Date: 06 02 2140
Time: 1230

Weather: 7C, Scattered showers
Location: Maryville and New Da Nang, WA

The old pilot boat was lowered from the dock at New Da Nang into the frigid grey waters of Puget Sound. A small crowd of Viets gathered to assist the Project personnel in loading the small craft for its journey to the far western coast of what used to be Washington state. Now it was an almost uninhabited wild, rocky shore. Thick forests grew to the edge of sheer cliffs that dropped down to the unforgiving ocean.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 1):

Darryl addressed the team. "Hey. It'll take a half hour to finish loading.

"It'a 280 kilometre trip by water, about 150 nautical miles. The boat can now make 15 knots, so it's a ten-hour trip.

"Jimmy, you want to start out now? You'll need to anchor for the night unless you want to travel in the dark."

Jimmy looks to the boat's captain, then to Leaf.

"I am for it if my captain and local guide think it works.  From what I hear we are due bad weather and the faster we get this going, the better."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 3):

The young woman studied the boat and nodded her head. "I know several inlets and sheltered areas we can anchor for the night. Few places to go ashore until we get to, uh, "La Push", as the place where we're going is called, but that should be ok."

Jimmy nods firmly to Leaf and looks to Ly.

"And Captain Kim, are you ready to go now as well?"

 Capt'n Kim grins "Just bring any extra buckets you can for those without sea legs. The deck will be slippery enough"

"Then all aboard that are coming, time to cast off!"

Jimmy boards himself again, and does more last minute checks.

"I'll get the bow line.", Lina said as the walked to front of the boat. She untied the bow line from the piling and coiled the line.

"Clear on the bow.", she said as she coiled the rope and got ready to step on board.

Elliot checks the lines securing any cargo and then takes his seat for the roller coaster ride to come. "The Pacific Ocean is lovely this time of year," he jokes.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 9):

Elliot's dry humour was spot-on. The trip started out from New Da Nang peacefully enough in the sheltered waters of Puget Sound. They chugged around and past several Puget Sound islands to finally get to the open waters of the Georgia Straight. (So-named not after the American state or Soviet Republic but King George III.) Off to the north was the faint line of Vancouver Island, but they hugged the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

Once they got out into more open water the boat began to heave as the waves got higher and topped with foam from the westerly wind. Rain started to fall from grey skies.

PD Note: everyone may make an CON check at SB (Skill Base = Attribute x 2%) to avoid seasickness. This is a Simple task so your SB is raised by +20%. Post rolls in you post or the Skill check thread.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:44, Thu 10 May 2018.

Jimmy commences to being violently seasick.

"I would take the drammamine if I could keep it down.. ugh..."

The rolling and the tossing of the boat soon took their toll on Mahalina. After a brief fight, her breakfast refused to stay down and decorated the side of the boat and a portion of the port rail. She sheepishly wiped at it with her hand and let the spray rinse it off.

Sitting in the semi sheltered lee of the cockpit, Lina wondered how much further it was to their destination.

Elliot is able to handle the pitching and rolling. He keeps a good check on the cargo while the rest of the crew is settling down and becoming uncomfortable.

Andy looks a little green as the boat rises and falls with the waves.  Seeing some of his teammates lean over the side, He kept his eyes out on the horizon.

Seeing Elliot checking the gear, Andy pitches in to help, keeping alert to the water around them and any needs on deck.

In reply to Andy Maxwell Flasch (msg # 14):

The rocky bay where they anchored in for the night was sheltered. Those feeling seasick (Jimmy, Tina Marie, Andy, Lina, Jenna) still felt ill, although much improved. Trees began whipping with the wind and rain came in intermittent gusts as what seemed to be a storm built up.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 15):

Leaf said approvingly to Kim, "this is a really Skookum* boat you have! That trip would have taken days by kayak and we're only halfway there.

"Jimmy, this is Amerind lands. I know the people, though. Makahs, and I have friends here. If we're going to anchor here tonight do we want to go ashore? If we remain anchored here out in the bay we probably won't be bothered, especially in this weather, but it won't be very pleasant at all.

"If we do camp ashore I should probably go check with the local Makah sooner rather than later. If you like I can do this. Should take a couple hours before I'm back."

*PD Note: Jimmy can attempt to translate this Native word using Linguistics.

A grin from Jimmy "Very Skookum indeed, Leaf.  I ever mention to you I am half Amerind myself?  Other coast, from the Iroquois tribes."

He looks to his team-mates.  "It means Impressive, Brave, strong."

He stabilizes, though certainly still feeling a little green.

"Might be good for morale for some of us to spend some time on land.  Hold some food down for a few hours."
"Sure Leaf, if we can get in safely."
"Captain, how many do you need to stay aboard?"

Capt'n Kim scratches his his chin "Me and one other, going to sleep well tonight in my own bed being rocked to sleep"

"I'm sorry, Kim.  Someone else will have to stay on board. I need to get back on shore for a bit and I'll be good.", Lina said simply.

She was dead tired and hungry but the thought of food brought her back to the edge of nausea. A couple hours off of the boat would do her good.

"I'm up for it," Elliot says. "I'll stay on board with the Captain."

It was good to have the taste of salt on the wind and in his beard again. The weather was nothing to an ex Royal Marine who had spent most of his early career on boarding parties in the South Atlantic and North Sea. But he was sympathetic to the others on his team and did the best as he could keeping people hydrated and semi comfortable on the crossing.

Making friends and allies was good practice as was not pissing off the locals so Tim was keen on Leaf Water Wind to go and talk to anyone who maybe able to help. A little local intel would be good as well.

-

"Some of us should get camp set up then, and would like to make sure we aren't surprised during the night."

Andy nods at Leaf's suggestion.  "I would think you should take one of us with you.  Probably best to travel in pairs at least."

OOC: Andy passed his seasickness check but with only 1 level of success.

Jimmy nods to Andy.

"I was planning on accompanying Miss Leaf, picking up some local language and customs while at it."

He grins.  "My primary job duties were originally Contact Specialist.

He gestures to the Zodiac.

"Once Captain Kim gives us clearance I want the Zodiac readied and our shore party packing and getting ready to go.  Miss Leaf, were you planning on using your own transport?"

Capt'n Kim gives a thumbs up "All ashore who is going ashore.... bi-yo de-Nachos"

Lina grabbed her pack and carbine and placed next to the zodiac for loading.  Then waited to see that everyone else was packing.

In reply to Andy Maxwell Flasch (msg # 23):

"Andy, I can take care of myself and the Makah and my people are old friends. But I think that's fine and they'll be cool."

She nodded at Jimmy offering to come. "You got it, Jimmy! I guess if you are coming with me we'll need another boat? Let's leave the Kayak here, take the Zodiac."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 27):

They were anchored just off a small inlet immediately to the east of Neah Bay. Neah Bay had been a central part of the Makah Reservation (aka "Rez") before the war.

With a bit of organising Leaf and Jimmy went ashore. They navigated the Zodiac through a gap in the rocky shoreline, finding a tiny inlet inside nestled among the thickly forested hills. A couple small cedar dugout canoes and three large ocean canoes were pulled far up on the sandy beach to almost beneath the trees. If they were given permission to anchor in the tiny inlet they would be quite sheltered from the wind and waves.

Standing at the verge of the sandy beach and the trees was an elaborately-carved totem pole carved from a massive cedar log.

After a few minutes trek west and up along a path in the deep woods they came to a traditional-looking Pacific Northwest native lodge nestled in a clearing under the trees. Water dripped from the trees around them, and salmon were smoking on several racks over a fire. The outside cedar-plank walls were decorated by native totems from legend and religion. It looked like maybe 60 people could fit into this flat-topped long house. There were also another large cedar totem pole in the middle of the clearing featured familiar-seeming west-coast totems. A half-completed large ocean canoe under construction was propped on a low log trestle under a lean-to, surrounded by tools and a thick carpet of cedar chips.

Leaf went up to the door, knocked and spoke a few words in Makah. An Amerind man without clothing came to the door and greeted her. They spoke a little and the man nodded at Jimmy. She said something in reply and the man seemed to accept her explanation.

PD Note: Jimmy can make a Linguistics check to understand the conversation, plus a Culture check (for Anthropology) about the totem poles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:58, Mon 04 June 2018.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 28):

Part of the conversation included the English phrase "Morrow Project". From what Jimmy could follow it seemed the exchange was relatively friendly.

Leaf translated, "Sea Otter is the local clan head and is basically welcoming us. I told him who you were, but he's never heard of the Morrow Project. Around here Amerinds usually steer clear of white men as most of the time they are bad news if they don't know them or aren't allies like us Fishers. I haven't told him about the political outcome in Seattle, but I can if you like.

"He says we can trade if we want and that we are welcome to anchor offshore or even come in and camp on the beach. He hasn't heard of anything unusual from down south on the coast."

Jimmy gives a fairly credible greeting of his own to the chief.  His Amerind is not great, but it is passable for fairly simple things.

"Greetings Honored Sea Otter, I am James MacGuire.  I hail from the far east by the other great water, I myself am of the blood of the native people, the Iroquois, the Susquehannan. I bring gifts, as thanks to you, your people, and your ancestors for your hospitality."

He offers a small assortment, a couple packs of candy for the children, a box of lifeboat matches, a couple swiss army knives and last.. a harmonica.

Jimmy offers the last and smiles.

"This makes pleasing sounds, I will show."

He pulls out his own similar harmonica and slowly shows a few simple things on it before launching into a song, a fairly decent rendition of 'Danny Boy'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xodpJzhFvq8

A grin and a wink "Learning takes time."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 30):

The bearded Amerind man broke into a friendly smile, clearly not understanding much of what Jimmy said but clearly appreciating the gifts and music. He in turn offered a half-dozen dozen fresh-caught salmon, a small woven reed basket of berries, a squat conical rain hat and rain cape also woven from reeds, and a cured wolf pelt, urging them to take it all.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 31):

Leaf laughed.

"Ha! I think he likes you! We can stay as long as we like in their lands. It's not for nothing the Makah are called "the generous ones". Sea Otter is not the chief, more like a local headman, but he will make it known to others you are friends.

"Let's head back and tell the others!"

"Is it bad to refuse the gifts?  I am betting that cape and hat are pretty effective, and that salmon looks amazing."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 33):

Leaf shook her head. "No, don't refuse them. It's very important you take these gifts! Generosity is very much a part of their culture."

By gesture she urged him to accept all the many items,

Jimmy accepts the gifts, and makes sure he shows his appreciation for them, even trying on the cape and the hat and learning how to fasten/wear them.

He returns the favor by fishing a gold American eagle coin from his pocket and insisting the chief take that as well.

"Tell him thank you, and while the coin is not payment, his generosity inspires me, and I wish to give him something as a token of friendship."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 35):

The young woman passed the coin over. Sea Otter took it, examined it while Leaf explained what it was good for in terms of trade. He seemed satisfied and smiled in return. He and leaf talked a little, cementing the arrangement.

"Ok, great! Looks like we're allowed to camp. And we have some swell gifts. Anything else, Jimmy? Should we head back now?"

"Thank you Leaf, I think we are good.  Never hurts to make friends, right?  I figured that since they were known for generosity, being a little more generous in return made sense."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 37):

Leaf agreed that this was wise of Jimmy. They made their way back down the path to the beach after sending a SITREP to reassure everyone the meeting went all right.

After safely reaching the beach along the inside of the little inlet, they made plans for the night.

It started to rain fitfully, wind gusts causing the thick stands of cedars and Douglas firs to sway to and fro. If they were quick they could set up camp before the downpour became too heavy!

Jimmy sets to work with what they brought with them, finding and clearing places to put up tents and such, checking perimeter and visibility (such as it is).  He essentially does the job of "advanced party" so that everyone else can get to things set up.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 39):

Leaf took the Zodiac out to the boat, to gather everyone up for a shore party.

Once she climbed aboard she asked, "Ok, are you all going to bring the boat into the inlet? Or anchor out here in the bay? I think a storm is brewing up. It should be nice and sheltered in the inlet. Could be a rough ride out here.

"And who is staying aboard?"

 Capt'n Kim "Ahh.. we go into the inlet. I'm staying on board"

"I'm with the Captain," confirms Elliot.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 39):

Remembering 'Nam, Bobby asked, thoughtfully, "we setting up trip flares? Claymores? Maybe not, if we got friendlies in the area."

"We will have a watch, and ground radar, I think."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:40, Thu 12 July 2018.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 44):

"Uh huh. Radar's not gonna do too well with all these trees. Post a sentry, set up noisemakers at least."

The inlet was at the mouth of the Sail River. A thick forest covered the surrounding hills and came down almost to the water line.

https://binged.it/2ukL7xs

"We'll maintain a sentry, but this is friendly territory we are on Bobby.  Nothing overt, I don't want to offend our hosts.  Noisemakers and such are for wild animals, of course."

He looks out to the inlet and the worsening storm.

"Regardless, in this misery, we need to get shelter going as our priority, but I need a team on security, or at least a person.  Roll Call folks, who all is here?"

"That sounds like a plan, Bobby.   Let's get the shelter up before the rain gets any worse.   Then maybe some hot chow." , Lina said.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 47):

They were undisturbed as they set up camp. The heavy rain resumed as they were finishing, but they had rigged tarps and ponchos to provide some shelter. Two 4-person dome tents to house the 8 of them staying on shore were set up in a clearing in the woods, just off the beach. Noisemakers attached to tripwires were set up on the perimeter to provide a warning.

Andy assisted with setting up camp, then checked his own gear, especially his M21.  He carefully installs the star light scope onto the rifle, preparing for the night watch.

"Anybody else have experience using a PVS? And who wants to take first watch?  I figure I can take middle of the night with the scope for a few hours."

At Lina's 'hot chow' comment, Andy smiles and nods.  "I'm all for that!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Thu 26 July 2018.

"Four shifts of two then folks."
"I want one awake and alert at all times, it is between you who, the other can be doing chores or what have you, as long as one of you is.. frosty.  I think a shift is always better with company, if possible."

"Leaf, take first shift with me.  We'll clean up after dinner and set things up a little better.  We might run a little more than just two hours, more like two and a half or more, to make up for uninterrupted sleep.  Also, I might hit you up on language and culture lessons.  Quietly, of course."


"Tina, take second watch with Jenna.  Please try to sleep a little before watch."

"Andy, take the ghost watch with Bobby."

"Lina and Tim, take the last watch.  You will also be in charge of breakfast and wakeup."

"Anyone have any issues, changes, or corrections?"

In reply to Project Director (msg # 48):

Capt'n Kim readies a pot of coffee after anchoring inside the inlet. Aft facing land, and the bow facing out to sea to to ride any waves.

"No lights on deck please Mr. Eliot.... and stay away from any wildlife. (GRINS) I'll take a nap now. Wake me up in 3 hours ..please"

Elliot nods to the Captain. "Three hours, then," he says, checking his watch. He fills up a coffee cup, sways his way to a seat and cautiously changes the ammo in his HK 69A1 to a white parachute flare. All weapons holstered, El does a slow visual survey of the ship before checking the shoreline, looking for lights that might indicate the away team's location and the nearby village.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:09, Wed 01 Aug 2018.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 52):

The rain started again just before sundown. Everyone enjoyed a fairly comfortable camp evening, then settled into bed.

The first two watches passed without incident. Tina and Jenna handed off their watch with a tired wave and smile before heading back to their sleeping bags.

PD Note: I need an Observation roll from Andy.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 53):

It continued to rain. Both Andy and Bobby were wearing NVGs but Andy couldn't see a Goddamn thing.

PD Note: Andy can make another Observe check. I should point out there are modifiers to spotting in effect due to the weather (light rain) and ambient light (full moon) which is offset partially by NVGs.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 54):

Not seeing or hearing anything either, Bobby shrugged. "Can't see nothin' in these NVGs. Musta been the wind."

The two sentries check the campsite.

Carefully and quietly the two sentries checked the campsite, covering each other as they moved. There was another snap of a twig, a rustle of branches up high. It was coming from outside the campsite perimeter, but close. In fact, from the tree where they had hung their food about 30m away.

With no small degree of shock, they realised they had been infiltrated by a massive grizzly bear! It had casually reached up and plucked down the bundle of leftover food that was hanging 6m or so off the ground. The woods and darkness prevented a good shot and Bobby declined to move closer as it sat down and proceeded to wolf down the fresh fish they'd been given and the leftovers from that evening's meal. Once finished it lumbered off into the darkness, ignoring the spatters of rain.

Lina and Tim were woken up for their shift to the news that the fresh food they had gotten from the local headman and the leftovers were now gone for good.

OOC: Andy is using his scope on his M21 to monitor the area as well.  Tony - thinking that another roll isn't necessary now since we almost got eaten by the grizzly....  Ugh.

In reply to Andy Maxwell Flasch (msg # 57):

It was not likely that the bear with return, at least not that night.

Clearly a little shaken, Bobby had no trouble remaining alert for the rest of his watch!

Tina was more than a little alarmed by the presence of their visitor. But relieved of the way no one was harmed and little damage done other than some food stolen.

Morning came and it was still drizzling out. Time for breakfast, wakeup and a campfire to heat the MREs.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 58):

At breakfast, Jenna looked unwell. She was sweating and running a fever with a sharp abdominal pain. This was bad, as she was the team's primary medic!

"Jimmy, I ain't feelin' so good. Bobby's the backup medic, can he take a look at me?"

"Jenna, you never have to ask.  Bobby, see what is going on with Jenna."

He hovers, eating, while Bobby does so.

Lina scoots over and puts the back of her hand on Jenna's forehead.

"You are burning up, hon'. Where's you medkit? I'll get something for that fever."

Jimmy's brows go up.

"Lina, we might need to contact local base, can you get the radio set up once we get Jenna settled?  We might need to send her back for real medical.  Think it might be appendicitis?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Fri 07 Sept 2018.

"Ok, Jimmy.  Find her something for that fever. Bobby.  Andy.  Jenna's sick.   We'll have to evac her real soon.  Can you please start getting camp broke down? I'm going to radio back to base.", Lina said across the campfire.

She reached for the radio handset and turned up the squelch a bit.

<radio>"KILO ECHO-0-1. KILO ECHO-0-1. [forgotten Call sign]. Do you read. Over."<radio>
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Fri 07 Sept 2018.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 63):

Jenna helped out, also being a trained medic. It seemed she was developing appendicitis. She needed to be operated on within 24 hours, if not she could die. But the good news was this was a simple enough operation with an excellent chance of recovery.

During that morning's radio check-in with the Project base at Tukwila, Jimmy was advised they should return her to the dock in Maryvillwe for transport to the hospital in Tukwila. They could make it easily enough in wight hours. They could then set out again, after unfortunately losing a day in the process.

"We are advised to return, lets pack up and get rolling so we can get back to base.  Think of this as an excellent opportunity to pack anything else that we might have forgotten.  Think on it as we return."

OOC:  Fast forward to the return?

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 65):

"I notice we don't have a Doctor's surgical kit or a drug kit," replied Bobby, thoughtfully. "We only got one machinegun or SAW. Let's get a Stoner kit, maybe, so we can convert a rifle or two into another SAW or GPMG?"

"OK, we will see if we can refit fast before we set out again.  Good observations, maybe it is for the best all around.  Thank goodness Jenna got sick now, rather than later too.  It may have been chancy."

"Let's get Jenna back to the boat. You can talk about toys later.", Lina admonished.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 68):

The team quickly broke camp, then loaded into the boat. Conferring with HQ over the radio they determined they could meet a Project watercraft about halfway to Maryville, about 5 hours away.

At 1300 they RV'd with a similar Viet fishing boat, the Ha Long Bay, just offshore the forest where Port Angeles used to be located. Jenna was safely transferred to the other boat. In return, Filat joined them, having fully recovered from his injuries. Along with him came a surgical kit, drug kit and a flask of universal antibody. Lastly, there was a Stoner kit with a Stoner M22 rifle. If needed they could improvise a pintle mount to the rear or on the roof, firing over the bow and mount a Stoner M207 GPMG.

By 1330 the handover was completed. They could make it back to Neah Bay by nightfall if necessary.

PD Note: if anyone wants to stay at Neah Bay (or at least near it in the inlet) could do so with Jimmy's permission. At least you wouldn't need to make any more CON rolls for the rough seas!

In reply to Project Director (msg # 69):

The boat was able to make the Neah Bay area well before nightfall. There was still concern with all the gear aboard plus 9 passengers and crew it was a little overloaded and might swamp! Although the seas were even rougher at first the wind died down and the seas were calmer. Clouds scudded across the sky, driven by high-altitude winds.

Still, they set up camp again to spend another night in the little inlet. It had been relatively warm for winter that day (12C) but the temperature plunged below freezing (to -7C). Luckily it didn't snow. Morning dawned cold and clear with frost coating every surface.

Elliot, who had overnighted on the boat as he pledged to do prior to the illness, is quick to handle any assignments made by the captain. "Let's get this ball rolling!" he said, looking over the Project equipment and safeguarding its condition while the rest of the team is on land.

OOC:  First mention I have seen that we were overloaded and close to swamping!


"Let's get loaded up again folks and try to make good time today.  Everyone make sure you are lashed in when on deck.  Follow the Captain's orders over mine, mind that, he knows his craft better than I."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 72):

"Hey boss, we talked to Tukwila.

"Due to the weather they recommend we lighen the load a little on the boat.

"Bobby and I volunteer to head back. They'll send a boat tomorrow to pick us up here.

"We'll take back the extra radar set and the Mark One HAZMAT suits. It's your call on the auto-grenade launcher."

In reply to Tina Marie Lassiter (msg # 73):

"The grenade launcher might come in handy, leave it.  I'll miss you guys, don't get killed until I get a shot at you.  Take a picture with the hazmat suits for the archive."

He grins at that one.

"Safe travels."

He'll miss the members of his original team, but mission is priority.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 74):

"You too, boiss. Ok, let's go!"

In reply to Tina Marie Lassiter (msg # 75):

They unloaded the boat, putting Tina, Bobby and the extra gear ashore.

In the mean time there was time to take further note of the new arrival, Filat. They had seen him before, the previous day, traveling with Daniel. Now they noted that aside from the Project issue coveralls and kit he had what looked to be a SVD Dragunov sniper rifle.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 76):

Lina helped Tina off of the boat and fixed a dry spot so she could sit comfortably.

"You take it easy, girl.  See you when we get back.", Lina said, genuinely sad that Tina was being left behind.

"Bobby, get her back safe or I'll beat your ass."

"I'll be holding you down so you can face your ass whipping." Jimmy adds with a grin.

Capt'n Kim smiles broadly. "Ahhh, the forplay banter before the marriage enlightens those around of that wedding gifts need to be secured and of what nature. Confucian Analects, from ART of WAR XXXIV"

This message was deleted by the player at 19:45, Thu 08 Nov 2018.

"Welcome back," Elliot says.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 81):

Another night was spent out near the northwestern tip of the Olympic Penninsula, just east of Neah Bay.

There was a peaceful visit by the local Makah headman, Sea Otter. He was sympathetic about the previous night's visit to the camp by the grizzly and the theft of food. "Old Man Grizzly" was a local and he was glad no one killed him, but he understood that if Old Man attached the team would need to defend themselves.

That night passed more peacefully. The temperature also dipped well below freezing (-6C), but it did not snow. By dawn it hadn't even really warmed to zero, there was frost everywhere under grey clouds with a few blue patches. The nearby creek had frozen over.

They started out again, with roughly 80 km to go they should reach La Push south along the coast in about five hours. Once they rounded Cape Flattery (the most northwestern point of the former USA) the southerly wind slowed them somewhat but the waves were calmer than before. Off the port beam to the east were heavily forested. To the east was open ocean, endless dark swells reaching to Asia, now under grey skies.

"The old man needs to eat too, Sea Otter.  We don't begrudge him his share."

Once back out to sea Jimmy tracks their progress on the autonav.

"Leaf, can you help me locate our objective on our nav?"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 83):

She tried for a while to find it on the map, then gave up, unhappy.

"Maybe... not really, sorry!

"It looks very different. After the Great Burning the coastline is changed. There are new islands. Cliffs collapsed. Giant waves from across the ocean, so they say, stuck the shore.

"I'll know it when we get there. It is about 30-40 miles down the coast from the Makah's point. Before then we'll see the red island."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 84):

After about a half hour they passed the Makah village just south of the point. Smoke drifted lazily above the thick forests. A cold southerly headwind blew in their faces, and the morning began to warm ever so slightly after the freezing cold night.

"Let's hurry up and get there," Elliot says. "This trip has been boring."

"Boring is the best kind of trips, Elliot.  I like them as boring as possible.  Thanks for the try Leaf."

"No thanks, Elliot.  I had enough excitement just hearing about the big-ass bear that could have killed us all.", Lina said. She turned back to the rail and watched the shoreline pass by.

A little while later they approached the "Red Island". It first appeared as a too-smooth dark hump rising out of the cold grey Pacific. Water foamed as waves broke around it. Seagulls wheeled above it.

This islet did not appear on any prewar map. It was obvious why when they got a little closer. It was the surviving bow and part of the keel of some massive capsized ship, completely rusted red, corroded and speckled with the white of over a century of bird droppings. There were rings of barnacles and seaweed around the base as it stuck out of the water, marking the rise and ebb of countless tides.

Red Island marked the edge of where Captain Kim had ventured. Leaf said nothing, merely looking out at it, lost deep in thought, as the Naughty Lass puttered by.

Jimmy watches the 'Red Island' pass with the others, also silent.  It took a moment but he recognized it for what he was.  Words seemed insufficient.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 90):

"They say that this showed up a year or two after the war. The beaches were black and smelled terrible all up and down the coast for a generation. That was a long time ago, the black went away and is all gone now."

A slow nod as his eyes remain upon the hulk.

"An oil tanker, we would have called it.  It's big belly full of oil pumped from far underground.  Much farther than a well for water.  The world ran on that black oil at one time.  I think we are better without it."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 92):

The young woman nodded. "I had a dream about the coming of the Red Island, many years ago, when I was a young girl. The ship was empty of all life, all the crew dead. It drifted through the Year of No Summer. The liquid that was inside was the black blood of Earth. It was important once, maybe never again.

"These dreams and visions... they come to me, some times. I had a vision, like that, of the cave of the War Whale. That there was great sadness, of the old world, and a lingering danger and sickness. It seemed important to go there, to bring our people together there, to pray and purify it. But hopefully it's not actually unsafe. That's what you and your people will be doing there. Making sure it's safe?"

Jimmy takes in what Leaf has said wide-eyed.

"Leaf, that is simply amazing.  Yes, there may be lingering danger and sickness and that is what we are worried about.  If that boat was what we called a Boomer, we may be in for quite a trial."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 94):

"Yes. I think somehow this Boomer, it is bringing us here. To do something, carry out some duty or service. I feel it."

Jimmy looks to Leaf with a thoughtful expression and nods.

"It may have been waiting for us people from the past to do this duty, my friend."


He turns back to watch the likely tanker recede in the distance, the silence eventually interrupted by the radio.



"Lina, Flash Traffic!  That's our callsign."

"Thanks Jimmy. I got it." Lina said as she stepped into the cabin.

She reached into he neck of her shirt and pulled the cord that was attached to their CEOI.  She checked the authentication code against the calling station to verify it was actually them. It was.


Today: Mahalina Rae Powell rolled 36 using 1d100 with rolls of 36.  Authenticate radio code. Communications 60+20
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Fri 30 Nov 2018.

"What the hell is Krell? Do any of you guys know about these people?", Lina asked, clearly annoyed with the introduction of new enemy just 4 days out of the tube.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 98):

With no apparent reaction from Jimmy, or a reply, the boat puttered closer to their destination. Within the hour they spied the headlands behind which the former James island (now a peninsula once again) lay in at the mouth of the Quillayute river by the ruins of la Push.

"Anyone know a bit more about this Krell lot?"

Capt'n Kim  "Whales like to eat them"

He might not of heard the question correctly, due to the wind.

Filat sat in his favourite spot; just at the transom and to one side, sitting on a crate. He had his bow here stored so it couldn't fall in and he would sit, smoke roll-you-own cigarettes and cradle the Dragunov as he watched the shore.



Filat cupped his inevitable cigarette against the wind and says "the Ruskya know of these 'Krell'. They hunt The Morrow Project people and steal their goods. They seem to know where your depots, your 'caches', are and plunder them. They are very well equipped and trained, they are very tough fighters."

"Thank you Filat.  Hmmm.  Tough customers, and we should avoid them if possible.  Means they have access to the same information as us, and directly oppose us.  This might change our objective if they are danger close."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 103):

Leaf, the native guide, spoke up, "uh, what is "danger close"? Because we are only about ten miles out now from the tomb. We'll be there in about three quarters of an hour at this rate." Like many people of this time and place Leaf didn't generally use exact minutes unless she really needed to, instead measuring time in the movement of the sun and the tides.

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 104):

A smile to Leaf.

"As in, they are close enough to harm us."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 104):

Capt'n Kim obviously does not like the sound of these 'Project' Hunters. "Gear up people, know what you need to carry and where it's at."

Grabbing up the boat binoculars. Looks forward, port, starboard. And glances over his right  shoulder to look aft.

Filat got to his feet and slung the Dragunov.

"What is this 'tomb'? Are we grave-robbing? If so I must remember not to tell wife as she will be furious. A very religious woman."

Elliot scowls at the conversation. "They hunt the Project? Great. We'll just add psychopathic well-armed assassins to the list of things trying to kill us, which includes giant bears, irradiated mutants and medieval-era knights tossing gasoline bombs."

He smiles at his comrades. "And we're headed toward a potentially explosive nuclear-powered ship whose protective encasement has been rotting away for decades. This is EXACTLY what I signed up with the Project to do." His smile is genuine, there is no complaint in his voice, and he actually looks eager to get on with the adventure. He pats Andy on the shoulder and gets back to scanning the horizon for the unexpected.

"Like Eliot said, it is very likely a 20th Century 'Boomer' submarine.  And 'Tomb' is a very fitting name for a vessel containing the remains... in this case likely of men, and hopefully of warheads.  I am no nuclear scientist, so I am not certain, but it is possible the warheads themselves have degraded to the point where they are useless, but the whole thing is likely radioactive.  The worse condition this thing is in, the better, in my opinion."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 109):

Captain Cong doesn't see anything or anyone as they approach the wooded headland that masked the former James Island.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 109):

Lina stood at the rail with her carbine hanging across her front.  She watched as the shoreline went by and listened to the team discussion.


"It gets better, Jimmy. Did you forget that those thing were nuclear powered. There will be a formerly active reactor to deal with too.  I hope these CBR kits will actually detect radiation like they are supposed to.", she added.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:33, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

"I hadn't forgotten.  That is why I figure the whole thing is a mess."

He shrugs.

"Me too, Lina."

Capt'n Kim is interested in this information "Are we poking a bear?"

"It's very possible, Captain Kim.", Lina replied.

This ship was powered by a source similar to this boat but not as safe. It also might have weapons powered by the same source with the potential to destroy the base at Tukwilla 20 times over. It has been sitting there unattended for over a hundred years."

Filat's eyebrows are raised. "I assume you are heading their to make this thing safe, do we know anything about the people of where we are going? One would think that the *soviet there would be happy to have such a danger removed."

*Soviet (Russian): 'Council'

Capt'n Kim Kim looks up. Nods towards where the ship is heading "Seems the Krell we are talking about, might be racing to the prize. They are burning heavy by the looks of the smoke up ahead."

Capt'n Kim looks around and yells "Possible contact up ahead... gear check"

"I certainly hope our intelligence is not that far off.  Don't assume it is a hostile force until we ID it.  Everyone to stations, let's look to putting out our launch as fast as possible, but hold on the action.. ready it.  I need people on the crew serves, now.  Lina anything on radio?"

Looking where Kim is looking, pulling out his binoculars.. what is going on?

Capt'n Kim nods towards the bow. "See that heavy black smoke?  Could be on shore, but its hard to tell since we are moving as well. Not a campfire for sure. Just be ready... "

Filat kneels behind the gunwale and fits the PSO-1 sight to the mount and checks that the zero is still true to the markings. While watching the shore, he has no binoculars, he reaches up and takes off his ushanka and replaces it with his helmet.

Lina buckled her helmet on and shrugs into her PASTG vest.  She knelt down behind the shore-side gunwale with her carbine at the ready.

Elliot follows the Captain's order and steps up on one of the crew served weapons.

"Good eyes Captain Kim."

He keeps scanning, looking for... anything.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 122):

Capt'n Kim  "When we come around the headland we might see whats making that column of smoke. I just want to be prepared if that is some of these Krell racing to the 'Whale'. (The Capt'n chuckles) Sorry.. sorry. Krell sounds like krill. That being said, they are racing to be dead lil krill."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 122):

Now that it was pointed out to them, both Jerry and Filip saw the column of smoke. The source was obscured by the headland so it was difficult to tell if it the source was a vessel on the water or based on land.

Jimmy hmmms.

"Leaf, we have some smoke around that bend, any possibility that is your people?"

He will offer her the binoculars, and show her how to use them.. if need, if she wants to take a look for herself.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 125):

She shook her head. "No. Not possible. At least my people agreed to let me check it out before going. I can't be certain it's not someone else. But who would be traveling this desolate part of the coast in winter?

"Plus we are not smokers, we don't burn fossil fuels. That's what makes that black smoke. Coal. Oil."

A purse of his lips, then he gestures.

"Captain, find us a place where we can set to and observe this.  There are more players in this I would think, and I want to know who it is and not let them know about us.  Recommendations?"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 127):

The boat was about 10 km out from La Push and James Island.

From what they could see there were stretches of narrow beach at the bottom of low sea cliffs. They could land near here or try to find a closer beach. But the closer they came the greater chance of detection.

Jimmy pauses, thinking and observing with his binoculars.

"Why are we assuming that this smoke is our adversaries, our intelligence has them much farther out than this... and if they are trying to work against us, they would not broadcast their presence like this.  Oil fire of some sort, right?  That boomer has been there for centuries, I somehow doubt there is suddenly a mad rush for it now."

He turns to Captain Kim.
"Captain Kim, if we lay in at the beach there until nightfall, can you navigate past this.. smoker... in the dark?"

Capt'n Kim "Let's land under those cliffs on those narrow beaches. And those might may be a brush fire or oil fire.. yes. But this time of year, everything is wet and cold. It is most likely a boat. And if anyone sees us in a boat that's NOT making smoke....well I tell ya... it won't be pretty, cause they will want it."

"Captain, your boat.  If that is the spot you like, then we are going there.  Please take us."

He looks around, making sure all the weapons that can be manned are, then puts his binoculars back to his eyes and goes back to scanning around, especially towards that smoke.

"By all means, let us avoid contact with the avaricious."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 131):

They got close enough to shore to hear the surf pounding the sand. They dropped anchor between a shoal and the water line. Once the shore party hit the beach and climbed the low cliff they would be in deep forest of Douglas fir and pine with 10km to go.

"Captain, do I need to leave one with you, or are you OK on your own?  We will do radio checks daily and listen for us on the hour, otherwise for updates.  If you do not hear from us, do not assume there is an issue until contact is late for twenty six hours.  If we are gone that long I will leave it your decision on whether to return to base, or try to stick it out for possible contact and extraction.  This may get very sticky."

He gestures.

"Let's get all that gear ashore and establish a base camp out of sight.  Captain, you will want to move your mooring elsewhere one we are firmly offloaded.  Thank you for your help, hope to see you again soon!"

Capt'n Kim "I'm good by myself. I can out run any ship in the long haul. (grins) I need no fuel"  Hahahahahaha

Elliot stands ready to assist and hit the beach for an investigation.

Filat has his SVD sling muzzle-down over his shoulder and has his bow in hand.

"Shall I scout out a little further ahead?" He asks, scanning the surroundings

Jimmy nods as they are getting the gear situated and pulling a camp out of sight in the treeline.

"By all means Filat, thanks.  If you can find us a more suitable campsite as well, that will be great, In short order we will leave a basecamp here and start the hike to the boomer."

Filat nods and says "Da!"

He heads off carefully and stealthily, checking the ground and the area ahead while trusting in his Morrow Project camouflage.

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 138):

Once the boat starts to be unloaded. Capt'n Kim surveys the new Morrow engine and the bilge levels.

Lina jumped off of the bow of the boat, trying not to get her boots too wet.

"Dang it. Cold. Cold. I hate wet feet." , she complained.

She moved about 10 yards inshore deploying from the vehicle as she was trained.  Lina dropped her pack beneath a nearby tree and took a defensive position facing to the north.

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 134):

"I'll stay with the Captain. Man the grenade launcher or MAG-58. In fact, if you want to go ashore, Captain, I can man the boat alone."

PD Note: This is so Captin Kim can accompany them if he wishes. If not the extra hand won't hurt.

"Good call, you can be our relay and reaction force if need Andy.  If you are boat rated and Captain Kim will allow it, you can even operate the boat... or the two of you together.  Your choice, Captain."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 142):

Capt'n Kim ponders "Would love to see this mission to the cave. But must makee check of the motor first. Pretty rough journey and its new to the boat"

Kim will check the motor and bilge for out of the ordinary details, its a maiden voyage after all.

Tim checks his gear before getting off the boat and with his weapon at his shoulder he makes his way ashore. Taking a knee at the top of the beach he scans the surrounding forest for anything out of the ordinary while waiting for everyone to get on dry land.

He would let the others move up and form a line at the point where the beach meets the trees as he moves to the nearest cover behind a trunk.


-

Filat stops and scans the area ahead, watching intently for anything out of place. When he's satisfied nothing is awry he slowly keys his radio and speaks into his headset.

"Alright my friends, I am ready to scout ahead. Tell me what you want me to do; how far back will you be? Are we looking for anything in particular? How fast would you like me to move? Filat out."

"We will be slower than you are.  When you reach a good vantage point, pause.  Do what you feel is good for you, I trust you as expert in this.  If you wish, you can help dictate how we and you move."

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 145):

Tim click the button on his radio "It's completely up to you as to how you want to play this. Just keep us informed."


-

Filat clicks his radio again, "Understood, Filat out."

He will move off towards the target, taking care in the way he walks and picking a path less likely to encounter booby-traps but also easy to move across for people who may be less skilled.

Tim removes the suppressor from his pouch and attaches it to his pistol, slinging his rifle he uses a two handed grip on the handgun as they begin to advance. Turning to the rest of the team he adds "We take it slow and try and get a handle on what is going on here before going in guns blazing, try to keep your spacing and if you see anything let us know."

Tim then leads them off, following his own instructions as he tries to move through the undergrowth with out giving the game away.

-

Elliot stands ready to join in the march. "Our target is ten kilometers away. A lot can happen in ten klicks." He has the M10 on a sling and is ready to go.

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 143):

"Captain Kim, I can stay aboard. Andy will man the weapons. I can certainly handle the boat, if it's like a normal motor boat. I mean, I can sail a kayak but we do have actual boats as well."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 151):

The shore party was ferried to the grey sand beach: TL Jimmy McGuire, Lina Powell, Filat Volkov, Elliot Pendergrass, Captain Kim, and Tim White.

They formed up and climbed up the short rocky cliff. Filat led them off into the thick hilly forest, taking point.

Capt'n Kim. "Thank you.. as 'NORMAL' in regards as to handling yes. Check the motor mounts and bilge, as this is a maiden voyage for the motor. Thank you"

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 153):

"Yeah, no, I won't be messing with the motor. It's a nuke! But everything else I can handle."

She was not correct, at least in that the engine was a fusion cell and the motor was electric. But there was no particular reason for her to feel around with it. And if there was one people the Viets conceded might know something about small craft and seamanship it was the Whale Worshipers.