0025hrs, December 17th, 2000
Sienna Grobla District, Gdansk
Mixed Precipitation, 1^oC

The meeting set for the little mess hall gets moved to the gymnasium on account of the space needed for everyone who'll be in attendance. It's also delayed by ten minutes, due to the negligent discharge incident and simply getting everyone involved settled in place. The gym is larger but it's still cluttered with sleeping cots, people's kit, and the infirmary.

Present:

Jake Ward
Krzysztof Kaminski
Michal Jankowski
Mary Tymoshenko (plus other medical staff in background)
Jerzy Brzęczek (plus Anna Kowalska and Dipesh in background)
Karolina Schleicher (by invite)
Lukas Fischer and all other Mad Dogs who're currently not on sentry, unconscious, etc

Much better. Hopefully that's the last time Ferro needs to stand to half dressed. And dry boots are welcome too.

As she sits on the end of Walsh's cot and awaits the briefing she can feel the draft coming in from the blown open shutters. She makes a mental note to talk to someone about nailing them shut with some scrap wood or whatever. It just needs a bandaid fix until at least daybreak. Proper repairs later on could be a job that Grzegorz might be well suited for. Supposedly he's a builder of sorts.

Still waiting, Ferro leans towards Chris to get his attention. "See him..." she whispers with a subtle motion to Jerzy across the room. "I blasted him good with a flash bang." A quiet chuckle is made as a weak explanation is given afterward. "Had to though. It was tough in the sewer like that. He's fine now."

Kessler feels as though he needs a new notebook to jot down all of the things that need his attention. He also needs a Civil Affairs officer to deal with….well, civil affairs. Then he remembers that he has a Civil Affairs officer, Gustek having been voluntold into the position. Oh, wait, someone wants to report the Civil Affairs officer for harassment.

Seriously, why the fuck do people want to go into politics?

Then again, most Politicians can get on with governing, not have to worry about being one of the ringleaders of a military coup.

The German looks at his watch. He’s already behind schedule. And ideally he wants to speak to Nowak before he speaks to Monolith again. Although he’s already thinking about Plan B as far as that’s concerned, which is to tell Monolith the exchange is on whether Nowak has green lit or not. He then has three hours to deal with that particular problem. And ask for some medical supplies.

He’s going to be busy. It’s just as well he got some sleep after he came back from the LOD safehouse. His usual mug, the one showing John Paul II blessing the masses at Chestawhatsit is held in both hands, as much for heat as for any other benefit the ersatz coffee that it contains might provide.

”Right, good evening ladies and gentlemen, my apologies for your sleep being disturbed. Our early morning wake up call was courtesy of Monolith. Some of you may remember we fought with them at the Twins, against Warmia.”

He pauses, takes a sip of coffee. ”Captain Nowak is holding some of their men prisoner. They want an exchange. Their people for some prisoners the Merchants have, including Lukasz Piszcek. The exchange is scheduled to take place at zero four hundred at the cemetery for the Soviet Liberators. Their commander wants his people only, no Merchant Union troops.

I’ve agreed. And no, I haven’t spoken with Nowak about it yet. This meeting is an open forum to give everyone a chance to have their say, then I'll speak to her. So, let’s hear it - any comments, questions? Concerns?”

"Yes, sir- Varis has comments, questions, and concerns," the Latvian begins with a calm that belies the rising rage inside.

"First of all, @&%* Monolith! What if they killed you with mortar bomb? How did they plan to negotiate with dead man? Idiots! They're just a bad as the !@#$%^& MU! Second, why do Mad Dogs have to be middle man? Why do they not talk to Nowak directly! They are her prisoners, not ours! This whole situation is @#$%^&* ridiculous!"

By the end of this tirade, Varis is practically yelling. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath, exhales slowly. When he resumes, his tone is much more even, measured, but with an expectant quaver.

"So, surely, we are planning to ambush Monolith at prisoner exchange, yes?"

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 23:45, Thu 04 May 2023.

Ferro stares down at the floor by the bunk ahead of her as she gives everything some thought. She glances over at Varis when he speaks but shakes her head 'no' a little when he refers to Monolith as idiots. She felt their ongoing war record shows the opposite. And that's what worries her. A few other details start piling on top of her thoughts. None of them made things any better about what Brozek proposed.

"I think it might be a bad idea to go along with it." Ferro finally answers Kessler. "I believe this is some kind of deception effort or a trap." Now that it's been said aloud and not just a feeling, Ferro felt even stronger about it. It was no secret that Kessler had a bond with Piszcek. He might not like hearing this from her. She opens her hands a little, almost apologetically, and tells the Captain "I really do."

Ferro expects Kessler to want something more. "Brozek is not going to telegraph when and where her is going to be in the middle of a losing war. And if his men mean that much to him, then he's not going to do the same for them even if he isn't planning on being at the meet in person. And it's basically a hostage deal. Hostage deals don't usually involve giving the recipient literally hours advance notice of the exchange location. Not in my experience." Something else Varis yelled about. "We're made to be involved, middle men, and that's on purpose. So... why? Brozek was with us at the Twins. You just said it. And it isn't a secret that Piszcek saved your life and there's something there between you because of that. I don't dismiss that as being irrelevant. It's too... I don't know... it's something." Ferro pauses and then continues. "Monolith is still active, unaccounted for, and by Lutz's account they are causing serious problems. I think this prisoner swap is just part of another problem they are trying to cause." She didn't know what kind of problem but that's besides the point.

"We also know from our experience with Forest City that Monolith uses deception and trickery. And playing the part of cooperation. So yeah, I really think there is no prisoner exchange to be. It's something else." Ferro concludes.

Per listens thoughtfully to Ferro's analysis. It's a refreshing change of pace from Babicev's angry rant.

"I think Ferro's got the right of it. None of this really adds up. It smells like a trap. What did Brozek threaten to do if we declined his offer?"

If it's another mortaring, the Mad Dogs could use the interval to locate the mortar position, set an ambush.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Thu 04 May 2023.

”Technically Brozek didn’t threaten to do anything to us.” Kessler replies to Kolstrup. ”He claims that Kowalczyk plans to execute the men that he’s holding prisoner. Including Piszcek. But he tried to distance himself from that. That said, if we don’t show up at zero four hundred they may decide to mortar us again. If I was Brozek I’d certainly keep us under observation. And keep my mortar zeroed in.”

“As to why us, perhaps it was because he had a way of getting in touch with us directly. I was thinking about this after I spoke with him. We exchanged radio frequencies when we were operating together at the Twins. I remember now. And we haven’t changed ours. So I need everyone to change their radios to xxx* frequency right away.” He looks over at Fischer. ”Oberstaber, can you set up a comms plan for us. I want to change frequencies every twenty four hours until everything settles down.”

He takes another drink of the rapidly cooling coffee, sits back in his chair, one Polish came clad leg crossing over the other. ”All right, let’s consider options. Maybe it is a trap. Maybe they want to get us to this cemetery and ambush us. Although Brozek has to know that probably end well for his men. Presuming Nowak hands them over. He doesn’t strike me as the sort that would throw away the lives of his men like that.” He’s not actually disagreeing with anything that’s been said, just throwing things out.

”Could be they just want us away from FOB McCarthy. Brozek said he had an exit plan. Half of Danzig probably knows about our…the stuff that we brought back from the East.” He’d been about to say oil, decides to be more circumspect given the amount of people present. ”Maybe he wants to steal that.”

Or maybe they just want to create some friction between the Mad Dogs and Nowak. Kessler shrugs. At the moment he’s guessing. He turns towards Babicevs. ”Regardless of their intentions, we have to assume that they already have the Cemetery under observation, will probably see us if we even try to move into ambush positions. They’ve chosen the ground and I can’t imagine they’ll be willing to change it.”

The German Captain uncrosses his leg, leans forward, rubs a hand across his eyes. He could just be tired. They all are. But feeling as though you’re holding the fate of the man who saved your life in your hands adds a bit of strain, of stress. ”Whatever we do, we need to do something. I wouldn’t abandon anyone here, and I’m not abandoning Piszcek.”

* Insert something appropriate here
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:57, Fri 05 May 2023.

Ward returned inside with the others after the shelling stopped.  He hadn't had much luck in locating whoever was calling the fire earlier.  Hell, he'd made it outside, found some cover, donned his PVS-5s, and trotted over to these friendlies; just in time to hear the all clear.

Maybe next time..

Back indoors, Jake sat quietly in the meeting.  He didn't have much of a background with the people, units, and groups being discussed.  He was quickly getting the impression though that these 'Mad Dogs' were some kind of trouble magnet.  They had fought beside the unit that had just mortared them?  Jake was sure he was missing something there, but figured it best not to ask.

Maybe not...

Ward didn't have a radio, so it wasn't awkward when he didn't make note of the frequency.  He didn't want to copy down this units info anyway.  He'd only stumbled in a few hours ago, and while they were hospitable enough, he didn't want to overstay his welcome.

"Uh, so, if I'm not needed, I can just head back to Nowe Ogrody at 04:00 also.  That way I'm out of your hair while you all handle your business with this other group."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Fri 05 May 2023.

Hank throws in, "Why you sir?  Why us?  Didn't we fight with these guys?

Maybe they found a better type of Mad Dog other than the originals?"

"We can relocate non-combatants and wounded through the back door... the hole under the bridge. From there people can move downriver and take shelter at the fire station. Or maybe Valeska can pick them up in that area." Ferro says when Kessler mentions the possibility of getting shelled again. "A caretaker security team who stay behind will have the trench and CP for shelter."

Ferro then rotates the frequency dials on her radio to the specified channel.

On the issue of "Presuming Nowak hands them over. He doesn’t strike me as the sort that would throw away the lives of his men like that.” Ferro replies. "I don't either. But maybe he isn't. We don't know his plan. He could still pull something and keep his men entirely safe."

Then after ”Could be they just want us away from FOB McCarthy." Ferro says "Definitely. Yeah. He wants us on the complete other side of the city." She mentioned before that Brozek is (maybe) setting either is a trap or a distraction. Getting the Mad Dogs far from the action would be the distraction she talked about.

Ferro ends her piece without offering a concrete response to Brozek's proposal. She felt it wasn't genuine but wasn't sure how to deal with it. Not without more information or INTEL. "I think maybe you tell Brozek yes, just to keep him off our back and keep him thinking we're going to be there in the morning. But really we need to quietly gather INTEL so we can work a plan." She then makes another apologetic gesture. If they learn that it is a legit prisoner swap then they'll need to get Piszcek back safely. No question about it. But right now she doesn't even think a swap is a real option.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Sat 06 May 2023.

”Dude? You serious?” Walsh asks Ward. The OG Pennsylvanian is sitting up on his cot, having shifted to make room so that Ferro could perch on the end of it, looks over at the FNG Pennsylvanian. ”There’s a fucking coup going on. You might get your ass shot off wandering around on your own.” He shrugs. He’s not actually going to stop the guy. In fact he’s thinking that Ward’s girl must be kinda hot if he’s prepared to wander about the City in the middle of the night.

”Your girl got any friends?” he asks, nodding over towards Varis, who seems to have calmed down. ”Asking for a buddy...”
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Sun 07 May 2023.

Jake considered's Chris's words for a moment, before speaking.

"Yeah, it's not ideal," he said with a resigned shrug.  He let that sit in the air for a bit as he walked over to Chris.  Ward spoke in low tones his fellow Keystone State-er

"She's expecting. A few weeks along at this point. I gotta go take care of her right?" Jake said, the last part almost a question.

Varis is still agitated, but he's doing a slightly better job not getting carried away with it now.

"This is double cross for sure. Brozek is son-of-a-bitch. He did not have to mortar the compound. He could have just called on radio. He could have killed someone trying to..." Varis frames the next three words with air-quotes, "Get our attention. How can we trust a man who acts like that? He is snake. Sir, call Nowak, give her the information, and leave it up to her to do this exchange. If Monolith really just wants their people back, they should not care who shows up to do this exchange. If the Mad Dogs not being there angers them, then this whole thing wasn't really about the prisoners."

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 19:10, Sun 07 May 2023.

"While we hash this out, I could go up to the roof, take the NODLR, look for the mortar position. If we can find it, we could try to capture a prisoner, see what he can tell us about what Brozek is really up to."

-
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Mon 08 May 2023.

”Right.” Kessler announces. They haven’t reached any concrete decisions but enough has been floated to give him something to work with. And time is something that he doesn’t have an infinite amount of.

”Unless Nowak refuses point blank to hand over the prisoners she’s holding I’m going to tell Brozek that the exchange is on. If circumstances change between now and dawn so be it. But that buys us time to try and find out what’s going on. a lot of time, relatively speaking.”

“Varis, your points are well taken. I am not trusting Brozek. However whether I like it or not I cannot just hand this over to Nowak and make it her problem.” Letting Nowak deal with Barkas is one thing. But asking her to handle this as well is not something that sits well with Kessler.  ‘Hey, we think this may be a trap, so can you deal with it?’ isn’t a good optic. ”However I will ask her to make it a joint operation and give us some troops.” They’d need them if they had to wrangle eleven prisoners as well as deal with all that went in to making the site as secure as possible.

”Per, sure, you can use the NODLR to sweep the ground. Take Marta with you as another pair of eyes. There’s a lot of places that they could have put it though. And it doesn’t have to have line of sight of the kaserne. But the spotter does. And he needs to be in radio contact with the mortar team to call the fire.

So, logically, even if the mortar is a couple of klicks away there has to be someone nearby watching us. And someone using a radio is going to stand out. Ferro, Babicevs, Voight, I want the three of you to take a walk outside the wire. Take Aleksandar and Auttenberg as well. They know the ground.”

Use the back door that Ferro mentioned to slip out and check the ground around the compound. If you see anyone ask them if they’ve seen anything suspicious, a man with a radio. Take some of the canned food that we have in stores. We’ll pay for information with food. I’ll any with gold for anyone that gives us solid intel on the spotter or the mortar. Take a gold bullet with you so they know it’s not bullshit.

Per, Ferro, stay in touch with each other. Per, you can give them overwatch when you have eyes on them.”

He tosses back the last of the coffee in the Papal mug, makes a face for its stone cold. ”Mr Ward, if you don’t mind I’d prefer you stayed with us for the moment.” That’s not really a request. Maybe Kessler should have restricted access to this meeting. Put it down to sleep deprivation. But stable doors and all that…”Once all of this has been dealt with we can give you a ride to wherever you need to go in the morning. Mr Walsh can help you with anything that you need.”

Putting the mug down he looks over at Rodriguez. ”Jose, do you need to rest or can you handle light duties? Everyone else, any questions before I go speak with Captain Nowak?”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Mon 08 May 2023.

Jose sits quietly through most of the meeting, considering the group's options and possible outcomes. It can be a little tough to hear out of his left ear at the moment due to the layers of gauze packed in and around it. For a moment, his mind goes to a movie that had come out when he was just a little kid. The Warriors. He always loved that one. He kept thinking about how if the Mad Dogs went to this cemetery, would they have to fight their way back to their home turf? Across a whole city of people looking to kill them? Even though it didn't make sense given the tide of the ongoing civil war in the city, he couldn't shake the thought. He decides to take the intrusive thought as a bad omen.

"I agree with what's been said already. Everything about this trade feels off to me. Brozek didn't have to mortar us but he did, even given the shared history there. He's trying to antagonize us. And we are the 'Mad Dogs' after all. Maybe he figures that we'll go chasing after him, when getting us away from the compound is exactly what he wants."



Jose's initially almost offended by Kessler's suggestion that he's out of the fight, his machismo instinctually rising to the surface, before he tamps it back down, knowing the Captain was only looking out for his well-being. "I can manage light duties for now sir. I ain't no punk. Maybe I can help look after the compound and the civvies."

Walsh doesn’t offer any verbal response to Ward’s quietly spoken revelation, figuring that it was the dude’s private business so he might not want it advertised, instead simply nods, offers the guy a fist bump.

Any further discussion on the matter can wait until a more appropriate time and place, for the briefing is still going on, and when Kessler mentions Ward hanging around the American can’t resist looking over at his countryman and grinning. ”Welcome to the Hotel California.” He’s sure Ward will get the joke.

Once the meeting breaks up, Per makes eye contact with Marta, cocks his head towards the door to invite her along. The pair makes its way to the armory, where the NODLR is stored when not in use.

"Have you used this thing before?" the Dane asks, poking at a vague recollection to see if it has any life.

"When we get up to the roof, we need to keep low as we can, try not to be seen. Brozek probably has people watching the compound; hopefully, they don't have night vision devices."

When they reach the hatch opening on to the roof, Per warns, "The roof is probably damaged from the mortaring so we'll move slowly, feel our way to a safe spot- no lights. I've got a feeling the Monolith OP- observation post- is across the river, on the north bank, so we'll start there." He doesn't want the Polish woman to feel like he's being pedantic or bossing her around. He's not sure what to say, though, so he awkwardly asks, "How does that all sound?"

-
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Tue 09 May 2023.

As the briefing comes to a close, Jose goes and sits down on a cot close to Walsh. It's only been a few weeks since he joined the Mad Dogs, but given everything that had happened it felt like years. Out of everyone in the unit, Walsh was one of the members he felt like he knew the least; surprising, given their shared country of origin. Walsh had always struck him as that smart veteran that units always had, the guy that always had some kind of side hustle going on. He felt terrible about Walsh's injuries, but he was happy to see him moving around again. Even still, this is one of the first chances he's had to check in since the engagement at the firehouse a few days earlier.

"Hey, Walsh. Good to see you up and about, dude. I was worried those asshole Germans had punched your ticket. How are you feeling?"

Jose then introduces himself to Ward, a slight Mexican accent coloring his words.

"Another American, ehh? Welcome. Happy to have you join us, even if it's only til you cut loose. Where you from, man?"

After the meeting breaks and has no questions, Hank will walk over to Ferro & Varis, "What do you need me to get ready?"

Ward was still conflicted about trying to make it back across town at o'dark thirty, even after the somewhat cathartic act of getting it off his chest and the ensuing fist bump.  That feeling didn't last however, because the German leader of the Mad Dogs's tone told him it was no longer as decision point for him.

"Solid copy, thanks," Jake replied in an inscrutable tone.  The medic turned his attention back to Walsh after the briefing.

"Very funny.  You know I saw them back in '94 in Hersheypark while on leave.  We need more of that shit in this world and less of whatever the hell is happening tonight."

Ward was just about to say some very disparaging things about the city of Gdańsk, Poland and it's worthiness in respect to the current conflict, when Jose introduced himself.

"Thanks, Jake Ward," the medic said, offering a hand.  "From, Pittsburg, PA originally.  Nowe Ogrody of late, though not for long.  It's kind of ironic, but I was out on ulica Długa street looking for a guest room when all this shit started," Jake just shook his head at the last part.

"Anyway, I appreciate your team's hospitality.  Especially since we survived that spate of incoming..."

”Tak. Is OK.” Marta replies to Per’s instructions with a nod. Her newly acquired AK is slung over her shoulder. ”I mean, sounds good. Apart from part about keeping low and not being seen. You think this Monolith have snipers watching us?”

She looks at the hatch. ”I remember before the bombs. When we still had TV, the news did story about NATO snipers. How they would shoot old women and kids.” Her tone is almost indifferent. The fact that the man that she is talking to is a NATO sniper doesn’t seem to be of any great significance to her, it’s just something that she was on TV. A lifetime ago. ”Did I tell you that my friend is sniper now? Oliwia? My neighbour from Mikoszewo. She fights for Nowak. Maybe we work together. That would be good, yes?”

There’s a shake of the head then as she looks at the NODLR. ”I never used that thing. I watched the American use it. The one that got killed the other night. Don’t know his name.”

“So we look for someone that is looking at us? What do we do if we see them? Kill them?”

”Makes ya think doesn’t it…” Walsh offers to Jake. ”Like, what are all those guys doing now? Assuming they survived that is. Like Springsteen, Billy Joel, guys like that. Billy might have got that one a bit wrong though, we sure as fuck started a fire, a big one."

Turning to Jose when the latter joins the gathering, Walsh just grins. ”Yeah, I’ve been better dude but I guess I’m not dead yet. How about you? You look bit beaten up. I guess us three get to stay behind and look after the Doctors and nurses while everyone else gets to go out again. Well, you two are. I don’t reckon I’m in much state to move far from this cot.”

Turning back to Jake, he can’t help but chuckle. ”Yeah, fucking helluva time to be looking for somewhere to stay man. You should speak to Kessler. Like maybe not right now, but once things have calmed down a bit. Which will probably be around next Thanksgiving.”

He looks over at Rodriguez again. ”What do you think Jose? Jake and his lady could probably bunk down over at the school house.”

"Well if you are volunteering, you can go collect the canned goods Captain Kessler told us to bring. And something to put them in of course." Ferro answers.

Ferro then gives Chris a lazy thumbs up 'see ya' and goes over to her own cot. She finds a spare sock. It'll be used to put the gold bullet in and rolled up. Safer than just going loose in her pocket where it could tumble out easily. She then throws on her combat gear and body armor, and takes the SMG. The bullet is gathered next and put into the sock.

Lastly, Ferro goes outside to round up Aleksandar and Auttenberg. She'll also be sure to speak to Fox or Fischer, whichever of the two is currently supervising the security detail. If Alex or Piotr are on duty then they'll need to be properly replaced before leaving and she'll leave that to the relevant Sergeant. Ferro will also make sure the two Polish fellows are dressed appropriately for the wet weather.

(When everyone is ready and assembled outside:)
"Figure after we go out through the back door we move directly on the Fire Station. Check it. Then cut through the scrap yard to the Calypso factory. The roof is flat and has good elevation, and we know one enemy of ours were once going to use it to ambush us, so that's a definite location we need to clear." Ferro suggests.

"After that we can cut over to the school and take a look. On the way there are some apartment buildings with people probably living in them, but I'd rather skip that for the time being, and just go to the school."

"...and then head home." Ferro concludes. She then pauses to let it sink in and then holds out her hands and asks the group "Good? No good?"

If all is well, Ferro attaches her night vision goggles to her helmet and turns them on. She then removes her radio handset and toggles the button. "Viking. Ferro. Radio check." Once comms are confirmed she makes a mental note to stop at the CP again to tell whoever is on duty to change frequencies.

Ferro then makes for the bridge exit.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Tue 09 May 2023.

"Snipers? Maybe. But they're definitely watching the compound. Someone had to direct that mortar barrage. I'm hoping that they don't have the same night vision capabilities that we have."



The Danish marksman has never targeted civilians before, but other NATO snipers undoubtedly have. Marta's first statement didn't feel accusatory, but saying nothing might leave the wrong impression, so Per explains, "I'm not that kind of sniper. I only shoot bad guys. As for your friend, we could always use another skilled shooter."



"It's pretty simple to operate. I'll show you how." If Marta can work the NODLR, Per can use his SIMRAD scope. Two pairs of technologically-enhanced night eyes is better than one.



"Correct. If we spot someone, we'll let Ferro's patrol know. Cover them while they try to capture a prisoner, probably." Hopefully I don't have to shoot anyone tonight.



"Viking copies, Ferro," Per replies. "Let us know what your patrol route is and we'll sweep the first leg with the NODLR. After that, we'll take a look at the north bank. Over."

-
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Wed 10 May 2023.

Jose shakes the offered hand. "East L.A. by way of the 8th." He's fairly certain the other man had already placed him just based on his accent and mannerisms. Not many locales offered a Mexican accent along with colloquialisms like "dude".



"Mierda. Shit, man. I feel like shit. Hah!" Jose barks out the laugh, then winces at the accompanying movement of his face. He gingerly presses his palm to the bandaged side, wondering how it's going to look once the bandage comes off. "No more beauty contests for sure now, ehh? But I'll be okay I think." He briefly reflects on his short time with the unit. "I swear, you gringos know how to party. Just in the past few weeks I've been shot, stabbed, and blown up twice. How much longer you got stay put?"



Jose turns back to Jake, "Yeah man, the school house would be a good place for you to shack up. I'd say if you know how to shoot then you should maybe ask the Captain about joining up, but..." Jose uses his hands to present both his face and just all of Walsh, "...but maybe only if you also like to get hurt. Hah!" Another barked laugh and wince.

The meeting having broken up, Kessler finds himself looking at Karolina Schleicher. The West German is torn as to what to do with his countrywoman from the East. He probably should lock her up again. But then what happens if it all kicks off later and they come under attack?

He decides to do nothing for the moment, kick the can down the road so to speak, puts his mug down and gives a signal with his head to indicate that the East German should come with him as he walks through to the radio room, where he nods to Lutz. ”Do machst Hauptmann Woermann darüber informieren, was vor sich geht. Warten du lieber, bis ich mit Nowak gesprochen habe, dann kannst du ihm die ganze Geschichte erzählen” It’s his way of telling Lutz that he’s not trying to hide anything from them. He then looks over at Schleicher. ”Ich bringe dich zurück in dein Zimmer, nachdem ich mit Nowak gesprochen habe. Wenn es am Morgen etwas ruhiger ist, werden wir versuchen, etwas Bequemeres für die Zukunft zu finden, ja?” That way Lutz will be able to talk to Woermann in private.

Sitting down, Kessler then reaches for the handset that will let him speak to the Zorya. ”This is Kessler. I need to speak with Nowak. Urgently.”

Once he’s got the Pirate Captain on the other end of the radio, he’ll get into it with the minimum of preamble. ”A couple of things I need to talk to you about. One, Doctor Tymoshenko has asked for an urgent resupply of medical equipment. I have nothing left here to give her but if you have anything you can spare that would be appreciated.”

Get the little favour out of the way first. Then…”Another thing. I spoke with Brozek of Monolith about half an hour ago. After he dropped a few mortar bombs on our head to get our attention. It’s OK, no one died. Luckily. He wants to do a prisoner exchange. He says that Kowalczyk is holding Piszczek and other high value prisoners. Brozek is willing to trade them for eleven of his troops that you have captured. Monolith men. Some taken at the distillery, some on Olowianka Island. He’s proposing an exchange at dawn at the Cemetery for Soviet Liberators. We can make the trade. Or we can try and out manoeuvre him. But you have the prisoners so I need your buy in. And I don’t have enough men to pick a fight with Brozek. I’d need some help. From either Osprey or Waterloo. Over.”

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You’ll be wanting to brief Hauptmann Woermann about what’s going on. May as well wait until I’ve spoken with Nowak, that way you can give him the whole story

I’ll take you back to your room after I speak with Nowak. In the morning if things are a bit calmer we’ll try and work out something more comfortable going forward, OK?

---

This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Wed 10 May 2023.

"You have an idea of how many cans?  A dozen?"
This message was last edited by a game editor at 20:31, Wed 10 May 2023.

"That's probably fine." Ferro answers.

Hank nods, "Roger that Ferro.  Where are we kicking off from?  Back door you said?"  Once he has his answer, he will go to the supply room and pick out (12) different cans of food that they can use to pay for information.  He will stow them in his pack and meet Ferro and Varis.

"This is Zorya, Kessler." a male's voice returns over the speakers. The Hauptmann's request is immediately and sternly denied. "It is not your communications window." Michael notes that, while the submarine's communicator is technically correct, the channel is completely empty of radio chatter. It's also urgent and the request is pressed. "I tell you again, no. Captain Nowak is sleeping."

It goes back and forth like this for a few more bursts of radio transmissions, before the Zoyra's communicator gives in. "Bardzo dobrze, kapitanie." Very well, Kaptain. "Wait. I wake her."



Nowak sounds like she just woke up. It also sounds like she's annoyed for being roused over a supply request. "I will send, yes. And, but..." the coup leader answers, before letting a pause follow. Kessler can probably imagine her dictating the request to whichever underling is next to her. Halina then continues, "No boats out right now. No one on land ready. In the daylight, yes. I will send someone to you with supplies... and wounded. Take both."

Kessler moves on to his second issue, regarding Brozek and the enemy's proposal, and a request for manpower.

"We only have ten now." Nowak replies, referring to the number of Monolith prisoners. She sounds more awake and less agitated with the late night call. No explanation is given as to why there is one less prisoner than before. "Maybe nine by morning." No explanation as to what that means is offered either.

Halina keeps the transmission button depressed on her end. Kessler can hear the Polish woman breathing and then a solid moment where she holds it in. There's little background noise, except for the hum of electrical machinery, which is probably submarine related. Nowak then continues, revealing what she wanted the Mad Dogs for next. "I am moving into the city at daybreak, by land. I wanted your unit to give me road escort."

Kessler hears the airwaves break, as Nowak gives him a chance to respond before saying anything more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:07, Thu 11 May 2023.

The red flag that just waved in Michael Kessler’s head is about as large as the one that the Soviets had hoisted over the Reichstag in 1945. That had been a fake of course, done by the Red Army propagandists after the fighting was over.

”You plan to come in to the City at the same time that Monolith want to do the prisoner exchange. That can’t be a coincidence Halina. Maybe you should wait a few hours. This could be a ruse by the Merchants. How many people know your plans?” Worst case scenario there’s an ambush at the cemetery and Nowak is attacked as she comes in to the City.

Varis kits up for the patrol. His winter fatigues aren't quite dry yet, so he's stuck with the lighter summer weight Soviet cammies for a few hours more, at least. On the bright side, the patrol will be sticking close to home, FOB McCarthy's hearth fires stoked and awaiting his return.

Varis puts a pair of freshly charged AA batteries into the Chinese handheld, presses the transmit button.

"This is Emperor to all callsigns. The report from the hospital just arrived. The doctors found the source of the Merchant Union's Herpes outbreak. It is Brozek's mother! That woman is so classless, she is Marxist utopia! Emperor OUT."

Giggling to himself, Varis changes the channel to the new team net frequency and clips the radio to his chest rig. Next, he does a quick function check on his Kalinka NVGs. For this op, the Latvian straps the RPG-18 to his butt pack- better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Everything in order, he rendezvous with Ferro and Voight near the "back gate". Varis feels safer whenever he's working with the Italian- she's hyper competent and always switched on, a true warrior for whom Varis has the utmost respect. For some reason, though, Varis doesn't think Ferro likes him, despite the pair being the longest tenured Mad Dogs. It's probably something he said.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 02:14, Fri 12 May 2023.

"The "back door" is the ledge that goes under the bridge at the rear of the compound." Ferro explains. "I also saw some burlap sacks in the pantry. If you use one of those you can leave your pack. We might get find enemy contact out there." she offers as a suggestion. "Your call though."

Ferro then looks on silently as Varis transmits useless immature radio chatter. She doesn't say anything though because it is on the old frequency. And also because actually kinda funny. A half smirk of amusement is concealed by turning towards the riverside and starting to walk on.

As they trudge through the wet slush, Ferro looks over her shoulder to Alex walking behind her. "Hey. Good work getting Nowak's man to Osprey. Real nice."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Thu 11 May 2023.

After retrieving the NODLR from the storeroom, Per Kolstrup and Marta lug it upstairs and then up the balcony ladder (to the rooftop). It's no easy matter, with the cumbersome device being over twenty-five kilograms and the two having to haul up a wet ladder in pitch darkness. The effort is rather time consuming. Then, to make things worse, after switching on the NODLR and waiting for it warm up, the power dies before any sort of thermal picture is revealed in the eyepiece. The device is either damaged or the battery was never charged.

By this point, the foot patrol has already departed. They exit through the gap which is under the bridge. It's barely two feet wide, with nothing to hold onto, and the Martwa Wisla river steadily and silently flowing by directly below the ledge. The water looks icy and black, and is probably quite deep even here by the shore. The weather hasn't changed from snowing one minute and drizzling rain the next minute. Everyone is bound to finish the circuit of the neighborhood soaked. Visibility is terrible too, whether a NOD is being utilized or not.

Back on the rooftop, Kolstrup observes the northern shoreline across the river with his scope. The weather reduces its usual effectiveness. The Danish NCO scans the grey and blocky looking residential buildings, pausing now and then at the many windows. He knows a good spotter wouldn't be at the windowsill, but further back inside the room. His scope is then angled upwards and a scan of the various rooftops is undertaken. This is easier than the windows, and he's confident the top of the buildings are clear. Marta is given a try. Neither observer spots anything of concern.

Soon, Ferro's whispered voice comes across the radio sets tuned into the new frequency. It's a request for Kolstrup to give the fire station a visual check. At this distance, with the weather how it is, and without the NODLR now, unfortunately there is almost no point.

The patrol quietly visits the fire station. It starts with a walk around the property and then slipping inside. There doesn't seem to be any indication that anyone has been here since the Mad Dogs fought it out with the East German "Pine Tree Detachment". The patrol then exits again and begins walking south, zig zagging a little through the old junkyard. They note that the once snowy ground, which is good for leaving footprints, has melted and turned into slush to the point of erasing such signs. Ahead, the big Calypso Ice Cream factory slowly looms into view. It's faded and mostly flaked away, but one can almost make out the giant walrus logo painted on the side of the building. The patrol walks around the external office and warehouse, and then moves into the big concrete factory itself. Several minutes are spent around giant vats, machinery, freezers, and conveyor belts. The patrol even finds access to the roof.

While standing up on the Calypso's expansive and high-up rooftop, the patrol hears the sound of a motor vehicle. It's somewhere south(ish) but there's no line of sight. There are either buildings blocking the view or it's simply the weather concealing the source. The sound indicates that the vehicle is moving but you can't tell in which direction. Sometimes the engine revs, sometimes a lot as if it's tires are struggling with the slush. The sound then quiets down to the point of the gentle wind masking it altogether. Perhaps the vehicle stopped and is idling, or turned off its engine, you can't tell which. Lastly, whatever or whoever it is, the unseen vehicle is well outside of the patrol's expected route.

Ferro glances down to make sure she is not too close to the edge. She doesn't want a bit of ice or water to cause a slip that sends her to the ground. Her head then rises again and she peers southward for a moment before turning to her teammates. "What do you want to do?" Ferro asks. Her head then pivots back towards the desolate neighborhood to the south, but she turns it a little in an effort to hear better. "I'm inclined to think that a spotter or surveillance team isn't out there driving around." Ferro says of her own opinion. She's curious but maybe not enough to risk a firefight over something that's probably outside of their purpose for being out here.

While Ferro gives her teammates a chance to voice interest in investigating or not, she radios it in. "Viking. Ferro. We just cleared the ice cream factory. All clear so far but we heard a vehicle to the south. Not close. We're deciding on next action so I will get back to you in a minute. Over."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Thu 11 May 2023.

After getting some dry clothing, batteries for his radio, and the canned goods. Hank moves out with Ferro and Varis into the night.  When they stop and hear the vehicle, he will respond, "I'd agree with that.  They might be dropping off or picking up spotters or security."

While Marta takes a turn on the SIMRAD scope, Per flashes a scowl at the troublesome NODLR. He's angry at himself more than with the inanimate device. If he'd thought to check the battery before taking it out of the storeroom, he wouldn't have to lug the cumbersome device back down the rain-slicked ladder when the job was done.

"Dumt stykke lort."



"Viking copies. Standing by," Per replies. For Marta's benefit (being as the Dane's WTO-issued radio is plugged into a set of earphones), he relays the patrol SITREP.

"That was Ferro. They heard a vehicle away to the south, past the ice cream factory. Let's take another look."

Per crab-walks, crawls, executes whatever motive function necessary to reach a relatively safe vantage point from which he can survey the southern arc with the SIMRAD scope. Once settled, he starts a slow sweep from southwest to southeast, looking for any sign of a functioning vehicle, or any sign of a potential observation and/or mortar team.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Fri 12 May 2023.

"Voight makes good point. Who has working car this days? It's probably not local couple out for drive to make baby go to sleep. Maybe vehicle is bringing Monolith OP midnight snack." Remembering a so-annoying-you-can't-help-but-remember-it ad he'd seen on a black market VHS cassette of a couple of movies videotaped off of American Cable TV, Varis adds, "Avoid the Noid! Domino's Pizza delivers."

He leans over the ledge, spits, imagines slipping, following it down, breaking his neck. He takes a big step back, shivers.

"Anyways, it's too fucking cold for ice cream," Varis muses, trying to break the tension a bit. "We could try talking to the neighbors, but even Varis wouldn't open the door if we three showed up at his door in the middle of the night without invitation."

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 05:05, Fri 12 May 2023.

"I still think it's unrelated." Ferro reiterates quietly. The Mad Dogs wouldn't normally use a vehicle that way with a covert team so she didn't think Monolith would. And how did they get it across the river? But it was two for and only one against so she was entirely amenable with investigating. "We're moving south." Ferro reports over the radio, getting back to the dialogue she had with Kolstrup.

"We better move fast." Ferro says. She leaves the edge of the roof and hurries to get back inside (and then outside again). To speed things along she digs her flashlight out of her webbing and hands it to Aleksandar. Without night vision they won't be able to see their hands in front of their face without it so it makes sense to let them use it. At least until the patrol leaves the factory building.

When the patrol gets out Ferro will suggest going due south and keeping between familiar Siennicka Road and whatever side road is to the west of it. She's open to alternative routes though. Ferro will also move quickly at an easy jog or thereabouts.

Kessler hears the airwaves crackle and the hiss of static is replaced with the gentler hum of the unseen machinery which surrounds Nowak. She's depressing the transmit button without speaking. It lasts for a solid moment before something is spoken. "Some." is the coup leader's monotoned answer.

There's another pause filled with an unspoken transmission. This time there's also the scratch of a lighter sparking up a cigarette and one or two people in the background murmuring quietly. "A ruse. You think there is no prisoner trade?" Halina eventually asks. Michael can tell from her voice that she herself probably doubts it.

"Muszę szybko jechać do Gdańska." I need to get into Gdansk soon. Her tone stresses the words.

"If you say ruse, what do you think we do?" Nowak transmits next. "Mam na myśli nic nie robienie?" I mean apart from doing nothing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Fri 12 May 2023.

Hank stifles a laugh at Varis' Domino's comment.  "Shit, I haven't heard that in years.  You have them over here too Varis?"

Hank refocuses on the patrol and follows Ferro and the others out.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 15:50, Sat 13 May 2023.

The pause at Kessler’s end is a match for the one that came from the Zorya a few moments ago as the German Captain contemplates different options before replying.

”That depends.” he says after a moment. ”On what we can find out about Brozek’s plans. We’re working on that at the moment.”

That’s only part of an answer though. The over riding feeling seems to be that the exchange is a set up. Several of the Mad Dogs have said as much. The tone of Nowak’s voice indicates the same. For his part Kessler finds it hard to believe that the fact that Brozek has suggested the transfer take place at more or less the same time that Nowak plans to enter the City can be a coincidence.

Putting two and two together would seem to suggest that the mercenary commander wants the Mad Dogs - and any other Nowak loyalists that might be drafted in to support them - out of the way so that they can’t interfere if Nowak’s column comes under attack.

”For now we should tell Brozek that we agree to the trade.” He sits back, the microphone held in one hand, looking straight ahead as he thinks. ”We’ll come to you at zero four hundred. Brozek will be expecting that. I’ll tell him that we need to collect the prisoners from you. That gives us a couple of hours to work out how to turn this on its head so that we ambush Monolith instead of the other way around. Take one of the MU’s last pieces off the board. When dawn comes they’ll be too busy trying to save themselves to notice that no one turned up at the Cemetery.”

His thoughts turn to Lukasz Piszcek. If Brozek is on the level Kessler might be signing the Polish Priest’s death warrant. But if it’s a double cross they could all end up dead. But Brozek wasn’t an idiot. He had an end game in mind. The question was what? Did he think that killing Nowak would end the coup? Cut the head of the serpent. A stray thought crosses his mind, something he remembered from the time he met Brozek at Monolith’s HQ. ”Brozek was an engineer before he deserted from the Polish Army. If they are planning something there’s a good chance it could involve IED’s.”

“Let’s leave it at that for now. If anything comes up to change the plans I’ll let you know. Otherwise we’ll work up a plan and talk in person in a few hours. Over.”

Marta nods her head, tries to copy the way that Per is moving, keeping as low as she can she she moves across the roof to the southern side. Lacking any vision aid, she can only use her eyes to try and pick out anything that seems out of the ordinary, which feels like a forlorn hope as she looks out into the darkness.

”So yeah…” Walsh nods when Rodriguez finishes rattling off the list of injuries that he’s sustained while with the Mad Dogs. ”The moral of the story is if things do get a bt crazy, make sure you’re not standing close to Jose. Dude is a genuine bullet magnet."

“Anyways, looks like you’re confined to barracks until zero four hundred hours buddy. Although not sure I could actually stop ya from doing anything.” Walsh chuckles darkly, his own bruised and battered state pretty much matching Jose’s. ”I got shot by some Germans. Bad Germans.”

There’s another laugh, which causes his face to contort into a wince ”I mean, there’s a lot of Germans here. These ones were East Germans. They shot me after I climbed through a window. Doc Cassidy - that’s the Irish chick, you seen her? - she assures me that I’ll live. But I'll have worse scars than him.” He points to Rodriguez.

Things have quieted back down at the compound. With the threat of shelling seemingly over for the time being, people start getting back to sleep. It sounds empty and silent out in the main hallway. In the gymnasium, the main lights are turned out, leaving just a table lamp over in the infirmary's corner to illuminate the Mad Dogs' bunk spaces from afar.

Heavy-set Tomasz Andropov is sitting on his cot, not too far from his fellow teammates and Jake Ward, and stuffs some newly laundered clothing into his pack. He chuckles quietly as they talk about scars and wounds. Quietly, but enough to make sure they hear him. He even glances over to see if they're looking. Andropov then zips up the pack, as best as he can with his prosthetic hand, still chuckling. Next, Tomasz stands and starts undressing, getting ready to climb into his sleeping bag. Down to his boxers and undershirt, the big Azeri-German defector pulls up the latter and displays it to the others. The lighting isn't the greatest, but it looks like he has a big elongated scar across his midsection, which resembles a tire track. It might even be from a tank tread. Then without saying more Andropov gets into his sleeping bag and rolls over, with his body weight causing the cot to creak loudly under the strain.

Minutes later, Anna Kowalska, enters the gymnasium. She's small, but a rough looking girl with dark set eyes. If one wanted to insult her and call her 'rat-face' or something to that effect, it wouldn't be far off the mark. She also looks like the type that might also do something about it. Jerzy Brzęczek's 'Number Two' then finds the cot that she's been assigned and sits down. It's a few rows away from the present Mad Dogs and Ward. She's wet from being outside on sentry duty. Then after looking around, her eyes set on Rodriguez. "Why did your commander free that man from before?" Kowalska asks him. She's referring to Zuev, the Siberian in Filip's unit, who was allowed to go his own way once everyone had gotten out of the sewer system. "Everyone know what he do."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:33, Sat 13 May 2023.

"Domino's? Varis wishes. Only commercial on black market American movie tape. But Varis could really go for pizza right now."

Talking about American food is making Varis hungry, and a little sad. He wonders if any Domino's Pizza stores survived nuclear Armageddon. He refocuses on the task at hand: finding the Monolith mortar team/OP.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 17:25, Sat 13 May 2023.

In reply to Fusilier (msg # 46):

Jose continues on with the banter for a few minutes when he hears Andropov chuckling. His eyes go wide as he looks over and sees the massive scar across the Azeri's midsection. It seems that everyone had their war stories to share, or not, as the case may be.



Jose gives the newcomer an odd look. "Aye, did we? I don't seem to recall anyone mentioning to Kessler or the Mad Dogs what he had done, yeah?" Somewhat more exasperatedly than he intends, he continues, "If he was that bad, why didn't you shoot him in the back as he was leaving, then?" Jose gives a deep sigh this time, trying to find some measure of patience, before finally adding, "What should we have done, huh?"

Halina Nowak accepts Kessler's proposed course of action. "Dobra, zrobimy to w ten sposób." Alright, we'll do it that way.

"Signing off."

Upon exiting the Calypso Factory, Ferro proposes heading due south. A continuous line of rowhouses, over 200m long from north to south, shaped like a backwards "L" breaks LOS from any observer who may be on Siennicka Road or anywhere east of it. All of the residences show varying degrees of fire damage, with many of them impenetrable. None appear occupied. The structure remains on the patrol's left as they move from one end of it all the way to the bottom. On their right, are a mix of overgrown vacant lots, rotting storage units, and, further out, some old looking industrial building. Ferro keeps the small unit moving at a trot during this stretch.

The patrol reaches the base of the backward "L". Even at their energetic pace, it's taken them almost two minutes to cover the distance. Voight stumbled in one of the rough and slush-filled lots. His knee hurts but it isn't too bad. Nothing was seen or heard.

Next, the patrol briefly turns and heads west, following the rowhouses. When they finally reach the final residence, the LOS opens up to the south to what is very familiar ground. If you've ever driven into the city from the Mad Dogs' compound, you would come this way. The large intersection which connects Siennicka Road with the important 501 Highway is here. It's mostly open ground, although there are a couple distinct features.

- First, the 501 has become an elevated roadway here. It's about the same height as a two story building and there are evenly spaced concrete supports.

- Second, there's a pile of rubble and partly standing ruins, close to where the 501 goes from W-E to N-S (or the opposite if you're heading in the other direction). It was once a centuries old structure, part of the historic city defenses, but the presence of sandbags mixed in with the rubble suggest that it also served a military purpose in the last war too. There's nothing left of it now, aside from being a physical feature (a heap of broken brick).

- Third, beyond the intersection and further south, is a medium sized factory and an open area, with the elevated 501 dividing them. The open area is actually a parking zone for Gdansk's open air stadium (further south still).

Map: https://i.ibb.co/vV5y8Lc/map-2.jpg
Note, none of the trees exist

Weather conditions remain the same as before.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:58, Mon 15 May 2023.

"Could observer see Kaminski's from that tall road?" Varis asks pointing at the elevated roadway. He glances back at the row houses the patrol has just passed. "Or do those apartments block LOS?" The OP hunt is starting to seem like a wild goose chase, but the vehicle engine they'd heard earlier seems too out of place, given the circumstances, to have been an unrelated coincidence. Varis double-checks the ground looking for any sign of tire tracks.

-
This message had punctuation tweaked by a game editor at 19:18, Wed 17 May 2023.

"I don't think line of sight matters this far out." Ferro answers. "Look how dark it is. The snow and rain I mean. Around here you probably can't even see halfway to the compound from no matter how high up you go."

Ferro gently presses her shoulder against the side of the building and lets it take some of the weight. Her head moves slowly from one side to the other as she observes what's before them. "We could split up. Two go forward and three go left. Meet back in ten or something." she suggests.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Wed 17 May 2023.

"That is good point," Varis replies, referring to Ferro's assessment of the current visibility conditions. "Maybe we have gone too far from compound. But that car we heard- it still bothers Varis. Yes, let us split up and meet back here in 10 minutes. If we have not found sign of car or Monolith by then, we should head back to Kaminski's. That OP probably is not even on this side of river!" Varis' frustration with the situation is starting to show.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 22:55, Wed 17 May 2023.

Ferro stops observing and glances to the others positioned behind them. "I'll take Alex and Auttenberg." she suggests further. She then motions back in the direction the patrol was originally heading. Her outstretched arm wavers between the ruin in the middle of the open and the big bend in the elevated highway. "We'll go straight. Unless you want it instead."

Ferro gives Varis a chance to agree or disagree and for the others to get a handle on what is happening. She uses the time to update Kolstrup. "Viking. We are at Siennicki and the Five Zero One route. Nothing seen. Proceeding south and ...east... to cover more ground." On the mention of "east" she pauses and glances at Varis for confirmation.

Assuming no changes > Ferro eases back to the two Polish Mad Dogs. "We're going ahead... ok?" She then motions for them to move up closer to where she and Varis had stopped. This way the two of them can hopefully get a visual idea of what she says next. "Across the road right in front of us, see? To the ruin. We all move together." Ferro then pauses and looks for nods or other forms of acknowledgement. "At the ruin we get into cover, listen, look, and if we have to we see if we can go a little further. We are looking for a vehicle. All good? Wszystko dobrze?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Wed 17 May 2023.

"Yeah, I'll agree with you there Ferro.  They'd have to be much closer in this weather.

I think ten minutes is a little quick.  Would another five or ten minutes make a difference?"

When the time to move is ready, Voight will look to Varis, "You want me to take point?"

"We shouldn't be separated too much, in case either team runs into Monolith or MU or whatever," Varis opines.



"Varis appreciates offer, but it's the middle of the night- how are you going to see in the dark*? Varis will take point, be our eyes; Voight will be our ears."

The Latvian will take point, leading the pair on a roughly easterly course. He wants to cover as much ground as possible before heading back to rendezvous with Ferro, but without sacrificing caution. If Monolith is out here, Varis wants to make sure to detect them before they detect him.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 21:04, Thu 18 May 2023.

Hank nods and shrugs his shoulders, "Copy that."

He taps Varis on the shoulder for him to lead on.  "Still looking to get a pair from some mook who don't need them anymore."

Hank unfolds the stock on his AKMR and follows closely to Varis without crowding.  He will try and focus on sounds since he doesn't have any NOD capacity.

Anna Kowalska raises both eyebrows, and replies in a matter of fact tone as Jose's initial question is dismissed. "I was too fucked up to do anything." Her expression reverts back to normal. There's a slight shrug and a equally subtle shaking of her head as the LOD operative offers alternatives to letting Zuev walk, "Dead. Or prisoner. Or prisoner. Not walk away. He betrayed Nowak and everybody in this room."

"You think Nowak let someone betray her and just, what, go home?" Kowlaska asks, while making an incredulous gesture with her hand.

At that point, Dipesh's disembodied voice comes from another cot somewhere in the cluttered and dimly lit room. "C'mon... easy." he says softly. The Indian then lifts his head up a little, revealing his position among the several rows of bunk spaces. Not liking the tension that is starting to build, he appeals for an end of it. "C'mon...

Dipesh then lowers his head again but he isn't finished trying to improve the mood. He mimics a woman's voice. "The name's Nowak. Halina Nowak. And I come before you good people tonight with an idea. Probably the greatest... Aww, it's not for you. It's more of a Malbork idea."

His voice changes to that of a male, but not his own, "Now wait just a minute! We're twice as smart as the people of Malbork. You just tell us your idea and we'll go for it!"

Dipesh returns to Nowak's impersonation. "All right..." he says, before raising his hand and sweeping it dramatically across the air above him. "I give you the Gdansk Nuclear Submarine!" "Her" tone then quickens for what's supposed to be a well rehearsed salesperson's speech, "I've brought nuclear submarines to Kolbudy, Nowe, and Kąty Rybackie, and by gum I've put them on the map!"

Once Dipesh's pop-culture reference ends, he waits for a moment before lifting his head a little to assesses the responses from his audience. His head then lowers back down and a quiet explanation is given for the benefit to anyone who didn't get the little skit. "The Simpsons."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:31, Thu 18 May 2023.

In reply to Fusilier (msg # 57):

Jose crinkles his brow in disbelief at Anna's response, then winces in pain. His face hurts. He's tired. Did this newcomer think the Mad Dogs weren't fucked up as well? Everyone was fucked up these days. The world was fucked up. The man that Kessler had let go was probably a monster. But wasn't it okay to let a monster go if it meant getting some innocents to safety?

Jose checks himself and reflects. This didn't sound like him. Normally he would have been all about getting revenge, at any cost. Is this what it was like getting older? Having your priorities shift like this. He wondered if it meant he was losing his edge.

When Dipesh gives his spiel, Jose just nods and lays back down on his cot. He appreciates the man's attempt to bring some levity, but despite knowing The Simpsons was a cartoon show, he didn't clock the reference.

Ward couldn't understand what was happening between Pani Anna and Pan Rodriguez, but that wasn't anything new.  Jake was pretty clueless about a lot of the events this night.  Still, Jose seemed genuine enough.  Which was also his impression of most Poles, like Anna.

Jake was back to square one.  He sighed, shrugged to himself, and nodded sympathetically to both at appropriate times.

Aleksandar flashes a thumbs up.

The semi-blind Piotr whispers back a confident sounding, "Wszystko dobrze."

Ferro and the two Polish fighters leave their other teammates. They move swiftly together across the snow and slush covered roadway. The Italian glances west, down the broad and twin laned avenue, but sees nothing beyond dark ruins and ongoing precipitation. Seconds later, the team reaches the blasted fortification. The ground is dotted with broken masonry and debris, which Auttenberg stumbles over, albeit without making much noise. Aleks pauses to help him up. Ferro skirts around the edge of the ruin, climbing over a collapsed wall that's blocked up where a door used to be. There's no roof. It's just a lopsided mound of broken stone with a few columns sticking up. The Italian's teammates appear behind her. Then with everyone "inside" they start getting oriented to their new vantage point.

Shortly after being left alone, Varis and Voight round the corner of the apartment buildings and begin heading east. They move slow, sticking close to the building for as long as possible. After 50m however, they've reach the end and proceed into open ground. Siennicka's twin roadway and the tram line between them is encountered next. They cross each one in succession, with Babicevs' NOD revealing what used to be an urban greenspace up ahead. All of the trees are gone, but the stumps remain. There also used to be an iron barred fence surrounding the park, but there are only concrete posts which are left. Beyond the park is another long row of connected residential buildings. Varis intends to stop there. Even with terrible visibility, the apartments appear to be in even rougher shape than the one that was passed earlier. The two Mad Dogs then reach the deforested and snow covered city park...

A vehicle engine starts up. "Caught" in the open, Varis and Henry instinctively go to ground, sliding into the slush as they adopt low profiles as rapidly as possible. Positioned as lead, the Latvian is close enough to a rotting tree stump that he's able to use what's left of his momentum to roll behind it in the same action. Both men are quite wet. The unseen vehicle idles for another moment. Varis and Voight sense that it's on their right, south of them, and judging by the sound it can't be very far from them at all. The two Mad Dogs peer into the darkness and drizzle for a sign. Nothing is seen at first. The idling motor then shifts in tone and it sounds like it's starting to move, perhaps slowly.

Babicevs overlooked it on his first scan, but with the vehicle now in motion it's easier for him to separate from the other objects in view. It's up, up on the elevated roadway. The angle and the presence of a mostly solid safety barrier blocks most of the LOS (he can see the top of the vehicle only). It looks like the vehicle is oriented east and reversing west, slowly, from where the roadway starts ramping downward (or upward in the opposite direction). The shape of it, at least the part which is visible, seems boxy, so it might be a van of some kind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:56, Sun 28 May 2023.

Varis briefly considers launching a grenade at the van but, despite his suspicions, he doesn't know who's driving it. Although not likely, it could be carting civilians. He quickly orients himself and Pamela so that he can take a shot at the receding vehicle if it becomes necessary, and activates his handheld radio.

"Ferro, there is van on tall road south of us, moving west. Varis can't I.D. it. Over."

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 16:39, Thu 25 May 2023.

After hitting the ground and getting himself wet (again!!!), Hank remains in a prone position with his body and AKMR pointing in the direction of the vehicle.  He waits to hear any reply from Varis or Ferro's call.

Ferro clambers over some of the shattered brick and snow to try an get a better view. "Not seen. Where on the road?" she reports back.

She then turns her head and makes an exaggerated wave to get her two companions' attention. "Somewhere up on that road." she tells them just as quickly. It's meant as an effort to give them a heads up, assuming there's a way to see the vehicle from this position.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Thu 25 May 2023.

Varis isn't sure how to be any more specific. "On the tall road, south of us, moving west," he reiterates lamely. He thinks to add, "Varis is about 50 meters east of where we split up."

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 17:46, Thu 25 May 2023.

"Not seen. No line of sight, probably." Ferro transmits back. She glances to her left and right to ensure that Alek and Piotr also have nothing. If not, she points to where the road curves and heads west and away from them. "Over there... up there."

His business on the radio over for the moment, Kessler walks into the dorm area just in time to catch the end of what Dipesh was saying. A year living in Arizona left the German officer with a basic knowledge of the programme, even if he hadn’t watched the dubbed version, Die Simpsons, on ZDF before the War.

The specific reference is lost on him though and for a moment he wonders if Dipesh is actually being serious and Nowak had tried to recruit support in various other places before settling on Danzig. That made no sense though. The Mad Dogs and been to Kąty Rybackie. Establishing herself as its ruler didn’t seem to align with the Polish woman’s ambition.

”OK, as far as Monolith are concerned, the prisoner exchange is still on.” he announces to those present. ”But the smart money is that it’s a diversion at best, a trap at worst so we’re rolling to the submarine at zero four hundred. I’ll do a full briefing at zero three thirty. Until then I suggest everyone tries to get some rest.”

He looks around the various faces. ”Any questions?”

Per picks up the back-and-forth between Babicevs and Ferro over the team net. Under the present atmospheric conditions, the van or whatever kind of vehicle they're going on about is probably too far away from Kaminski's rooftop to see with Ragnar's optics, but Per takes a look anyway.

-

”Should we put a….what do you call it, a light in the sky? Should we put one of them up?” Marta asks Per in an effort to be helpful, neither knowing whether they have the means to launch a flare or whether it would be effective even if they did. She just knows that when they were attacked the other night the enemy were doing it to them.

The unidentified van up on the elevated roadway continues to slowly reverse. Varis is the only one who can make out it's boxy roof, which is all that's visible above the concrete safety barriers. Everyone else can only hear it, with darkness and now a wet snowfall too much to see through. Ferro gets a thumbs down and a shake of a head from her two Polish teammates. The vehicle then appears to turn tightly, stop, and then go forward again, properly orienting itself instead of driving backwards. The maneuver is done casually and carefully, which may suggest that the occupants are unaware of the Mad Dogs below. They certainly are in a hurry. In moments, Varis loses visual sight of it. The sound of the engine then fades after passing close to Ferro's position at the ruin. And then it's gone.

Over the next several minutes the patrol completes their planned search but nothing comes of it. They walk up the ascending portion of the elevated highway to where the vehicle was. Tracks in the slush indicate that it approached from the south to the point where Varis saw it. It's hard to tell, but the occupants might have briefly dismounted, staying close to the vehicle, before mounting back up. The vehicle then exited the same way that it came in.

The patrol then makes its return to the compound without incident. Everyone's clothing is wet, with Henry and Babicevs in particular. The time is almost 0100hrs. Weather remains the same, shitty.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:04, Sun 28 May 2023.

Cursing and shivering, Varis once again strips down, removing his sodden summer fatigues near the stove (and hanging them to dry), and taking his winter fatigues, which are dry now. After dressing, stowing his fighting kit, and putting his NVG batteries in the recharger, the Latvian finds Walsh.

"How are you doing, my comrade? Varis is sorry he didn't stop by for visit earlier. He has been very busy boy since returning from last mission. Captain Kessler, man... [good-natured chuckle] ... that fucking German never sleeps!" The tone of Varis' voice indicates that his last comment one of respect and grudging admiration, not derision.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 19:28, Mon 29 May 2023.

Earlier...



Per fears coming across as a pedant, but Marta clearly wants to learn, and this seems like a good teaching moment.

"A flare is a good idea, but that overpass is out of range*. Something to know about parachute flares- the kind launched into the air- is that they really only help when they are over what you are trying to see. They actually make everything outside of their illumination range harder to see, by comparison. Shadows are night are even darker. It's like glancing at the sun for a moment, and then trying to see into a dark closet.  Does that make sense?"

*OOC: Per's thinking here of a flare pistol, or 40mm illum round. An 82mm mortar-launched illum round would probably have the range to reach the overpass but, even if Per thought of that, he's not sure the Mad Dogs have any more 82mm illum.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Mon 29 May 2023.

"Patrol in. Signing off." Ferro reports over the radio to let Kolstrup know they're back inside the wire. And that her comms are getting shut down.

Ferro then makes her way to the gymnasium and looks over at Kessler's cot to see if he's still awake. She stops by and updates him. "There was not much to see out there. Literally. The weather is still awful." Her combat gear and a few wet items are shed as she continues. "Not sure if you heard, but where the 501 and Siennicki meet, you know, where there is a section of raised highway, there was some sort of motor vehicle. A van maybe. It drove into the area, stayed for a short time, and then left the same way it came in. From the southwest. That's all we got out of it."

Ferro pauses for a second and adds her own personal opinion. "I don't think it had anything to do with us getting hit. It wasn't anywhere near a position to see the compound and nobody met the vehicle or departed from it. And it doesn't feel like Monolith." She gives the Captain a look to reinforce the fact that this is all just a thought. Which might be wrong.

"That's it."

A look is given over her shoulder as Aleksandar and Piotr make their entrance. "They did good."

Ferro then asks if anything has happened since they've been gone. When she gets an update on the plan there's no questions to be asked. "Ok then. I'm going to get that hour or two or sleep."

Hank will return with the patrol and go to his bed area.  He strips out of his wet clothing and changes into warm, dry clothes, places them where they can dry, does a quick check of his kit Charge radio battery), then tries to get some rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Thu 01 June 2023.

"OK" Kessler announces when the patrol has all checked back in. "For now the plan is as follows. We are telling Monolith that the exchange is going ahead as planned but we are not going to go through with it. Based on what we know so far we believe that it is a diversion to try and draw us away from other things that may be happening later this morning. I'll brief everyone fully at zero three hundred, so for now try and get some rest and see to any admin needs you have, battery recharging, ammo resupply, anything like that."

If there are no questions from anyone, Kessler will walk back out to the BTR and use its radio to communicate with Monolith at zero one hundred as planned and confirm that the exchange is still on. Then he'll follow his own recommendation and try and get some rest, leaving instructions to be woken at zero two forty five.

Rather than try to do anything productive in the middle of the night, Jose will continue to bed down and rest as much as possible until the morning.

Most everyone turns in, again, hoping to rest up a little more before the 0300hrs timing comes around. For most Mad Dogs this amounts to an hour and a half of sleep, or in some cases even less. Fortunately, the previous rest period is enough to carry over and ensure that nobody is exhausted anymore. Clothing which is hung up to be air-dried does so poorly. The building is barely heated as it is, and now there's also a drafty window in the gymnasium where the shutters have been blasted off their hinges. Batteries continue to be charged however.

The next two hours feel like they go by in no time at all...

0255hrs, December 17th, 2000
Sienna Grobla District, Gdansk
Mixed Precipitation, 1^oC

Shortly before 0300hrs, everyone starts to wake and dress. Michal, the LoSA squad leader, enters the gymnasium and approaches Kessler's bunk, weaving a path around several other cots. The Polish fighter is bundled up for warmth but looks damp from the ongoing weather. "Tu jest łódź." he calmly reports to the officer. There's a boat here. Apparently it's been here for about twenty minutes. Halina Nowak mentioned over the radio that she was sending resupply and wounded to the compound, but in the daylight. Perhaps they're early. Kessler asks if the boat is the planned visit. Michal shakes his head no and explains, Nic nie jest dostarczane, ale jest to ta kobieta z poprzedniej barki ze śmieciami. Nothing is being delivered but it is that woman from before, with the garbage barge. Surely he means Valeska.

Everyone else (required for the upcoming briefing) rises and makes their personal preparations. Others continue to sleep or come and go for the ongoing sentry duties. It's too early for anything to be readily available in the kitchen. And what Kat put out the night before is all gone.

Kessler sits up, swings his legs over the edge of the cot as he runs a hand over his face, trying to rid himself of the lingering vestiges of sleep. The German still feels exhausted as he reaches for his Polish Army jacket and pulls it on. He’s still wearing the rest of his clothes, starts to wriggle into his assault vest as Michal updates him on events.

He’d been expecting Valeska, but not at this hour. So something must be happening. Picking up his rifle, he starts to make his way down to the dock to see what, exactly, is going on.

Ferro rolls off her cot with a groan and quickly dresses. She dons her thick wool sweater and throws over her rain poncho on top. She'll bring her West German parka too (when it's time to go) but it will be kept in the vehicle for when she needs to warm up. Ferro then squats down and pulls the SVD out from under her bunk where it's kept out of the way. She replaces all of the 9mm magazines in her webbing with the stubbier sniper mags for it.

When Ferro realizes that Kessler is stepping out and there might be delay imposed on the briefing, she uses the time to get a some prep work done on the Humvee. First, she goes out and collects the three ammo cans from the vehicle. Two are empty and the third is almost. They'll all be brought inside and refilled with belts of .50cal BMG. Ferro then leaves them on the floor for now and returns to the gymnasium.

Ferro sits and waits for the briefing.

"Wait up, Captain!" Varis calls out, jogging to catch up to Kessler. "That pirate woman is trouble," he says, referring to Valeska. Varis blames her for the loss of his beloved Madge, an ultra rare AK-105/BG-15 combo that had seen the Latvian through dozens of firefights.

-

Per's a bit groggy from waking up. He didn't get nearly enough sleep to make up for the deficit of the last few days of nearly non-stop operations, but he feels a lot better than he did before hitting the rack. After kitting up, he heads back up to the roof to take another look around the neighborhood.

-

Kessler and Varis' eyesights adjust slowly, going from the illuminated interior to the near pitch darkness outside. It's snowing lightly, but the temperature is still at a point where things could easily shift back to rain. The ground, covered with slush, squishes as they walk across the open ground and towards the riverside. Somewhere nearby, but lost in the darkness, are the graves of Riedel, McCarthy, and others. Behind them, Ferro exits the building and heads to the Humvee "Lobo". The Hauptmann is reminded that the Mad Dogs are down to only one functioning Humvee and a semi-functioning BTR-80.

As the two Mad Dogs get closer to the dock area, Michael is met again by the LoSA squad leader who shares his namesake, Michal. "Ostrożnie, jest bardzo ślisko." he advises them as they walk past. Careful, it's very slippery. Visibility right now is bad enough that one doesn't need to worry about snipers across the Martwa Wisla river - rather it's falling into frigid river.

The same awful visibility hinders Kolstrup. The Dane emerges onto the roof and spends a moment observing the approaches to the compound. Flickering snowfall and the lack of moon & starlight reduce his weapon mounted NOD's effectiveness. Nothing is seen, except for the elongated visitor by the water's edge.

Next, Kessler and Varis reach the short concrete and timber pier where, in better times, the compound's original occupants used to launch racing rowboats. Sgt. Fox is present, alone, and quietly standing with a boot resting up on one of the mooring lines that keep Valeska's barge secure. The vessel's large wood-gas generator gives off a dulled hum that's audible out here in the absence of any wind. Muffled voices and the occasional laugh can also be heard on board. "She's waiting, n'said go on aboard below when you get here." Fox informs the Hauptmann without moving.

Moments later, after a walk across the slick deck and down a dripping wet ladder, Kessler and Babicevs are inside the combined engine room & workshop. It's lit by a few small lightbulbs which are spaced out along a wire that's hung horizontally across the back wall. The wood-gas generator provides warmth. Valeska and her small crew are all here, sitting on chairs, a box, overturned buckets, whatever works. Perhaps surprisingly is that Anna is present too. And ever more surprisingly is that the mute (and occasionally psychotic girl) is sitting on Valeska's thigh with a calm, yet blank, look on her face. A bottle and some glasses spread around the sawdust covered floor indicates that there's been some late night, or early morning, drinking going on. The mood is relaxed, despite there are also being a lot of tools and dirty machine parts scattered about. Marek, Valeska's No.2, gives up his overturned bucket for Kessler. His hands are grimy and black. No seating is available for the Latvian.

"Musimy tu trochę posiedzieć, aż do świtu." Valeska tells Michael after welcoming him with a subtle nod. We need to lay up here for a time, until daybreak. I hope. The smuggler then shifts to English and explains there's been a change in plans. A different boat in Halina's small fleet is now handling the delivery of medical supplies and wounded. Valeska's eyes shift down at the scattered tools and parts, before she forms a lazy shrug. "We have problems. The boat."

A gesture from the smuggler is made to one of the other men seated in the room. Kessler then realizes that he's hasn't see him as part of the crew before, or anywhere else for that matter. The fellow looks Middle or East Asian, forty-something, and somewhat unkempt. "He is Reza." Valeska says. She leans down to pick up her glass without dislodging Anna from the girl's comfortable seat on her thigh. "I know Reza from long time ago, a little. He ran with Aleksy Baran's partisans before Aleksy and everyone got shot up. All but Reza, I mean." She finishes off the clear liquid in the glass. "He is'ahh, bomb man, and technical man. Not bad, not bad, you know?" Valeska gestures to the man in question again and then asks Kessler, "Will you take him? Nie mogę go teraz zatrzymać." I can't take him on. "But I, you know, can vouch for him. A good fit."

Meanwhile, back in the gymnasium, the other Mad Dogs rise and prep for the upcoming briefing on what's to come.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:35, Tue 06 June 2023.

Jose slowly creaks his eyes open on his cot, and spends a few minutes staring at the ceiling. He can't remember the last time he had gotten so much sleep. Before the war, surely. He stretches his back out while laying there by flexing his back muscles, wincing at the cut along his ribs. The wound, much like the others, had scabbed over, but there was no reason to risk re-opening it just for a stretch, despite how good that stretch felt at the moment. He was still sore as well, but could tell that the extra sleep had helped.

With that, Jose slowly gets to his feet. He isn't use to staying still for so long. A son of immigrants, laying around felt wrong to him on a fundamental level, even with his injuries. With that, he decides to make himself useful, and gets dressed in his new (to him) civilian clothing. He leaves his weapons and gear at his bunk for the time being, not being in the mood to gear up, particularly when things still felt relatively quiet outside.

Although he hears the call that Valeska has arrived with her barge, Jose decides to leave the meeting to others. It was cold outside, snowing even, and even though he liked the barge-captain, he wasn't in the mood to visit, particularly not with his face all bandaged up. Instead, he starts wandering the halls of the compound. Eventually, he bumps into Katarzyna, herself just struggling to get going, brewing a cup of ersatz coffee in the kitchen. "Hola, Kat. Want some help with the morning work?"

Rodriguez finds the athletic building's corridor unlit and unheated. Pools of water are here and there, brought in by the unending sentry rotation on their boots and clothing. The door to the common room, which has been built up into a sort of recreation space, with books and games, is ajar. Light from an electric lamp escapes into the hall. He peers inside, seeing the couch and most of the floorspace covered with sleeping people, draped in blankets, and personal possessions. The occupants are all from the schoolhouse. A handful of firearms are resting atop the foosball table. Someone's arm then rises up (from where they're lying on the floor) and is held still for a moment as the unidentified person checks their watch. They probably have sentry or generator duty soon. Jose presses on.

Ferro is seen exiting the lockup. She's just filled three big .50cal ammunition cans with belts.

Jose keeps wandering, passing the makeshift prison cell, Kaminski's office, and the shower room, until a gentle sound emitting from the kitchen draws him in. Katarzyna is in there, dimly lit. She's near the stove, itself a makeshift appliance, which crackles softly as the day's fire (for cooking) inside slowly builds. A crude system of pipes is meant to vent smoke outside of the building but there's still a strong whiff of it in the air. Kat notes Jose's entry, but focuses on taking a pot of boiling water from the stove to make herself some ersatz tea. The American offers Majchrzak help.

Kat blows off some of the steam from her mug before answering. "Zwykle otrzymuję pomoc od Ireny lub Łucji." she replies, referencing two of the civilians from the school. I usually get some help from Irena or Lucia. The Polish woman then raises both eyebrows and combines it with a slight rolling of her eyes. "Dziś jednak dla nich za wcześnie." Too early for them today though. Still withholding an actual answer, Majchrzak squints a little as she looks back at the bandaged up Mad Dog. "Bolesny (painful) to look at you." It's said with a hint of sympathy.

Katarzyna nods, finally delivering her answer, and lights a candle from the stove's flames before leading Rodriguez over to the pantry. It appears well stocked. Although that isn't the case if one considers just how many mouths there are to feed on a daily basis now. Kat reinforces the precarious rations situation, "We need more." She then talks at length, too fast for Rodriguez to translate as well as he normally can. It sounds like she's suggesting that he speak to Kessler about the trade deal with Doctor Tymoshenko. When Major McCarthy first negotiated diesel for food, there were a lot less people to feed. Jose then realizes that Kat isn't fully aware of the situation. St. Mary's is a mess and maybe a total loss, Tymoshenko's people are scattered or missing, and there might not be anymore deliveries of food - at all.

"Take that. Two." Majchrzak says, pointing to four 10kg sacks of flour. She starts filling her arms with other ingredients.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:20, Wed 07 June 2023.

Hank will awaken and dress with whatever warm clothes he has left, grab his AKMR, and head up to the roof.  He will low crouch over to Kolstrup.  "What's happening?  Anything good?"

Reza wore tattered and grease stained coveralls. The man's hair and beard were a tangled mess. His face and hands were covered in grease, oil and dirt. He rose offering his seat up and placing his hand over his heart and then offered his grease stained hands to the newcomers with a toothy smile. "Mohammad Nassir. Nice meet you. Most call Mohammad or Mo. On the street, Mo. Only friends say Reza." His accept is clearly Middle Eastern, probably Persian with a hint of Russian influence in his bad English.

He turns to Valeska. "You want fix boat? So, talk friends?"

He turns back to the new comers. "Prefer fix boat.....but make bombs too. You need bombs? Or you need fix? I can do."

He gestures with a shrug to Valeska for himself to get back to work while they talked. He seemed somewhat uncomfortable being talked about.

"Define 'good'," Per answers. "If you mean visibility, no, it's bloody terrible. I can't see more than a couple hundred meters in any direction. Hopefully that means anyone trying to surveil the compound is having the same difficulties."

-
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Wed 07 June 2023.

Kessler throws a quick glance in Valeska’s direction, one perhaps intended to say ‘what’s going on?’ And could in theory extend to Anna before he turns to the newcomer that the Barge Captain says she is willing to vouch for.

”Mo.” The German Captain nods, extends a gloved right hand. ”Captain Michael Kessler, German Army, commanding McCarthy’s Mad Dogs. Good to meet you. This is Sergeant Babicevs.” He thinks that he can hear a trace of Russian in the man’s accent, along with a lot of something else that he doesn’t immediately recognise. Maybe he’s from one of the Asian SSR’s.

They can get into all of that later though. For now he gives Valeska a quick nod. ”No problem. I’ll take him on.Fair warning though, things are likely to get pretty hectic here soon.”

Kessler turns back to the new guy. ”English? Russki?” Once he’s established the best language to communicate in he  beckons with his head towards the compound. ”Welcome to the Mad Dogs. You have gear? A weapon? If you need anything Sergeant Babicevs can help you.” The German looks over to the Latvian. ”Varis, take care of this guy, OK?”

"Я свободно говорю по-русски, но мой родной язык — фарси. Я плохо говорю по-английски." The man says. I am fluent in Russian but my native language is Farsi. I speak bad English. "Hectic? I no know this word. Bad? Yes?" He adds.

Varis gives the new man the once-over, willing himself to suppress a sneer. This Nassir doesn't look like much, but Varis' knows well enough that looks can often be deceiving.

"Варис говорит и по-русски, и по-английски, но он НЕ русский, понимаете? Он латыш." Sergeant Babicevs speaks both Russian and English, but he is NOT Russian, understand? He is Latvian.

He slaps his left pec with the flat of his hand for emphasis. Nationality established, Varis starts asking questions.

"Итак, как вы оказались в Гданьске и где научились делать бомбы?" So, how did you come to be in Gdansk, and where did you learn to make bombs?

-

"Это длинная история, но короткая история в том, что я иммигрировал сюда из Персии много лет назад. Я был механиком и учителем для детей. Потом война 1996 года. Русские заставили меня воевать. Русские всех заставляют воевать, так что Китай, Польша и вот теперь." He says smiling but clearly unhappy with this, This is a long story but short story is that I immigrated here from Persia many years ago. I was mechanic and a teacher for kids. Then war in 1996. Russians made me fight. Russians make everyone fight, so China, Poland and now here. 

He switches to English, "Persia, I go engineering university. So, I know how make things and fix things. When war come, I have work. So make bombs. Fix tanks. Fix boats. Fix trucks. Now make thinks that break things. Yes?"

Varis frowns in sympathy, "Yes, Sgt. Babicevs was also made to fight for Soviet Union. Pig-fucking Russians!" He literally spits into the snow. After wiping his lips on the back of his sleave, he flashes Nassier a comradely smile. "We could use man of your many talents. Come, Varis- that is me- will introduce you to the other Mad Dogs. That is our nickname, for this unit."

Trying to keep a close yet subtle eye on the new man (the Latvian is slow to trust), Varis leads Nassier up to the main building and starts showing him around.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 23:07, Wed 07 June 2023.

"Pig-fucking Russians?! YES! Sergeant?! Sergeant?! Mad Dogs? Is this Angry Dogs? Or Craaaaazy Dogs?" The Persian says very seriously, spitting on the ground like the Sergeant.

Before breaking out in a smile. He grabs his gear on the way out.

"Well shit, I guess that could be good news then.  This is pretty fucked up situation we're in now."
This message was last edited by a game editor at 03:12, Thu 08 June 2023.

In reply to Fusilier (msg # 83):

Jose stares at Kat for a few moments, quickly trying to discern what she's saying. From her tone and the names she says in rapid=fire Polish, he figures she means that the group needs more food. When Tymoshenko is mentioned, he decides to inform the Polish woman about what's been happening the past few days in the city, figuring that with all of the work she's done for the Mad Dogs, she at least deserved to know the truth of what was going on.

"Aye... the city is eating itself apart at the moment. St. Mary's was attacked and the doctors had to flee. There may have been a fire? Tymoshenko and some of her close friends made it out and are staying with us for the moment, but we don't know for how long. It's not over yet, but I think Nowak and her people are in good position. Also, there's likely going to be more people coming here now that we have the doctors with us. I don't know about how many. I don't think anyone else knows anything about it yet either, yeah?"

Hearing about the food situation, he nods, "Si, I'll tell Kessler about the food situation. Especially if we have more people coming, it's only going to make the problem worse." With that, Jose will assist Kat for a few minutes, moving some of the heavier bags of ingredients she needs to make the morning meals. "About the city and Tymoshenko's, maybe keep that to yourself for now, ehh?" Jose gets Kat's attention and makes sure she's looking him in the eyes. "I mean it, Kat. You gotta keep it on the down low, or it could cause a panic with the civvies. Comprende?" After finishing with Kat, he goes to hunt down Kessler, having to wade outside and into the cold afterall, and planning to do what he does when he encounters this kind of problem - give it to an officer along with a suggestion or two, and then follow orders.

Upon finding the Captain, he waits until he can get the Hauptmann's attention. "Sir, I just came from speaking with Kat in the kitchen. She says that we're going to run into problems keeping enough food for everyone soon. No exact time frame on when we might run out, but she's clearly getting worried about it. And if we have a lot more wounded coming, well, that'll make things worse, ehh? Maybe Nowak can send some food too? Also, looking around, civvies are splayed out all over the inside of the club right now, and with everything that's happened, they may be here to stay for a bit. If there are more bodies heading here, space might become an issue too I think. Maybe we can push a number of them back out to the school for now?" Jose shifts around uncomfortably and clearly still in a bit of pain, visibly eager to return indoors.

Still aboard the barge, Kessler inquires if the smuggler has any updates on the situation. "What?" she asks, looking away and pretending not to hear Michael, forcing him to repeat himself while she finishes her drink. She's messing with the German Captain but it's not malicious. Despite the ongoing conflict and there being some sort of serious mechanical issue at hand, the mood on the boat is relaxed and positive. It's almost like a low-key party down here in the engine room.

Valeska eventually explains that she hasn't heard much. Not a lot has happened during the night and her crew have been a out of contact a little. They had to go upriver to help free one of Nowak's boat that ran aground. It took hours. And on the way back they were fired on from the shore, which damaged their vessel. Kessler prods her from more information, learning that the incident occurred past the refinery, outside of the city. So the hostile force could have been from just about anyone, including Soviet troops.

Information passed on:

- Valeska overheard radio chatter between a patrol from Lechia Battalion and some EAFD militia who were in transit to another part of the city. The radio exchange was in regards to the two groups investigating and trying to coordinate a search for an unidentified boat, which was seen north of Ostrow Island. Apparently a light, which may or may not have been related, was seen on shore too. Nothing was found and the search eventually called off due to bad weather.

- A rumor has emerged that a freighter in the harbor, long said to house PACT prisoners since the summer fighting, was being tapped for fighters willing to fight for the Merchant Union. Prisoners were offered amnesty in exchange for 24 hours of fighting. The rumor has conflicting details on the results. Valeska points out that captured members of the Armenia Company may possibly be mistaken for these released prisoners, further muddying any truth to the rumor.

Minutes later, and everyone who stepped out is back in the gymnasium. This includes Nassir, who quickly learns that the building, a former athletic club, has actual electricity and even a little heating. The gymnasium has been turned into sleeping quarters, with cots arrayed in a mostly grid-shaped pattern. In one corner though, the bunks have all been pushed aside to make room for what appears to be a makeshift, and very hastily set up, infirmary. There's a fair amount of blood splattered on the floor there. It's 0310hrs, and Captain Kessler prepares to issue a briefing for the unit's next course of action...
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Sat 10 June 2023.

”Good morning everyone.” Kessler announces as he enters the gymnasium. His AK is slung over one shoulder and his face is already smeared in ‘home made’ came cream improvised from stray bits of charcoal.

”As you all know, Monolith contacted us earlier this morning attempting to arrange a prisoner exchange to take place at dawn. As far as Monolith know that is still going ahead. But no one is going to be there from our side.” Left unsaid is what might end up happening if Monolith really had been on the level. But no one actually believes that…

”We’re moving at zero four hundred and headed to the Zorya to rendezvous with Captain Nowak.” A brief explanation is then added for the benefit of those who might not recognise the name. ”The Zorya is Nowak’s submarine.”

”We’ll take the BTR and the operational Humvee. Kolstrup, Ferro, Babicevs, Voight, you’re in the Humvee. I’ll be in the BTR with a rifle squad. Everyone else stays here in case Monolith decide to attack when we no show. Hopefully they’ll be too busy.” Hopefully. ”The Humvee takes point, BTR follows. I’ll be monitoring comms with Monolith on the BTR set and Sergeant Major Fischer will be monitoring here. If they question what we’re doing our response will be that we’re going to collect the prisoners that are to be exchanged.”

“Once we get to the Zorya we’ll speak with Nowak. Her intention is to move her command post from the submarine to somewhere more central. I don’t know where yet, she’s kept that vague for Opsec reasons. I expect we’ll find that out once we get there. We’ll take point on escorting her into the City. There’s a fair probability that Monolith or the MU may try and ambush her as she’s on the move, so everybody needs to be on full alert. We’ll depart at zero four hundred - make sure you’ve drawn anything you need from stores.”

“Any questions?”

"Is the BTR fully repaired, sir?" Per asks.

-

"No questions, but I have a suggestion." Ferro offers when asked. "I think we should set up the mortar here and have it properly manned. Ready to go, I mean." Wherever the morning takes us will probably be in range of the weapon.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Tue 13 June 2023.

The new guy leans over close to the one named Varis whispering.  He looks at his watch checking the time.

Varis answers in Russian, as Nassir's Russian seems better than his English.


The Latvian pulls up one trouser leg, displaying relatively fresh splinter wounds sustained in Der Krok's last major engagement.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 00:29, Wed 14 June 2023.

Reza nods his head in understanding, replying in whispered Russian.

"Sergeant Babicevs, Mo, if you've got something to contribute I'm sure we'd all like to hear it." Visibly annoyed by the whispering, Kessler turns to Kolstrup to address the Dane's question. "The BTR is mobile, but the weapon system is still non-functional."

He then looks over in Fischer's direction. "Can you handle the mortar Lukas?"

"Vielleicht sollte Meyer es bedienen." Fischer replies honestly. Perhaps Meyer should operate it. Meyer is currently outside on sentry duty so the aging NCO assures Michael that the matter will be handled. "I will tell him."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 13:19, Wed 14 June 2023.

Varis flashes back to grammar school, Kessler assuming the role of a stern Latvian schoolmarm. His face flushing in anger (which simply masks embarrassment), he offers an explanation.

"Varis was just explaining to Mister Nassir here what happened to Der Krok. He says he can fix it- can fix anything."

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 17:07, Wed 14 June 2023.

Jose removes his helmet and starts to run his hand through his hair before it brushes up against a bandage, causing him to draw the hand away. He was still very sore, and certainly wasn't looking forward to the prospect of going out on another mission. He briefly thinks to himself 'maybe the "Mad" part of "Mad Dogs" is actually because of the crazy schedules they keep.', followed by a brief and low chuckle.

After seeing Kessler's response to Varis's whispering, Jose raises his hand with a question, also feeling some schoolteacher vibes from the Captain.

"Sir, uhh about the civilians. If there's another mortar attack, they may be safer over at the schoolhouse, no? Should we ask them to go back? It could also open up some space for the wounded that Nowak is sending us."

Mister Nassir points with his thumb at Varis. "Wh...what him say."

He raises his hands in apology for the interruption and then his shoulders.

"It true. What...what say true."

Hank will approach Ferro when the meeting has completed.  "Orders?"

”If we’re still being watched then an exodus of civilians might give Monolith an idea that something is amiss.” Kessler muses. That said, it’s a valid point, and it would be callous to make the civilians stay in order to try and maintain the weak masquerade that they were going along with the exchange.

”You’re right. Sergeant Fox, I’ll leave you to organise that. Get Marta to help you.” And if the compound does come under mortar attack there’s another problem. Karolina Schleicher. And that particular problem doesn’t have an easy solution. He can’t leave her locked up. But that only leaves one option.

Again he turns to the man that he’s known the longest, sticks to English so he can practice what he’d just preached. ”Lukas, I’m going to let Schleicher out of her cell. She can stay with you and Hauptmann Lutz. See if you can both use the time to persuade her that there’s a place in the new Germany for her.”

He then turns to Nassir. ”Thanks, I appreciate the offer and I’m sure Sergeant Major Fischer and Andropov will be glad of some help. No time for that just now though. Perhaps you and Mister Ward would like to join us on our little excursion? Or you can both stay here, your decision.” He waves a hand in the general directions of their surroundings. Whether they stay or go it’s potentially two more rifles somewhere if needed.

Ferro sits motionless on her cot after the briefing ends. On one hand she was feeling good that the Mad Dogs (as far as she believes) are out maneuvering Monolith by tricking the trickers. On the other hand, there's no telling what Monolith is actually up to, where they will hit, and what they have to hit with. Things could be worse but they could be a lot better too. Ferro then slowly starts to rise to her feet and collect the SVD rifle when Voight speaks to her...

"Well..." Ferro starts to answer. "I don't really have any, personally. But there are three cans of fifty cal waiting to be taken out to the Humvee. So if you want to help with that... yeah?" They're 15 kilos each so Ferro would appreciate an extra hand with them.

Ferro then glances over at Jose. He's been her usual gunner but he's a mess right now. "Voight." she says, turning back. "Do you know how to fire the fifty cal? You don't have to be an expert or anything, but if you can fire it we need a gunner." If Henry is a no-go with the machine gun then Ferro will propose someone else (Kolstrup, Voight, or Jose) drives the Humvee while she handles the weapon.

Ferro then exits the gymnasium and returns to the lockup where she left the three cans of .50BMG. She takes one and brings it outside to Lobo. Once there she'll give the Humvee a good check over with her flashlight.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Thu 15 June 2023.

Standing by the door off to the side, Fox nods acknowledgment. He then speaks on a counterpoint to the matter of removing the civies from the compound. "We'll lose a third to half of our sentries, if we send them off." But the point about keeping them safe is a good one. They're civilians first after all, tenants really, so the old NCO shoots a glance to Marta and nods again. "We'll get it done."

In reply to Michael Kessler (msg # 108):

Jake considered the offer for more than a few moments.  Kessler's men seemed to think there might be an option of employment at some point... perhaps with lodging for him and Gosia.  So maybe rolling with the BTR squad could be a useful way to demonstrate he had the skillz to pay the billz.  Jake was no pogue.  He was handy with a rifle, plus hey, most of his patients lived.

Most... though considering how many people got wounded in a war zone, that could just be the raw numbers of human healing and stamina working to his advantage at this point.  51% of a thousand meant 2,940 pallbearers would be burying 490 people.  Plus Jake was still out of medical supplies.

Anyway, it didn't matter - the 'Mad Dog's' seemed like they'd be hard-up to muster six pallbears for any KIA at this point.  These poor trouble magnets would be happy for direct pressure and some reassuring words.  Jake would be surprised if the dead didn't stay where they lay if the reaper came calling.

A not insignificant factor was the incoming from earlier.  While Jake wasn't a redleg, he was artillery adjacent enough to know that once a target was dialed in, unless the battery or mortar team was displaced or destroyed, steel rain could easily be delivered again and again, presuming ammo availability.  Staying here was a bad option.

"Happy to roll with the rifle squad," Jake replied to Kessler, after considering the options.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Fri 16 June 2023.

In reply to Ferro (msg # 109):
Hank nods and smiles, "By your words, I'm no expert but, I can make the Ma-Duece go bang ma'am.  I'll give you a hand with the ammo cans so we can get them sorted out in the Hummer."

Hank will go with Ferro and grab the other [2] cans of .50 BMG ammo and bring them over to their Humvee.  He will then load all [3] of the cans inside the Humvee.  He will then enter the ring mount and check out the weapon and put the ammo can in the carrier but, doesn't load anything until their ready to leave their base.

Reza joined those who were preparing to go. "I can drive well. Shoot not so well. But, like look at BTR to see what needed to fix. Maybe have 15 minutes? Know what looking for to fix maybe."

"Traverse mechanism." Tomasz Andropov replies. He's a large and imposing fellow, wearing a brown and grimy looking boiler suit, which is worn underneath an unzipped American woodland BDU cammo jacket. A prosthetic hand further reveals that he's an amputee. Reza recognizes Andropov's accented English as that of a native Russian speaker. "No fixing until we get parts." Tomasz adds, before including another damaged item, "And replace firing..." (a pause comes as he fails to recall the translation) "соленоид." Solenoid.

Andropov zips up his jacket, nodding to Reza, and welcoming any help that he can get repairing the armored at a later. "We get some parts, then we can work, sure thing."

"Хорошо, хорошо знать. Я очень хорошо умею рыться. Я руководил самой большой свалкой в ​​Ингушетии. Я буду следить за этими вещами. В нескольких других транспортных средствах используются те же соленоиды и траверсы." He says in Russian. "Ok good to know. I am very good at scrounging. I ran the largest junk yard in Ingushetia. I will be on the look out for these things. Several other vehicles use the same solenoids and traversing parts."

Reza was as ready as he was going to get. "Where can I get food before go on mission?" He asks. "And where put my things?"

Voight and Ferro lug three hundred rounds of .50BMG out to Humvee "Lobo". Henry, whose been tasked as gunner, starts prepping his station. First there's a layer of accumulated slush to sweep clear of the weapon. Second, he learns that there is a loose partial belt of 40 rounds already hanging from the M2HB, so the can of 105 rounds that gets loaded now actually becomes 145 rounds. The two big spare ammo cans are stowed below.

During this time, Ferro walks around the vehicle, focusing the beam of her flashlight onto the critical areas. Lobo has seen a lot of action and has the scars to prove it. There are numerous punctures to the up-armored body and scorch marks from a fiery Molotov strike. These are superficial though. More concerning is the damage that the bullet-resistance glass windows have suffered. They're thoroughly cracked, chipped, and pulverized to point of obscuring vision, especially for the front passenger. Everything else seems to be in working order. The fuel gauge shows more than half a tank remains.

Not far away, Kessler arrives to meet with his crew and passengers at the BTR-80 "Krokodil". Andropov and Reza are just finishing up their discussion regarding the vehicle's condition and future repairs. Both guns, the KPVT and its 7.62mm coaxial, are completely out of commission. After several hours of work, the engine functions properly once again though. That said, the interior reeks of diesel, motor oil and other lubricants, and burnt rubber. And Tomasz warns everyone that it will only get worse once the engine gets running. Kessler's dismounted squad currently stands at 5: Ward, Rodriguez, Nassir, Aleksandar, and himself. There might be a few more to add later if Halina Nowak has anyone to spare.

Lukas Fischer, operating a manpack radio from inside the disabled BTR-60 command post, initiates a radio check with all Mad Dog call signs. All radios are functioning, for now. Near the CP, Meyer can be seen setting up the 81mm mortar. Walek is assisting, which means either holding a flashlight for the German, or holding an aiming stake for the German. Marysia and Pawel are carrying 81mm ammunition from the building out to the mortar pit. The civilians will be gone from the compound before long though, shepherded back to the school by Fox and Marta.

At 0400hrs, Lobo and the Krokodil exit the compound and almost immediately turn northbound on Siennicki. The bridge was originally secured by Filip's mercenaries, but they've since been replaced by Nowak's own. A few of them, looking downright miserable in the poor weather, step out to meet the vehicles by the roadside and wave you by without enthusiasm. Ferro and Andropov drive slow, partly on account of the low visibility, the terrible road conditions, and the fact that you've only driven out this way once or twice before. The terrain quickly goes from urban residential, to urban industrial, to scrubland, and then forested. Significant landmarks, such as the train repair depot, the old Napoleonic harbor fort, the government prison, and the spot where you got tangled up in a Merchant Union ambush, all go unseen this time around.

By the time you're nearing the coast, the mixed precipitation seems to have shifted entirely to a light snowfall (no more rain). The temperature has dropped by a few degrees but at least you won't so likely to get drenched.

It takes roughly 20 minutes to cover the road distance of 6-7km.

Your arrival at the devastated shipping terminal is met with an alert and fairly strong looking perimeter guard. Passing through them goes without delay or incident however. They were expecting you. A portable generator (heard but out view) is powering a few portable construction lights, which basks one small dockside area with light. There's a large tent and a portable trailer in the illuminated section, which sees people, some armed and some not, coming and going. Crates of unloaded supplies are present too. Behind it all, you can make out the silhouette of a submarine that once part of the Red Banner Northern Fleet. Ferro and Andropov are directed by a man waving a lantern into a parking area. You dismount.

The fellow with the lantern approaches. He holds the glass encased flame up to see the visitors and recognizes Kessler, probably from his last visit. "Kaptain, come to the Zorya, and your lieutenants." the guide announces. He doesn't specify or elaborate on what lieutenants means exactly, so it's left up to Michael. Nowak's loyalist then shifts the raised lantern towards the tent and adds, "Your other men can wait."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:27, Mon 19 June 2023.

"Ugh... What do you call this piece of shit?  The Last Refinery?  It smells like Rudolf Diesel fucked J.D. Rockefeller in here.  Open the damn roof hatches for heaven's sake" Jake said moments after he loaded into the back of Der Krokodil.

Jose holds his nose for a few moments upon entering the vehicle. When Ward speaks out, he isn't familiar with the names mentioned, but he understands the other American's sentiment. He then shakes his head at the idea of opening the air hatches. Not while it was still sprinkling outside at least - it was better to smell bad than to be wet in this kind of cold. Besides, Jose's been cold enough this winter to last him a lifetime, so far as he's concerned.

Ferro pulls the Humvee into the designated area. She then lets it idle while she watches the fellow with the lantern speak to Kessler over at the Krok. "I don't see any other vehicles." she says aloud, mostly to herself. That made some sense, seeing that most of Nowak's forces landed by small boats and a submarine. Ferro wondered if Nowak planned on riding with the Mad Dogs though. Was that what she meant by "escort"?

Ferro glances into her mirror again and sees Kessler dismounting. She shuts off the engine at this point. "I think we're early so there's probably a wait." she says to her teammates in the Humvee. She then climbs out (leaving the SVD behind).
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Tue 20 June 2023.

"Maybe she thinks we're her taxi." Kessler remarks to Ferro quietly as he pushes open the door of the Humvee and goes to meet the man holding the lantern.

"OK" he nods. "Ferro, Kolstrup, Rodriguez, with me. The rest of you stay here. Babicevs, you're in charge." He then turns to the (presumably) Pole with the lantern and nods. "Let's go."

As Ferro and Per leave the Hummer to go off with Kessler, Hank pops back down into the interior of their vehicle.  "Hey Sarge, Can I button up for now?"

Varis perks up at the prospect of being in charge- and that Kessler has seen fit to put him in that position. He has to try hard to suppress a smile.

Since he can't recall Voight ever addressing him as "sarge" before, Varis isn't sure if Voight is talking to him or the departing Dane. Regardless, he answers the American.

"What are you going to do instead of manning Ma Deuce?"

-

Hank smiles as he looks to Varis, "Well, to quote you, 'It's colder than Lenin's balls outside.'  Just wanted to warm up a minute.  Gives a new meaning to 'Staying Frosty'."

Varis chuckles. "Yes, Lenin's balls. Okay, but 'stay frosty'."

Varis walks a slow circle around Lobo, studies the new surroundings, checks in with Der Krok's crew.

-

Reza dismounted Der Krok and took up a covered position on the perimeter. He made sure to stay off the top of his cover and maintain a low silhouette as he had been told to do. He held his AK at the low ready, safety off. He waited to be told what to do.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 20:05, Fri 23 June 2023.

Kessler follows the loyalist with the lantern, with a trio of Mad Dogs trailing behind. They walk through slushy snow, behind the large tent and onto the dockside where the Zorya is moored (along with several other craft). Some light from the tent area reaches the submarine, helping reveal its poor condition. Its days of operating under the waves are over. The once black hull is now thoroughly rusted, and there are scattered patchworks where penetrating hits struck during the Battle at The Twins. The latter look like big metal band-aids, and are probably not sufficient to deal with undersea pressure. Exterior utility and defensive structures have also since been built up on the top of the submarine's hull. These include: forward and aft fortified gun positions, a large sheltered area beneath a canopy, a crane & cargo deck, and even what appears to be a shed.

Security is surprisingly light on manpower, as most of Nowak's forces are no doubt deployed into battle. Or... she might only keep her most trusted fighters at the submarine. In any case, those which are present are alert and well armed. One pair walk along the dockside with weapons held in a ready position, while a few more guards occupy the fortified positions up on the hull and/or walk along its length. Now and then a powerful light is beamed out onto the choppy water. The lantern carrier and the four visitors behind him are spotted and challenged well before they get anywhere close to the single gangway. Another man guards the hatch from the inside, opening it long enough to let everyone in, before sealing it shut again.

Back in the parking area, the remaining Mad Dogs opt to pass on the invitation to take shelter inside the elongated modular army tent. The rattling drone of a portable generator is audible. Three men, all older than any Mad Dog who's present, and dressed more like fisherman than militia, walk by. They talk and laugh to themselves, giving the unfamiliar visitors and their vehicles only passing glances as they continue on down towards the docks. Another person, this one kitted out in camouflage and a combat harness, and toting a Kalashnikov, steps out of a slit in the tent. He then walks over to an adjacent (partly collapsed) warehouse and enters through a side door, briefly revealing that it's illuminated inside.

On board the Zoray, Kessler and his company are led through through bulkhead doorways which separate one sort of compartment from another. There's lighting and heated ventilation throughout, in addition to a constant hum of electrical machinery. Nowak surely has some of the original crew alive and on board (to run the complicated vessel and its reactor) but very few people are encountered and none of them appear to be Soviet sailors. Nowak steps out of a stateroom labelled Капитан, Kapitain, intercepting her guests. She pulls a thick wool sweater over her head and respectfully dismisses the loyalist, before leading you a little deeper into the Zorya. "Good morning." she says from the front of the line without looking back at those who're following.

Nowak brings you to a cramped officer's wardroom (mess cabin). Framed pictures up on the walls are all of somewhere tropical, West Africa maybe. Someone's photograph is wedged into the wooden frame of them, displaying an African woman wearing a sunhat looking back at the photographer as she strolls across a sandy beach. Nowak slides across the cushioned benches until she reaches a section of tabletop where a Kevlar vest is folded and laid on top, as if waiting for her. She pulls a Makarov out from behind her and places it on the table next to the vest (so it won't dig into her back). "Coffee coming." Gdansk's soon-to-be ruler announces quietly. Her appearance is fresh, like she had a shower, but still ragged and burned out. There's little doubt that she slept much since making landfall and starting a war. "I have a boat with wounded and supplies coming for you, at your place." Nowak says, as if to say she hasn't forgotten.

Halina lights up a cigarette, passing the SG brand package and a Bic lighter across to whoever wants it. As smoke drifts upwards towards a ventilation intake, she gives Michael a sideways glance and makes a pained expression which might not be genuine. "Last night, I have my security chief arrest some of my radio people... and others. I think maybe I have spy. Or bad radio security. I will find out which." The expression fades and Nowak gets to why there are Mad Dogs on board the Zorya. "So. Today we go on a drive together. Not far, only to Poczta Centralna, you know?" Central Post Office. "I will have some men and a van with us. But I think I am interested in riding with you. Is that problem?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:06, Thu 22 June 2023.

Kessler unslings his AK, places it down on the table next to Novak’s body armour and Makarov. It’s not that he wants to make a show of being unarmed - he’s not, the Tokarev that replaced his lost P8 is holstered at his waist - but like the Polish sea Captain, he simply doesn’t want the discomfort of sitting with a weapon digging into him.

The German reaches for the cigarette packet, strikes a light with the Bic before offering both to anyone else that wants one as he takes a long draw on the cigarette. There’s probably some sort of rule that prohibits smoking on nuclear powered submarines but they’re well past that stage. After all, he and Fischer had been responsible for some of the now patched holes in the hull. Well, more accurately, Fischer had. Kessler had been his spotter that day at the Twins.

And now they’re sitting aboard it about to have coffee. he takes a moment to look at the photos, think of the men that had crewed it. Spending long periods of time in a cylindrical tube under the ocean with people trying to send you to the bottom makes him glad he joined the Army and not the Kriegsmarine.

”Ja, all good with your wounded but Tymoshenko needs as much medical supplies as you can spare if she’s to do any good. We have nothing left.” If Nowak wants her people looked after the Mad Dogs have the Doctors but they need medical supplies. ”Going forward I think it’s best if Tymoshenko and her people stay at our base until things settle down.” Kessler would rather keep hold of the best medical resource in Gdansk, at least for the moment.

The comment about arrests gets a nod, the remark about finding out whether there’s a spy or not not going unnoticed. From what he knows of Nowak he doesn’t envy those that have been arrested when she starts asking her questions. However, he’s got enough on his plate without trying to be Gdansk’s ICRC representative. ”Sure, you can ride with us.” That was, after all, why they were here wasn’t it.

”You know that I’m going to recommend that you keep a low profile. So ride in the back of the BTR where no one can see you.” But that wasn’t the way that things worked, was it. Leaders needed to be seen. ”But if you prefer to ride in the Humvee we can do that.” The one thing he’s not going to go along with is Nowak riding on top of the BTR where everyone can see her.

”We think Monolith might try to ambush you. Not sure, call it a hunch. They’re definitely up to something. Brozek has a plan. I don’t know what it is but I asked him to change sides and he said he had an exit strategy in place.”

Kessler takes another draw on his cigarette. ”I’ve got two things to add. My people may have more. You know the way I run my unit Captain, everyone gets a say.” he grins. ”First thing, do you have any other vehicles besides ours and your van? Ones that can leave at the same time as us and go in different directions so that if anyone is watching they won’t know which convoy you are in?”

“Secondly, there’s a fair chance that Monolith might attack my base at or around daybreak. Now, if we can get you to the Post Office quickly we’ll be back long before dawn. But I can use some support from Woermann and he does what you tell him. Monolith have a mortar set up and zeroed in on my compound. It would help all of us if that was taken out of the picture. Can you task him to find it and destroy it? Or better still capture it?”

The German then looks around the small room. ”Anyone else got anything they want to add?”

Jose marvels at his surroundings as he climbs down into the open hatch. He's never been on board a submarine before - it's an entirely new experience and he's fascinated by his surroundings. He takes a moment to wonder where the torpedo room is and whether or not he'll get a chance to see it. With seeing Nowak, the sight-seeing tour of the vessel quickly comes to an end.

When Nowak and then Kessler sit down and begin to talk, Jose will continue to stand, his back to the respective "captains". His arms crossed, he positions himself as an impromptu guard for the discussions.

When Kessler mentions his people being able to weigh in, Jose turns to look over his shoulder. "Food as well, sir. We're already running low at the base because of the civilians, especially now that we're no longer going to be getting shipments from Tymoshenko and her people. On top of the medicine, we're going to be out of food before long, especially if we bring in some wounded, ehh. If there's any food to be spared, it would be a big help."

Per stood, stoop-shouldered, so as to avoid banging his head against the various pipes and conduits running along the submarine's already low ceiling. He could scarcely believe that he, a Danish ranger now serving in a nominally NATO-aligned, multinational free company, was inside a Soviet nuclear-powered attack submarine in an audience with the presumptive next... mayor? Commissioner? Hetman? ... of the Free City of Gdansk.

"Do you have any intel on Monolith's strength, Captain Nowak?" Per doubts that the opposing free company has the manpower to manage the prisoner exchange rendezvous, attack FOB McCarthy, and ambush Nowak's processional, all at the same time. Getting a better idea of Monolith's current OOB could help the team better narrow down its capabilities. That information could provide a clue as to their intentions.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Sat 24 June 2023.

Jake almost puked after he unassed the APC.  The fumes had been just as bad as Tomasz's warning.  As Ward recovered his composure outside in the cold air, he watched the odd sight of people moving in and out of an honest to God submarine.

"What the?  Aww hell no."  Jake hadn't been asked to join the command team aboard, but he preemptively shook his head sidewise in a series of vigorous NO motions.  "No way Jose," he said aloud, but not directed toward Rodriguez.

Jake had declined the U.S. Navy's gracious offer to serve aboard a submarine eight years earlier.  After taking the ASVAB in high school, his scores were so high that every recruiter in a 50 mile radius had a massive hard on for Ward to sign up, even the Coast Guard chick.  The Navy came calling first, whispering sweet nothings in his ear about Nuclear Power School, enlistment, graduation, and reenlistment bonuses, fast track promotion to E5/E6, and assignments to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and Spain.  It all sounded great, but when Jake started to do some research, he realized that you only got those bonuses if you graduated and NPS had a 60% failure rate.  And failing meant you would be bumped back to E1 and spend your 6 year enlistment, as non-nuke rating.  Also submarine duty meant you'd spend more time under exotic waters, than on a beach beside them.

Jake turned down the Navy's opportunity to serve on much better designed and engineered U.S. submarines; just like he was turning down this opportunity to board some ex-Soviet widow-maker wannabe designed by the Red Banner Soviet Engineers of the Leninist Order of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome...

Hell, if he had a Geiger counter, he'd be tempted to pull it out right now.  Just to see if he would have to worry about knocking up Gosia again in the future.

"Yo, Mister Mo.  How do you say trouble magnet in Russian?" he asked the other Mad Dog FNG.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Fri 23 June 2023.

Ferro slides into the bench and table set up. She takes off her helmet and places it on a section where no one is sitting. As words are exchanged, she alternates between looking at the speakers and up at the various pictures. If she had to guess there were probably more "Soviet" themed pictures up there once. She found it a little interesting that Nowak kept them up, but her crew probably had their hands full with things other than remodeling the décor.

Things shift to speaking up and Ferro waits to mention something Kessler was told earlier. "A boat was seen in the channel. I think it was up near the old power station." Last she knew the power station was still in enemy hands. "If it wasn't one of yours, I'm guessing it was an enemy craft pulling people back, maybe enemy who got out of the distillery before you took it and made an escape. Or it was inserting them onto this side of the river." It could also have been nothing. But... "Inserting, I'm thinking, an ambush team." Ferro's mind tries to recall the last update they got on loyalist militias. She seemed to remember that most of them are now inside the city. Nobody was really said to be out here. That and the possibility there was an insertion a few hours ago, leaves Ferro to conclude "If there is an ambush waiting I think most likely it will be on this side of the river." Ferro then makes a face as if to say just putting that out there.

The Persian looked over at the man climbing out of the APC. "I think....мы пиздец." (My pizdets). "Yes, We are fucked."

Halina Nowak (as seen previously)
"Agreed." Nowak replies without hesitation, when Kessler stresses the need for both medical supplies and Tymoshenko to remain at the compound. The latter point is possibly already in line with her plan, as wounded are currently being relocated there. She then nods when the German officer consents to the matter of transportation, adding, "Wolałbym ciężarówkę Humvee." I would prefer the Humvee truck.

From the adjacent bulkhead comes some footsteps and a rattle of mugs on a metal tray. Rodriguez, standing guard somewhat, eases himself out of the way when a young girl tries to step through. To Jose, he senses that she was intentionally making noise as she approached. The tray, decorated at one end with the Soviet Navy emblem, contains a coffee urn, several mugs and a plate of plain toast. Its weight seems challenging for the girl, who appears emaciated, and perhaps sickly too. But nothing is dropped as it is delivered to the table. She then quickly retreats in the same fashion, empty handed, never speaking. Halina motions an invite to the tray. "Zawadski, you remember? Captain of Destiny Ascension. He found her. In the village everyone but her dead already." The coup leader pauses before adding as a way of explanation, "Zagłada Kaliningradzka." The Kaliningrad blight.

The steaming beverage is ersatz coffee, with tolerable taste.

Kessler continues, shifting the conversation to the details of the upcoming road move. Nowak dunks a piece of the dry bread into the coffee before answering. "Van, thr-two motorcycle, ZOMO truck with flat tire, and maybe a Lada." "ZOMO truck" likely refers to the same riot vehicle that the Mad Dogs had previously tangled with. She gives Michael an apologetic crooked smile regarding the lack of land vehicles, "We are sailors." It's further explained that she's been relying on the Winged Hussars for most of her overland logistical mobility, but they're completely taxed out right now, trying to resupply Waterloo and the other formations for another round of combat.

Michael's second point, on the matter of the Mad Dogs' compound security, results in her shaking her head at first. She tries to interject, "Good fighters will come with the wounded and medicine I send." The Hauptmann nevertheless continues with a request for Waterloo to assist with removing the mortar as a threat. On this, Nowak mulls it over for a moment, then nods. "Okay." she agrees. "I will tell Woermann the situation and see what he can do. I also have a snipers team on your side of the river, doing nothing now, except I think freeze to death." She might mean the same team which had a member who Marta recognized (from before the war).

The meeting transitions to other people's contributions, starting with Rodriguez. His concern is food. Nowak finishes her toast. "Okay." she replies, alternating her glances from the American to his commanding officer. "We have fish, frozen. And... (pointing to the empty plate) bread. I can send for one day." A day's worth only helps a little, leading to Halina explaining that once an inventory of the food warehouses (in Gdansk) is completed, she'll be able to dispense with more rations. "Pracujemy również nad wyśledzeniem ukrytych skrytek i tego, co zostało splądrowane." We are also working on tracking down hoarded caches and what was looted.

Nowak starts to pull the Kevlar Vest over her sweater when Kolstrup inquires about Monolith's strength. "Cóż..." she starts, pausing to think before answering slowly. "My security advisor tell me they have no more than fifteen left." Another pause. The assessment, she goes on to explain, was taken from interrogations and the tallying of prisoners and bodies at two battle areas where Monolith was engaged - on Ołowianka Island and at the distillery. Halina then cocks her head to the side a little and throws in a small multiplier, "I think some MJO separated from their units with them too. But not many."

"Kill or capture Brozek. Same for his number two, the Czech, Petr Vaclik." Nowak states, creating a sort of wanted list among those who might be present at an ambush. "But if Inspector Kowalczyk is with them try to keep him becoming like his pet, Rick Newell." (Dead.)

Lastly, Nowak listens to Ferro's interpretation of recent events and how they might relate to the situation. "I do not have enough fighters to secure this side of the river." she admits. "The forest has some enemy who escape from distillery. We pick up a frozen one a few hours ago. Before that, someone shoot at a messenger rider when he drive by. And yes, if a boat is taking more to this side, it is easy for them to disappear." Her gaze shifts to Kessler. "Kiedy więc wyjdziemy poza ten obwód, uważajcie nas za terytorium wroga, dopóki nie przekroczymy Dzielnicy Starego Miasta." So once we out outside of this perimeter, consider us in enemy territory until we cross into the Old City Quarter.

Nowak collects her sidearm from the table. "Okay. My vehicles will be here in a few minutes. I need to talk with my officers before I leave the Zorya. We meet again outside." With this, the meeting comes to an end, and the Mad Dogs exit the sub and return to the parking area.

OOC: Please clarify the Humvee's passengers (including a seat for Nowak that was probably occupied by someone) and the Krok (which can have up to 6 of Nowak's bodyguards)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Mon 26 June 2023.

After a few minutes of warming up, Hank returns to the ring mount on the Hummer and cleans or clears off anything that may have accumulated on the Ma-Deuce.  He scans the area and tries to keep himself alert and warm.

"What's your take on this new guy Varis?  Mohammed, is it?"

Varis is pensive for a few moments, before responding to Voight's querry.

"He seems pretty cool," the Latvian answers, trying to seem very cool.

"He says he can fix anything. It's probably bullshit, but if he's even half right, that's still a lot of shit he can fix. And he has a lot in common with Varis. We were both made to join the Soviet Army," Varis pauses to spit on the ground, "We both speak Russian, even though neither one of us is Russian. And we both think Russians are pig-fuckers. So yeah, he seems like good guy."

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 21:08, Tue 27 June 2023.

"Hm, is he going to be competition for Madonna?

We do have a lot of shit to fix if we can stay in base for any period of time," Hank said in reply to Varis.

On the short walk back to the vehicles, Ferro says to Kessler "I got Voight on guns. Other than him who do you want to pull to give Nowak a place in Lobo?" She then waits for a reply from the officer and then considers the original plan with the the recent change of the VIP now riding in the Humvee. "You think we should switch things around and put the Krok up front now?" Or did it's lack of working weaponry cancel that out?

When they arrive, Ferro reaches into the Humvee for her helmet and swaps it for her comfortable soft cap. The SVD stays where it's at for now.

Ferro then walks over to Rodriguez. "Hey. I didn't think of it before but I have Grant's med gear. You want some pain killers? I got the stuff if you want to hit it up."

”OK, so Voight on guns. And you’re driving.” Kessler replies to Ferro. The second part of that was clearly statement not question. ”I’ll trade seats with Kolstrup.” If Nowak wanted to ride in the Humvee Kessler planned to as well. ”Babicevs can stay with us and ride shotgun. And let’s keep the Humvee in the lead.” If anything happens to the Humvee the occupants should be able to decant to the BTR, presuming they had survived of course. The reverse wasn’t true.

By now they’ve emerged from the submarine and are headed back towards their waiting vehicles and the rest of the Mad Dogs. ”Right, listen up.” the German Captain calls once he’s rejoined the main group. ”We’re escorting Captain Nowak to the General Post Office.” She would choose a building already associated with Danzig’s military history. It made a degree of sense of course, having been the HQ of the International Brigade until the coup had led to the break up of that unit. Which raised the question of whether any stragglers or materiel were still present.

”Captain Nowak has requested that she ride in the Humvee. I’ve agreed, so we’ll need to move some people around. Per, you and I will trade places. I’ll ride in the Humvee with Nowak, you take charge of the BTR. Humvee will stay on point. Varis, you stay with us in the Humvee. Your job is to keep Nowak safe.”

“Humvee stays on point, BTR follows. Nowak is bringing some of her people, they’ll ride on the BTR. We need eyes and ears open on the way back, so I want two people in the air guard hatches, everyone else on the BTR riding on top. You see anything that doesn’t look right you call it out.” Statistically riding on top was probably safer anyway. The Ivans didn’t call the BTR series of APC’s the ‘coffin’ for no reason. ”Once we leave this perimeter we’re in hostile territory until we get into the Old City Quarter.”

“Any questions?”

As the small team exits the sub, Jose's disappointed that they didn't get a chance to see the torpedo room after all. Perhaps next time, if we live that long,he thinks to himself.

The unit then seems to coalesce around the vehicles outside as preparations begin being made for movement. Jose nods to the others waiting in the cold, thankful that he at least got a chance to get out of the light snowfall that seems to be coming down.



Jose thinks for a moment and has a flashback in the blink of an eye.

Scene
It's night-time. The camera zooms in on a teenage Jose in the shadow of a 7/11 convenience store on the corner of Arizona and Olympic, standing in a circle and talking with a group of four other Hispanic youths. It's dark, and the surrounding neighborhood looks fairly run down. There's a tortilleria down the road that's still open, but the lights are out on most of the other nearby buildings. There's a distinct lack of cars on the street - it must be late. There seems to be an argument taking place as a small cellophane baggy with some white pills gets passed around. A tall and gangly boy is gesturing with his hands, "Nah man, I got these from my abuela. They're good, I promise. She has bad arthritis, yo, but she's starting to lose it. She won't miss 'em at all."

"Man, Flaco, you stole painkillers from your little abuelita? She's such a sweetheart. That's fucked up, dude, even for you." Jose responds before rapidly popping three of the pills into his mouth and passing the baggy along the next troublemaker in line. "C'mon, let's go back to Anthony's. I hear him and Angel got some beers. They'll go real good with these." With that, the camera zooms out as the small group starts to walk out of the parking lot. Just as they turn, walking south on Arizona, a jet-black Buick LeSabre turns on it's lights from across the way and starts speeding toward them, with windows rolling down. The boy called Flaco points and shouts, and the group of boys sprint through the front yard of a small, decrepit two story apartment. They run down the alleyway next to the small building, the rapid BANG! BANG! BANG! of gunshots chasing after them. They're just passing the back of the building to turn the corner when one of the boys is hit, a small spray of blood exiting from the front of his shoulder. Jose catches the boy as he falls, quickly gets him back to his feet, and they run off."
End scene

Jose turns to Ferro and nods, his mind back in the present. "Si, thanks chica. Only one though, yeah? I don't like pills."

“Boss. Boss. I be in BTR. Yes? You can want me drive? Drive better than shoot.” Reza says matter of fact.

Kessler shakes his head. "No, Andropov is driving." He's not about to change drivers midway through an op if he can avoid it, particularly as he only has Nassir's word for it that he is a good driver.

"Sure." Ferro replies to Jose. She then moves back to the Humvee and opens the rear cargo area. The army issue trauma bag gets ruffled through until a container of pain killers is found. One dose is taken and then it all gets put away. As the hatch is being closed, she wonders if they should have asked for some emergency supplies while they were on board the Zorya. There isn't much left in the trauma bag anymore.

"One pill." Ferro says on returning to her bandaged up teammate. She holds it up so that the little disc almost covers over one of her eyes and then hands it over. "You better enjoy it too. Because I think we'll soon be down to weird herbs and old fashioned booze for this sort of thing." She watches him down the pill with his canteen and then makes an easy going suggestion "That other new guy is a medic I think. In case you want those mummy wraps on you fixed up."

Ferro gives Jose a slap of encouragement across his arm and heads over to Kessler to talk.

-1 dose of Pain Reliever (Mild)

Reza simply nods his understanding and climbs aboard Der Krok taking his assigned seat.

"Yes, sir," Per replies. When he arrives at Der Krok, he briefs the crew as to route and track order before arranging its various passengers so that at least some of them can fight back, should Monolith (or anyone else, for that matter) attempt to ambush the convoy. He claims the front-right air-guard hatch. From that position, he should have a pretty decent line of sight forward and along the right flank; the BTR's turret will provide some cover to his front, left.

The Danish noncom tries to make sure that at least one shooter is facing in every direction, and that, as much as possible, the shooters are not blocking one another's lines of fire.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Fri 30 June 2023.

"You want Varis to sit in the back with her [Nowak], or up front with Ferro?" Varis asks. The front passenger will be able to cover the right side of the Humvee. Whoever sits in the back should sit behind the driver, to cover the left side. Varis has no preference, but he will point this out, if need be. Either way, he doesn't want to fart once seated, so he tries to squeeze at least one out before mounting up.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 18:22, Fri 30 June 2023.

Jose chuckles. Mummies were, in his opinion, the worst movie monster. They were slow and fell apart if you tugged on their wraps. At least that's what he remembered from watching Scooby Doo as a kid. He hoped the same wouldn't happen to him when his bandages next got changed. "Gracias."

Jose will then move to the BTR and unlimber the RPG-7 from the rear hatch before taking up position in the front-left air guard hatch, alongside Per.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 19:07, Fri 30 June 2023.

”Keep a hold of them for now.” Kessler replies to Ferro. ”I’ll talk to him later, once this -“ by which he means getting Nowak to the Post Office ”- is done.” Provided that everything went according to plan. And Nowak didn’t have any other ‘jobs’ for them. Kessler’s to do list feels like it’s as long as his arm. They still haven’t gone through von Schweppenburg’s effects. At least changing uniforms after the sewer trip meant he wasn’t carrying the Ossi’s prosthetic hand around with him any more. And they had to take an inventory of everything that they’d recovered after the MU had attacked them. Some sleep would be nice as well.

By now Babicevs has joined them. Kessler turns to the Latvian, listens to his question, replies. ”You take the back seat. I’ll ride up front.” His expression remains unchanged when he hears the distinctive sound of breaking wind, almost as though he’s pretending he didn’t hear it. Better now than in the Humvee he supposes.

Hank listens to Kessler
Hank listens to updated orders before they leave Nowak's camp.  He nods and replies, "Gunner stands ready sir!"

Hank cleans off the 'Fifty' just before they pull out of the compound making sure that the gun is ready to go if needed.

Reza covers his assigned sector and presents as small a silhouette as possible on top of the largest target on the road.

The Mad Dogs spend a few more minutes alone in the dark. Following Kessler's mission update, seating arrangements and a couple other minor issues are sorted out. Snow continues to fall, but only lightly and with small flakes, and it doesn't really impede visibility. There is hardly any wind except for the occasional gentle breeze. Cloud cover is total.

First light won't be for a while but Nowak's headquarters is already well awake. Nearby, over at the army modular tent, people continue to randomly come and go. Details are lost in the darkness, except for those brief moments when the flap is opened and light escapes. Usually the activity is no more than two or three people at a time. Sometimes they're armed, sometimes not, and sometimes they're seen limping with a crutch or moving unnaturally slow as people in pain often do. There is less activity over in the partially collapsed warehouse-looking building (also illuminated inside). Lastly, by the sound of it, at least two boats departed the harbor.

More time passes by, then Nowak arrives from the Zorya, with a small squad of six loyalists trailing behind her. One of her advisers is present as well. The latter will be a passenger on the upcoming move, not a combatant. Although none of the Mad Dogs have seen him before, a few recognize the name when he's introduced. "Kaptain Kessler, this is Dan Kowale, he is with us." Kowale and his little trawler were once captured by the Zorya's former owners. It was that event which put Gdansk and the submarine on a collision course, and ultimately bringing about a coup. Kowale wears a thick red vest over an equally thick striped sweater. If he's armed then it's concealed.

The six escorts are outfitted in civilian clothing, along with various military combat rigs and firearms. They also have yellowish-orange armbands, plus a few tied above the knee. Extra strips of the sunrise color fabric are available to the Mad Dogs. The escorts carry themselves confidently and quite possibly are a hard bunch. They may be fisherman first, but they've also surely done time at piracy and defending Gdansk in open warfare too. Halina names only their leader, Abel.

Abel (AK-74) - Bearded and obviously older than his comrades. He seems to be ex-military by the look of his clothing and kit, and how its worn. His brown trousers, which almost look army issue, are neatly tucked into combat boots. Beneath unaltered Polish issue webbing (containing a hand radio) is a greenish-brown Gortex jacket, and he wears a camouflage baseball cap.

"Hatchet Guy" (AKS-74U) - Has a sheathed hatchet attached to his rigging and a thigh-holster for a sidearm. The rigging has some cosmetic changes with designs. Wears running shoes and a dull-yellow rain poncho over black trousers. Knee-pads are also worn. A spare magazine for his carbine is taped to the one that's already loaded. Hatchet Guy also stares at Kessler a lot.

"Patrick Swayze" (AK-74) - Physically looks like, and is dressed like, the actor in Red Dawn; wearing a grey hoodie, with a (IFF color) headband, underneath the outer shell of an overcoat. Has ALICE webbing including binoculars pouch and two utility pouches which both seem bulky and full.

"Evil Marta" (AK-74 + M72) - Eerily resembles Marta Nalecz, but rougher and what one might call a mean (or crazy) look in her eye. She wears a dark blue nylon winter coat with a fur hood, and acid wash jeans. She also has a US Army PASGT helmet painted black.

"Shades" (G3A3 + Riot Gas-Gun) - Small framed fellow, has a pair of sunglasses resting on the top of his head/slicked back hair. Wears a brown bomber jacket with camouflage trousers. Probably thinks he's pretty cool. Maybe he is. In lieu of webbing, he has a utility belt and a fabric bandolier containing both spare rifle magazines and gas cannisters for the riot gun that's slung over his back.

"The Mechanic" (RPD LMG) - Balding but still young, wearing a greasy boilersuit with some sort of automotive repair business logo embroidered on it. He's also the only fighter wearing some sort of pack. There's a sheathed spare barrel for the LMG attached to the side of the it.

Nowak informs Kessler of something that she's learned since their meeting on board the Zorya. "Może nic, ale troje moich ludzi jeszcze nie weszło, tak jak się spodziewaliśmy." Maybe nothing, but three of my people haven't come in yet, as we expected. She further explains that they were on the Ku Ujściu, or road towards the mouth, route. That was not the way you took to get here. Halina then twists her mouth a little and adds, this time in English, "No shooting heard by my people here or at the distillery. Maybe they are fucking around and staying out of the weather. But... I tell you anyway."

Abel approaches the Mad Dog's BTR-80, running a gloved hand across it's crocodilian nose art in what seems like admiration. He then stops and notices the mounted riders perched up on the top of the armored hull. "Mów po polsku?" he inquires from below. Speak Polish? The loyalist then motions to his comrades and asks with optimism, "Pokój dla nas wszystkich?" Room for all of us? Despite the weather, Abel sounds like he'd prefer to ride topside rather than comfortably inside.

Nowak then turns, as most others do as well, as a motorized vehicle nosily emerges from behind the partly collapsed warehouse-looking building. Its headlights briefly blind everyone as it turns towards you, before the driver turns them off. The vehicle is a UAZ-452 minibus, the van which Halina mentioned. Its muffler is rotted out so it sounds rather loud, even more so than the larger ZOMO riot truck that follows. Both vehicles pull into the parking area and stop next to the Krokodil and Lobo. The riot truck still has a flat tire but its powerful spotlight appears to be in one piece. Both vehicles have large yellow 'Z' symbols painted on their front and sides. The lettering might stand for "Zorya"... or "Nowak" if you look at it sideways. The minibus only has the driver as its occupant, while the much larger ZOMO rig has a driver and another woman in the cab.

The female passenger in the riot truck leans out and converses with Halina about the two motor-scooters, explaining that they're on the way. The woman in the cab is wearing an old Soviet Telogreika jacket and a furry Ushanka. A unidentified weapon barrel is sticking out of her door's lowered window. An option you may want to consider is to replicate what the enemy did when this vehicle was theirs. They had a couple passengers riding on the top (lying prone), including a machinegun on a bipod.

Nowak then pulls up the sleeve of her thick grey sweater and checks her wrist watch. It's much earlier than the coup leader originally told Kessler that she wanted to move into Gdansk. However, the Mad Dogs are here now, and so are all of her people. The two riders have just arrived, walking alongside and pushing their scooters. They're the same guys from earlier. "What do you think Kaptain Kessler? We move with dark? Or wait?" She covers her wrist back up. "I am ready now if you think moving in dark is good for us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:50, Wed 05 July 2023.

Per points in the direction of the ex-ZOMO riot truck, asks, "Pokój dla dwojga. Kto tym jeździ?" ("Room for two. Who rides that?")

He's not blocking Nowak's bodyguards from riding atop the BTR, per se, but tactically it doesn't make sense to crowd so many people on board the APC that they make a huge target and get in one another's way in a fight, while leaving another vehicle without mounted shooters, so he does his best to encourage at least a couple of them to accompany the riot trucks instead.

-

"I say we go now." Kessler replies. Granted, it's dark and the majority of those assembled likely don't have NVG's. But that cuts both ways, certainly if Monolith have recruited additional troops. Stragglers from the MU, Kessler judges, are unlikely to have NVG's either.

And besides, if the plan has been leaked, may as well change it.

_{"Men missing? Bad signs. Bad signs."} He whispers to those with him. _{"Never do what the enemy expects. I thinks."}

Ferro leans against the side of Lobo listening to fragments of what's being said around the parked vehicles. When she hears Kowale's name, she wonders what ever happened to the guy who pretended to be a surgeon and was part of Kowale's ransom. Maybe it was better she didn't know. Ferro then raises her eyebrows a little when there is news about missing people. That might complicate the ROE if it happens that three good guys are just out there lost somewhere and end up on the same road as the convoy. She agreed with Captain Kessler's call about the timing of the move though.

Moving in the dark brings up a matter of night vision though. She guessed the drivers of the riot truck and minibus will have to resort to using headlights. In that case it might be better for Lobo to do the same so that at least Voight will be able to see forward. The Humvee and Krok will be backlit anyway. Ferro turns and glances up to where Voight is standing behind the gun. "Unless I'm told differently by the Captain I'm going to drive with the lights on." she tells him. "That won't do anything if we take fire from the sides but in that case just rip through the belt."

Jake was near enough to the Krok to greet the escorts, many of whom he found to be characters in their own right.  He greeted Able and the others with an outstretched hand and a bit of dark humor.

"Przepraszam za zapach, mamy tylko olej napędowy, żadnych ryb. Jestem Jakub, Polonia i medyk. Jeśli będziesz mnie potrzebować, po prostu zawołaj medyk Jacob! lub wołaj do Boga. Odbieram jego telefony jak operator centrali. Niektórzy są zadowoleni z odpowiedzi, inni nie.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Excuse the smell, we have only diesel, no fish. I am Jacob, Polish diaspora, and medic.  If you need me, just shout medic, Jacob!, or cry out for God.  I answer his calls like a switchboard operator.  Some are happy with the reply, some are not.

---

Jose simply nods at the newcomers, unsure of what they said in Polish, but he's happy to have more company on the mission. He wonders what they think of the ragtag group of Mad Dogs rolling along in their beat up vehicles.



"Yeah, man. Nothing but bad signs for a long time now. Just keep your eyes open and your finger on the trigger, and we'll get through this, ehh?" Jose replies to Reza. He then extends a hand by way of introduction, mimicking the same action he had given Jake not a few hours earlier.

Abel follows the pointed gesture and answers Kolstrup, "Dwóch moich będzie na nim jeździć." Two of mine will ride it. Nowak's loyalist then motions with his gloved hand towards a pair of his fighters - 'Shades' and the 'Mechanic'. The response came without hesitation so it might have been pre-arranged. Abel then glances back up towards the top of the Krokodil and the mounted compliment of passengers who've already found a spot to sit or stand. He seems resigned to riding elsewhere and a little dispirited as a result. "Reszta z nas będzie w minibusie." The rest of us will be in the minibus.

Nearby, Abel's comrades accept Jake Ward's offered hand. It's hard to tell in the darkness, but the American medic appears to draw a few half-smiles and appreciative nods. 'Shades' then says, "Widziałem cię w pobliżu. Myślę, że w DMZ lub karczmie Wieża browaru." I've seen you around. At the DMZ or The Brewery Tower Inn, I think. He doesn't seem to mean anything by it, nothing bad anyway.

Lastly, Halina Nowak accepts Kessler's suggestion to depart now, rather than wait. A few final details are then worked out, such as vehicle spacing. In the last couple of minutes there's been no change to the light level (extremely dark) or weather (light flurries). The gathering then starts to break up with everyone reporting to their respective vehicles, and engines starting up. Nowak climbs into the back of the idling Humvee so that she's seated directly behind Michael. The Hauptmann and other Mad Dogs in the vehicle hear her speak into a hand radio, presumably to the Zorya's trusted caretakers. The transmission is short and contains only a couple words which (together) have no meaningful context.

The vehicles depart, leaving the encampment's security and entering the abandoned hinterlands of northern Wyspa Portowa (Port Island).

Reza stays low and maintains as low a profile as possible. He scans his assiugned sector.

Ferro waits until the last door is shut before glancing over at Kessler. "Ready?" She already knew the answer. Ferro then turns on her helmet mounted NOD and adjusts the focus for driving (so they are ready) but flips them up. Until told otherwise she's driving with the headlights. The Humvee can handle the slush and poor condition of the roads better than some of the other vehicles so she cuts the speed down what feels like would be manageable for them.

"That route where those men went missing on is what I was intending on using on the return run." Ferro tells Kessler over the noise of the engine. It would probably be a bad idea to do that now so she turns onto the roadway that they took getting to the Zorya. She glances into the cracked side mirror to check on the progress of the next vehicle behind her. That will become a habit. Other than that Ferro places the all of her effort on driving, watching the road for obstacles, natural and man made. Watching for ambushes off the roadway is going to have to be done by others.

As the convoy starts to roll out, Varis gives Nowak a wink, says, "We are like Santa Claus in his sleigh, delivering a nice present to all the good little boys and girls of Gdansk." Patting his AK/Gl, he quips, "Don't worry, Varis has something for the naughty ones."

Once the convoy is moving in earnest, Varis is all business. Seated behind Ferro, he realizes that her focus is on driving, so he puts all of his into keeping watch on the left flank (focusing on an arc from approximately 11 o'clock to 4. He trusts that the riders behind him are also doing their jobs- there should be some overlap, but 5-6 o'clock should be covered by the others.

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 20:38, Sun 09 July 2023.

Standing in the right-front air-guard hatch, Per leans forward on the cold roof of the BTR, Ragnar resting on its bipod beside the unoccupied gun turret. The Dane has fitted his HK21E with a 50-round drum magazine, and removed the sound suppressor from the weapon's muzzle. If the convoy rolls into an ambush, volume of fire will be a greater tactical imperative than discretion and precision. He watches from 12 o'clock to about 3, whilst keeping one eye on the rest of the BTR's security team. They don't need to be micromanaged, but it's Per's responsibility to make sure that everyone else is doing their respective jobs as well.

-

"Tak, byłem blisko zeszłej nocy, kiedy zostałem wciągnięty w to wszystko. Wściekłe Psy dały mi miejsce na chwilę odpoczynku," Jake replied, omitting the part where that 'rest' had been disturbed by incoming mortar fire.

Chyba potrzebują medyka, więc może z nimi posiedzę. Wydaje się, że stoją po właściwej stronie rzeczy, a to w dzisiejszych czasach jest wiele warte."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Yeah, I was near there last night when I got swept up in all of this.  Mad Dogs gave me a place to rest for a bit.
I guess they need a medic, so maybe I'll hang with them.  They seem to be on the right side of things and that's worth a lot these days.

---

With the last sentence, Jake nodded a few times and tilted his head a bit, to emphasis his feelings on subject.  While these Mad Dogs appeared to be unlucky, the weren't unkind nor had Jake seen the kind of 'gotta get mine' attitude that was so prevalent these days.  There was a thread of underlying honor and mutual respect in how they acted and treated each other - or at least that was his impression from being among them these last few hours.

Hank maintains his vigilance on the 'Ma-Deuce' as they take off on their mission.  He tries to stay lower in the dun well trying to utilize its cover the best he can.

Jose takes up position opposite the large Dane in the front left air guard hatch, and readies his AK. He briefly considers shouldering the RPG, thinking that it would be a nasty surprise to anyone trying to ambush the group, before looking back and seeing the others that would get caught in the backblast of any rocket fired. Instead, he'll focus on covering the area from nine to noon, or at least as much ahead as the bulky turret of the BTR will allow.

Kessler briefly glances at the orange band thd around his left forearm, wonders if he was indirectly responsible for orange being what appears to be the colour of choice for the Nowak loyalists. After all, he had been the one who had told Nowak that the codeword for Osprey coming over to their side would be orange. Maybe it had stuck. Or maybe it was just coincidence.

Not that it really mattered either way. The German officer turns his attention back to what’s ahead of him on the right hand side, making sure to occasionally look up. He hates urban warfare. Probably most people too. Better to be where you can see the enemy, not have to worry about them lurking in some apartment block or store front.

There’s the occasional glance backwards as well, either by looking in the rearview mirror or, twisting around in his seat to make sure that their little convoy hasn’t encountered any problems before looking to the front again. He’s still looking forward when he speaks to Nowak, doesn’t turn around. ”How many people do you have waiting for you at the Post Office?” He wonders if any more of them are ex Warmia fighters, for he’s fairly sure that’s where hatchet guy is from. Probably why he was studying the German so closely earlier.

"Co najmniej pięćdziesiąt." Nowak answers. At least fifty. Her voice is hard to separate from the noise of the Humvee's diesel engine and the cold air that's rushing in (from the open gunner's hatch). Her response comes immediately but she seems distant, and doesn't say anything else. There is probably a lot on her mind.

Gently falling snow flickers as it passes in front of the headlights. The lights unveil some of the darkness, revealing the slush-covered roadway and occasional patches of encroaching vegetation (currently leafless) that's growing along its edges. Ferro's driving is excellent, but even still, the vehicle sometimes leaves the road in places where it's difficult to tell exactly where the road supposedly is. The Humvee constantly rocks and sways, with the suspension squeaking each time, and a metallic rattling is audible as well. Lobo then suddenly dips and lurches upwards again, almost violently, as Ferro drives through a sunken section where the pavement has eroded completely away. There will be more of that to come, but on the first unexpected dip, Varis senses Nowak inhale quickly and start to move a hand towards her lower back.

Darkness makes it extremely difficult to visualize what lies further out from the road. It's mostly industrial wastes and scrubland. Once in while, something dark contrasts with the lighter shaded snowy ground, making it possible to see. The features are usually unremarkable, such as a copse of trees or a lone ruin. At one point, Voight recognized what looked like a large electrical transmission tower. There's a railyard out here too, somewhere. You've either haven't gotten to it yet or it went by unseen. From previous excursions out here you know there really isn't much else, at least until you get closer to the river.

The distance between the Humvee and the BTR-80 rubber-bands between fifty and a hundred meters. It's a somewhat smoother ride for the big eight wheeled AFV. Andropov is driving with the IR spotlight on, allowing him to utilize the driver's night vision apparatus (which relies on active IR). He might've used the normal white driving lights, like Ferro has, but they're no longer working for some reason. Jake Ward is seated inside and not far behind the big Azeri-German driver. He's sheltered from the weather and cold air, but snow still drifts down inside the passenger compartment from the two (open) air-guard hatches. Up top, Kolstrup, Rodriguez, and Reza, hunker low to the freezing metal, trying to avoid the blowing air and to maximize their protection. They're backlit from the headlights to the rear, but not too badly.

Trailing behind the Krok is the ZOMO riot truck. The minibus and a pair of motor-scooters are supposed to be back there too.

Several minutes pass. The scrubland quickly starts to transition into dense urban terrain. Some kind of heavy industry facility is immediately on your right, or what's left of it. Ferro slows and takes a sharp turn onto Siennicka Road. She slows to allow the Krok and other vehicles to catch up and close the spacing inwards. Headlights illuminate a railway bridge that crosses overhead, with the rest of the tracks on either side elevated up on a narrow rise (like a berm). The Humvee passes under the bridge and approaches a twin feature (a second RR bridge with elevated tracks just like the first).

Krokodil's perspective:
For a split second, there's flash of light in the space between the two berm & bridges. At the same time, the Humvee's taillights disappear instantly into a sudden cloud of smoke. Everyone hears a blast too. Andropov brakes hard, hard enough that the BTR-80 loses some traction in the slushy snow. Everyone lurches forward as the momentum abruptly changes. The ZOMO riot truck behind the Krok has a delayed reaction and by the time it slows, there's only about 15-20m separating the two vehicles. The latter's headlights illuminate the APC for a few more seconds before the driver switches them off. It doesn't really matter though, as an illumination flare bursts perfectly overhead a moment later.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Fri 14 July 2023.

Reza recovers from the sudden stop and the readies to dismount immediate if they start taking fire. He scans the nearby area for suitable cover away from the big target.

.

”Viking, Kaiser. We’ve got injured. We’re exiting right side of the Humvee. Cover us and tell the medic to get ready. Out.”

Inductively, from direct observation and Kessler's transmission, Per concludes that the Humvee has just been hit on the left side by some sort of IED or rocket employed from between the two underpasses. It's the ambush pretty much everyone's been expecting.

Lort.

"Cover fire, left front! Ward, stand by to treat wounded!"

At ground level, the BTR's stumpy turret is partially blocking Per's lines of sight/fire to the area from which the ambush likely originated, so he glances at the nearer of the two elevated causeways, looks for targets to engage with automatic fire.

"Viking copies,"


Viking
BTR front, right air-guard hatch
HK21E (bipod deployed, suppressor detached) [51/50]
Doing his bit; will engage targets with long burst of automatic fire

-
This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Sat 15 July 2023.

Jake released his first "Kurwa!" after the sound and shockwave passed over the BTR.  The next two came quickly after, as Andropov slammed the brakes and the bronetransportyor started a Slow and Dispassionate Trójmiasto Drift.

"Yeah, wounded.  OK," Jake said in response to Per's commands.  One hand instinctively checked his M3 aid bag, while the other reached for a handhold, in preparation to unass the BTR.

Ward
BTR passenger, ready to GTFO - following dismounts out of the vehicle (but not going first).  Staying slightly behind any shooters that push forward, moving cover to cover if available.
AK-74M [30/30], folded, slung
MARCH assessment on any friendly wounded encountered.  Deploying a screening smoke grenade if treatment is needed and taking fire.

Reza was waiting to see how the situation developed. Staying low he raised his RPK to just below eye level scanning his sector focusing specifically on elevated positions like the bridges above them.

"Please call out targets. Please. Yes?" He whispered rather loudly.

Reza
RPK [30/30]
Will engage targets with short burst of suppressive fire
and move to cover

The BTR-80 idles, slightly askew on the road from having drifted in the slick slush during the sudden halt. It is positioned roughly 30m short of the first bridge and 100m to the second. Line of sight is almost completely blocked by the railroad's closest embankment. Looking through (under) the bridge, reveals the next raised crossing and a sliver of the right embankment, nothing more. The Humvee briefly disappeared in the blast, but it has since reemerged, halted and angled almost 45 degrees upright on the steep incline of the embankment.

"Sergeant?" Andropov yells over his shoulder, presumably to Kolstrup, and presumably unsure if he ought to dash forward to the stricken Humvee. Until told otherwise he'll remain on this side of the twin bridges.

The ZOMO riot truck also stays put. It's likely they have no idea what's going on. Similarly, the Mad Dogs can't be sure if the minibus carrying the bulk of their reinforcements are still with them.

Topside riders on the Krokodil scan the first embankment and what little is visible on the other side. Rodriguez and Nassir are not equipped with night vision devices but the aerial flare that's been launched is lighting up everything (except for the shadowed areas like under the bridges). The orange glow reflects off the layer of slushy snow which blankets the ground. Kolstrup makes no sighting with his weapon mounted night-scope. Jose then points out that there is movement around the Humvee. It looks like someone has gotten out.

Gunfire pops repeatedly, echoing in the space underneath the railway bridge. There's no distinctive snap of rounds passing nearby so it's obviously nearly right away that the you are not under fire. Either your teammates at the Humvee are shooting or someone is shooting at them.

In another second or two, someone else appears at or very close to the Humvee.

The riot truck revs its engine while the woman passenger in the cab leans out of her window and shouts forward, sounding equally frustrated with having halted and unsure of Nowak, "What happen?! What do?!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:07, Tue 18 July 2023.

"STOP, STOP, DISMOUNTING! Jake yells in English as he plays fuck around with the BTR hatch.

"Chodź za mną!," Ward added loudly in po Polsku.

After Ward finally cleared of the doorway, he ran behind the BTR for cover.  He motioned toward the vehicles behind him, signaling for an assault to the left.

"Odcienie, Mechanik! Misja ratunkowa. Prawa strona, w górę nasypu na wzniesienie ze mną!" Jakub shouted in Polish.  With that, the American Staff Sergeant took off at a sprint toward the left side of the road, then up the embankment.  He was heading to high ground, intent on going prone at the crest of the berm.  As he moved, his AK-74M came off his shoulder

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Follow me!
Shades, Mechanic! Rescue mission. Left side, up the berm to high ground with me.

---

Jake Ward
Moving out of the BTR, heading up the left side of the berm with anyone who will follow.  Prone just before the crest of the berm, then low crawl to the top.
AK-74M [30/30], shifting from slung to two hands.  Stock unfolded if there's time.
Leading an adhoc dismount charge (Inshallah.. otherwise it will be lonely up there). Engaging any enemy targets with single shots.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Tue 18 July 2023.

"Stay put!" Per instructs Andropov.

"Rodriquez, Reza, on me!" Per hoists himself up and over the right side of the BTR, slides down, boots hit the ground.

Hearing the woman in the riot truck plead for instructions, Per shouts, "Watch the flanks!" Hopefully, she hears and comprehends. Per doesn't have time to babysit.

By the time he turns around and advances past the nose of the BTR, Ward and two others are running towards the berm to the left of the tunnel. Nice initiative, he thinks at the American medic. No need to bunch up, so Per heads for the embankment on the right.


Viking
Dismounting right
HK21E (suppressor detached) [50/50]
Leading Rodriguez and Reza up the right-hand berm to assault ambushers from high ground

-
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Tue 18 July 2023.

Reza dismounts clumsily and moves after Per to the right side embankment. He makes sure that he is off to the right of Per about 10 meters. Moving quickly he carries his RPK at the high ready focusing on the dead spaces. "Fuck us. Fuck us! This bad."

Reza is scanning their right flank and to their rear. "Where bus? Where bikes?"

Reza is relying on Per to scan their front to the left. Reza is trying to spot the vehicles that should be to their rear. When they rear the top of the embankment he waits for Per to set the conditions.

Reza
RPK [30/30]
Will engage any targets with short burst of suppressive fire and move to cover.
Letting Per set the conditions - this side of the railroad tracks or move to the top and laydown. Basically letting him lead and backing him up.
Scanning from 12 to 6 o'clock.

Jose initially grimaces at the sound and flash of light. Sure, it could just be a random mine or IED, but given everyone's expectation of an ambush, that seemed the more likely explanation. He flips down his night vision device and raises his AK, scanning through the tunnel and trying to figure out what's going on. Seeing movement outside of the stalled Humvee, he calls out, "Aye, they're getting out!" He wonders why they wouldn't press on if it was an ambush - presumably someone got hit. Given the lack of visibility, the order from Per a moment later is entirely expected.

"Copy!"

Jose quickly pivots his legs up and out of the air hatch before sliding down the left side of the BTR. He immediately takes off running around the front of the BTR after Per and Reza, double-timing it to catch up to the pair after having to come around from the other side of the APC. Breathing hard, he ascends the berm on Per's left, remembering to keep his spacing.

Rodriguez
Riding on the BTR
AK-74 5.45mmS 30/30
Dismounting and heading after Per and Reza up the berm
NVGs ON

Jake Ward immediately presses for a dismounted approach. Called forward, the two loyalists lying uncomfortably on top of the ZOMO riot truck, start to clamber down. They're still in dismounting when Ward sprints forward of the halted vehicles. A muffled acknowledgement then comes from Andropov, following Per Kolstrup's share of the orders. No such response comes from the "crew" of the truck which is idling behind the APC, but a door is heard slamming shut. The Dane is then moving forward as well, with Rodriguez and Reza on his heels. The latter sees no sign of the minibus or the little motor-scooters. Nassir does however notice the female passenger of the riot truck is now dismounted and standing several meters away from the vehicles, presumably guarding the flank.

During this time (above), additional gunshots are heard from the direction of the Humvee. There doesn't sound to be any automatic fire but it's so intense that it almost seems to be. The shooting then becomes noticeably random after another moment.

The para-flare illuminating the area from above continues to drift downward, as well as laterally (from the gentle wind). Visibility for the naked eye is extended clearly out to about 100m from the south bridge. Shadowed areas remain almost pitch black. Larger objects, such as buildings, vehicles, and natural features are illuminated enough to be seen out to about 150-200m. There isn't enough heavy snowfall to effectively reduce the flare's effect.

Ward easily reaches the bottom of the railway embankment first. He's left of the bridge and begins ascending tactically. No one else is with him yet. Kolstrup arrives on the righthand side and starts a similar climb with Jose and Nassir. Both parties struggle, as the ground is slick thanks to several hours of mixed snow & rain, and the steepness of the slope. As such, it takes them somewhat longer to reach the top than they may have expected. The loyalists (unofficially) nicknamed "Shades" and the "Mechanic" finally arrive at the embankment and start ascending too. They struggle just as much.

Darkness suddenly returns to the landscape as the flare dies out before reaching the ground.

The first embankment is now occupied with two groups of three, separated by the railroad bridge. Individuals without night vision can see the next embankment and its bridge, and the Humvee. The vehicle's dark green contrasts with the wet accumulation on the ground. Three figures are visible on both sides of it, and are in various postures (prone, standing, and in between). Halina Nowak's clothing and lack of rigging, make her easier to identify than the others. She's hunched down directly in front of the Humvee's front bumper and facing the vehicle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:39, Wed 19 July 2023.

Reza scans for threats taking advantage of the cover provided and watches for the muzzle flashes in the dark which are delivering fire to the occupants of the hummer.

Reza
RPK [30/30]
Will engage any targets with aimed semi-automatic shots followed by a delay and then a short bursts of suppressive fire.
Scanning to the flanking positions of the friendlies at the hummer.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Thu 20 July 2023.

Jake scanned the wreck and the landscape behind his rifle sights, looking for hostiles.  Prone in the mud and snow, he caught his breath and let the lactic acid burn in his legs subside as he took in the scene of the wrecked HMMWV and the handful of survivors outside of it.

As Shades and the Mechanic made the slog up the hill, Ward breathed a sigh of relief.  He wasn't going to be up here alone at least.

"Co nagle, to po diable," he said as the pair joined him.  It was an old Polish proverb - things done in a hurry are cursed by the devil.  Haste makes waste was the English equivalent.  While he wanted to push forward to the HMMWV immediately, they wouldn't do anyone any good getting themselves killed.

"Ustaw się tutaj i obserwuj błyski luf," Jake said as he motioned to the left and right of him.  "Pani Nowak jest przy zderzaku pojazdu," he added, pointing to the wrecked HMMWV, so both were aware of the location of the vehicle and survivors.

"Mam widzenie w nocy, ale muszę je przygotować.  Po tym lekki karabin maszynowy zostanie tutaj, podczas gdy strzelec pójdzie za mną, aby wydobyć ocalałych," Jake was speaking while futzing around with his padded carrier, removing his PVS-5 NVGs.  He quickly removed his helmet, strapped on the night vision goggles, and reshrouded his head in Aramid.

"Jakieś problemy lub pytania?"

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Things done in a hurry are cursed by the devil.

Stop here and aim for any flashes of enemy gunfire.   Ms. Nowak is standing by the bumper of the vehicle.

I have night vision, but I need to prepare it.  Please, the light machine gun will stay here and provide cover while the gunner follows me to get the survivors out.

Any problems or questions?

---

Jake Ward
Prone at top of embankment
AK-74M [30/30]
Spotting friendlies and hostiles for Shades and Mechanic (the G3A3 using 7.62N and 40 inches of barrel for 7.62S RPD, likely gives them better effective range at this point).  Donning NVGs, another purposeful observation of the battlefield, and preparing to lead Shades forward (on foot or perhaps sliding down this hill on our ass [more likely]).
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Thu 20 July 2023.

Jose crests the top of the embankment, breathing hard after the upward slog through the slush. For a moment, he wondered if he'd ever reach the top, with one foot sliding back every few steps forward. As he gets eyes on, he relays the situations to the others with him as tersely as possible while shouldering his AK. "Three friendlies near the Humvee. Possible hostile under the far bridge."

He attempts to slow his breathing and puts his sights on the target under the bridge, his mind pumping out thoughts rapid-fire. Who was in the Humvee? Nowak. The captain. Ferro. Varis. And Hank was on the gun. Why wasn't Hank firing the cannon? Were any of them wearing their overwhites? He couldn't remember, but he didn't think so. "Can't tell if it's hostile. Suppressing." Jose shifts his aim a couple of millimeters to the left and pulls the trigger. If it was a hostile, some rounds whizzing by their head might give the group the seconds they need to identify what was happening down there without him inadvertently shooting a friend.

Jose Rodriguez
Standing at the top of the right-side embankment
AK-74 5.45mmS 30/30
Firing a short burst just to the left of the far target under the bridge
NVGs On

The climb up the slick slope of the embankment seems to take minutes rather than seconds. When he reaches the crest and is in position to look down the opposite side, the Dane flops down on his belly flicks on the SIMRAD scope. Jose's dealing with a possible hostile under the far bridge, so Per focuses on the ground to the left, in the saddle between the two embankments.

"Reza, cover our front, right; if you see any movement shoot at it!"

If he sees anyone he doesn't immediately recognize, he'll open fire with quick bursts.


Viking
Prone, top of right-side embankment
HK21E (51/50*), suppressor detached, bipod and night scope deployed
Looking for targets to engage in the saddle between the embankments, left side of Lobo

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Fri 21 July 2023.

Jake Ward's backup is just arriving when he preps them for what's next to come. "No'problemo." the fellow with the sunglasses perched on his head responds. He seems eager to advance, despite lacking the same kind of night vision advantage that the American medic has. For his part, the balding fighter in the mechanic's coveralls flashes a silent wave to indicate that he understands. He tries kneeling behind the berm (looking over the top) but can't get sufficient traction to make it a viable fire position. An adjustment is quickly made with the RPD gunner lying prone on the top of the mound.

From the right side of the bridge, Rodriguez opens fire with a short burst from his Kalashnikov. There's no return fire.

Next to Jose, Per Kolstrup and newcomer Nassir, observe to the front. The latter can make out subtle movement around the disabled(?) Humvee. There are at least five people on the ground there now, with three positioned on this side of the vehicle, and one each at the front and rear bumpers. The figure at the rear of the Humvee appears to be lying flat and hasn't moved. Unfortunately, the limits of visibility prevent Nassir from seeing more.

Kolstrup has the advantage of night vision but it's via a telescopic scope. The process of observation therefore goes slowly as he pans the magnified view gradually across the snowy landscape in between the two berms. There's a scattered bit of light brush. Also seen is something small that goes unidentified by the Dane, other than contrasting dark against the snow and isn't a leafless bush. Next, upon shifting the scope's field of view upwards to complete the scan, Kolstrup observes three low features that look like gentle bumps on the top of the otherwise smooth/flat berm. They seem to be the same color as the snow, mostly anyway. As with the first possible sighting, it could be almost anything.

Ward slides down the south berm's northern slope. Walking is not an option. "Shades" passes him on the way down, intentionally it seems, but pauses at the bottom. The two men then get to their feet and start advancing across the gap between the two raised rail lines. They're seen en route, with Kessler's voice challenging them, "Who's there?"

Except for the explosive blast, a flare, and a brief exchange of gunfire, this hasn't been much of an ambush yet.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Rodriguez: 3x 5.45mmB
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:06, Tue 25 July 2023.

Jose sees the man (woman?) dive into cover. It seems like a positive sign that at least whomever was there wasn't firing on the Humvee, but it also seems to have created more questions than it answered. Who was that? Who is firing on the Humvee? Are there even any hostiles? He keys his radio.

"Coyote to Mad Dogs. Anyone have a target? If so, call out where, ehh."

Jose then starts tracking his AK in a forward arc, ready to start laying down fire as soon as a response comes through.

Jose Rodriguez
Kneeling at the top of the northern berm
AK-74 5.45mmS 27/30
Radio'ing for contact info and scanning with his AK
NVGs ON

Reza scans from the right side all the way to their rear.

"Ward, the medic," Jake replied to the challenge.  To prove his bona fides, he added, "Kolstrup said to stand by for wounded.  Not my style though.  One of Nowak's men is with me."

As Jake made his way to the wreck, he scanned the area using his NVGs once again.  He'd relay any threat to his Polish companion, but barring taking direct fire, he pushed on toward Kessler's voice.  He didn't want to get caught out in the open if he could help it.

"Niech pani Nowak się zakryje. Zachowaj świadomość sytuacyjną i zaatakuj wrogów," Jake said to Shades.  Since he'd seen Nowak standing (or at least a very good approximation of Nowak), she'd be triaged later, after anyone found unconscious or unresponsive.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Get Ms Nowak to cover. Maintain situational awareness and engage any hostiles.

---

"What's the situation?" Ward asked once he reached Kessler.

Jake Ward
Moving toward wreck
AK-74M [30/30] transitioning to safe and slung once at wreck
Responding to challenge, situational awareness [NVGs ON], moving to triage unconscious/unresponsive wounded.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Wed 26 July 2023.

Given the absence of obvious targets (muzzle flashes, movement, etc.), Per focuses on the snowy humps atop the far overpass. Are they observers wearing over-whites or just bits of safety railing heaped with fresh snow? He reaches into the butt pack resting over his lower back, pulls out Ragnar's suppressor, and starts threading on to the barrel, all without taking his eye from the scope.

The fog of war lies heavy on this little patch of Gdansk. Frustration dulls the Danish ranger's edge, so he does his best to not let it get the best of him.


Viking
Prone atop embankment, right side
HK21 bipod deployed, SIMRAD ON (51/50) set to 3-round burst
Searching for targets

-

Reza waited and watched.

Reza
RPK [30/30]
Will engage any targets with aimed semi-automatic shots followed by a delay and then a short bursts of suppressive fire.
Scanning to the flanking positions of the friendlies at the hummer.

The verbal exchange between Kessler (at the Humvee's resting place) and Ward (en route) can be heard by those who're up on the southern berm. There's a challenge and then a response. Jake and one of Nowak's loyalists continue across the snowy ground between the two elevated rail lines.

Vehicle activity becomes audible back on the road by the halted Krokodil and ZOMO riot truck. At the same time, where LOS applies, the snow on the ground starts to brighten as it reflects light. Perhaps it is the missing half of the column catching up.  The headlights then go out as the arriving vehicles start to slow.

Up top, the Mad Dogs and their allies continue to observe. Frustration builds as the enemy ambushers remain undetected for some reason or another. A radio call looking to help unveil the situation goes out from Rodriguez.

Ward and "Shades" hurry across the soggy ground. Single rapid-fire gunshots meet them just as they're reaching the midway point to the Humvee. The accurate fire hits the Polish fighter almost immediately. He drops to his knees and one hand, grunting loudly in pain, and is then struck again, this time rolling over onto the ground. The shooter then 'chases' Ward with ongoing fire. The medic stumbles as his foot catches on a leafless bush but he's still in motion.

An automatic weapon opens up a split second after the gunfire (above) begins. It's unclear who the target is, except that it is not the medic and the downed ally. The weapon fires a few long bursts and then shifts aim (for reasons mentioned below), sweeping one continuous stream across the entire length of the southern berm.

Kolstrup is first to react. He had been already looking at the source of the enemy fire. There is one for sure, possibly two, shooters at (or behind?) the small mounds on the northern berm. There is still no telling if the mounds are people, terrain features, or something else. A three round burns kicks up slush and gravel just short of the target area, but visible through the optical scope. A quick correction appears to break or interrupt fire that's meant for Ward (who senses the incoming fire end at least for the present time). A third burst is rushed and coupled with the recoil ends in what the Dane knows is a total miss. Also, Kolstrup's suppressor hadn't been attached in time and the effort hastily abandoned, in lieu of getting rounds downrange as quickly as possible.

Rodriguez and Nassir engage a few seconds later and in that order. Jose's NOD gives him good situational awareness versus the dark and allow him to home in on the fire quickly, but it also physically restricts him to 'quick shots'. After a moment, Nassir detects the faintly visible muzzle flashes. He engages with single shots and then a couple bursts from his RPK. Their combined fire seems to coincide with the automatic fire (above) shifting to a sweeping area attack. Nothing else is noticed at this time. It isn't known in the "Mechanic" and his RPD are firing or not.

Nassir then displaces a few meters to the right.

A grenade size blast erupts somewhere between those up on the berm and the vehicles behind them. There's more gunfire from elsewhere (other than above) too, but the noise of battle and everyone being busy enough as it is, means no further details are known.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Kolstrup: 9x 7.62mmN
Rodriguez: 8x 5.45mmB
Nassir: 12x 5.45mmB

Not sure if I mentioned this to witch_hunter007 before, but also a general reminder, there might be text that only certain players can see. So just keep that in mind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:15, Sat 29 July 2023.

Snagging on the bush, even for just a half second, was enough impetus for Jake to go to ground immediately.  Once prone, Jake pulled a Soviet RDG-2Ch smoke grenade off his LBE, took a second to judge wind, the likely direction of incoming fire, and where he'd ended up, before readying the grenade for deployment.  He tossed the grenade out toward what he thought might be the best position to screen their current position and with any luck, some onward movement to the HMMWV.

"Pozostań w pozycji leżącej na ziemi. Rzucę granat dymny i przyjdę po ciebie." Jake said, directing his voice toward where he'd seen Shades go down.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Remain prone. I am throwing a smoke grenade and then I will come to you.

---

Flat on the muddy ground, Jake waited to hear the sizzle of the grenade and see the black smoke.  Through hard earned experience, he knew enough to wait a eight seconds after the smoke started billowing, before trying to move.

Jake Ward
Going prone, deploying smoke
AK-74M [30/30] shifting to slung
Deploying RDG-2Ch Smoke Grenade (Black Smoke) [1/1 - this is a sight and IR obscuring grenade if that matters https://www.pmulcahy.com/hand_grenades/russian_hg.htm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCxvJDzPMO0]
NVGs ON
Once grenade is out, waiting 8 seconds before attempting to move to Shades.  Will be looking to get him to cover/concealment via the smoke screen if there's no massive hemorrhage or other critical injuries that must be addressed before movement.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Sat 29 July 2023.

Per has an unsettling sense that something bad is starting to go down behind him, but the active enemy automatic weapon takes priority. Despite the urgency, he tries not to rush the process.

Slow is smooth; smooth is fast.

Taking aim, he fires three-round bursts at the enemy machine-gunner until he's sure the target is neutralized. If he can eliminate that threat quickly, he'll risk a look behind him.


Viking
Prone on S. embankment, right side
Scoped, [suppressed] HK21E w/ bipod deployed (42/50)
Aimed 3-round bursts at enemy automatic weapon

-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Sat 29 July 2023.

Reza skitters down lower on the right side embankment and pulls a frag. He moves to cover and goes prone facing towards their flank where he saw the targets. "We have movement right. This side tracks!" He hisses. He sets the grenade next to him so he can easily reach it.

Reza
RPK 18/30
Prone with cover delay for targets to appear.
Fire precision fire at hostiles (defined as moving toward them trying to hide or if they shoot or aim in our direction. Follow up with short burst to drive them to cover.

"Friendlies inbound from our six!” Kessler's voice carries across the short distance to Jake Ward's position.

"Fuck." Jose lets out the curse when he hears Reza nearby mention the additional incoming hostiles. They were being flanked. He then takes a step down the hill and moves closer to Reza, dropping prone with his rifle raised. Rather than try to key his radio again, Jose simply yells, hoping that the others in the BTR (or at least the truck) hear his booming voice.

"Enemies, north! Move in! Hurry!"

He'll then look for targets in the direction Reza was pointing, and start putting down bursts of fire at anyone moving.

Jose Rodriguez
At the northern berm, east side kneeling
AK-74 5.45mmS 19/30
Moving a few feet closer to Reza and going prone. Opening fire.

At the Humvee, Voight leans out and sprays the underside of the adjacent bridge. The muzzle flashes reflect off the surrounding snowfall, while the corners of the span above capture the sounds, amplifying their volume and intensity. In almost no time at all, his weapon rips through the magazine and the bolt catches. If there are any other sounds, including return fire, they go unheard.

Kessler struggles with the pin on his grenade. It's wedged into its housing unusually tight and might even be rusted or damaged a little. He can thank Gdansk's Sikora munitions plant for the quality. Nearby, Ferro covers everyone against the new threat, who are close, just a grenade throw away. The Hauptmann then yanks hard one more time, inadvertently breaking the pin without removing it completely. He promptly ditches it for his remaining grenade.

"There!" Nowak yells, pointing a blood-stained hand over to the right. She's still sitting on the wet ground with her back against the wheel, but twisted around a little and looking up the embankment. Her warning is for Ferro but it's the enemy who manages to fire first. The close-ranged attack rakes the Humvee's hood and ballistic glass. A shift in his aim occurs next, but at that moment the Italian drives him off with the last rounds in her SVD.

Kessler's trouble with the grenade might actually have been some good luck. The delay has provided him with another sighting of the enemy and thus confirming their newish location (for at least one). The Captain throws. Ferro reloads. Voight reloads.

The grenade detonates out of view.

Kolstrup fires again at the concealed & covered enemy gunner. His optical sight displays splashes of snow and gravel, more or less on target, from two bursts. A third is put downrange for good measure. The Dane has no confirmation of a hit against an actual person, but the positive bullet strikes and a lack of enemy fire is a good sign.

What isn't a good sign is that another grenade-sized explosion rocks the ground behind Kolstrup. Pebbles and other bits of debris splatter down onto the top of the southern railroad's embankment. It's closer than the last impact. Per then looks over his shoulder, seeing the dark and boxy shapes of the Krokodil and ZOMO riot truck, and a third vehicle which might be the "missing" minibus having arrived.

A red flare, trailing incandescent embers soars across the night sky. It isn't an illumination device, but rather a signal or emergency pyrotechnic, so battlefield visibility doesn't change.

Going prone and not moving might've saved Jake Ward. He draws no further fire. That said, the air above him is alive with crisscrossing rounds as the Mad Dogs and the ambushers (both on elevated ground) exchange fire. Smoke is prepared and deployed. During the brief wait, the medic can hear "Shades" back on the tracks that they left in the wet snow. Nowak's loyalist is hissing as if venting pain through clenched teeth.

Nassir, having just alerted everyone to activity further down the tracks, slides back down the slick and steep embankment. Rodriguez follows immediately after. Both men then go prone at the bottom. Jose's shouted warning barely escapes his lips when he (and Reza) are buffeted by an explosive blast, and an accompanying hail of snow and gravel. The bandage on the American's face is ripped free and snow gets in between his eyes and the rubber eyepiece on his NOD. A stinging sensation can be felt on his buttocks. Reza is shocked by the near miss but escapes physical injury, perhaps being shielded by the Mad Dog lying next to him, but the attack has nevertheless stunned him.

Per Kolstrup takes fire. Two rounds snap overhead with about three seconds in between. They all miss but someone knows the Dane is there so it's a close call each time. The source of the attack eludes him. Unless Per is mistaken (the battlefield noise makes that a possibility) there are no gunshots from the attacker who's targeting him. Per then hears a woman utter an annoyed sounding "Fuck!" from the downward slope behind him.

In another moment, Abel, the squad leader of Nowak's loyalists, arrives and starts shaking Jose's shoulder. "You good? You good? Hey? You good?" he asks, speaking energetically. To Rodriguez, the Polish man's raised voice sounds muffled. Nassir senses two people rush past him and start ascending the embankment towards Kolstrup's position, heading into battle. A fourth person ("Patrick Swayze"), kneels down next to Reza to check on him, much like Abel did for Jose. OOC: The 'stunned' effect of the blast wears off at this time for both characters.

Ward crawls through the slushy snow and twiggy brush. He's masked by the smoke. The medic, with his clothing soaking wet, covers the short distance to "Shades" without incident. He finds the Polish fighter breathing rapidly but fully alert. Bloodied hands, which look black and oily seen through night vision goggles, are gripped tightly around his thigh. The lower part of the same leg might've been hit as well.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Kessler: 1x (Gdansk) Fragmentation Grenade
Kessler: 1x (Gdansk) Fragmentation Grenade damaged
Ferro: 4x 7.62mmL
Voight: 30x 5.45mmB
Kolstrup: 9x 7.62mmN
Ward: 1x Smoke Grenade
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:48, Tue 01 Aug 2023.

Hank switches his AKMR to his wounded (right) shoulder so he can reload his weapon.  "LOADING," he says as he employs the Russian reload method of using a fresh magazine to eject the spent mag and then inserting a fresh one, and coming under to work the bolt and sends the bolt forward on a fresh round.  "UP," he calls out when he's done with the process as he switches back to his left shoulder.  He scans and looks for threats.

Voight
AKMR (30/30) (x1 0/30)
H&KP9S (9/9) Holstered / [1] mag 7/9 / [1] mag (0/9)
reloading and looking for threats firing if he has a threat
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

"Jestem tutaj i zabiorę cię w bezpieczne miejsce," Jake told Shades as he fished around in his M3 aidbag for a nylon tourniquet.

"Utrzymuj ucisk na ranę i oddychaj. Założę opaskę uciskową. Potem przejdziemy do pozostałych i będziemy się kryć. Potem zapakuję i opatrzę rany i zwolnię opaskę uciskową." Ward looped the tourniquet around Shade's injured leg, shifting it up high toward the hip and crotch.

"Muszę wyczuć ranę wylotową, więc to będzie bolało. Masz jakieś leki przeciwbólowe?" Jake wanted to position the tourniquet above the wounds, which needed to include entry AND exit wounds, but not any higher than needed.  Depending on how long the tourniquet would be applied, there was a risk that amputation would be needed - the higher the tourniquet, the more of the leg would be lost.  Palpation (i.e. directly feeling for holes and injuries with the hands) was the best way to find the optimal location; at least under these conditions.

Jake didn't have any pain meds himself.  He'd been out of prescription medical supplies for some time.  At this point, his field dressings were home made, as he had expended all of his pre-packaged supplies of those as well.  At least his remaining tourniquets could be reused after cleaning; just ignore the bloodstains.

"Szybkie sprawdzenie innych dziur, potem ruszamy!"

With the tourniquet in place, Jake used his hands and fingers to rapidly check Shades neck, chest, back, arms, buttocks, groin, and un-treated leg.  Jake was really hoping that Shade's other leg was uninjured, as that made the possibility of 'Support Carry'-ing him to the HMMWV much more likely. 

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
I am here and I am going to get you to safety.

Keep pressure on the wound and keep breathing. I am going to apply a tourniquet.  Then we will move to the others and cover.  After that I will pack and dress the wounds and release the tourniquet.

I need to feel for an exit wound, so this will hurt.  Do you have any pain meds?

Quick check for other holes, then we move.

---

Jake Ward
Treating patient while prone/kneeling
AK-74M [30/30] Slung & Folded
Treating Shades.  https://militaryantiquesmuseum...00.military-antiques

Will try to move him using smoke grenade concealment if able to slow/stop massive hemorrhaging. 
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

Jose lays prone on the moment, shocked by the blast. How many times had he been blown up in the past couple of weeks? He was losing count. As he starts to come to, he feels the literal pain in his ass for only a moment before realizing that it's nothing serious. It certainly doesn't feel bad at all to the fresh pain he experiences as his torn face gets suddenly reacquainted with the wind and the cold.

It's then that Abel touches Jose's shoulder and starts shaking him. Jose didn't hear the approach, and the words he says sound muffled, likely due to the ringing in his ears from the nearby blast. In any case, the purpose of the man's calls are understood. He probably sees Jose's mangled head and assumed it was caused by the explosion. He waves Abel forward, and grunts through clenched teeth, "Si, I'm fine. Go, go!". He then reaches to his helmet and flips up his night vision goggles, briefly trying to shake the snow and grit out of them before flipping them back down and looking for the attackers.

Jose Rodriguez
Lying prone on the ground near the berm
AK-74 5.45mmS 19/30
Recovering from the blast and then looking for targets
NVGs back On?

Kessler has three options when it comes to his faulty Gdansk special frag grenade. Keep a hold of it, toss it away somewhere relatively safe or toss it at the enemy. The idea of holding on to something that may or may not decide to detonate of its own accord at any time isn’t one that fills him with enthusiasm. Tossing it somewhere random where the enemy can’t throw it back is probably the most prudent choice. But on the other hand it might blow up in their faces. Or not blow up at all.

”Frag out!” He shouts it loudly as he tosses the grenade, broken pin and all in the same general direction as the last one. Maybe if they hear him shout then hear a grenade land in their midst it will panic them, bring them out to where Ferro or Voight can get a shot at them. Or maybe it might even go off.

The problem of the kaput grenade dealt with, and with Voight and Ferro on watch, Kessler turns his attention to Babicevs, who is still inside the Humvee. Clambering head first into the back of the vehicle, he’ll draw his knife in case he needs to cut any seat belts and try and extract Babicevs - and the Latvian’s rifle if he can snag that as well.

Kessler
Tossing dodgy frag at enemy
Trying to get Babicevs and Pamela Anderson out of the Humvee. Now there’s a phrase I never thought I’d use…

Reza shakes off the concussion. Seeing that they were laying basically right next to each other and now more of them were all clustered together waiting for the next grenade he grabs his grenade up and high crawls again away to cover.

"I fine. Fine. Spread out! Make bad targets!" He hisses as he moves. His eyes are on where he saw the enemy.

Reza
RPK 18/30
Prone with cover.
Snap shots at hostiles if they appear. Follow up with short burst to drive them to cover.

Based on the lack of audible report accompanying two very near misses, Per concludes that whoever just shot at him also has the benefit of night optics and a suppressor. The Danish marksman is not used to facing off against an adversary armed with evenly matched equipment.

He slides down the slope of the embankment just enough to get out of sight from the sniper opposite, pauses briefly to assess the situation on the south side. Rodriquez, Reza, and a couple of Nowak's fighters appear to be dealing with the threat to the Mad Dogs' right flank. That leaves Per on his own to deal with the enemy on the northern overpass. If there's one thing that's remained constant throughout recent Mad Dog operations, it's being undermanned. While he assesses the situation on the south side of the slope, Per threads Ragnar's suppressor to the end of its long barrel (this all takes less than 15 seconds). After scooting several meters to his left, Per moves slowly towards the crest until he once again has a view of the northern embankment.

If Per's got any luck, the enemy sniper believes he's dead or wounded, and has set his (or her) sights eleswhere. Using the SIMRAD scope, the Danish ranger searches for the shooter...


Viking
Southern embankment, displaced a few meters to the left of his last firing position
Suppressed, scoped HK21E w/ bipod deployed (33/51)
Aimed three round burst at any enemy targets he can spy along the crest of the N. embankment

-
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Thu 03 Aug 2023.

Ferro keeps her weapon up at a high angle to match the steep slope. She then sidesteps to a new spot behind the Humvee, putting herself between Nowak at down by the wheel and Kessler reaching into the backseat (so probably at the corner of the windshield and hood). There is no change to how her weapon is held. She then bends her knees and one hand briefly leaves her weapon to touch the Polish woman down on the ground (without looking down at her). "Nadal dobrze, prawda?" Still good, right? That last attack was close. Maybe for Halina it was closer than it looked.

Ferro waits a second or two as Kessler leans in far into the vehicle to get their teammate out. Then when he has a better chance to hear her voice she asks him, "Captain, what do you want us to do?" She felt that staying put places us exactly where the enemy wants us to be. Next they'll be throwing grenades back over the embankment. "Fall back or attack?" She doesn't emphasize either one. She'll do whatever, even stay in place for now.

"You still need my pistol?"

Once again, if anyone appears up on the crest of the embankment, Ferro will fire as many quick shots as it takes.

Ferro
SVD (10/10)
Standing + NVG On
Covering slope
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Thu 03 Aug 2023.

"Still here." Halina Nowak answers Ferro. There's pain in her voice and she sounds quieter than before. The Italian then hears a reload occur. Nothing is seen up on the railroad tracks for the moment.

"Frag out!" Kessler warns. The grenade with the damaged pin is thrown over the embankment. No detonation occurs.

Nowak then asks Ferro, sounding calm but hoping for a comforting answer, "You have a medic... right?"

Next, Kessler leans into the damaged Humvee and starts trying to extract Varis. The effort is physically difficult due to the added weight of the Latvian's kit, but it also gives Michael something good to grip tightly onto. With each pull, Babicevs is drawn from the left side of the vehicle to the right. Halfway, Kessler catches a glimpse of the man's rifle down by his feet. It gets snatch up and thrown out behind the German, onto the snow.

Michael then senses gunfire impact noisily against the back of the vehicle. He pauses for a second, to assess whether or not to slide back outside. It's at this time that Varis mumbles something in his native language, sounding confused, and opens his eyes.

Voight finishes a reload. He then peers out from behind the rear bumper of the Humvee. He looks past the dead enemy (almost next to him) to the underside of the bridge. It's darker there than elsewhere. Within seconds an unseen shooter opens fire. There's a rapid double tap, the flicker of dual muzzle flashes, and near simultaneous impacts. The first strikes the rear of the Humvee. Pieces of red plastic from the brake light cover go flying. The second round is even more accurate and slams into Henry before he can react, knocking him sideways where he stands (same spot where he tried observing).

Jake Ward starts treating Nowak's loyalist in the bomber jacket, 'Shades'. This will be the medic's first casualty of the evening, but won't be his last. There's gunfire from under the bridge but it's not directed this way. The enemy's focus drawn elsewhere, combined with the lingering smoke, allows Jake to do his thing relatively safely. A tourniquet is applied and an inspection, aided by night vision goggles, reveals:
An inspection which is aided by night vision goggles reveals:
  Lower Thigh: Critical (1x entry wound / 0x exit wound / alarming blood loss / possible fracture)
  High Ankle: Serious (1x entry wound / 1x exit wound)
  Overall: 'Shades' is in overwhelming pain and can not physically move on his own

Kolstrup retreats (at a crawl) from the top of the southern railroad embankment. Looking down the leeward side, he sees 'Evil Marta' and 'Hatchet Guy' ascending the slick and steep slope. The annoyed sounding "Fuck!", which he heard a moment before, might've been the female fighter sliding back down against her will, as they are both struggling. Per can also see the other two loyalists, who had checked on Jose and Nassir, are now moving southwest along the base of the embankment. Their destination is unknown.

Next, the Dane fixes the suppressor to his weapon. The two loyalists have just reached the top of the embankment and go low. Per can hear them talking aloud but doesn't understand. The one that looks like a psychotic version of Marta then points a gloved hand over the rails at something, possibly the Humvee. Kolstrup then shifts left, until he's almost off the embankment and on the bridge. He observes, searching for a target. A properly equipped spotter would be good right about now. There is also a railing that blocks some LOS.

Abel and 'Swayze' rush off somewhere, leaving Jose and Reza. The latter two recover quickly from getting nearly blasted. Nassir shifts position to stretch the distance between them. Both men are soon looking eastward though. Nothing is seen, not even with Rodriguez's NOD. There were people up on the embankment and now there isn't.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Kessler: 1x Gdansk-type Fragmentation Grenade (DAMAGED)



This message was last edited by the GM at 02:08, Sun 06 Aug 2023.

”Fall back!” Kessler shouts over to Ferro as he sees Voight go down. ”Both of you, link up with Ward and then get back to the others.” He means her and Nowak, doesn't want to use the Pole's name in case the enemy hear it. It’s probably not a good option but right now Kessler doesn’t have any good options. Voight’s down as well now, so trying to attack feels like suicide. Staying where they are they’re just going to keep attracting enemy fire. That only leaves falling back. "Voight, you OK? If you can move go with them!"

He then reaches for his radio. ”All callsigns, we need urgent help here or we are going to be overrun. Enemy are on the bridge. I need suppressive fire now!” The transmission sent, he then returns to the task of getting Babicevs out, Hearing the Latvian speak and seeing him open his eyes the German hisses ”Varis, come on, you need to get out!”

Kessler
Voice and radio comms
Any time remaining trying to extricate Varis

'Voight finishes a reload. He then peers out from behind the rear bumper of the Humvee. He looks past the dead enemy (almost next to him) to the underside of the bridge. It's darker there than elsewhere. Within seconds an unseen shooter opens fire. There's a rapid double tap, the flicker of dual muzzle flashes, and near simultaneous impacts. The first strikes the rear of the Humvee. Pieces of red plastic from the brake light cover go flying. The second round is even more accurate and slams into Henry before he can react, knocking him sideways where he stands (same spot where he tried observing).'
Hank grunts loudly as another round strikes him again.  He lets the AKMR fall on its sling as he tries to utilize more cover rather than less.  He winces, and yells over to Kessler, "I'm fuckin' hit again!  Transitioning back to secondary.  These guys got NOD's running and a got bead on us."  He retrieves his H&K pistol, again, and takes up a defensive position where he went down trying to cover him and Varis.

Voight
H&KP9S (9/9) / [1] mag 7/9 / [1] mag (0/9)
AKMR (30/30) (x1 0/30) - Hanging on sling
Providing what cover he can for Kessler and Varis.  He doesn't seem like he's leaving
 Varis & Kessler by themselves
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Sun 06 Aug 2023.

A target in the hand is worth two in the bush...

The shooter under the overpass is almost certainly not the one that had been trying to pick Per off thirty seconds or so ago, but he's an immediate threat to the Dane's teammates and already in Ragnar's sights ...

Per squeezes the trigger, sending out a 3-round burst. Once the target is down, he'll repeat Kessler's orders for those nearby without benefit of radio comms.

"Lay down suppressive fire on the bridge!" he yells, while flicking Ragnar's fire selection switch from burst to full auto. He joins in, spraying anything that looks like a target, or could harbor one, with 7.62x51mm rounds.


Viking
Southern overpass
Scoped, suppressed HK31E w/ bipod deployed & SIMRAD scope on (33/51)
Shooting man under bridge with 3-round burst, then coordinating/contributing to covering fire

-
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Sun 06 Aug 2023.

Fuck, Jake says to himself when he realizes that Shades can't go anywhere on his own.

"W porządku, po prostu zabijemy się, żeby się z tego wydostać," Jake said to 'Shades'.  He physically oriented the wounded man toward the enemy on their front left.  Then checked the G3A3 magazine, pulling from his chest rig and swapping in a fresh magazine if needed, then put the German-made battle rifle in Shades' hands if need be.

"Zamierzam użyć twojego launchera," he quickly added, removing the gas grenade launcher from Shades' back (cutting the sling if it came to that).  Jake pulled a gas grenade from the webbing and made sure the launcher was ready.

Having raided this poor man's LCE enough for now, Jake quickly added.  "Tourinquest trwa.  Jesteś dobry do walki. Włącz wszelkie widoczne błyski wylotowe," Ward said with as much enthusiasm and optimism as possible, along with a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

With Shades hopefully keeping everyone on the left honest, Jake shifted his focus to the underpass of the bridge.  It was there that any gas might have the most opportunity for effect.  Ward aimed, then pulled the trigger.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Alright, we're going to just kill out way out of this.

I'm going to use your launcher.

The tourniquet is holding. You are are good to fight. Engage any muzzle flashes you see.

---

Jake Ward
Shifting Shades to cover the left front with his G3A3.  Taking the Gas Launcher
Gas Launcher [?/?... hopefully loaded with something that brings the pain] - loading a round manually as required
Changing Shades' mag if needed.  One gas round fired into the underpass of the bridge, using my might GL:0 skill. 
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Sun 06 Aug 2023.

Ferro crouches down and holds out a hand to Nowak. "Time to go." She'll use whatever strength is needed to help her up off the ground. "How fast can you go?" (The answer is a walk.) "Right, we walk then. Ley's go."

Ferro knows Kessler called for fire at the bridge so she isn't going to cross over to Ward and get in the way of the bullets. They'll have to link up together back at the south embankment. Once Nowak gets walking towards southeast, Ferro will follow directly behind her. She'll move backwards, sideways, whatever is possible while keeping an eye on the northern embankment for enemy. If anyone is seem Ferro will go to one knee and squeeze off quick shots as many times as needed. Also, as they start to cover ground she calls over to Ward "Hey! We are pulling back!"

If/Once they reach the southern embankment, Ferro will guide Nowak to go under the bridge instead of over the embankment.

Ferro
SVD 10/10
Walking southeast and observing northern embankment
NVG On

Reza lays still behind his cover watching for the slightest movement. The weather was bad but any movement on the part of the enemy would stick out against the cold frozen wet backdrop. Reza knows that the only way to survive a near ambush is to assault through.

Reza
RPK (18/30)
Precision fire and then a short burst to drive them into cover then drop the grenade on then.
Then displace again. Moving forward and right immediately after tossing the grenade. Hoping to get into a flank position on them.

As he comes to, Varis realizes that he's not sure of,

1. Where he is.
   
   
2. How he got here.
   
   
3. What happened.
   
   
4. What day, month, and year it is.
   
   
5. Why this man with a German accent yelling at him in English.

"Tā nebija Varisa vaina. Puisis ar Ladu brauca pa sarkano gaismu." he explains, trying talk himself out of a suspended license and another night in the drunk tank down at Riga central.

Willing himself to move like a sober person would, Varis desperately tries to get to his feet, all the while trying to project calm, cool, control.

How much fucking vodka did I drink tonight?

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 01:34, Tue 08 Aug 2023.

Kolstrup centers the aiming reticle onto the standing and motionless target. Although there are some wispy traces of lingering smoke expanding into the nightscope's field of view, it's an easy takedown for the Jægerkorpset NCO. One three-round burst results in the target instantly drop straight down and remain motionless.

In the low ground between the embankments, a painful moan escapes 'Shades' through clenched teeth, when Ward repositions him to face the enemy. The wounded Pole's G3 rifle is then put into his hands. 'Shades' lowers his head, resting his cheek on the weapon's cold steel for a moment, but then raises it. "Yeah... ok." Shades murmurs, leaving Jake to wonder which statement in particular is the man responding to. Maybe all of it. By this point, the medic has commandeered the casualty's ZOMO issued teargas launcher.

Kessler simultaneously orders a withdraw to his forward elements and requests help from everyone else. One callsign answers, "Kaptain, I am Andropov. I am move Krok forward to you." A short pause follows before the Azeri-German sitting in the damaged APC transmits again, "Kaptain, yes?"

Halina Nowak inhales and holds it, as Ferro helps her get up on the frozen ground and back on her feet. There's a dark spot on her sweater from blood that seeping out from the bottom of the body armor. The two then begin trudging through the wet snow towards the southern bridge. Ferro alternates between walking backwards or with her upper torso twisted around, keeping the crest of the hostile embankment behind them under watch.

Back at the Humvee, Voight shifts back to his sidearm, which is more manageable in his painful condition. Bullets snap loudly as they zip past and enter the area below the bridge. Meanwhile, the oddly canted vehicle that he's using for cover rocks slightly as Kessler moves about inside it.

Kessler resumes extracting Varis. The Latvian is still experiencing difficulty with tuning into reality. His sense of balance is off too. The first thing Babicevs does is immediately lose his footing on the steep slope in which the Humvee has come to a rest on. Michael then collects the Kalashnikov that he tossed out of the vehicle while struggling with the (then) unconscious Mad Dog. Varis vomits on the sloped ground.

Ward fires what he believes is a CS gas cannister towards the northern bridge.

On the embankment and to the right of Kolstrup, the two fighters from Abel's squad open fire (AKS-74U & AK-74). They put rounds downrange aggressively with multiple short bursts. Meanwhile, Per scans for additional targets, ready to lay it on with automatic fire himself.

Rodriguez and Nassir continue to observe east. There is no sighting. They can hear the BTR-80 start up its troublesome engine and begin to roll very slowly along the snow covered road.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Kolstrup: 3x 7.62mmN
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:02, Wed 09 Aug 2023.

”Ja, agree!” Kessler replies to Andropov while Babicevs vomits on the snow.

”Voight!” He calls over to the American, who he’s relieved to see on his feet again. ”You and Babicevs get out of here! Link up with Ferro, I’ll cover you.” He has an idea as to how to do that. Or at least try to. ”The BTR is inbound. They’ll pick you up.”

Starting to clamber back into the Humvee, he shouts to Babicevs ”Here! Your rifle! Go with Voight!” After handing the Latvian the Kalashnikov (presuming he’s coherent enough to know what’s going on) Kessler will then move fully back into the Humvee. Once inside, he’ll get himself up into the gunner’s position, trying to ignore the pain in his left arm as he swings the M2 heavy machine gun around until it’s aimed towards the top of the embankment.

”Richtig, ihr kleinen verdammten Bastarde, mal sehen, wie euch das gefällt.” he mutters to himself as he presses down on the HMG’s butterfly triggers and starts walking fifty cal rounds back and forth along the top of the embankment in a series of bursts. At this point he’s not overly concerned about conserving ammo as he reckons there’s a fairly high chance that a Mad Dog fired RPG might end up finishing off the Humvee to deny it to the enemy if they do manage to get out of this so he may as well fire the ammo off as blow it up.

Kessler
NVG's on
Getting into Humvee’s gunner’s station and firing as many 5 rnd bursts as Fuse will allow (we’ll start with 5 x 5)
Walking fire along the top of the embankment from left to right then back again with as much Teutonic precision as possible. Intent is to generally suppress enemy but obviously if any do show themselves they’ll get special attention
M2 (?/?)

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Right you little fucking bastards, let’s see how you like this.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Wed 09 Aug 2023.

Voight helps Kessler sling Babicevs' rifle on him and then tries to support him the best he can.  "Can you move?" He asks the wounded Latvian.

Hank wants to question Kessler's last order but, he knows it will go nowhere and they were all pretty fucked up right now.

Reza stands up maintaining what cover he can and quickly moves back to move with the BTR backing up and keeping his eyes moving and watchful. He moves to the far side of the vehicle and makes sure that driver notes where he is. "Come on. Lets fall back recover. Do we have recovery or tow to hook up the humee?"

Reza
RPK (18/30)
If he sees any movement he will fire quick shots. Then a short burst. Toss the grenade if they go to a position of cover. Move with the BTR for cover.

Varis' vision is blurry, his ears ringing. Why does C.J. Parker sound like a dude? And where'd Hans Gruber go? Varis wonders, as the Baywatch Babe drapes his arm around her tanned shoulders. Maybe I have sand in my ears, he postulates. Anyway, he doesn't want to embarrass himself by puking again. Can he walk, she asks.

"Protams! Varis var paveikt daudz vairāk nekā tikai staigāt. Viņš tev parādīs..." he replies, pouring on his brand of sleezy charm. After the last words leaves his mouth, he realizes with alarm that he answered in Latvian. Shit! Did I forget how to speak English?

The whole blond bimbo thing is probably a stereotype, but Varis doesn't think C.J. speaks his native tongue. Hm. He'll just have to impress her by sobering up quickly and walking himself to wherever it is she wants to go. The shellshocked Latvian concentrates on putting one foot in front of the other...

-

Jose lays on the ground, continuing to watch northeast, waiting to see if there's any movement at all through his nods. After some time watching and failing to see anything, he hears Kessler's radio call. They were pulling out then. He senses the nearby Reza rise to his feet and start making his way back to the BTR.

He'll watch for a split second more to make sure there's no fire trailing after Reza, then he'll get to his feet as well, and start making his way back up the slope to Kolstrup's position. After slipping and sliding his way back up the embankment and breathing hard, he'll take a knee a few meters away from the big dane, and sweep his weapon northwest while looking for targets. If the targets firing at he and Reza had crossed over the embankment, this is where they'd be. If not, well then it was time to get the hell out of here.

"Per, time to go, ehh. We're pulling back." With that, he'll assist in covering the others as they work to regroup.

Jose Rodriguez
Lying in wait, then moving back to the top of the embankment
AK-74 5.45mmS 19/30
Sweeping from the embankment north to west, looking for targets and opening up with long bursts at any he sees
NVGs ON

Hank gives Varis a side look and holsters his H&K and grabs his left arm and throws it over his own shoulder, using his right to grab his webbing or belt to help support his weight.  "Fuck it!  We're going to find out real soon.  Time to move your ass Comrade!"

He winces as he reaches to activate his radio, "Devil Dog here.  Exfil from Lobo with one in tow.  Copy?"

Voight
H&KP9S (9/9) / [1] mag 7/9 / [1] mag (0/9)- Holstered
AKMR (30/30) (x1 0/30) - Hanging on sling
Moving away from Lobo with a babbling Varis in tow
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Thu 10 Aug 2023.

Having fired the 37mm Riot Gas-Gun, Jake quickly shifted to his rifle and took aim downrange, looking for any enemy targets.

Jake Ward
Prone firing position
AK-74M [30/30]
5-round burst at any visible enemy target.

As soon as his target under the bridge hits the cold, hard ground, Per shifts his sights back to the crest of the enemy-held embankment. From what he's gleaned over the team radio net, the Mad Dogs and their allies are conducting a tactical withdrawal under fire- arguably the most difficult of military maneuvers. What they need right now is covering, suppressive fire.

From left to right, the Danish ranger scans the high ground opposite, searching for another target. Anything that even remotely resembles such will get a quick burst of fire. Given the circumstances, he's opting for speed and volume over accuracy. He's focused on this task when he hears Rodriguez call his name.



"Not yet!" he answers. "The Lobo team needs covering fire!"


Viking
Near crest of S. embankment
Scoped, suppressed HK21E, bipod deployed (30/50)
Covering the Humvee team's withdrawal

-

Intrusive thoughts vie for Varis' attention, distracting him from the seemingly all-important priority of walking- a simple task that, for some reason, currently requires nearly all of his concentration.

Did Baywatch's C.J. Parker just say something about Varis' ass?

Right foot.

Left foot.

Right foot.

Left foot.

I sure don't remember her voice being so... manly. It's turning me off.

Right foot.

Left foot.

Right foot.

Now, that Madonna- she had a voice like an angel...

Right foot.

Left foot.

Right foot...

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 00:53, Fri 11 Aug 2023.

Per Kolstrup scans the length of the northern embankment for targets. Within seconds the upper quarter of person is sighted. The target is wearing what might be a winter-cammo smock or loose fitted white sheet, either of which would be ideal if they were lying in the snow. This particular enemy however, is silhouetting themselves against the black backdrop of empty sky. Next, as Kolstrup settles his scope's glowing aiming reticle, he observes the target fire several single shots from a Kalashnikov in rapid succession while easily absorbing the recoil. The report of the enemy's gunfire is audible. That is, until it is abruptly silenced by the Dane's own muffled blast of 7.62mmN. The enemy immediately drops below the embankment with what is likely a solid hit.

On the leeward side of the southern embankment, Nassir and Rodriguez split up. Reza heads for the BTR-80, which now in motion, while the latter starts scrambling back up the slick slope. Other Mad Dogs are on the move as well. Departing the Humvee, Voight and Varis plod along the snow. Babicevs struggles, owing to his continued loss of balance and other factors. He and Henry make little ground as the moments pass.

Jake Ward rearms and resumes watching the hostile embankment. He can hear small arms fire from that direction but the source eludes him. A glance over to the underside of the bridge reveals a chalky haze is forming. It may be tear gas as was intended. 'Shades' then murmurs something incoherent, shifting his G3 to the right with difficulty, before speaking up. "Hej, tam są dwa, prawda, oni czy nasi?" Hey, there are two right there, <i>right, them or ours?</i> Utilizing night vision goggles, the medic quickly ID's the movement as Varis and Voight slowly falling back from the Humvee - and a friendly-fire incident is avoided. More shooting then occurs somewhere further east, or east'ish, but once again Jake can't make sense of it. And now the .50cal is going near-cyclic, and loud as fuck.

Kessler climbs into the Humvee and positions himself up in the gunner's hatch behind the M2HB. He realizes right away that the angle is going to make gravity his enemy. It also takes a him a moment to familiarize himself with the weapon's operating drills. As a Captain, he hasn't had much hands on with the machinegun. And then it comes to life. As the belt of ammunition in the metal box is fed through, the muzzle flashes, and shell casings and link bounce and dance across the Humvee's hardtop before going over the side. The noise is painful. Bursts of dirt, gravel, and snow, mark the lateral string of hits across the embankment. A few simply go into the sky as Michael overcompensates for the the odd angle and added gravity. He then rakes the fire back in the other direction.

When Reza links up with the Krokodil it has halted underneath the southern bridge. Abel and the fellow in the hooded sweatshirt are already with it, and it looks like they're preparing to fall in behind. Andropov, the driver, has his big head up through a hatch. Nassir asks about recovering the Humvee, and is told of the vehicle's tow capability with a simple, "Broken." Andropov then says, "I only get our people and get back to here." With this, the driver-mechanic lowers back down inside the big APC, and soon it is in motion again. The speed is kept reasonable enough for Nassir and the two Polish fighters to keep up. As ground is covered, Abel and his man take turns stepping out from behind the Krok to squeeze off random bursts of automatic gunfire.

Jose reaches the top of the embankment. Kolstrup is lying prone behind his weapon and words are exchanged between them. Meanwhile, 'Hatchet Guy' and 'Evil Marta' are several meters to the right of the Dane. The male is having difficulty with a troublesome stoppage of some kind. Kolstrup then makes a second sighting. It's back where the small mounds(?) are located. A figure rises into partial view behind them and angles a weapon skyward, releasing a single skyward shot. The target then drops back down right as Per is squeezing the trigger. He doesn't feel as confident this time, not at all.

Another detonation occurs behind the southern embankment.

The Humvee's M2HB then ceases fire and refuses to eat through more of the belt. Kessler racks the handle, and then again, but it doesn't remedy the problem, whatever the problem is. Although his ears are ringing, Kessler can hear voices on the other side of the embankment, including yelling.

"Hey!" the one that resembles Marta yells. She's looking at Jose, eyes wilder than usual, and pointing across her (prone) teammate's back.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Kolstrup: 9x 7.62mmN
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:50, Mon 14 Aug 2023.

Reza stays close to the Krok and moves along with the vehicle until it stops then sheters next to it lowering his profile and scanning for threats.

Reza
RPK (18/30)
Shoots enemies.

"Ok kolego. Chyba słyszę naszą jazdę. Wypierdalaj stąd," Jake said, figuring the best way to ensure further attempts at friendly fire would be to make it to the friendlies, and orient Shades and his weapon system away from the Mad Dogs and Krok, as they moved toward convergence.

The bomber jacket collar offered handy drag points.  Jack grabbed with both hands and started hauling, rifle now slung as he pulled Shades, backward, toward the sound of the BTR.

"Trzymaj broń w górze i osłaniaj nas Kemosabe. Powolny i stały wygrywa wyścig. Uczą tu historii o żółwiu i zającu? Widzisz, zając, królik, nabijał się z żółwia, że jest powolny...

Jake didn't bother to further translate Kemosabe.  He did continue to explain the parable of the turtle and the hare however.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Okay buddy. I think I can hear our ride. Let us get the fuck out of here.

Keep your weapon up and cover us Kemosabe.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Do they teach the story of the turtle and hare over here?  You see, a hare, a rabbit, was making fun of a turtle for being slow....

---

Jake Ward
Dragging a casualty toward the sound of the BTR and hopefully link up.
AK-74M, no rounds expended, slung
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

Per's mind performs a calculus involving all of the following thoughts:

• He's stayed in one position too long.
• There could still be an enemy sniper out there somewhere.
• Maybe Per already eliminated the sniper.
• An enemy grenadier is lobbing HE rounds over the embankment.
• As far as Per knows, Varis is only Mad Dog equipped with a grenade-launcher.
• Varis' status is currently unknown, but he was in the Humvee when it was hit.
• Mad Dogs- Kessler in particular- are still exposed in the kill zone.
• As far as he can tell, Per is the only Mad Dog delivering effective covering fires.

This all takes less than a second or two.

Under better circumstances, Per would take the time to displace and relocate to a different firing position. At the moment, however, doing so would deprive the Mad Dogs trying to escape the kill zone of effective covering fire. He can't do that. Although it puts his own life at risk, Per opts to stay put and continue to engage the enemy.

Viking
Southern embankment, close to bridge, using stanchion as partial cover
Scoped, suppressed HK21E w/ SIMRAD scope ON (21/50)
Engaging exposed targets with aimed bursts/pop-up targets with quick bursts

-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Fri 18 Aug 2023.

Kessler slams his gloved fist into the Ma Deuce in frustration when it stubbornly refuses ti put any more rounds downrange. Not that he knows if what he has fired have actually had any effect. Someone is on the other side of that embankment though. Even with his ears ringing he can hear yelling, although he can’t make anything out.

Whoever it is is going to know that the heavy machine gun fire has stopped. Maybe they think it might start again if they peek their heads over the top of the embankment. But the longer the silence lasts they more emboldened they’re likely to be, and His earlier request for assistance notwithstanding, there appears to be only minimal covering fire coming from elsewhere to discourage them.

It’s time to go. Everyone else is away. He’s done what he can to cover them. But staying here now is likely to only get him killed. Or captured, which he reckons pretty much amounts to the same thing. At least he doesn’t have to worry about spiking the M2 to deny its use to the enemy. Not at the moment at least.

The German Captain slithers down out of the gun position, scrambles out of the Humvee on the opposite side to the embankment. Aware that he’s currently only armed with pistols - plural, although the Tokarev is empty and he has no clue how many rounds are in Ferro’s pistol, which is still in his possession - he pauses at the passenger side front door to retrieve his AKM and Ferro’s SMG if he can.

Once he’s got what he’s able to from the Humvee and slung any weapons over his shoulder, he starts to run towards what he hopes is the sound of the BTR, trying to pick the big APC out with his NVG’s. If he can link up with any of the others en route then so much the better.

Kessler
NVG’s on
Getting out of the Humvee and making towards the BTR as quickly as possible, with the occasional jump to the left or step to the right to avoid running in a straight line
Grabbing weapons from Humvee if he can
Linking up with other groups en route (Ferro/Nowak, Voight/Babicevs, Ward/Shades) if possible

Henry tries to fight through his injuries while trying to manage the wounded Latvian away from the Hummer.  He falls back on his training and tries to dig deeper to save them both from being gunned down in the open.  "C'mon man!  We got to keep moving dude.  You gotta help me here.  You ain't fucking Madonna laying tits up in a snow covered field!  Now, move your ass!"

Voight
H&KP9S (9/9) / [1] mag 7/9 / [1] mag (0/9)- Holstered
AKMR (30/30) (x1 0/30) - Hanging on sling
Still trying to move away from Lobo with a babbling Varis in tow

Varis has concluded that he doesn't know what the fuck is going on, and that he's not likely to figure things out anytime soon. The tone of the various voices he's been hearing over the past... minute, hour, fortnight, however, suggests that he's in considerable danger and that he needs to get his ass moving in order to get out of it. Bending all his will to focus entirely on balance and ambulation, the Latvian pushes his body to move faster. His imaginary American celebrity girlfriends will just have to wait.

-

Jose responds tersely to Mad Marta, "Target the three. Don't hit the two closest to us." Kneeling, he shifts his stance and takes aim at the the three presumed enemies closing on Ferro and Nowak. Gently squeezing the trigger at the target on the left, he lets off a couple of long bursts. Once the leftmost target drops, he'll walk his fire onto the others.

Jose Rodriguez
Top of the berm, kneeling
AK-74 5.45mmS 19/30
Firing at the 3 unknowns northeast of Ferro and Nowak
NVGs On

Kessler abandons the malfunctioning M2HB and clambers out of the Humvee. Moving swiftly, he reaches back into the upturned vehicle and collects his rifle. Michael then turns around and is suddenly shot twice at close range. The unexpected impact and steep incline knocks him back against the open door and then down onto the slushy snow. "Jeden z głowy." someone hisses. One down. Then comes multiple gunshots all fired in quick succession. Kessler's heart beats hard enough to burst and he squints hard. It takes him a second to realized that he's not getting shot (again). Glass, seat cushion stuffing, and other debris rains down on the Hauptmann as the enemy assaulter ensures anyone in the vehicle is taken care of.

In Kessler's green tinted and circular field of view, he sees a man in US Army fatigues and webbing, crouched down with one hand on the corpse of his comrade as if checking for a sign of life. At that moment the enemy rises. Michael is then drawn to the sound of a weapon being reloaded, and realizes his actual attacker (a second enemy) is now positioned at the back corner of the Humvee for cover. Their M16A2 then orients downward at the Mad Dogs' CO to finished him off when...

The enemy dressed US attire objects swiftly, "Nie." No.

His accomplice rationalizes the need for security rounds to be put into the downed German. "Zbroja." Body armor.

"Nie." He then brushes past his comrade and kicks Kessler's weapon down the slope, before crouching down next to the wounded officer. Although the man's eyes are totally black and demon or alien-like, due to the effect produced by night vision goggles, Michael recognizes his enemy's face. "Can you hear me? Stand your men down, Captain. It's over." Kessler then feels the American using his hand to pat around for a radio. The device's handset is then held up. "Come on, do it, it's over."

"Brozek, mamy ich przywódcę, żywego. Widzę, że Wiktor idzie na Nowaka, ona i druga kobieta leżą. BTR jest w drodze." the man (no longer) covering Kessler reports into his own hand radio.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"Brozek, we have their leader, alive. I see Viktor moving on Nowak, she and the other woman are down. BTR is on the way."

---

Having emerged from underneath the southern bridge, the Krok keeps rolling forward. Outgoing small arms fire continues with Abel and Swayze firing in tandem, while keeping behind the vehicle as much as possible. Reza is with them too. Enemy gunfire crackles but you can't be sure if the APC or its dismounted escorts are the target.

'Shades' lets out a pained gasp. He then presses his mouth shut when it starts to turn into a scream. Ward is pulling him towards the sound of the approaching BTR-80. The wounded Pole leaves a indented trail in the wet snow but there doesn't appear to be much of any blood. Ward's confidence in his earlier combat lifesaving effort remains solid.

Abel then leans out and spies the darkened shapes up ahead. He begins shouting a warning to Andropov when he's interrupted in midsentence. An explosive blast rocks the front of the Krok. Abel is instantly thrown back by the concussive force and flying snow. Ward feels something similar against his backside, but his bent over and reversed posture at least keep his head protected. The vehicle rolls on for a few more meters and then comes to a gentle stop almost exactly in the middle of the two elevated bridges.

Kolstrup waits for the enemy grenadier to reappear. He then shifts his scope to the right, scanning for what sounds like small arms fire in that direction. The embankment looks clear. Next, the Dane's attention is drawn to the explosion just down and to his left, where he sees the Krok stopped in its tracks. Mad Dogs- Kessler in particular- are still exposed in the kill zone. Per's situational awareness causes him to swing his scoped view back over to the other friendly vehicle. He can now see (at least) one figure standing at the rear of the Humvee, with another two on the ground together who're seemingly face to face. They didn't come over the embankment, so they must've used the bridge and Humvee for a covered approach.

'Evil Marta' tries to say something, but the language barrier is too much for her grasp of English and Jose's Polish. The American then rises up into a kneeling position, giving him a slightly better view of the situation which is unfolding on the flank. His weapon bucks and pushes into his shoulder on the first burst. The trio of enemy know they're under fire and react immediately. One fires back, while the other pair dash left and right. Another one fires back on the move. Rodriguez steadies his weapon, less he hit Ferro and Nowak, as they're easily danger-close to his automatic fire. On the second burst it appears that he might've hit his target, but the body language isn't definite. They could just be going prone.

Jose then realize that the Marta lookalike has gotten up and is running along the length of the embankment. More incoming fire is send this way. The three enemy have closed enough distance now that friendly fire is even more of a serious issue, especially with automatic fire.

Voight and Varis are still stumbling and stepping sluggishly through the snow and light brush. There is gunfire behind them, in front of them, and places that they can't source. The Krok then appears from under the bridge and starts heading along the road, sort of towards them. A terrific blast then erupts at the front of the vehicle. Babicevs almost trips but he remains held up by the American, thanks to the latter having his hands free. Henry then sees multiple figures in the darkness up ahead. They're all near the base of the southern embankment. One or two are on the ground together and motionless. Three or four more are further out on the flank and conducting fire & movement.

AMMUNTION EXPENDITURES:
Rodriguez: 14x 5.45mmB
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:45, Sat 19 Aug 2023.

Enlarged in the reticle of Ragnar's SIMRAD-enhanced telescopic sight, Per sees the figure at the back of the Humvee holding something up to its face. Context suggests it's a handheld radio, and Per can't hear anyone speaking on the team net, so the speaker must be OPFOR. One of the figures on the ground is probably Kessler, but Per's not sure which, and a coin flip of a shot isn't acceptable odds, so...

Crosshairs hovering over man-with-radio's neck, the Danish marksman squeezes the trigger. If he hits his target, it'll prompt the other enemy to react, give himself away, maybe provide Kessler a chance to run, or fight back. In any case, Per will know who's friend and who's foe, and if he has a decent shot at the latter, he'll take it.


Viking
Southern embankment, close to bridge, using stanchion as partial cover
Scoped, suppressed HK21E w/ SIMRAD scope ON (21/50)
Engaging man with radio (aimed 3-round burst); engaging other OPFOR near Humvee with quick shot

-
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Sat 19 Aug 2023.

”You…” Sitting in the slushy ground slumped  against the Humvee, Kessler looks up at the American. ”I know you. At the bridge, with Keller.” He can’t recall the name of the man that he’s looking at or the name of the place where the Mad Dogs rescued them from captivity, only remembers the name of the man who had been chained to the bridge, and that because it was similar to his own.

The German’s angry. Not at the whole cluster fucked situation, which was entirely his fault for going along with Nowak and not insisting that she got more troops. Like a fucking whole Company of Osprey instead of his over strength fire team which had already been through the mill several times on her behalf. No, he’s angry at the American that’s standing over him. It’s personal. ”You’ve got a fucking funny way of saying thanks asshole, I should have fucking left you there…”

There’s more he’s got to say. But before he can say it the other man staggers, jerks, like he’s just been shot.

Kessler looks at the prick that’s crouching over him. ”Ja, OK, you win” the German mutters through clenched teeth, raising his left hand like h's going to take the radio. But instead of reaching for the handset, he tries to draw Ferro’s pistol with his right hand.

It’s a slim hope, that he’ll manage to draw the pistol and use it before the American prick can shoot him. Maybe the other prick going down will distract this prick just long enough to give him a chance. Even if it doesn’t he’s well aware that the MU have issued orders that he’s to be shot. Might as well go down with a gun in his hand as kneeling waiting for the bullet in the back of the neck. Nothing to lose really, not now. And if he is about to die his wife and the son that he never met will be waiting on the other side. No, nothing to lose….

If, by some miracle of chance, he does manage to shoot the American prick right between his NVG covered eyes he’ll then try and finish the other bastard.

Fucking prick.

Ich bin bald da, Kristi

Kessler
Trying to shoot American then trying to shoot the other one
Not stopping until they’re dead or he is (or he runs out of ammo)
Ferro’s pistol (?/?)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Sun 20 Aug 2023.

Varis' hearing is starting to improve. Sounds are no longer perceived by the Latvian as if he was crammed inside a sealed 55 gallon drum. Now, things sound more like the lid's come off. His brain registers explosions and gunshots. Lots of them. Riga's most debauched Saturday night never came even remotely close to this. Wait, isn't there a war on? Yes, that's right. This must be it. What's Varis doing here, though? He'd 'lost' his conscription notice, successfully dodged a number of Interior Ministry press gangs. They must have finally got him, though. Fucking Red Army cunts! Guess it's time to find some Americans to surrender to, become a POW, get shipped across the Atlantic to the USA, start Varis' new life. Wasn't this guy speaking American just a few seconds ago? Something about fucking on a beach?

"Varis surrender!" he groans.

Got to get out of this rain of lead- too close to the promised land to cop it now! Varis trudges on. With every footfall, he tries to convince this American that he is one of the good guys.

Right foot:

"Fuck Russia!"

Left foot:

"Fuck Stalin!"

Right foot:

"Fuck Khrushchev!"

Left foot:

"Fuck Brezhnev!"

Right foot:

"Fuck Andropov!"

Left foot:

"Fuck Chernenko!"

Right foot:

"Fuck Gromyko!"

-
This message was last edited by a game editor at 19:58, Sat 19 Aug 2023.

"Cholera, coś wybuchło," Jake said to Shades. Continuing to drag a casualty, backward, into whatever had happened behind him (mortars?  RPG?  Grenades?) seemed unwise at this point.

So Jake stopped dragging Shades, turned around to take a knee, and unlimbered his AK-74M.  Ward then carefully assessed the situation ahead through his NVGs, rifle up and at the ready. 

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Shit, something exploded

---

Jake Ward
Shifting from dragging Shades, to orienting himself toward the direction of the blast, kneeling (dropping to prone if he hears incoming rounds).
AK-74M [30/30]
NVGs ON
Assessing the situation.  Engaging any visible enemy targets with a 5-round burst.

Reza stays close to the BTR for cover and continues to maintain as low a profile as possible. He waits to see if the BTR is crippled or not and waits to be told what to do. He keeps his rifle up and at the ready to shoot at any threats which become visible.

Reza
RPK (18/30)
scanning for threats
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Sun 20 Aug 2023.

Hank slows and looks for a spot for them to stop for a moment.  He tries to put down Varis without further injuring him.  He unhooks his helmet and then begins to unhook Varis'.  "Look man, we got Tango's all around us.  I'm borrowing your NOD's to help get us out of here.  I'm running blind dude.  I need to get us the fuck outta here!"

As long as Varis doesn't try to 'Fuck Voight' (per his mumblings), Hank adjusts the NVG's and turn them on and adjust to his surroundings.  He will put his brain bucket on Varis and secure it.

Voight
H&KP9S (9/9) / [1] mag 7/9 / [1] mag (0/9)- Holstered
AKMR (30/30) (x1 0/30) - Hanging on its sling
Trying to get Varis' NOD's on and see if they work
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sun 20 Aug 2023.

With the incoming fire, Jose drops prone once more in the hopes of diverting some of the incoming fire. Maybe they'll think they hit him, Jose briefly thinks to himself as he carefully aims at one of the other enemies that didn't yet appear hit. He knows he only has a few shots left in his mag, but the enemies were also now close enough to Ferro that he doesn't want to risk a burst in any case. Nor does he want to take the time to properly reload just yet, as that extra time might mean the end of the Italian.

Meanwhile, Jose hears Per continuing to kick rounds down range. Figuring the big Dane has his own mess to worry about, Jose slowly lines up a shot on whichever enemy is now closer to Nowak and Ferro. He takes a breath, exhales, and gingerly squeezes the trigger. If he marks a hit, he'll switch his aim to the other enemy, otherwise he'll continue to slowly pop rounds at the near enemy.

Jose Rodriguez
On top of the berm
AK-74 5.45mmS 5/30
Going prone and carefully aiming at the enemy closest to Ferro and Nowak, then squeezing the trigger

”You’ve got a fucking funny way of saying thanks asshole, I should have fucking left you there…”

"I wasn't too thrilled about any of this, Captain." Sergeant Woods replies to Kessler. He then hands off the Hauptmann's own radio.

Per Kolstrup engages the figure who's standing against the rear of the disabled Humvee. A single burst of three rounds from the bipod supported HK-21 is all that is needed. The Danish NCO observes his target drop instantly, before gravity pulls him further down the steep incline, not unlike someone on a playground slide. Kolstrup then shifts his scoped view slightly to the right...

Kessler and Woods both sense the Monolith radioman near them get hit. Woods looks over his shoulder, if only for the briefest moment, before turning back to the wounded German sitting right in front of him. Michael reaches for the sidearm which was loaned to him by Ferro, but he's too slow to get a shot off. Woods initially tries batting it out of the Mad Dog's hand. Kessler manages to keep his grip. The American then goes for the Makarov pistol a second time, while simultaneously using his other hand to reach for the M16A2 which is slung around his back and webbing. The struggle lasts for another couple of seconds before a single shot (from Kolstrup) punches through Woods and into the side of the Humvee with a CLUNK!. He gasps, struggling to breathe, and slumps against the side of the wrecked Humvee. Kessler then utilizes the Makarov's last round.

Kolstrup is then suddenly hit with the latest shot taken against him. The incoming round instantly rips through his forearm. The unspeakable pain causes him to freeze up for second. In that time, another round smashes into the bipod on his weapon before veering off somewhere. Then as Kolstrup starts crawling evasively backward, a third shot finds its mark and slams into the collar of his Kevlar vest.

'Hatchet Guy' is struck next. He lets a loud hiss-like gasp before abandoning his AKS-74U and frantically shimmying backwards to safety. More shots chase after him, more rapidly this time, kicking up snow and gravel a like. Nowak's loyalist then ends up on the backside of the embankment on his knees, hunched forward, and clutching his bloodied hands together in front of his mouth - which muffles his screams if only slightly. Kolstrup is just to his left by a few meters. "Beata!" the fellow with the hatchet yells in between screams. Beata is presumably the name of the loyalist who resembles Marta Nalecz.

Rodriguez goes prone. Multiple rounds snap above and on both sides of his position, seemingly everywhere. It feels like all three enemy are gunning for him, but his NOD reveals that at least one is shifting their aim laterally and blasting away at 'Evil Marta' (Beata). She's still running along the top of the embankment as if gone berserk. Jose then flips his weapon to SINGLE and puts the last few rounds in his magazine downrange. (These have to be quick-shots due to his NOD) Beata is firing now too. The Californian then drops an enemy closest to Ferro & Nowak. It's taken all of the rounds in his magazine to do so. He doesn't think he hit his teammate or the VIP. A second enemy falls, either from Beata or someone else. Incoming fire directed at Jose abruptly stops. There is one enemy left, and once again, Rodriguez is faced with a very difficult shot on account of the line of fire crossing dangerously close to two friendlies.

Voight swaps helmets with Babicevs. The Latvian's NOD is already turned on and provides Henry with a clearer picture ahead. He sees Ferro and Nowak motionless. They're either huddled or slumped together, low to the ground, and almost at the base of the southern embankment. To the right, one person is up on the embankment and shooting while running across the top. Lastly, there are three figures (40-50m) to the left of Ferro & Nowak who are certainly enemy:
1) crouched forward and walking while firing on the move
2) prone and doing something
3) prone and appears to be motionless

Without Voight, Varis loses his balance and falls back into a sitting position in the snow. He's starting to come to and making sense of reality but the world is still spinning a little. His throat feels like he might throw up again too. He turns his head to vomit and notices a dark and featureless shape moving laterally across the snow covered field.

At the Krokodil, 'Swayze' helps pull his squad leader back behind the motionless vehicle. Abel is shaken and says something about his eyes, but he doesn't sound as though he was injured badly by the blast. Next to them, Reza peers out from other side of the BTR. There's a lot of gunfire being exchanged on the far right. Two people are in the field in that direction, visible due to their darkened clothes contrasting with the snow. They may not be recognizable in the dark but Nassir can tell that they are most likely friendlies from the Humvee. A look over to the actual vehicle doesn't show much though. There are what appear to be two or three bodies on the ground. The snowy embankment appears clear too, at least regarding dark shapes or muzzle flashes.

Jake Ward puts 'Shades' down and goes still. The both of them are only a few meters away from the BTR-80's front. The medic's night vision goggles reveal nothing along the top of the northern embankment or the bridge. He then looks to the area underneath the span. There's much less snow in that area and a slight haze, which is possibly tear gas, lingers too. Even with a NOD, Ward isn't sure if there's anyone there amongst the concrete and steel.

The Krokodil suddenly starts moving forward again. This unexpectedly and inadvertently leaves Nassir and the two Poles with less protection. Gunfire erupts, seeming on cue to the vehicle returning to motion. At least two muzzle flashes are visible under the bridge.  More hostile fire comes from over on the left somewhere but it's automatic, with long bursts. The BTR-80 and everyone around it are the targets. Jake gets off a single burst then flinches and goes lower when he feels the edge of his Kevlar vest catch a grazing near miss. Reza fires too, peppering the underside of the bridge with automatic fire before closing the distance between him and the APC again. Abel and Swayze do not engage (yet). Shades opens up with his G3 spraying the bridge with multiple short burst before encountering a stoppage. All visible targets are stil up...

Then, strangely, the Krokodil stops a second time.

AMMUNITION EXPENDITURES:
Kolstrup: 4x 7.62mmN
Rodriguez: 5x 5.45mmB
Kessler: 1x 9mmM
Nassir: 10x 5.45mmB
Ward: 5x 5.45mmB
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:01, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

Per reflexively yanks his mangled right arm back towards his body. He knows instantly that it's a serious wound. Clutching Ragnar in his left, he slides down behind the cover of the berm, looks to his right. Hoping he's wrong about the severity of his wound, he tries to make a fist, can't.

Lort.

Reaching across his body with his left hand, Per presses the transmit button on his radio.

"Viking is out of action. Kaiser's wounded and alone next to Lobo. Can anyone get to him? Over."

He doesn't expect a reply. Things have spiraled out of control. He's done what he can to help his teammates- now, he has to help himself. He pulls the scarf from around his neck and, using his left hand and his teeth, starts tying off the bullet wound in his right forearm as tightly as he can. His growl of pain trails off into a high-pitched whine.


Viking
Southern embankment, close to bridge, in full cover (from N and W, at least)
Scoped, suppressed HK21E w/ SIMRAD scope ON (17/50)
Trying to get Kessler some help; dealing with serious wound to right forearm

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