uhhh, yes. I think a Barrett M82 came into our possession in the last week. If you want to draw that from evidence, that's fine. Do you need it for tonight?"

"That would be useful," Andy said, "I can set up to cover the Recon team and if things go really bad I can use the Fifty to deter any heavy weapons."

He looked wryly at the others, "I know you're averse to me popping off enemy troopers until they've engaged us and you're right, if we are to win hearts and minds we have to play by the rules but denying unsantioned forces illegal heavy weapons shouldn't be a problem, should it?"

Since we don't have a serious plan yet for any attack I would settle for a night time infiltration in the Woods Park and see what is the overall situation over there. For this matter I'd like to get some help from the Musqueam reserve people. The objectives would be to assess the clearing of the logs. using Woods Park as an staging post and recce the routes from there and the bridge towards the terminal with the first lights of the day. There is also the possibility to explore Iona Island. I don't see to what use. Seems like still heavy with obstacles from the beginning of the war and is far away from the main objective...

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #44):

She smiled at the Master Sniper's comment. "No, Master McRae. If, say, you are threatened by an air defence vehicle, you are fully authorised to defend yourself by shooting out the sensors, the gunner, the engine..."

"Okay, then, ah, Corporal Lee can get you set up with the rifle\. I'm sure she'll know what to do."

"As for the Musqueam, I took the liberty of having Chris contact the chief earlier to provide support."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:32, Fri 07 Jan 2011.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #46):

Rachel nodded, seemingly alert and unaffected by the lack of sleep.

"No problem, Ma'am. Andy, we'll head there when we're done. See what we can find in the way of ammunition. I don't know what shape the rifle is in or if it's sighted in."

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #45):

Taking his cue from Clarke-Sullivan, Chris replied to Taras, "yeah, I talked to the Chief on the Rez. He'll be up, along with his best men. They shouldn't have talked to anyone else, at least that's what I told them. What do you think you'll need?"

We are going to need their help to cross the river. Let's see if they can provide a boat. Also we will need to arrange the pick-up. We will have a liason with them at the Celtic Shipyard and we will arrange radio and visual signals.

I want to give them protagonism and respect their waters. I'm sure they will appreciate that and somehow will heal the previous damage done before. At the same time we can use their expertise without compromising our position innecessarily.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #49):

"Chief Yates appreciates how no one wants a repeat of when we came over. He's pledged his full cooperation."

Chris shook his head regretfully. No one died when the team landed a few weeks ago at the Celtic Shipyards. Jagelis and his team had been expecting a wild lawless no-man's land and exploring the buildings (on band property) had almost shot the child of a local fisherman and had been less than polite to a security guard curious as to the unauthorised visitors.

"Unless Andy wants me along specifically on the recce, I'm probably the best choice as a liaison. The band as a couple canoes as well as motorboats. We can borrow the canoes or have the chief paddle us over."

"I'm in, for sure!"

Like always, Tyler appeared gung-ho and ready to go. He was armed with his CAR-15 and US Army BDUs, no Kevlar or helmet but a boonie hat.

"Are we going in light, right?"

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #51):

"I might want to sit this one out. No need in everyone going."

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #51):

"I'll get the signals arranged. You need me along, Taras?" She seemed to be less than enthusiastic about coming along, she wasn't much of a commando, but like always was willing to do what was needed.

"Sure thing, Rachel," Andy said, "it'll probably need some work to get it up to spec."

We are going to need safe comms because the very own nature of the mission. And yes, we are going light on this one. Kelsey you can do something better than be part of the recce. I can designate you as a commander of the support element. You are basically to monitor the radio communications from the Celtic Shipyard and have assigned a "rescue" element taken from the RCMP ranks. That would be our zodiac. Ready to move in if things turn ugly. I will have Rachel to prepare it together with Belanger and Khandola.

The suggestion was obviously directed to the RCMP operative Rachel Zhang and communications expert Kelsey.

What do you think ladies?

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #55):

"Yes, that sounds like a great idea! I'll get on it right away with my people." She smiled, pleased with the assignment and the chance to involve the team's supporting signals section.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #56):

Rachel nodded in agreement. "I think that's a natural idea. I'll take care of the reaction force. If it's okay, I think we might use the whale-watcher instead? We can mount a machinegun or the Mk. 19 in case we need serious firepower. We can't land on a beach like a Zodiac, so maybe two boats? Like the reaction element we used, uh, on Andy and Chris' recce on the North shore? I promise not to get distracted."

She smiled ruefully at Taras, recalling her personal crisis and indeed the swift collapse of team morale after that early fiasco.

"Anyways, Andy, sure, let's go ASAP to the armoury, or at least when we're done here."

There was no really diplomatic way to refer to the almost complete fiasco of the team's first active mission. Some weeks ago, Andy and Chris had been dropped off via zodiac on the North Shore to perform a foot reconnaissance of any communities there and in West Van. The rest of the team was waiting in the whale-watcher as backup.

For some reason, the team's then-OC LT Jagelis decided to take the reaction element and explore a nearby but recognisably dangerous area: Stanley Park, the home of the Stickmen gang (since arrested and completely dispersed). This was against the direct advice of local and team personnel, not the least that it left Andy high and dry if he found trouble on his own recce, still in progress. At the time, it must have been tempting to divert the reaction element take a quick peek at a future enemy. When they were ambushed and a second scratch reaction force made up of UBC RCMP and militia had to rescue them. The original objective (Andy's recce) was still successfully completed, but without the support of the designated reaction element, which was licking it's wounds with some members in hospital.

The fallout from this disaster was severe, with Jagelis transferring North where his more aggressive tendencies could be channeled against the Soviets. Others suffering a crisis in morale and expressed dissatisfaction at the turn of events. Lt Commander Clarke-Sullivan had been brought in to restore team morale and enhance the command structure. Eventually, the remaining team coalesced around the new arrangement with a more collaborative approach to planning. Much more successful operations followed.

Regarding the current mission, it was around midnight. Preparation would be relatively swift as the team knew ahead of time they would be engaging in some kind of foot recce with the possibility of swimming for one's life under fire. If people would be traveling as light as possible, it probably meant doing without helmets or body armour and with a minimum of extra ammunition and extra weight, aside from a day's food, some communication and signaling equipment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:16, Sat 08 Jan 2011.