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The three Poles lead the small party down the road to the Fiorianska Gate. The officer flashes a document and waves everyone past the guards who barely give you another look.


A few hundred metres later and you arrive at what only a few years before had been a museum but now has been taken over by the military. A sandbag and rubble bunker complex fills almost all of the street sprouting the occasional rifle from firing positions, and the tip of a heavy mortar tube. Telephone wires lead from an area near the museum door in almost all directions - this almost has to be a comand post of some type, probably for one of the battalions of the ORMO.
Several softskin vehicles, both military and civilian in origin are parked close by, ready to carry dispatches, or run errands.


Once again the document is shown to the armed guard at the door and you're ushered inside. Any weapons you were carrying are collected, but reassurances are made that they will be returned on your way out.

Inside, valuable artworks still adorn the walls but no civilians are evidently allowed to enjoy them. Uniformed soliders, many dripping with medals and weighed down with insignia denoting high rank (at least one Pulkownik, or Colonel is spotted) scurry about from place to place, most carrying manila folders stuffed with documents.

The Podporucznik takes you up a flight of stairs and back towards the front of the building. He halts at a desk staffed by a rather attractive young uniformed women and speaks in what must be Polish. She replies, indicating you're all to take a seat on the luxurious, and probably antique chairs positioned against the wall....

The phone on the 17th century desk rings. Picking it up, the woman listens for moment without speaking before replacing it and motioning you into the next room.
The ornate door opens into what used to be a small gallery. The paintings remain but the room has been converted into an office for an obviously high ranking man. Solidly built, he has an air of a professional about him. A career soldier and one who's surely seen combat both in the command post and front lines.
"Come in, take a seat," he invites in heavily accented english, and indicating a row of folding military chairs arrayed before a particularly large antique desk strewn with reports, maps and assorted paperwork. A dozen or more antique chairs are pushed up against the walls, evidently too fine for just anyone to sit on...
"I understand you represent a small band of soliders?" he says, his eyes moving from one officer to the other, obviously unsure if it's Elena or Mary who holds the rank.

Tanya takes in the sites of the buildings and area they've entered which is now under control of the militia or Polish army remnants.  "This must've been a beautiful part of the city at one time.  I know there's got to be a lot of old history in these buildings and streets.  This war tore it all to shit," she says as they enter the museum and turns over her weapons.

Tanya sits patiently on one of the folding military chairs, looks at the paintings, and listens in to what is being asked and said by the Polish "high-ranking" official who looks to be offering them a job.

“I wouldn’t call it just like that myself, but yes, we are a group of soldiers.”

Mary sais while stepping forward to clear the leadership situation to the man in front of them.

“I’m Lieutenant Commander Finnegan, ranking officer. Tell me why are we here?”

Though not entirely comfortable with giving up his weapons, Christian certainly understands why their hosts would insist on such an action.  He accompanies the officers into the gallery/office and takes a seat when so offered, keeping silent unless addressed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Sat 03 Jan 2009.

"Very nice at one time?" Tanya says to Christian in German.

"Yes, but not very bad now, either," Christian quietly replies in the same language.

Elena follows the Poles absent mindedly through Krakow thinking about what the meeting might yield for the team.
In the waiting room she whispers to Mary "Don't tell them too much" and when they finally are received she is rather happy that she's not in charge and just keeps a smile on her face when Mary clarifies that she is the ranking officer.

In reply to Mary Finnegan (msg #4):

The officer smiles but you get the feeling it's not exactly out of friendship.
"Well, that would be easy. You're here because you've been summoned."
"I am Major Kobiecki, staff officer of the Krakow army and I have a task for you and your team to complete."
His words and body language leave no doubt that acceptance of the job is not optional.
"Outside the walls, in the newer parts of the city, lawlessness and criminal activity is rampant despite our continual efforts. We require you to do your part in stamping out these activities and make Krakow a safer place to live."
"You are to investigate the Dworzec Glowny railway station and eliminate any marauders and bandits you find sheltering amongst the Zbiegi."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:39, Tue 06 Jan 2009.

"I guess it could be worse.  Must've been nice to visit without a war going on!"

Christian smiles at the Major's words.  They have just been given carte blanche to take care of the thugs from earlier and their "protection" scheme.  He keeps silent, however, allowing the spokeswomen time to respond.

Mary looked at the major for a moment, silently unsure how to answer to this man’s arrogance.

“You want us to do what?”

“Major I do think you have been misinformed. Yes we are a group of soldiers… a group of doctors, medics and a small protective detail under the command of a navy officer. We hardly have the experience and definitely don’t have the equipment to do what you require us to do.”

Turning away from the desk Mary starts walking, taking a moment to get a hold of her emotion and a second to think. She was a fast thinker.  Returning to face the Major again she continued, much more relaxed now.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d be very willing to help you make Krakow a safer place to live. But I think you are making a mistake expecting this from us. Major, you have enough soldiers and equipment to clean the area with blunt force. What do you need our rag tag, underequipped group for?”

Luke breaths a small sigh of relief. He had different reservations about policing but the commander was very right.

Tanya clears her throat and calls to Mary, "Ma'am!  A moment of your time in private please?"

If Mary will humor her, Tanya will make a request to her, "With all due respect Commander, I think we may have the personnel to pull this off if we get the others involved.  We would have a main assault team with the rest of the docs and medics would be I reserve in case we need them.  This could also be a good chance for us to get some new gear for ourselves.  I think the official here wants to keep his hands clean of this operation.  If that's the case, we need to find out what he's paying us!"

Mary was quite annoyed by Tanya’s interruption. Didn’t these yanks learn anything about discipline. If this had happened on her ship, she would probably have the ranger girl scrubbing the deck for weeks. It emphasized once more this was no group of soldiers anymore. Not without any form of discipline. Keeping a hushed voice she replied.

“Noted sergeant,  but let me explain something to you in the real world terms like may and maybe get people killed. If you had listened correctly the Major required us to take care of this. I did not hear him say anything about either payment or equipment only he needed a group of soldiers.  We don’t know anything  and you are eager to accept this “no”-deal. With all due respect sergeant, you better let me do the thinking, ok”

In reply to Mary Finnegan (msg #12):

"It's simple, in any way you deem suitable, determine who amongst the Zbiegi sheltering in the railway station are hostile to the future stability of Krakow and deal with them. Details on how you do it are your problem."

"Although it is true we have many thousands of troops on duty at any one time, they are required elsewhere. It is left to groups such as yours to "fill the gaps" so to speak."

In reply to Plt Sgt Tanya Redgrave (msg #14):

The major waited while quiet discussions carried on. Although appearing to be patient, his fingers fidgetted with a gold pen indicating a desire to get on.
"Renumeration is standard for this type of task - you get to continue living within the outer defences of Krakow without interference from the military."

Tanya turns away from the official trying to hire them as she talks to Mary and covers her mouth with her hand before speaking to her in a hushed voice, "Once again, with all due respect Ma'am, there isn't much in this world these days that may or may not get us killed!  Take the example this morning with the gang of thugs just outside our operation.  I think we stood a chance of a fight sooner or later and especially if you agreed to send a couple of our own out to see where they're operating out of.  My hearing still works pretty good Commander and that's what we need to find out what he's paying us!  Did you find out if we get to find anything we may confiscate if we do take this mission?  Do we get anything else besides getting to stay within the outer perimeter of Krakow and unbothered by the army where we are?  We need to find out what he's offering us and then decide as a unit!  And by the way, I'm curious, not eager to accept a deal for the record!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:49, Sun 18 Jan 2009.

"Maybe check with the others Commander?" Tanya says to Finnegan handing her the handset for the radio.

"Commander?" Tanya asks Mary again as she continues to hold out the phone.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Wed 04 Feb 2009.

"How 'bout you Elena?  You wanna call 'em?" Tanya asks.

Browns voice comes over the radio, presumably from the clinic.
"Brown to Matterson and Redgrave. Request sitrep. Over."

Tanya keys the radio to reply to Brown, "Brown it's Redgrave.  Here's the SITREP.  Negotiating with client.  CO reluctant to agree to terms.  Could use some help or another voice here, Break!  Don, this is Tanya do you copy over?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Thu 05 Feb 2009.

Realizing he is actually the senior NCO in the room, Christian goes to Mary to quietly give her his advice while Tanya is speaking on the radio.  "Korvettenkapitän, we have only one choice.  Either we do as this man says, or we pack up and leave Krakow, which I know we are not quite prepared to do as yet.  In other words, we have no choice.  Besides, I also believe we have the ability to carry out this assignment."

"Masterson here," Virgil replied over the radio, "continuing to observe ORMO contact with crooks. Looks like it's a dead end. We'll wrap up here and move to see if the thug's base can be safely observed."

"Roger your last Virge.  How copy on job offer, over?"

"Acknowledged Matterson."
"Redgrave, please expand on job offer. Over."

"We got an offer to do some work to take care of some criminal activity in the newer parts of the city, Dworzec Glowny Rail Station to be specific.  It seemed to me like it was an offer we couldn't refuse, over!"

Luke just listens in disbelief. He says quietly but forcefully, "Jeez, don't they train discipline in your militaries any more? Where I come from you do not argue with officers in front of others if you value your career. Maybe it is a Canadian thing to follow the chain of command." His voice drips with sarcasm. "You are acting little better than the thugs we met earlier."

In reply to Luke LeFramboise (msg #28):

OOC: i'm guessing that was directed at Tanya?

Inwardly steaming in rage Mary listens to the German NCO as he approaches her, voicing his concern in a whisper so it cannot be overheard. She answers him in a likewise fashion.


While talking to the German, Mary hears how the yank ranger seems to have no problem using open coms out loud in front of the major, chatting like she was phoning good friends. She even had Matterson's sitrep broadcast out loud in the room. The unprofessional behavior of this girl is getting to be to annoying and incredibly dangerous. Walking towards her she holds out her hand for the comms.

“ Get me that, now!”

Lapsing from her daydreaming Elena looks around the group. "Sorry Tanya I was thinking of something." she says while watching the major sitting behind his desk kicking his heels.
Addressing him she continues "Well, erm, since we apparently don't have much of a choice please continue with the intel you have so we can get going." Adding a "Sir" after a small pause.

Keeping a fake smile on her face she then leans back into her chair crossing her legs.
She hated having to do this as she agreed with Mary's position, but they didn't really have a choice and if they decided not to handle what they've been tasked with it would be better to slip out of Krakow silently then declining his offer outright and get their equipment confiscated or worse.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Fri 06 Feb 2009.

Tanya gives her a crappy little smile as she hands her the radio handset, "Ready to make a decision yet Ma'am?"

Tanya then turns to Elena, "No problem Elena.  Seems to be a lot of that going around today!"

“I already had.” Mary replied in a cold voice while taking the radio.
“Brown, Finnegan, I’m going to send Redgrave, the mechanic and the nurse back to you. They will update you on the details. Tighten up security while she’s on her way.”

Returning the microphone back to the plt. Sergeant Mary whispers in the NCO’s ears without being overheard.


Turning she faces the French mechanic and the nurse. ”You both better return to the clinic with her. Bader and I will explain our situation to the Major. I’m sure he’ll understand …especially after the charade we performed in his office she thought silently.”

"Acknowledged. Do you require the other team recalled? Over."

Looking up to Mary Elena replies calmly "Let me make something clear Commander. Technically you are not in charge of the medical detail and while I don't have a problem with you doing the talking I'd rather stick around to do what I deem is in the best interest of my men. Don't forget that letting your unit stay in our hospital is merely a courtesy as was putting you in command."

Turning to the Canadian she continues "Luke I want you to stay here as well."

The major's fingers stopped toying with the pen as one eyebrow lifted.
What had been brought before him, a military unit or collection of clowns?
"Look, you have two options," he declared cutting over the top of Mary a heatbeat before she could reply to Elena.
"One," he ticked off on his finger, "Refuse the job and leave the city."
"Or two, accept the job and work out some way you can achieve it."
Although it wasn't his concern, he could see several methods without even thinking about them. A full on assault with overwhelming firepower being one, or the other extreme of a single person infiltrating the railway station followed by the gentle persuasion of a knife in the ribs.

Luke backs and forth at the two women, not sure what to say, so he says nothing, holding his hands behind his back to let the two work it out.

Confirmed Sergeant Major. Finnegan Out.

---

Mary decides to ignore the Polish major, for there were more important things to clear before she could deal with his arrogance. With a sigh she turned to face the nurse.

“Of course lieutenant, if you’re so set on staying please do. Given the circumstances though I was only thinking the clinic could need some preparations in case we need to leave the place in a hurry…"

Obviously dissatisfied with Mary, Tanya takes the headset out of her hands and returns it to her belt.  "Will do ma'am.  Is that all?"  If there's nothing else, Tanya will head back out and collect her weapon and gear and then proceed outside with the others (if they follow) and get back on the radio and call Brown.

"Redgrave to Don, over?"  <wfr>

"Be advised, the commander told me to recall your group in and rendezvous at base, copy that?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:29, Tue 10 Feb 2009.

"OK Luke let's get moving" Elena says before she follows Tanya outside.
She wasn't happy to leave but she also didn't want make a scene in front of the major.

Now that the more urgent matters were dealt with Mary could focus her attention back to the polish Major. She had heard his continues remarks about how they had no choice or one he thought was not very appealing to them, but she had not given them any thought. Up until now.

“Well Major, you notice some of our team seem to have a different opinion, but you might also have noticed we don’t have a real disciplined military unit, yet. I’ll break this down for you so you understand what you are dealing with. Me and my team have just arrived here in Krakow. We have been surviving in that hell at the other end of your cozy walls for the last couple of weeks.  Currently our status is tired, low on anything useful and in need of some rest. Here in Krakow we met up with a medical unit that has provided us shelter, while we provide some protection.”

Pausing a moment for this information to settle in.

“Me and my team came to the free city of Krakow to find rest and plan for our future. What you are showing us now is not really a free city but another form of oppression. We serve your will or you will kick us out….

Honestly Major in our current status that is not much of a threat, because in my book that makes the outside even better than the inside. There we know who and what we are fighting.”

Putting both hands on the desk Mary looks the Major straight in the eyes.

“Of course if you really insist on our help all these reservation can be overcome for a price…

Be it supplies or even better piece of mind. I think you are in a position to provide either or both.”

Luke isn't a fan of head games but if Mary wants to try and play some, he'll not argue.

He gives her a casual salute. "Yes ma'am. Will do." With that he exits and heads back to the makeshift base.

As Tanya watches Luke leave she will ask him, "You headin' back or waitn'?"

The Polish officers eyes twinkled in amusement.
"What would you propose then?" he inquired, leaning forward, clearly interested.
Although he held all the cards and knew it, it was rare for somebody to reject his demands. Perhaps this would be an entertaining diversion from the mundane paper shuffling that usually filled his days?

In reply to Plt Sgt Tanya Redgrave (msg #43):

Luke gives a partial shrug, "Heading back. Not sure what the quid has planned or if she knows what she's doing, but she gave an order."

"Fine, have it your way," Tanya says with little care as Luke walks away.

Tanya tries to find a comfortable spot to sit down and wait for Finnegan and the others to come out before they leave for the hospital.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Thu 19 Feb 2009.

Bader leans toward Finnegan and speaks.  "If I may, Korvettenkapitän?"  At her acquiescence, he addresses the Major.  "Herr Major, as one of the combat personnel of our group, I must tell you I believe our people capable of handling this little task of yours.  However, I must also agree with the Korvettenkapitän when she says we need more than just permission to stay in Krakow.  If you could see your way to providing us with a medium-sized still on a trailer, I can say that our combatants would be willing to look into the problem at the rail station and take care of it.  A simple agreement, nicht wahr?"

His eyes narrowed, apparently annoyed his demand had not been immediately accepted and acted upon.
"No trailer." The reply to Christian's question came after a delay of some ten seconds.
"And no still. You can however have access to the ORMO scrapyards for a few hours. There's probably enough materials there to make your own."
"Now, will you do the job?"
Although phrased as a question, it was definately delivered much more like a command...

Don headed out of the clinic in company with John and moved towards the central city. A few words with the guards at the city walls and they were directed to the ORMO headquarters in what was once a spectacular museum and art gallery. Much of the artwork and antique furnishings remained, put back to their orignal use as office furniture, but some evidence could be seen of missing items. Where they had gone was a mystery, but undoubtably some had found their way into the homes of the more powerful and influentual inhabitants of the city.

After your weapons are handed over to the door guard, Don and John are directed to an office towards the front of the building on the first floor where a rather attractive uniformed woman ushers them inside an opulent office after introducing their presence.

The major appeared slightly annoyed when the pair entered his office after being introduced by a rather attractive young uniformed woman stationed behind an 18th century desk. Christian sits quietly while Mary and the Major were obviously in the middle of a slightly heated conversation....
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:33, Tue 31 Mar 2009.

Don smiled at Christian trying to get a deal.

As the Major put up at least a little opening for negotiation, Don decided to speak up.

"We can do the job. Give us what information you have about the opposition and the station."

"About the payment, we still want a little more. The scrapyards for two days? We would love to have a cow as well, for the milk, but more important, a couple of bottles of fine Vodka, some for you, some for us?"

Don makes a big smile toward the Major.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:41, Tue 31 Mar 2009.

"Don't you try charming me Cináed Donnachaidh! Yes, I've heard of you way out here in Poland, the Don Juan of Scottish politics!"

"Now, the "payment" for your services remains the same, but I'll give you some advice for free - do the job, do it well and there'll be more lucrative opportunities inthe future."
The Major's patience was clearly at it's end. He'd put up with the ragtag band of foriegners coming and going as they pleased for some time. Now was decision time.

"My assistant will supply you with all the information we have," he said, clearly intending to end the meeting and hand the details over to underlings.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I've got a city to run..."

"Haha!"

"At last someone civilized in this harsh world!"

Cinàed laughed broadly and shook the Major's hand.

"G'day to you, Major. Have a nice day! I hope we can get some whisky to share in the near future!"

He turned around and walked out.

When he was out of hearing distance he whispered to Mary and Christian.

"What a bastard... Well, lets see if we can keep him happy by showing our ways"

He approached the Majors assistant.

"Ah, wonderful weather today! The Major told me you could get me some papers over the railroad station and those who are there"

The very attractive young lady outside turns out to be the Majors very capable assistant.
While ignoring Don's attempts at seduction, she manages to hand over a single peice of paper typed in Polish...

"Well allright, lassie. Thanks for now. I hope to see you again, very soon!", he says in his best Polish.

Now he has a purpose to loot, if he gets the chance. If he ever finds a nuked lingerieshop with an undamaged storeroom, he knows who to be the first to get a nice Aubade bra, with maybe a little thong...

He gets waken up from his daydream as he suddenly realizes that Mary, John and Christian is beside him, on the way back to the hospital.

"John, phone the others and tell them we are returning"