Andy and Mac could see little overt activity in town. The Russian NCO was apparently still inside his billet, the radio waves didn't go berserk.
It was clear to Andy from the delays in reply that it wasn't like they were standing by to receive this broadcast, but by the same token they didn't seem all that surprised, either.
Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko:
Lt. Shevchenko quickly grabbed the mic.
"Greetings North Shore! This is Taras Vladimirovich speaking...transmitting from the provisional seat of the Government in the University...We are willing to contact you and invite you to be part of the plan to return the city to normal life..."
The unscripted message was unfolding with enthusiasm.
"If you are willing to cooperate we can offer you medical, education, security support...We have full support of the miltary forces and the capital..."
Before going any further Taras needed to hear some response. He released the button and look over the shoulder to the faces of the rest of team in expectation.
"Please stand by..."
There was a few more minutes of waiting as things got sorted out on the other end.
"Ah, the Mayor isn't really awake yet but let me pass on her greetings and I'm sure she'll want to speak with you within the hour. However, Mr. Shailin is eager to speak. Wait one."
After a moment, a voice with a thick accent came on the line.
"Taras Vladimirovich? This is Bulat Izmailivitch! Old friend... is wery good to hear you! What storms we have had, yes?"
Bulat was assimilating nicely; like native Canadians, he was obsessed with the weather.
"Am being sure that Mayor will accept assistance with all great enthusiasms."
"Would be... she would be wanting meeting to discuss... much benefit of cooperation with government forces."
"Will be switch to Russian. For me, easy to talk."
His voice switched to a Russian that was arguably equally tortuous as his English, although smoother and easier on Taras' ear.
"Bulat Vladimirovich, I have question for you. Did something happen with Stickmen in Park night before last? I ask because people here are very concerned about them. The Stickmen burned down their village in retaliation some months back, and they are concerned that if the Stickmen think they had involvement in this latest clash, there will be further reprisal."
"Also, do you by chance have some kind of Razvedchiki (reconnaissance scouts) in the area? We believe that two individuals have been keeping us under surveillance. I was asked to "deal" with the potential threat by the local security forces but am reluctant to do so, as they do not appear to be an unknown quantity, not Stickmen."
By concentrating, Clarke could follow along with the voice on the speaker, barely.
[
OOC: Unfortunately, Andy doesn't speak Russian.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:13, Tue 29 Apr 2008.