"That is an excellent idea Count.  I think we should take the range to ourselves to avoid questions and allow the ladies to shoot as well.  Things will get tight in the mansion I am sure before it is all over and knowing how to use a pistol may mean the difference between life and death for us all. As well, if we leave the machine gun to cover the main gate it would be best to be sure that those using it are at least minimally trained."

JM smiled at Molly.  "Miss Fuller, I would expect the ladies to come along if they so desire."

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg # 264):

"Yes Miss Fuller the club I am thinking of is open to women, in fact a good friend of mine who has only recently taken up the sport has become quite the shot. Not that it makes the slightest difference, but she is also a woman."

"We have two options for ease of access, The Kensington Gun Club on Cromwell Road and the ranges at Bisley near Woking. It is somewhat of a trek but well worth it."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:34, Mon 08 Oct 2012.

Singh joins into the informal 'council of war.'

"It sounds that Major Storm would be our best choice for commanding the gate detail and manning the Lewis gun. He should be able to bottle the place up with just a loader and a two or three riflemen, perhaps a few of the grenades.

"I would suggest two boats, each large enough to carry the entire raiding party. Two will be easier to coordinate in the dark and provide a spare in case one is damaged. If possible, we should purchase them new to hamper identification. Outboard motors can be attached to relatively small craft, adding little weight. Is anyone proficient with handling boats?

"Also, did anyone other than myself participate in trench raids during the war, or other small party assaults? My experience is that grenades, pistols, and melee arms are best for such business. and the grenades, of course; I can give instruction in their use."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:00, Mon 08 Oct 2012.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 266):

Molly smiled.  "How wonderfully progressive of those clubs.  I shall be honored to go there and have all you gentlemen teach me how to shoot.  I know you'll be most instructive."

While her words might be construed as flippant by some, Molly actually was looking forward to this and really did think she would benefit by it.  Of course if the gentlemen knew she wanted to learn how to shoot better for protection when she snuck off and did her own investigation...they might not have readily agreed.

"The offer to shoot at either of the clubs is most generous Count.  I leave the choice to your excellent consideration."

JM considers Singh's comments.  "I think you have it spot on with the boats and covering the gate.  The only detail I could add might be making allowance for a few extra troopers at the gate detail to mount an assault or at least to fake one. The ideas on the boats are perfect."  He shook his head at the mention of boating skill.  "I have some little familiarity but only the bit one might learn as a youth boating in the lakes and rivers in Canada."  [Boating 6%]

In reply to Imran Singh (msg # 267):

Storm examined the grenades. He pointed to the legend painted on the round explosive charge. "VOR GEBRAUCH SPRENGKAPSEL EINSETZEN". Storm translated: "Before throwing insert detonator". Stored without the fuse, makes sense. If we're practicing with these they will be safe enough long as they ain't been armed."

"Sorry to say, or I guess glad to say, no trench warfare for this old horse soldier.

"I'm happy to be with the machine gun detail. If those two Egyptian army boys come through, the ones the Imam told us would volunteer to fight the infidels, ah'd shore love to have 'em."

"I shall make arrangements for the range time once I return to London. It would seem advisable to make it over a couple of days so everyone can brush up. We may also be able to gain access to a military range which would give us some time on our more exotic systems. I will ask my colleague Mr Perkins who still has a very strong connection to his regiment. They are somewhat closer to London as well."

"I do believe a fake advance towards the mansion and a hold from the bridge will do well to draw the cult away from the landings and enable us to gain a footing from which we can assault from."

"Mr Singh I have far to much experience in the vagaries of close warfare so we should be able to drill some basic skills before the assault."

"An important question, too, is our objective. My friends, what is it we seek to accomplish with this attack?"

JM listens to the discussions.  "Well then Major, I'd say we give you the Lewis, the pair of Egyptian soldiers and four or five other fellows to form a blocking and diversionary force." He considers the Count's comments; "A military range would lead to fewer questions as to why we are practicing with military weapons.  We can practice with the grenades there as well.  Do you think your friend can get us a few mortar bombs Count?"

"Another thought came to mind.  We should bring along Very guns for firing flares.  We can signal between the two teams for things like starting or stopping an assault or an order to advance or retreat.  As well, I think a flare to light up the compound for the machine gunners would be well advised.  Since the gunfire will attract attention anyway, a bit of flare firing can't make it any worse."

"Good question Mr. Singh, we do need to have an objective.  Our plan would be to rescue whatever hostages are about and put an end to the cult.  I don't think we should focus at all on taking prisoners as the fewer of these bastards left alive the better.  We'll want to move quietly as possible to the likely location of the actual ceremony before opening fire."

"Ahhh... do you think we might find plans of the mansion in the parish records?"

The Count stood for a minute with his hand on his chin before replying:

"I would think the parish records office may have a copy of the plans but it would be a slim chance. I will procure a map from the ordnance survey office of the island and surrounding area when I return to London."

He produced a notebook from his coat pocket and continued;

"As for the military range I am sure if we can get access we could use the machine gun, but not the grenades that would cause to many questions. Besides I actually think they are only small arms ranges. The one at Royal Arsenal, Woolwich is indoors, well underground."

"I shall make a list of the items we need to procure, the 9mm ammunition is easy enough. The mortar shells are not. I don't believe this will be something Mr Perkins could influence, I will ask and see."

He stopped and tapped the pencil he was holding on his chin.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 274):

"Quite right, I don't think these sidewinders will get a fair trial. Too many friends in high places.

"So who we got comin'? The two Egyptians, a few of Darlington's friends. Anyone else?"

In reply to Major Charles Storm (msg # 275):

"Ah.. I have Mr Perkins, his brother and their old regimental Colour Sergeant. Fine veterans to a man, they where the gentlemen you met at my shop."

"I think in all honestly, my bones are a little weary.  I think my better contribution to this whole operation would be to just stay back and continue my perusal of the various parchments to see if they hold any further clues to what we're up against."

"I would recommend against trying to use the mortars. Training is necessary to even set up the weapon and even trained crews require ranging shots with a forward observer.

"Besides, without knowing where the hostages are held, using a mortar would put them in considerable danger."

In reply to Imran Singh (msg # 278):

"Quite right, don't think we're gonna be able to pull off no rolling barrage! But one thing mortars were good at is laying down a smoke screen. That could be pretty helpful, and while you can fire 'em from defilade (indirectly) you can always fire them directly, self-spot.

"Big problem with that, I don't know much about mortars, enough to be good in combat. I could fire one, probably correct my shots, eventually. We'd have to bring someone else in on this, an artillaryman, and this party's big enough as it is."

"Let's see what we can get with maps and house plans without tipping them off."  He considers their firepower. "The mortar is probably too much trouble although fire bombs as we withdraw would finish the place off nicely.  I do want flare guns to light things up for the machine gun as well as signal."

"We should have a good lot plus what Darlington said he could arrange.  We might have twenty all told counting our lot here.  But we have lots to do; boats, training on the range, ammunition, maps and floor plans."

Singh puts his hand on Falcon's shoulder, "My friend, trust an old infantryman, when you are raiding a fixed position with a small party, it is darkness that is your friend and light that is your enemy.

"Flares for the front gate where they will reveal the enemy while blinding them to our positions, yes. But where we are coming ashore and approaching their buildings, we must move like Shere, the tiger. Slowly, quietly until the moment comes to strike swiftly."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:22, Sat 13 Oct 2012.

JM nods; "You are right Imran, we'll not want to use any flares until our own cover is blown and even then sparingly.  I'd think the only use would be as you say to reveal the foe in the machine gun's killing field."

"Very pistols, flares...."

The Count mumbled to himself as he wrote in his small flip notepad.

"I should be able to procure the needed items over the next couple of days. Most of the shops that stock such items I have accounts with, so I will do it all by telephone.

JM thought for a moment.  "I can also get some of that equipment in shops that cater to the aviator if needed Count."

Dr. Weston harrumphed as he lit his cigar.

"Nonsense, Professor! I'm going along as well, you know. Someone should provide medical aid. If there are injuries they should be treated as soon as possible. You could find some way help, if nothing else use a Very pistol for signalling or carry ammunition, pilot a boat."

"My friend Darragh (whom we've met) works on the docks. I daresay he knows how to get ahold of small watercraft where no questions are asked, even hire an a crew experienced in navigating shallow waterways like the Naze. Perhaps even familiar with the Naze itself. So I will provide the water transportation out of my own funds."


Keeper's Note: Darragh O'Shaughnessey is a "friend" of the good doctor's who may be unfamiliar to the new players. Darragh is a short, dark man who speaks with an impenetrable Irish accent and smells like fish. He's a Pikey (Irish Traveller) and seemingly habitual criminal who Dr. Weston saved from a life of incarceration. He's got a family now and hews to a reasonably straight path. In return, he's up for more, er, unsavoury tasks like breaking and entering, plus he's good in a fight (although he doesn't look like Brad Pitt). Darlington hates him, of course (Pikey and criminal, doesn't get any better!).

In reply to Doctor Phillip Weston (msg # 285):

Storm thought for a moment, smoking his own cigar.

"Let's see. The, ah, target, is over an hour's drive from London. We have a river group and land group. We are hopefully going to rescue hostages who may be injured, others might be injured as well. I don't suggest such a long drive here and there, especially if police somehow become involved outside of Detective Sergeant Darlington.

"I suggest we see if there's a house or farm for rent, relatively nearby. Preferably on the water, but with road access. We will meet and "stage" our assault from there, and return ("rendez-vous") there as well. Close enough that any wounded can be taken there, so we can establish an aid station of sorts.

"Even possibly land an aircraft there, in case rapid egress is needed, as in, from England entirely. One way or another, I believe our investigations here in Jolly Old England will be concluded and we shouldn't make the slightest delay in taking off for Egypt."

In reply to Major Charles Storm (msg # 286):

"Gawdon Bennet! Aye, Walton on Naze is up near Colchester. A little aaaht ov da balliwick ov a poor London Met detective! I can see if perhaps Detective Inspector Barrington can arrange da local Bobbies not ter in'ervene as quickly as they might but anythin' mawer would be dangerous. OK?"

Darlington was smoking his accustomed cheroot, a thin black evil-smelling cigar that Imran was well-accustomed to.

"Our safe house should be up stream of the mansion so we can drift down silently on it.  We should all wear white scarves on our arms to distinguish friend from foe in the dark.  All should have torches as well as a distribution of dark lanterns."

He nods as the others pitch in ideas.  "We can stage the aircraft at our safe house for a quicker exit from the area.  I like that idea."

"Perhaps Major Storm, the Egyptians, Perkins and his two friends set up outside the bridge to cover the escape route as well as launch a diversionary attack if needed.  We should arrange a series of signals for the Very flares. The rest of us can head across in the boats.  If Darlington can delay the local police that would be excellent as well."

"We have the aerial photos of the mansion that we can use to help plan our assault."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:27, Sat 20 Oct 2012.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 288):

"Mr Perkins is a top notch shot and somewhat of a battlefield marksman, he maybe better use to us kept close. Both of his associates are veterans so if we need more combat muscle in our group they may be the way to go."

On the mention of Egypt the Count paused for a minute.

"I would be grateful if I could accompany you to Egypt, while no longer a personal vendetta against Gavigan I would like to see this to the end. If that is acceptable ?"