Per had difficulty sleeping, the pain in his wounded arm making it impossible to go deep or stay under for very long. Still, when he rises, he feels markedly better than when he turned in a few hours earlier. After he dresses (rather hard to do with one good arm), he makes his rounds of the compound.

He bumps into Ferro (not literally).

"We lost some of our Losa security. They're headed back to Holy Trinity. They left Marcin here, though. I got him resupplied. Have you seen the captain around?"

Noticing Karolina Schleicher, Per interjects, "Is she supposed to be out of her cell?"

-
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Sun 10 Dec 2023.

Tosh looks to the banged up and exhausted Mad Dogs, "Hey!  Why don't you lot go and get some rest, eh?  Yer in no shape ta be standin' watch or anything like that.  I'll head up to the roof and keep a look out, yeah?  You got anything fer me to do before that, I'll see that it gets done!"

Ferro is intercepted by Kolstrup on her way to request coordinate with Kaminski regarding his truck. She stops in the hall and takes in the news of their departing comrades in arms. "Maybe we can get them back." she replies quietly. By "them" she didn't mean just the ones that left but the group as a whole. There's an attempt to sound hopeful. Or maybe it doesn't matter anymore.

"The Captain is staying at the post office to help with interrogations." Ferro tells him before passing on more information. "We are expected to be back there tomorrow for when Nowak formally takes power. So I think Kessler will probably just stay the night. It is my assumption anyway." Proper interrogations usually last hours after all. On this matter Ferro glances past Kolstrup and into the gymnasium. If Kessler's gear is still there she was going to get his German uniform and take it with them in the morning (or whenever it's supposed to be). She figured he would prefer that than looking like a Red Army officer during something official.

Kolstrup's last question already has Ferro looking in the right direction. She watches Schleicher for a moment from a distance before turning up her mouth and shaking her head slowly. "I honestly don't know, don't remember." A hand smooths the side of her head a few times before explaining her excuse. "I got a concussion and having a little trouble keeping things straight at the moment." Ferro watches the East German prisoner for another moment and then shakes her head a little again. "I think it is fine. But your call."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Sat 09 Dec 2023.

"Tosh is right, everyone needs some rest, especially those who were in the lead vehicle. You can take a 'doc's' word for it or I can get one of the actual doctors to tell you the same thing," Jake said, splitting the casual difference between a platoon medic's nick name of doc and the actual title of a trained physician, which in his experience, they never let you forget.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Fri 15 Dec 2023.

Tosh nods to Ward, "Thanks mate!  I'mma head over to the armory and top off me one mag in case shite goes sideways, yeah?  I'll be on the roof if any of you need me."

-25 rounds from the armory for 7.62S to top off RPK Drum mag= 75/75.  Forgot to do it before we went out...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Sun 10 Dec 2023.

1530hrs, December 17th, 2000
Sienna Grobla District, Gdansk
Partly Cloudy, -2^oC

Ferro organized a recovery of the "Lobo" Humvee. This was done via Kaminski, his wrecker and crew, and was successfully accomplished in three hours. The vehicle, which had seen the Mad Dogs through numerous battles and taken them over countless distances, is probably beyond repair. Some critical parts are likely to be salvageable, but the extent of that will all take an actual mechanic's time to figure out. Its M2HB and some .50cal BMG ammunition were recovered as well, but a new mounting bracket will need to be found or fabricated before the weapon can be mounted on the unit's (currently unused) heavy tripod and deployed in the dismounted role. An unknown amount of diesel fuel may also be recoverable.

Ferro's brief interaction with Kaminski was also something that had become increasingly rare lately. He spends a lot of time squirrelled away in his upstairs living quarters. The attack on the compound, in addition to it having been essentially acquisitioned by Nowak's loyalist, seems to have had an impact on him. Krzysztof's eccentric and over the top personality also seems to have been eroded away. Still, when asked by the Italian, he followed through and got both of his tasks (see below) done.

The three hours which it took for Lobo to be salvaged, included assisting Jake Ward. Nowe Ogrody is certainly not on the way to the ambush location and (as seen earlier) the city is in a state of semi-lockdown, adding at least an extra hour. Checkpoints are stopping everyone, regardless of armbands or flags. Foot patrols and what appeared to be roving bands of militia, are also out and about, hunting looters and enemy militia who're still at large.

In Nowe Ogrody, Ward was relieved to discover that the coup's violence hadn't touched the community. Not really anyway. There was some kind of internal coup said to have occurred, but apparently it was brief and localized only within the militia itself, so most people aren't yet aware of the details. Upon finding his partner safe, Jake hastily cleared out their shared apartment, which they were due to vacate (coup or no coup) very soon. Artur Szukała, one of Kaminski's men, even helped the medic carry his and Gosia' shared personal and domestic possessions. In return, Ward acted as security for when they reached the Humvee and recovered it.

Rodriguez took care of relaying (by radio) the list of equipment and supply deficiencies back to Captain Kessler. In addition to his own estimations, Jose also got around to speaking with fellow Mad Dogs for their input as well. When Katarzyna Majchrzak heard of this, she made it a point to be included. Podkreśl to jeszcze raz. Kat told the American, pointing at the first item on his paper. Underline that again. The finger wasn't withdrawn until 'Rations' was given another strike with Jose's little pencil.

Kolstrup had taken notice of Karolina Schliecher's freedom and raised the point. While he and Ferro observed her from a short distance, they noticed she still had some mobility issues from the gunshot wound to her leg. Olympian or not, Stassi operative or not, the prisoner isn't about to get far on her own or kill anyone with a scalpel, or unattended firearm. Unless she's good at faking it. In the end, Kolstrup and Ferro opt to leave things as they are.

It started to get dark shortly after 1500hrs, owing to some westerly clouds. By then, the temperature had dipped back below freezing, but there doesn't look to be anymore inclement weather in the near future. The wind is from the north and so unless there is a change you can probably expect cold air temperature to deal with. Fortunately, the wood-gas generator which powers the athletic building (night and day) is also producing some heat, as is the kitchen's enclosed fire, so you'll be warm. Had the coup gone differently, and the Mad Dogs were on the run, or even if the compound burned down during the attack on it, who's to say what the next few nights would be like.

The time is 1530hrs. You are tired and many are also in pain. Weapons and personal kit haven't been cleaned or given proper maintenance for some time now. Lastly, Sgt. Fox reports that since most of your cots have been appropriated by Tymoshenko's people for casualties under their care, and the common room is full of refugees from the school community, you may have to rough it on the floor in the hallway tonight. But at least you can finally expect a night of peace.

---

---

Following the radio linkup with Rodriguez, Kessler passed on the request to someone who had been introduced to him as Dawid, or Nowak's "operations man". In turn, the Hauptmann was given positive assurances, although no actual timing for when resupply will occur, or in what quantities. During this interaction, Michael also noted that Bartek, Sikora Armament's factory manager, was at the post office and also free to come and go. Despite being a member of the hostile Handlowcy Unii, Bartek not only survived the coup but appears to be working alongside Nowak's loyalists.

Kessler spend hours assisting with the interrogations. Some of that time was for questioning, other time for cross checking information, more time for organizing his information, and even some time teaching his co-interrogators how to effectively question the prisoners. Their methods were more... outdated. In a few instances, Kessler interrupted cruel and brutal interrogation methods. Some of his counterparts didn't appreciate this. The nature of the information that he was to pry from the prisoners included the location and status of unaccounted for leaders, secret caches of food stocks, correct or false inventory counts of food stocks, inventories and whereabouts of heavy weapons, the intimate details of personal involvement regarding the enemy's hit list of Nowak and others. Kessler also discovered a room at the post office with "accountants" going through the ledgers and documents, regarding the economic side of the Handlowcy Unii.

Kessler work will continue throughout the night...

A bowl of soup and a cigarette. And five minutes break from what seems like an unending task. Those are about the only luxuries that Kessler has as he sits at a table in what appears to pass as a mess of sorts in Halina Nowak’s new headquarters building. As a German soldier - albeit from what he can see the only man in the room currently wearing Red Army uniform - he can’t quite escape the significance of this building. And what had happened to its defenders after it had fallen on the 01st of September 1939.

Two others are sitting nearby, each of them also on their own, like him. Kessler had had words with one of them earlier. In five minutes they’ll be back in their little rooms speaking to the next soul who had had the misfortune to choose the wrong side in Danzig’s thirty six hour civil war.

Kessler will probably be too busy interrogating someone else to be able to intervene this time if the scrawny guy in the black leather jacket decides that breaking someone’s fingers will loosen their tongue. That was the nature of things. He can’t save everyone. Some will be lucky. Some wont. And what happened afterwards was a matter of conjecture. It’s unlikely that fair trials are going to feature too highly on Novak’s agenda. Technically Kessler is complicit in that just by being here. But then if things had gone the other way his name was on the MU’s list. The victors always get to decide who is a war criminal and who isn’t.

In any event, break is over. He can hear shouts in the corridor signalling that the next lot of prisoners that are to be interrogated are being brought in. The German Captain stubs out the cigarette in an ash tray that’s full to overflowing with butts, pushes the now empty soup bowl away and rises to his feet. He’s out the door in front of leather jacket which gives him dibs on the two prisoners. They’re both scared. He can see it in their eyes. He doesn’t really blame them. He’s been inside the post office all afternoon but that hasn’t stopped him hearing the rumours of summary justice being meted out on the streets.

” Jej.” he says, pointing at the prisoner on the left. Her. It’s the best that he can do. Leather jacket looks disappointed. The prisoner’s expression is unchanged. He doesn’t blame her, not if the bruising around her eye is anything to go by.

Two minutes later they’re in a windowless room that previously served fuck knows what purpose. He starts by offering her a cigarette. That’s taken all of them by surprise so far. Then the questions start. Name. Why are you here. What do you know. Does the name Lukasz Piszczek mean anything to you.

He’ll probably be reciting them in his sleep later. Whenever he finally gets a chance to sleep.

Jose completes reading off his list of supplies to Kessler over the radio and, after some commiserating over the loss of professional sports since the war's start, and says his goodbyes to Walsh, who appears to be manning the Krok's radio for the time being. It makes sense, given the other American's recent brush with death, for him to be taking on lighter duty. Jose then makes his way back inside the compound.

First, Jose heads to the laundry, where he collects his regular fatigues, now clean and dry, though notedly very cold. Before putting them on however, he next heads to the showers. He slowly peels the bandages off his face, careful to not get them wet. He notices dried blood mixed with a bit of pus, opposite where the deep gash in his cheek and ear were. Nothing too alarming, but he checks in the mirror regardless to look for any obvious signs of infection. Not being sure with his cursory glance, he resolves to head to the infirmary soon to get his wounds checked and redressed. First though, a much needed bath.

Now bathed and back in clean clothes for the first time in recent memory, Jose first hits up the infirmary as planned, where one of the orderlies is able to provide him with fresh bandages, the bright bleached-white cloth contrasting with his darker skin. Then after the armory its into a spare hallway (hopefully not one in active use), where he begins disassembling his kits for cleaning with some requisitioned gun oil. He welcomes anyone around to join him, as the unit, despite its recent wounds, might be asked to go out on another mission at any moment. In his weeks since joining the Mad Dogs, it seemed to Jose that they must be some of the most active soldiery in all of Gdansk, but that was how he liked it.

Finally, after cleaning his kit, Jose sets up his backpack against the wall behind him, splays out, and attempts to get some shuteye. Sleep comes mercifully quick, though is interrupted often from the combination of his own tossing and turning with the coming and goings of the kaserne.

Ferro steps outside when she hears the wrecker return through the gate. By now she's down to just her sidearm. It's seated snug between her belt and her back. No body armor is worn either. It's a relief to be able to shed all the weight.

"Fuck..." Ferro says under her breath as her gaze settles on the Humvee. Everyone who was in that is lucky to be alive. Lobo is a mess of bent and torn open metal, shattered windows, and far too many bullet holes to guess. It pained her to lose the vehicle, even if it will live on in the form of recycled parts. She drove Lobo through a lot of shit.

Ferro then turns her attention to Kaminski and Szukała. "Thank you." For going to recover it. "Good job... as usual." That was a genuine compliment. Kaminski annoyed her, but his contributions to the Mad Dogs weren't overlooked either. Ferro politely nods at Ward and the Polish woman as they approach from the wrecker, before returning to the scrappers again. "I need a wheel taken off and put on the other Humvee. With a tire that, well, hopefully still holds air. Or gets a patch. No rush, really. It doesn't have to be done until morning." Ferro phrases it all like a request and then gauges their reaction. She will attempt to do it herself, if need be, but unless she is all out of favors she is going to put it to the pros first.

Kaminski is once again wearing that oversized ushanka hat, but it's not so comical anymore. He looks tired and distant. A few nods of appreciation are given when Ferro thanks him, but he doesn't say anything. The same thing occurs when the Italian rates his performance. Artur Szukała then speaks up on his boss's behalf. "Dzięki." Thanks. Unlike Krzysztof, Artur is still very much 'in the game'. Earlier tonight he energetically pitched in to help Jake and Gosia move out of their apartment, to say nothing of his hard work recovering the Humvee.

Ferro then pitches a request for a wheel transfer. Szukała is quick to accept the task without waiting for Kaminski to make the call. "W porządku, szefie, rozumiem. Idź dalej do środka." It's okay boss, I got it. You go on inside. Krzysztof nods quietly, a third time now, and start to follow on behind Ward and Gosia, when he stops and reminds Ferro of a logistical problem that he himself just remembered.

"Nie ma paliwa." There is no fuel. Kaminski then continues, clarifying that there is no plant-based fuel left in the compound, only diesel, and the remaining Humvee isn't converted to run on such an alternative fuel source. Even his wrecker is running on fumes so nothing can be siphoned. The Mad Dogs are totally without transportation now.

Ah-shit. Ferro thinks to herself when Kaminski reminds her about the fuel situation. She should have remembered, since it was her doing that led to Andropov stealing borrowing a few liters of ethanol from the wrecker earlier. And Woermann's people took the rest.

"Right. No fuel." she finally replies, while exchanging glances between Kaminski and Artur. "I still need the vehicle work done. I will try to get more fuel. Some for you too."

Ferro then heads inside and moves through the hallway until she finds Rodriguez making use of the corridor. He almost looked like a bad student who the teacher kicked out of the classroom. "Hey, listen. I know you already sent the supply request, but you didn't include ethanol fuel did you?" She didn't expect him to say that he did. "We are dry. Completely. I mean we have plenty of diesel but Alpha is converted to run on biofuel." If Jose is up to it she'll welcome him trying to get a last minute amendment to the submitted request. The guy is in rough shape though so she can manage the radio errand if he's beat for the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Fri 15 Dec 2023.

Right arm in a sling, Per moves about the compound, doing what a NATO OR-7 should do at an FOB in an active warzone. He walks the perimeter, checks in with the various sentries, looks in on the wounded. Hoping that his handwriting is legible, the Dane completes his rounds by taking a rough inventory of the unit's supplies (food, water, ammunition, medical supplies, fuel).

But before he takes inventory, Per checks in with the East German prisoner.

"Do you speak English?" he asks. (If the answer is no, he follows up with, "Danish?")

If the language barrier can be circumvented, Per means to ask about her condition first, to establish rapport, and then inquire as to her current arrangement with Captain Kessler.

-

Not once was Kessler given an eyewitness's glimpse into what happened to Lukasz Piszczek, only second hand accounts, rumors. That is, at least none that the interrogation subjects were willing to admit more to. As pieces of the puzzle was filled in the German officer steadily lost hope that Lukasz was still alive. The most likely explanation seems to be that Piszczek and detachment of LoSA had been encircled at (or near) the railyard, as reported, and eventually overwhelmed with no survivors. By most likely, Michael would put it at 80% probability. Two competing rumors include the LoSA commander captured and executed by the river, or being still alive and in captivity. But there was no supporting or evidence for either story. The Hauptmann concludes they are probably false rumors with only a 10-20% probability of accuracy.

Before the interrogations concluded for the night, Kessler was given one last story, and this had a more sinister nature. The subject, a squad leader from the Świt (Dawn) Batalion, informed Michael that Halina Nowak intentionally sacrificed Lukasz. He claimed the LoSA survivors were surrounded for hours, with no relief attempted, and that prisoners were taken after their ammunition had run out. Piszczek was then ransomed as part of an attempt to negotiate a prisoner exchange and amnesty for others. Allegedly, Nowak refused and the prisoners were subsequently killed (executed or accidently - the source isn't sure which). It was further asserted that Nowak let Piszczek die as she felt his rise in popularity was a threat. In the end though, Kessler is left with nobody who could corroborate this claim of betrayal. It could just be part of the enemy's pys-op plan in action, or simply a bitter prisoner looking to make trouble.

Kessler bunked at the post office but got little sleep. The interrogations went late into the night and his wounds kept him further awake, despite fatigue setting in. The building was active throughout the night too, with people or sometimes vehicles coming and going, and rooms being set up for various purposes. A few more prisoners are brought in as well. The post office is said to be the city's new government house. When he wakes in the morning, Kessler will still be tired.

---

"I speak English." Karolina Schleicher answers Per Kolstrup before giving him a quick head to toe look. The Dane had found the East German prisoner leaning on a mop in the gymnasium/sleeping quarters/infirmary. She's just finished swabbing the floor and the mop head is noticeably stained red, despite a few rinses. They get to talking, first with a rapport building question regarding the prisoner's wound. "Healing." Karolina states simply, before adding a moment later, "I can not stand for long periods. But at least I can walk now."

Kolstrup then shifts the topic towards what, if any, arrangements she has with Captain Kessler. "He promised exercise time, days ago. I never got it." There's no bitterness or tonal accusation. "Herr Gustek is usually my jailor, but he fell asleep or forgot to put me back, I don't know. It's not his fault, he's not a soldier, or a jailor." Schleicher explains. The Stassi operative then gives a kick against the metal bucket with the boot of her good leg. Her tone stiffens a little, perhaps defensively, rather than directed at Kolstrup. "But I know how to clean a floor just as good as I know how to clean a wound. And I do both." Karolina then takes her weight off the mop and gently holds it out to the NCO. "Am I relieved? Or do I continue to help your medics?"

Once Kolstrup has finished his business with the prisoner he moves on taking unit inventory. The storeroom is found locked with the combination lock but it's a mess. Without a dedicated quartermaster people just come and go, take things, return things, with no real standardization to the procedure. And sometimes they're rushed. Taking stock turns into somewhat of an ordeal, lasting longer than the Danish commando probably envisioned.

OOC - Inventory list has been updated to reflect Kolstrup's stock taking except firearms, body armor, and individual kit like that. The exceptions are for items issued to some of the ad hoc compound security (people from the school) and I haven't worked that out yet. Ammo is accurate though.

"Nie ma paliwa." There is no fuel.

Kaminski's reminder, relayed by Ferro over the radio, and submitted in person as a request by Kessler, is almost immediately shot down. Michael is informed at the post office that there is currently almost no ethanol fuel to be found anywhere in the city. The distillery was the site of heavy fighting, resulting in damage to equipment and storage tanks. Plus, Woermann's forces burned through most of what was on hand with Nowak's forces. And the rest has been looted from the marketplace. Lastly, even when ethanol starts to trickle back into circulation, it will be the motorized fishing boat that will have priority. Bottom line - no refueling for at least several days, maybe a couple weeks.

The Mad Dogs still have a couple thousand liters of diesel on hand, but no vehicle to run it. Artur Szukała will nevertheless see that Humvee "Alpha" has four wheels again. You won't be able to drive it but at least it'll be ready for when the time comes.

Rodriguez washes up, does laundry, and visits the infirmary for fresh bandages. Now that combat has all but ceased, this sort of ongoing secondary care is what the medics (and volunteers) are kept busy with. Initially fresh dressings are all which Jose is slated to receive by an unfamiliar medical orderly. Doctor Serrano is in earshot however, and he knows first hand that the Mad Dog has been in immersed in the city's drainage system, so there is an interjection on Jose's behalf. A herbal antiseptic is applied to Rodriguez's wounds in addition to fresh dressings.

Later, Jose sits in the hallway and cleans his kit. There's some minor rust starting to show on his weapon in places where its protective coating is scratched off, but that's easily rectified. So too is the typical carbon build-up in the gas affected parts. His presence and activity draws some interest, with Walek and Manio joining him first, followed up a little later by old Pawel. In the beginning, the civilians speak amongst themselves almost exclusively in Polish, which Jose doesn't understand. As the time passes though, there's a greater effort to converse in English and include the Mad Dog. Rodriguez is left with the impression that his present company are in fairly good spirits. The same might not apply to everyone else from the school, but Walek and Manio in particular seem motivated to help with the compound's defense.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:12, Sat 23 Dec 2023.

When morning comes, Kessler is back in one of the post office's makeshift interrogation rooms. There are some new faces to interview. Most are recent captures, although a handful are those who've willingly turned themselves in and are hoping for amnesty. It was promised. Unfortunately though, it isn't always the case. Michael occasionally overhears his counterparts withdraw amnesty for various reasons, true or not. These include the prisoner having surrendered past the deadline to do so, or that new charges are being laid which overrule those that are covered by amnesty. The longer the Hauptmann stays, the more the situation makes him uncomfortable being a part of, even if he's only gathering information. It wasn't as noticeable last night, maybe fatigue blinded him a little, or maybe it's just more noticeable now. His unprofessional counterparts seem to have motives grounded scores to settle or they're executing some sort of plan which is being dictated to them, while one of them might be simply cruel in nature. It also doesn't help that the whole process seems like it was put together at the last moment with little supervision.

It is not all gloom however. Dawid, the fellow running Halina's operations, is quite level headed. He's amenable to Michael's request to have Gerhard Dietrich be given some leniency. Dietrich may have been an insufferable twat, but considering Gerhard's deep seated rule of law mentality it's unlikely that he did anything horrendous while working for the Handlowcy Unii. The prisoner is also German officer and one could maybe argue that he was a former Mad Dog too. In the morning, Dawid returns with a decision. Michael is informed that Dietrich will be given a mere 24 hours of hard labor and a compulsory blood donation (for wounded), and then he'll be released. Kessler isn't told whether Nowak herself had been involved in the matter. All that's said is the loyalists had no information on Dietrich and thus no reason to extract more out of him.

By noon, Kessler is relieved of his duties and thanked by Dawid for his service. He is also told that a resupply boat will arrive at the compound before nightfall and will reflect his efforts here. Then with nothing to do but wait, Michael roams the former post office. By now, a lot of people are arriving for the inauguration of Gdansk's first central government since Malbork lost power of the troubled city. From what Michael can gather, anyone who is anyone is here, with plenty more militia and everyday citizens too. And it will be broadcast over the radio airwaves. Security is tight.

Kessler then senses someone standing next to him turns to see the BND station director known as "Olympic". The short and balding German is quiet for a moment as the two observe arriving people file in through the post office's fortified main doors. "Du siehst deprimiert aus." You look depressed. Olympic glances sideways at Kessler before continuing (in German). "I heard you were doing interrogations, Captain. And I also heard how they're going." Another sideways glance. "Let it go. Coups and revolutions are hardly ever pleasant events. Some will be hanged. But you picked the right side."

Olympic lets some silence follow before scratching his ear and continuing with a softer tone. It's almost apologetic sounding. But the purpose has more to do with discretion. "I know your unit and the people who depend on you needed help. But I couldn't provide you with anything. We had our hands full ourselves. The officers in the Osprey Brigade were... one vote away from usurping Nowak and seizing control. Some of her own people were thinking of it as well. It took a lot to keep things on course." The BND station director inhales deeply and exhales, giving Kessler a sideways glance once again. "The last time we talked I said I have a man coming in, and your unit is needed. The situation here delayed things but it's back on. Get this done and we'll transfer you west. All of you. So rest up." The two Germans then notice Ferro and Per Kolstrup filing through the doors with more Mad Dogs behind them. Olympic says no more and shuffles off with the momentum of the crowd.

---

Everyone is in the post office's large hall-like room. It's not as bare as it was before but not by much. Nowak is seated in the middle of several tables lined end to end. Tablecloths laid over them give the false impression that it's one big table. Standing behind her are six senior commanders from allied factions or her own clan of fishermen/pirates. A flag of Gdansk, some twelve feet long at least, is hung from the wall behind them. On the table before Nowak is a thick book which is open, and a short stand that keeps a radio microphone propped up in her direction to catch her voice. Like the last time you saw her, she doesn't move very much, no doubt on account of her gunshot wound. Elsewhere, the large room is bare of furniture, but thoroughly occupied by a large audience. Halina closes the book, with its weight enough to sound like a judge's gavel coming down.

Nowak's speaks (in Polish) slowly with pauses, and with a level of sternness or assertion in her voice. "My government is pledged to the safety and security of Gdansk."

"We have brought order to our city. And only decisive action on the part of your government can assure the continuance of order." Halina breaks eye contact here for a split second. She might've messed up these lines of her speech a little or missed a line, but doesn't acknowledge it with a rephrasing. Perhaps it's a side effect of whatever she's taking for the pain. Then again, she isn't an experienced politician or orator, she's the skipper of a fishing boat, and a pirate. It won't be the only time she misspeaks but it's never acknowledged.

"We shall all benefit from this restoration of order. Citizens need no longer fear the anarchy that was from before. That which results from weakness, or warped craven minds, or self-serving misdirection. My government will continue to deal implacably with those few traitors who oppose the will of the people."

"Further violence will not be tolerated."

"Now, there is order in the streets. Now, there is a direction to be followed. And now, there is a future for all of us to share."

"Finally, I address myself to all of the families of this free city. This is a time of change. A time of transition. Change is no blind thing. Which way we change, and what we change, and why we change it, will remain the prerogative (Nowak raises a finger and briefly raises her finger for emphasis) BUT with your active support change will inevitably and ultimately represent stability and peace within each of us and within our free city."

When this part of the address is finished, Gdansk's new ruler reopens her book and starts reading off edicts, along with plans and promises. Individuals are named for cabinet posts and other appointments. There's no telling what ratio is due to competency versus a reward for loyalty, but there's certainly both present. There are concepts outlined for returning electrical power to Gdansk, plus currency. Some militias will be disbanded while others expanded into a unified defense force. Kessler had used that term before on occasion, but now it will actually be for real. Now and then, an individual from Nowak's circle is called forth to explain something in greater detail. It's procedural and often boring, and much of it doesn't really apply to the Mad Dogs. In a way, this is all anticlimactic and a stark contrast to what it actually took to get here.

In an hour the Mad Dogs are outside and eventually back... home.

Continued...

1645hrs, December 18th, 2000
Sienna Grobla District, Gdansk
Partly Cloudy, -4^oC

The group walk through Gdansk's battered streets and over the bridges, returning to the compound. Their trek goes without incident.

Upon their arrival, it's noticed that a motorized fishing boat is moored at the former rowing club's little concrete & timber dock. It's the same craft which the Mad Dogs had used to insert Nowak into the Old City center. Fox and several helping hands are offloading supplies, and carrying it inside. A few wounded (and their belongings) are waiting by the riverside for the work to be completed. It seems they've been discharged from the infirmary and are probably being sent back to their home units. The gymnasium is unlikely to be turned back over as the Mad Dogs' sleeping quarters just yet, but it's a welcome start.

Elsewhere around the compound, a hammering noise alongside the main building reveals Artur Szukała up on ladder, fixing the shutters which had been damaged by mortar fire. The Monolith assault squad that breached the perimeter wall (during the attack) brought that ladder with them. Who knows what might've happened if they managed to use it to get inside the building, which at the time was packed with unarmed civilians mostly. Leaning up against the building are a stack of freshly built shutters, made of recycled materials, and some weatherproofing tarps.

Lastly, Aleksandar emerges from BTR-60 CP and closes up the hatch. Fox ordered him to shut down the radio watch duty once everyone is safely back inside the compound. There wont' be any need to monitor the long range radio anymore.

The Mad Dogs file through the shot up entrance and are greeted by the warmth of the building. The air is only heated a few degrees above freezing but it's pleasant nevertheless. Hallway lighting guides you further inside to where your packs are lined up along the wall, marking where each soldier has staked out just enough floorspace to lie down, just for the time being of course. For those Mad Dogs who have not yet cleaned their clothing and done weapons & kit maintenance, there will be time for that later. Tonight, it's about kicking back and unwinding, while not worrying if you're going to get raided or hit by mortar fire. As you ditch your gear, you can hear a bit of music and plenty of talking and laughter coming from the common room. The room, cluttered with comfortable furniture, books, board games, and a foosball table, has been the makeshift sleeping quarters for the civilians who've come from the school. It sounds like they're feeling good, safe. They probably haven't felt that way in a while.

Katarzyna Majchrzak, the one to thank for getting at least one hot meal a day, then emerges from the little mess hall. She sips on a steaming mug while the Mad Dogs finish offloading their heavy kit and body armor. Kat then walks over to Kessler's spot and leans against the wall. "Mister Kaminski is up." she says, motioning with her eyes that she means up on the second flood, where the reformed pimp-turned salvager has his (and his "people's") residence. "Kazał mi powiedzieć, że wszyscy mogą iść." He told me to tell you that you are all welcome to go to him. There's nowhere else to lay back with some privacy anyways, but each person is left with their own choice to make.

In a few more minutes, you (some or all of you) are sitting in Kaminski's upper level residence. It used to be administrative and storage space, but it's been turned into one big living room, with two small private bedrooms. The main room is well furnished with comfortable chairs, a sofa, a coffee table, with plenty of pillows and blankets scattered about. Decorative rugs, featuring one with a tiger and another with mountain scenery, are hung up on the walls. There's a long observation window with one side looking down at the gymnasium, and the other out towards the compound's back lot and the canal beyond. He's been increasing reclusive lately, but Kaminski welcomes everyone in a calm and friendly manner. None of "his people" are here - he's sent them all downstairs to squeeze into the already cramped common room to relax.

"The days have been long and the fight has been hard. We lost people." Krzysztof says as people find a seat. "I did not have any idea this would be like this, or end like this, when I first meet you all. Crazy, yeah?" The Pole then goes quiet for a moment, before announcing, "I am to thinking about writing a book." Before anyone can respond, or laugh at the idea of Kaminski being an author, Fox enters with a beer keg and sets it down. "Compliments of the queen... or whatev'she may be now'days. President, I reckon."

---

As mentioned this will be the last turn post for the chapter. You can use your action to put yourself here in the scene or to just lay out how you see your PC getting through the next several days (which will be fast forwarded through). Or something else. It's totally up to you. I just wanted to give the PCs a final setting at the compound.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:23, Wed 03 Jan.

Jake's father had taught him long ago that the best way to avoid the awkward milling about when meeting someone new was to take the initiative and introduce yourself, with as much grace and formality as possible of course.

"Dobry wieczór Panie Kamiński. Jestem Jake.. Jakub do mojej mamy... Ward. Miło mi cię poznać. Zostałem wciągnięty w wydarzenia wieczoru i twoi... współpracownicy... byli na tyle uprzejmi, że zaoferowali mi schronienie tutaj, pod twoim dachem. Za to jestem ogromnie wdzięczny. Dziękuję Panu bardzo," Jake said in his new-world Polish, a bit slower than he might speak to someone on the street, though with as much formality as normal... and Polish was normally a very formal language, unless you were close friends with someone.

As he extended his hand, in the back of his mind, he thought of his conversion with Gosia earlier.  If there were any concerns about that conversation, Jake didn't show it.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Good evening Mister Kaminski.  I am Jake.. Jakub to my mother... Ward.  Pleased to meet you.  I was caught up in the events of the evening and your... associates... were kind enough to offer me shelter here, under your roof.  For that I am tremendously grateful.  Thank you very much sir.

---

Write a book, huh? Varis had always thought Kaminski was more of a movie- the smutty kind- guy. Well, more power to him. Varis raises his beer-filled glass and says, "Here is to Mister Kaminski- entre... enterpen... businessman, freedom-fighter, host, and future author. Priekā!" After swallowing a mouthful of ale, Varis asks the obvious follow-up question to Kamninski's unexpected announcement. "What will your book be about?"

-

On the walk back to the compound Ferro took note that Kessler didn't look rested, not that anyone else really was either. And maybe there was something else going on too. "You find out what happened to Filip?" she asks him as they're crossing the last bridge. The question was partly to bring up his night at the post office without doing so directly. The other part is that she genuinely wanted to know about the traitor who nearly ending things for them in the sewers. Ferro accepts whatever responses comes, even if there's none. Then after covering some more distance Ferro changes the subject. "I think we're going to need a new mechanic."

When they reach the compound Ferro drops her gear. Everything but her uniform and her sidearm get stuffed into her pack or on top of it. The pistol goes behind her back and pushed down into the top of her trousers. She then stands there for a while after hearing Kat mention to Kessler about the invitation to kick back upstairs. Part of her wanted to just lay on her cot and go to sleep, before she remembers the situation. Her bunk space is actually right here in the hallway. Fine... the penthouse it is.

"Save me a seat." Ferro says quietly to Rodriguez. She assumes he's going. "A good one." she clarifies, half jokingly.

Ferro then enters the gym/infirmary and finds Chris. When she finds him on his bunk she feigns annoyance at the wounded Mad Dog. "You got to keep your cot?!? That's some bullshit right there." The Italian then impatiently flicks her hand to get him to move his feet over to she can sit. "Situation, Kaminski has some kind of get together for us up in his place. Mission, you will go, because I'm going and need backup. Execution, we walk up there and be cool. Timing, now. Support, I heard Kessler requested beer as part of our resupply... and I saw the boat." Ferro then rises and taps his feet. "C'mon." As she waits for him to get to his feet there's a glance given to where Marta's cot used to be. Ferro hoped that she was okay, wherever she was. There's no more resentment.

Ferro climbs the stairs to the upper floor, slowly, pausing several times to help Walsh make the ascent. "Listen, if these stairs are going to be this much of a challenge for you then we should probably just leave you up here with Kaminski." she jokes. Ferro then enters the private living space and plops down wherever Jose saved her a spot. She's quiet for a while after that. Lots of thoughts are swirling around in her mind as the beer and comfortable setting take hold. She wondered what's next for her and her comrades, and then unintentionally speaks it aloud. "What's next?"

Tosh goes about camp business trying to relieve some of the duties of the more wounded comrades.  He will only seek out Per to see if there's anything else that needs to be done.  "Oi Per!  I'm tryin' not ta bother you shot up lot who just got back.  What can I do ta help ya's out so people can heal properly?"

Slightly earlier

Kessler shook his head in response to Ferro’s question about Filip. ”Nein, to be honest, he went out of my mind.” His right hand is resting on the upper receiver of the HK SMG that he’s borrowed from the Italian, while his left arm is back in a sling again. ”There was a lot of rumour but not much facts. The German Hauptmann shrugs, watches as his breath forms a cloud in front of him when he exhales. No one other than Mad Dogs are near them in the street, certainly not near enough to be able to eavesdrop when he lowers his voice.

”I heard one story that Nowak let Piszczek be taken by the MU. They then offered him up as part of a prisoner exchange but she turned it down and he ended up dead. I’ve no way of confirming whether that’s true or not but I don’t think our new leader wants any potential rivals. Other than that it was a bit chaotic at times. Some of their interrogation methods were a bit…over zealous. I think there’s going to be a lot of scores getting settled in the days and weeks to come. I don’t suppose it would have been any different if it had gone the other way.”

After all, the Merchants had had their arrest lists. And their kill lists. As far as Kessler could tell he had made the least bad choice aligning with Nowak. After all, as Olympic had said they had picked the right side, by which he obviously meant the winning side. And some of the other things that the BND chief had said earlier had strongly implied that German Intelligence was fairly heavily involved in the whole thing. So, perhaps Germany had got what it wanted. Ends justify means?

”Oh, I did see one old friend. Polizeioberkommissar Dietrich. You remember him, the Bundesgrenzschutzemann? The one that wanted to arrest us all for war crimes?” He chuckled wryly. “I managed to get him paroled. I don’t think he knows anything about fixing engines though.” The humour dissipates quickly, for the need for a mechanic is a consequence of Tomasz Andropov having given his life trying to come to the aid of those in the stricken Humvee. ”Maybe we can recruit a civie or two. If we can work out how to pay them. And don’t forget Oberstaber Fischer. I think he’s worked on every vehicle that the NVA ever owned, probably some others too.”

By now the compound gates were coming into view ahead of them, so Kessler unslung the UMP from off his shoulder and handed it to Ferro, before also returning the magazines. ”There you go, you can have that back. Thanks for the loan.

---

Now

Kessler feels like there are a hundred and one things that he needs to do, though he can’t even begin to put them into any semblance of order. He should probably check in with the civies, reassure them that the fighting is over, and no one is going to drop mortar bombs on them tonight. Hopefully. But the music and laughter coming from the common room tells him that can probably wait. He needs to speak to the Marians as well. And decide what the fuck he’s going to do with Karolina Schliecher. And sleep. He really, really wants to sleep. And besides, the troops probably don’t want the CO of what now seems to be the Bundesnachrichtendienst’s Gdansk Special Operations Team - and that does not translate well into German - cramming their style while they chill over a beer. So, yes, a hundred reasons why he personally should decline Kaminski’s offer.

But he also wants to make sure that everything’s good with their host, doesn’t want to snub him. At least that’s what he tells himself as he sat back in a comfortable chair for what seemed like the first time in months, unburdened by the weight of assault vest or ammunition or hand grenades, his Soviet TTsKO camo pants worn with a black sweater so that rank badges are metaphorically and literally absent as he takes a long swig from a glass of - presumably - Polish beer when Babicevs toasts Kaminski. It’s clearly nowhere near as good as German beer. But it’s a start.

”I guess we can deal with that later.” he smiles when Ferro asks what’s next. There would be a time to share his conversation with Olympic and what the next moves were going to be. But not now. ”For now other than essential perimeter security everyone has tomorrow off. Although for now I think best if everyone stays within the compound. There’s still some problems in the City with cases of mistaken identity and I really don’t want to have to come and bail any of you out of jail.” It’s presented as a joke. But it isn't really.

The German then turns to Jake Ward. ”Mr Ward, did you get your friend and belongings moved in OK?” That would be one thing to cross off a very long to do list. And yes, he knows that she's probably more than just a friend.

”Hey, you got front row seats at a Presidential Inauguration.” Walsh laughs as he swings his feet to the floor to make room for Ferro and sits up. Slowly. ”I’d say we’re even. How was it? I mean, one dude said that there a thousand people there. someone else said nowhere near that. Gotta watch those alternative facts ya know….”

Listening as the Italian then outlays the ‘mission’, Walsh nodded, chuckled as he reached for his stetson. ”Now that is one mission that I choose to accept. Seriously, you should have just started with the beer.” With that the stetson is pressed on to his head to the accompaniment of a few tuneless bars of the Mission Impossible theme before he rises to his feet.

It is admittedly slow progress up the stairs, the American laughing as they ascend. ”Nah, much as the idea of living in a penthouse appeals, I think I’d want a different room mate. You know anyone?” He throws the Italian a wink as they step in and lay claim to the sofa and grab a beer just in time to raise their glasses when Paris toasts Kaminski.

”Awesome idea Krzysztof.” He nods with apparent enthusiasm when the Pole mentions writing a book. ”But you’ll need to leave me out, yeah? Reasons of National Security.” he sounds deadly serious. And then he laughs. ”Ah, fuck it. never mind a book, when this shit is all over they should make a movie about the Mad Dogs. Does anyone know if Bruce Willis made it? He’d be good as me.”

Jose gives Ferro a thumbs up when the Italian asks him to save her a seat. He then heads upstairs into the "penthouse", a space which he had yet to explore. As he moves into Kaminski's office, he nods his thanks to the rowing center's impromptu boss, grabs a beer from a nearby stacked crate, and pop the top by using his belt buckle, a trick he had learned back in Los Angeles years ago. Finally, he plops down on a comfortable, but likely very old, three-cushion couch in the corner of the room. It was covered in a red sheet, and upon sitting down Jose sinks into it a good 4 inches, shocking him for a moment before he begins to appreciate how soft the old couch was - it felt like it might actually just be a collection of pillows under the sheet pushed into the shape of the couch. Jose briefly wonders why no one else had been sitting on it, then remembers Kaminski's reputation. He briefly looks over the couch for unseemly stains before resigning himself to the spot - at least it was comfy. And hopefully Ferro would be fine with it as well.

Sipping the beer came next, eliciting a groan from Jose's lips. It was even cold, likely the result of the fact that everything these days was cold. But it was the first hops he had tasted in more than a year, and it tasted like magic in his mouth. He waves over Ferro and Walsh as they come into the room. "Aqui, amigos. It may not look like much, but it's very soft." As the others come over, he stands up to greet them, his knees creaking as he struggles to free himself from the couch's embrace. When Walsh gets his beer open, Jose reaches over with his own to give a week cheers, the bottles klinking as they collide. "To a free Gdansk!" And then in a terrible Polish accent, he tries to recount what the locals said in his kind of situation. "Jenky!"

"I don't believe that." Ferro replies with a quick glance to the officer. She didn't want to believe it more like. Ferro liked Nowak since the first time they crossed paths... or waves (since it occurred at sea). But deep down she realized that Gdansk's new ruler actually might've left Piszczek to be conveniently removed from being a factor. Ferro alters her response. "I hope it isn't true."

Ferro then looks back at Kessler when he mentions Dietrich. For a split second she thought it might be a joke. "Wow. Weird how things turn out some times." Paroled? Ferro chuckles a little.

The H&K UMP is taken back when the group makes their return to the compound.



"Bland." Ferro answers with a raised eyebrow. "Broadcasted by radio, but I think it was toned down because Nowak has a bullet hole still in her."

Now

Ferro sits on the questionable sofa with Jose. She's satisfied with Kessler's answers about what's next for the Mad Dogs and just lets the night as relaxed as possible.

Tosh will grab himself a beer and linger around for a few minutes to see if there's any further orders.  "I'll let you lads and lasses catch up on some rest and unwind a bit.  I'll be on the roof if you be needin' me."

The night passes quietly, and so do the days that follow...

Rest & recovery is the priority. There aren't just wounds to heal - the Mad Dogs are physically and mentally burned out after seeing months of action. Rest comes easier as with each passing day there are fewer casualties still in the compound's makeshift infirmary, formerly your sleeping quarters. Most of allied wounded walk out on their own or are transferred by boat, while a few of the unfortunate never leave alive. The gymnasium is finally turned back over the Mad Dogs on Christmas Eve. By then, Mary Tymoshenko and her staff, including some who went missing during the coup but were found alive later, have been relocated back into the city center. All Mad Dogs are fully healed and recovered before the second week of January.

During their extended downtime, the Mad Dogs contribute to the compound's repairs and improvements. Repairs include that which was damaged during the fighting, the wood-gas generator breaking down after prolonged use without routine maintenance, and also general repairs attributed to the ongoing winter weather. It may be scheduled as downtime but rarely is there nothing to that needs being done. Improvements include upgrading the defenses and constructing new structures such as:

- Reinforcing the perimeter's wall so that it's now solid (not latticed), plus adding concertina wire to the top
- Filling in the slit trench near the main gate and constructing an above-ground bunker in its place
- Strengthening the BTR-60 command post and installing communication and electrical wiring (to it and main building)
- Constructing a new covered vehicle bay (two commercial shipping containers, spaced out, with a slanted tarp roof over the gap)
- Constructing a west facing strongpoint to cover the elevated roadway and fencing off that approach better

Vehicle repairs are successful after more than a week of the Mad Dogs being without transportation. The unit now has the BTR-80 "Krokodil", the M998 Humvee "Alpha", and the Iltis for mobility. The heavily damaged up-armored Humvee "Lobo" is scrapped for parts. The Krok continues to run on diesel, which there is still a substantial reserve, while the two smaller unarmored vehicles require ethanol as before. It isn't until 2001 that ethanol production is made available in Gdansk, due to the damage sustained to the distillery. Nowak's government issues a small allowance of the biofuel to the Mad Dogs on a weekly basis (in addition to rations and wages), but it's barely enough to run errands on. Thus, your current ethanol reserve is limited.

Some events that occurred between December 18th and January 19th...

- Reza Nassir left the compound to source parts for the vehicles on December 23rd and never returned. A search turned up nothing.

- Christmas Eve saw the Zorya, Nowak's submarine, sail up the harbor channel and into its berth. The Mad Dogs were heavily involved, assisting Waterloo Company with providing a land-based mobile security force to keep pace with the vessel. Perhaps surprisingly there were no ambushes, no sabotage, no incidents of any kind. Many took this as a sign that there's no lingering resistance to the coup. In any case, although efforts began almost immediately, it will be many more weeks and months before Gdansk can start to benefit from the submarine's functioning reactor.

- On December 26th, Gdansk's hospital was formally reopened, although renovations are expected to continue on into the Spring. The new location is the former Gdansk General Music School, in the western area of the Old City quarter, not far from the Solidarity Market. Fire damage at St. Mary's had made the massive structure unsuitable for Tymoshenko's people to continue there. Even the large population of refugees and needy which were housed in the indoor shantytown, required relocation.

- Public executions occurred on New Year's Eve. The Mad Dogs did not attend the event. Eight people were hanged for various offenses, with the most notable charges related to involvement in the Golden Dawn bombing (where Major McCarthy was killed). Lesser charges resulted in others being condemned to periods of hard & dangerous labor. It's unknown whether a fair trial was given to any of them. Most of the enemy prisoners however were foot soldiers and simply pardoned. After all, Gdansk needs both reconciliation and abled bodies.

- On January 2nd there was a massive snowstorm that buried Gdansk. The snowfall accumulation brought the city to a standstill, interrupting trade and work, for several days. The situation was bad enough that Nowak's regime requested the Mad Dogs dispatch the Krok to help plow vital routes and help with official transportation needs.

- Starting on January 11th, the Mad Dogs were ordered to conduct a series of long range patrols well beyond the city limits. Most of these patrols were uneventful with the countryside seemingly barren of life. On one occasion however, while surveying the western bank of the Vistula, a patrol of Polish cavalry were spotted on the opposite bank. No contact was made, but there was no hostility either, with both parties simply observing the other from a distance before moving on. During another patrol, this time to the south, the Mad Dogs experienced a tragedy. Sergeant Meyer triggered a landmine and was killed instantly.

Over time, changes came to many of Gdansk's militias. Most were disbanded, with members transferred to other militias or departments within Nowak's regime. One of the big winners is the Osprey Brigade, which is not only expanded in size, but sees its CO (Captain Kaminski) appointed as Gdansk's overall military commander. The current reorganization is as follows:

- Headquarters & Support Company (Gdansk Post Office)
  Manpower: 50 +25 on mobilization

- Osprey Brigade (South Guard Force)
  Manpower: 350

- Lechia-Gdansk Brigade (West Guard Force)
  Manpower: 100 +200 on mobilization

- Emil August Feldorf Brigade (North And East Guard Force)
  Manpower: 100 +200 on mobilization

- Waterloo Company (Mechanized Ready Reserve)
  Manpower: 100 / AFVs: 5

- Witold Pilecki Company (Internal Security)
  Manpower: 75

- Gdansk Police SIB "Special Investigation Bureau"
  Manpower: 50 (forming)

- Zorya Security Unit
  Manpower: ???

> TOTAL: ~1300 (plus approximately 100 fisherman/pirates and miscellaneous on mobilization)