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12:37, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa.

Posted by Cap'n RaeFor group archive 0
Konrad Bayer
player, 29 posts
German
Panzergrenadier
Sun 17 Jun 2007
at 14:39
  • msg #64

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Konrad watches as Snowy releases Dawid from the cuffs and comes over to speak with him. Waiting until Snowy has said his piece Konrad then speaks to the group near the Ural, raising his voice so it carries to all.

"Snowy has a valid point and one I agree with, on this trip I guarantee you there will be no more shooting or torturing of any prisoners that are captured by ANY member of this group. This also falls to the enemy wounded. Anymore actions like this will not be tolerated, my warning to Dawid stands to all members."


Konrads voice becomes stern and forceful.
"If anyone has a problem with this I want to hear about it now, otherwise I will be holding everyone to these rules" Konrad looks around at the group.

"Clarence, thanks for the offer, grab Dawid a shovel and you can stand overwatch while he digs a grave for this individual. Pass me your gear and I will stow it on the tug while you do"

"Ok everyone else we have gear and weapons to get on board so lets get moving. Personal gear first and then we will all assist with the rest."


Konrad will then grab his backpack and Clarences gear and begin to move towards the tug.

(Konrad will also speak with Yazzi and Anneka and any other characters that did not hear him speak to advise them of the rules regarding the enemy prisoners and wounded)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Sun 17 June 2007.
Robert 'Tuck' Tucker
player, 70 posts
American
10th Mountain Division
Sun 17 Jun 2007
at 16:06
  • msg #65

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Tucker will drop his gear and prepare himself to be stitched up by Anneka wherever she tell shim to get comfortable.  When Bayer does come over to speak to them, he listens and adds his comments.  "I got no problem with you runnin' the show Bayer.  I'm still a soldier but, just under a different flag.  I still know how to take and follow orders so you'll get my cooperation as long as yer willing to take suggestions and trust some of us use our best judgement in certain situations!  You treat everyone fairly, I don't think you'll have too many problems.  Just let me know what you need me to do once I get done with getting my ass sewn back together!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Mon 18 June 2007.
Clarence Milk
player, 21 posts
American
Infantryman
Sun 17 Jun 2007
at 16:59
  • msg #66

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

"You got it Hauptman."

Still looking at Snow and Blue, Clarence declares,

"I'm down. Rules are rules, even in this fucked up place."

"Remind me of the old days." he adds in almost a whisper to himself.

OOC: If Dawid responds to Snow's question, it would happen here. Milk will wait while the kid has his say and then continue.

Then, Clarence puffs himself up and addresses Dawid directly,

"Alright kid, I'll get the shovel. You grab your extra-sleepy buddy over there and let's put him in the ground. He can kick it with that Polish Queen under this here hill."

Clarence slings his AKSU and grabs a shovel from where Yazzie is still quietly filling sandbags.

"Come on." he says to the muddy and stunned looking Pole.

He escorts Dawid about into the woods a ways, a little up slope, before stopping.

"Here's a nice spot. Good view. Dawid is it? Get digging. Six feet deep and two feet wide."

Clarence sits on a rock overlooking the grave plot, removes a greasy towel from his pack, lays it on the ground, and begins cleaning his carbine. He's still got his SOCOM .45 if Dawid becomes uncooperative.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Sun 17 June 2007.
Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 31 posts
Polish
Possibly Reprieved?
Sun 17 Jun 2007
at 17:51
  • msg #67

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Trevor 'Snowy' White:
Snow's looking hard at Dawid, and says softly. "I'm gonna let you go you stupid bastard, but before I do I'm going to ask you one question. If that ambush had gone wrong for us and the other guys had caught us, I reckon they'd take it a lot bloody differently if they shot one of our wounded who was restrained. Now the question I'm going to ask you is; what would you have done if they'd shot one of yours for being a 'bad guy', would you let him go like I'm about to?"


Still standing at attention, Dawid looked at him with a look of concentration on his face, as if trying to understand what he was being told but having a little difficulty following.  When Snowy asked his hypothetical (but not rhetorical) question, the meaning suddenly became clear.  Then he looked off into the distance, as if asking himself, "yeah, just what the fuck would I do?" but still not answering.

quote:
"I hope you don't blow that question off, because I'm trying to show you that you can never be sure. If you've just shot a compatriot who found those teeth under a log, it should haunt you forever."


After a moment of intense reflection, tears grew in his eyes.  He took a breath and stammered, "I... I... I don't know!  May the saints forgive me, I don't know what I'd do!"  With that he covered his eyes and commenced weeping silently.

quote:
Snowy reaches down and turns the bloodstained key in the cuffs, removing them from Dawid's wrists. He steps back, looking at him with a face carven from stone.


Trying to get himself under control, Dawid avoided meeting the fearsome gaze.  When he saw out the corner of his eye that the man turned to addresse the officer, he bent down and grabbed his beret from off the ground, then after a pause snatched the cigarette butt and empty cartridge case as well.  Beret went on his head, butt in one blouse pocket, empty shell in another.


OOC: The colour coding is going a little wonky and making all my text blue.  It's happening even if I take out all the coding.  Weird.  Should be working now.

Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 32 posts
Polish
Possibly Reprieved?
Sun 17 Jun 2007
at 18:10
  • msg #68

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Clarence Milk:
Then, Clarence puffs himself up and addresses Dawid directly,

"Alright kid, I'll get the shovel. You grab your extra-sleepy buddy over there and let's put him in the ground. He can kick it with that Polish Queen under this here hill."

Clarence slings his AKSU and grabs a shovel from where Yazzie is still quietly filling sandbags.

"Come on." he says to the muddy and stunned looking Pole.


Finally being given a concrete task that he knew he could accomplish, Dawid took the shovel with a grateful look and accompanied the man.  The walk in the woods did wonders for his composure.  After a little ways, he stopped expecting the traditional bullet to the back of the neck.  If it came, it came.

quote:
"Here's a nice spot. Good view. Dawid is it? Get digging. Six feet deep and two feet wide."


Nodding in agreement, he replied, "It is a good view...  This is an odd way to do it.  Did you know that here we traditionally place the body standing straight up, standing on the feet?  But you're the boss."

He removed his tunic, and rolling up the sleeves of his blouse he started digging.  Often, the shovel clanked on a large stone which he balanced on the blade and dumped out with a thump beside the growing pile of loose dirt.  Almost as often, he hacked and chopped at matted roots.  But he was in good shape and no stranger to digging, and the work progressed quickly.  Even in the chill morning air, he was soon soaked with sweat.

quote:
Clarence sits on a rock overlooking the grave plot, removes a greasy towel from his pack, lays it on the ground, and begins cleaning his carbine. He's still got his SOCOM .45 if Dawid becomes uncooperative.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Sun 17 June 2007.
Clarence Milk
player, 22 posts
American
Infantryman
Sun 17 Jun 2007
at 22:57
  • msg #69

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Dawid Waldus Piotrowski:
Nodding in agreement, he replied, "It is a good view...  This is an odd way to do it.  Did you know that here we traditionally place the body standing straight up, standing on the feet?  But you're the boss."


From his perch Clarence replies, "Suit yourself kid. It's your country."

He smirks before adding, "Make sure to give him a couple of feet of head-room, though."

He returns to cleaning his weapon while the kid digs. He's not worried that the Pole will take a swing at him with the shovel or anything and if he does, Clarence believes he can draw and shoot before the kid can climb out of his hole and close the distance between them. After a couple of quiet minutes, Clarence querries,

"So, what's your story kid?"

[Private to Dawid Waldus Piotrowski: BTW, Clarence carried the shovel from the shore while Dawid dragged the body. That was Milk's instruction, anyway.]
Max Fosters
player, 68 posts
Australian
Infantryman
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 01:10
  • msg #70

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Max has been in the background all this time, leaning against a solitary tree that leans at an angle, a small distance away from where the group has been arguing, though he has been close enough to hear all that has been said.  There's been claim and counter claim, bets raised and bluffs called, finishing with all the chips being dragged off the table.  While many of the points of view have some validity, it all - all- comes back to each person's view of the world as it exists today.

Still, Max remains silent.

The tension seems to have passed.  Max straightens himself.  His first few steps are stiff and awkward, as he wanders over to stand behind Snow and Blue.
"I'd be military if military turned up.  But I aint seen any formal forces for a while, now.  A long while.

For now, Old Adam's in charge, I guess.  It seems to me he's the highest ranking here while we choose to travel with him.
"

In a quieter voice now, but not hiding the statement from anyone listening.
"We're on our own."

Looking up, along the river.  Dissappearing from view is the camera man.
"If we're sorted, I'll go see Kodak before he dissappears too far into this mist.  I doubt he knows how to get back to the city on his own.  And the busses stopped running some years ago."

Max will walk briskly after Wayne, and relay the latest developments when he catches up to him.
After relaying the current situation, Max will put it to Wayne.
"If it's adventure your looking for, it's back at that boat.  A multi-national force heading down steam through hostile waters.

If it's photo ops your looking for, none beat the oppoertunities a meandering river scene presents.

If its warmth and comfort you seek, well, maybe Old Adams crew isn't for you.

What do you say?".


Max waits on Wayne's response before saying or taking any other actions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:08, Mon 18 June 2007.
Bruce 'Bluey' Thompson
player, 33 posts
Australian
Royal Australian Engineer
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 01:19
  • msg #71

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Max Fosters:
The tension seems to have passed.  Max straightens himself.  His first few steps are stiff and awkward, as he wonders over to stand behind Snow and Blue.
"I'd be military if military turned up.  But i aint seen any formal forces for a while, now.  A long while.

For now, Old Adams in charge, i guess.  It seems to me he's the highest ranking here while we choose to travel with him
"

In a quieter voice now, but not hiding the statement from anyone listening.
"We're on our own"


"Don't worry mate, you got us now.  You let old Sarge look out for ya, and she'll be apples digger." Bluey replies laconically "So who were you with, before the shit started to fly?  I'm with the engineers and Snow well he was with customs of all people, fucking bureaucrat, now he's an MP." he looks towards the heavens.

"As you may have noticed he's a bit of a stickler about the Law." he says with a smile at his little buddy.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Mon 18 June 2007.
Joost van den Haas
player, 41 posts
South African
Ex-Legionnaire
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 01:23
  • msg #72

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Joost finds something to write with and conducts a cursory inventory of weapons and ammo then hands it off to the Hauptmann.  Then, once he has loaded the remainder of his and Tuck's gear onto the boat, he checks in with Anneka to inquire as to whether he can be of any assistance with Tuck or his treatment.  He knows full well that, since his idea of first aid involves nothing more than a fifth of bourbon and a roll of duct tape, she will respond in the negative.  Joost gives Tuck a few words of encouragement then hikes back out onto the beach.

He finds another shovel and approaches the American standing watch over Dawid as the Pole prepares a grave for the executed bandit.  "Clarence, was it?  In my old unit, kangaroo justice notwithstanding, when one man fucked up the unit suffered as one.  So, if you won't mind covering us ... "

And with that, Joost doffs his flak vest and webbing, strips to the waist, spits once in each hand and begins digging.  "Welcome to the unit, Davey."
Rick 'Gunny' Parks
player, 49 posts
American
Marine Scout Sniper
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 01:37
  • msg #73

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Once Parks is on the boat and found a somewhat safe spot to stow his rifle and pack he starts asking and looking for the Captain. After a little searching, Parks finds him. Captain, if ya got a few, I wanted to ask you about these raids you spoke of. Against some abbey I think ya said. Is that here or somewhere nearby?. I noticed you have a few sentries posted but could they use my help for a while? Anyone getting a look at that cannon we're dragging will be coming to get it or telling those that can. That things prolly worth enough to feed a small village for a good while." Parks waits for the details.
John Yazzie
player, 20 posts
Native American
USMC
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 02:09
  • msg #74

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

John will watch the actions with a smile on his face. He will make a few thoughts in his head and rise to his feet when the gunny has a weapon pointed at him. When the weapon goes down he will also go back down to fill sand bags. John will look over to the South African who is filling sand bags with him and ask a question and talk in a low voice so other cant hear.

"So are you a French 'baby killer' or a Dutchman? You have been called many things. What are you? I'm a Pima from Southern Arizona."

He holds out his hand to shake.

"I Have the gold teeth; It makes no difference to the Aussies. They are U.N., not NATO. Their rank and orders don't cover me or us here. Plus, last thing I heard over the radio was that we were alone. So if the higher headquarters has gave up on me, I spit on them. I follow my rules now. Those rules are, I eat every day and I stay alive. All I want to do is get back to the Baltic and catch a ride home. From there, who knows. I know that my farm in Arizona is still there. No one nukes goat herders in the desert unless they have oil and we dont. My brothers and family are still there and we will take care of us and our people."

With those words said, he will continue to fill sand bags and mind his own manners.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Mon 18 June 2007.
Max Fosters
player, 69 posts
Australian
Infantryman
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 04:01
  • msg #75

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Bruce 'Bluey' Thompson:
"Don't worry mate, you got us now.  You let old Sarge look out for ya, and she'll be apples digger." Bluey replies laconically "So who were you with, before the shit started to fly?  I'm with the engineers and Snow well he was with customs of all people, fucking bureaucrat, now he's an MP." he looks towards the heavens.

"As you may have noticed he's a bit of a stickler about the Law." he says with a smile at his little buddy.


Max to Blue
"Well, funny that.  Same Division as you and Snow.  Only I never seen you blokes around.  Probably because I worked permanent nights on the transport trucks.  We would leave camp at sundown and take UN rations out to the smaller communities.  Then use the trucks to bring back in items that needed work done on them before the sun came up.  I pulled security detail.  Either way we travelled, we were a juicy target.  We either had food and other necessary items on the way out, or we had guns or other equipment that needed fixing by specialists at the camp on the way back.

Hairy times.  I pulled permanent nights because I never felt safe sleeping at base during the night.  Just in case those on duty also fell asleep.  So I was happy to sleep during the day when the base was less likely to be attacked and travelled at night.  I know that's not everyone else's cup of tea, but it worked for me.

And, it's got me this far."

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:28, Mon 18 June 2007.
'Old' Adam Rataj
player, 11 posts
Polish (NPC)
Captain of the Queen
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 05:20
  • msg #76

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Rick 'Gunny' Parks:
Once Parks is on the boat and found a somewhat safe spot to stow his rifle and pack he starts asking and looking for the Captain. After a little searching, Parks finds him. "Captain, if ya got a few, I wanted to ask you about these raids you spoke of. Against some abbey I think ya said. Is that here or somewhere nearby?. I noticed you have a few sentries posted but could they use my help for a while? Anyone getting a look at that cannon we're dragging will be coming to get it or telling those that can. That things prolly worth enough to feed a small village for a good while." Parks waits for the details.


When Gunny finds Adam, the old man is still visibly upset. He listens, but it's obvious he's somewhat preoccupied. When he responds, he speaks quickly and his accent thickens.

"The abbey? Yes, yes, the one we passed coming here. A group of civilians lives there. They have a garden and some animals. A few have some military training. They are good people. Few others come here because they fear the radiation from Nowa Huty. They could use a sniper, I suppose, but none of them speak much English and can't spare a man to translate.  Do you speak Polish?"

Before Gunny can answer, Adam cuts to what's really on his mind, "What are they doing with Dawid, the Pole?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Mon 18 June 2007.
Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 35 posts
Polish
Possibly Reprieved?
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 05:49
  • msg #77

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Joost van den Haas:
He finds another shovel and approaches the American standing watch over Dawid as the Pole prepares a grave for the executed bandit.  "Clarence, was it?  In my old unit, kangaroo justice notwithstanding, when one man fucked up the unit suffered as one.  So, if you won't mind covering us ... "

And with that, Joost doffs his flak vest and webbing, strips to the waist, spits once in each hand and begins digging.  "Welcome to the unit, Davey."


"Thanks, I like "Davey", or "David" is fine."
he replied to Joost.  Warmed up now, he unbuttoned his blouse, and a gold cross glinted on his chest.  He reached over to his discarded jacket and took out his battered filterless cigarettes and dented Zippo.  His pistol belt with empty holster and sheathed bayonet lay beside it, next to Clarence.   Lighting up with grimy hands, he offered one to Joost and Clarence.

quote:
Clarence Milk
"So, what's your story kid?"


Leaning on his shovel while smoking in true city road worker fashion, the young man replied to Clarence's question.  "Clarence, I think, yes?"

"I grew up on a farm in small village of Grzybów, not too far from Warsaw.  Times were very tough.  In 80's military took over government, country always in economic crisis.  My sister Urzula went to school for Doctors in Warsaw, paid for by government, otherwise she would not be able to go."

"Under communists the farm could not be taken away from us.  But still, we were so poor!  There was no money.  We thought about escaping to West.  My brother Wiktor helped my father run the farm, so I decided to get job to earn money, to help my family.  But there was no work in Poland before war.  So I join Army."


"I fight your army when you invade my country."  He smiled to show there was no hard feelings.  "During siege of Warsaw, I was trapped in city for many months, before counter-attack relieve us.  I admire NATO soldiers for trying not to harm citizens, even allowing aid in.  But NATO army destroy country as they retreat.  Then so many die in atomic attacks!"  His face clouded with sorrow at the thought.

"As our guns wore out and ammunition became less, we were pulled from line.  We performed rear-area security and anti-bandit duty.  We do many hard things in name of preserving law and order.  Shoot many criminals like him, over the years.  Is no big deal in our army."  He indicated the corpse.

"In our last battle with Americans at Kalisz, my company was given one gun : an old WWII piece from army museum at Warsaw, drawn by horses!  I use horses on farm (we were that poor), so I knew how to handle them.  All my unit died, so I head towards home.  I think I will see if farm is there.  Because of bandits and army patrols, I circle to South of Kracow, meet Adam when crossing the river.  I have been here since.  I am AWOL... I guess I am deserter."

"I do not think being soldier in Polish Army is same as in your army.  Not the same values.  Especially police like ZOMO, who even before war do what they want and are not held to account.  I am interested in what your friend Snowy was talking about, although I did not really understand him.  I should like to talk to him some time.  Perhaps these are values that the people of Poland can share, one day."

"Okay, I will work now as we talk!"
  With that, he ashed his cigarette, put the butt in his blouse pocket, and commenced digging again.  "You tell me about yourself now, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Mon 18 June 2007.
Rick 'Gunny' Parks
player, 52 posts
American
Marine Scout Sniper
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 19:44
  • msg #78

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Parks looks at the ground a little as if in shame then looks back at the Captain. "I couldn't rightly say Captain. When it came down to stepping aside or drawing down on my own team, I stepped aside. I am sure no harm will come to him though. Konrad assumed command and I left it to him since they seemed more willing to listen to him. I sure don't know about this crew you picked out. That man needed to die. Not for the reasons Dawid or you stated either. He know our numbers location and firepower. That's to much of a threat to me." Parks pauses a second then continues in broken Polish "JA puszka metalowa mówić wystarczający stać się przy.(I can speak enough to get by.)" Parks grins a little knowing his polish isn't great. "I can check on Dawid and the situation if ya want. I need to check with Konrad and see if I can help the locals watch our six for a while. Maybe win a free meal for my trouble." Parks stands by to see if the Captain has anything else to say.
Cap'n Rae
GM, 123 posts
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 19:52
  • msg #79

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa


Sunday, October 1st, 2000 -1000 hrs.
On the south bank of the Vistula river, just west of Nowy Huta, Poland
60 F
Overcast; light ground fog: Visibility 100-200m

The rest of the morning passes without incident. The security crew's baggage is loaded and temporarily stored in the passageways on board, pending berthing assignments. The Australians and Konrad begin to unload the crew-served weapons and ammunition crates from the Ural while Yazzie fills sandbags by himself. Tuck spends the rest of the morning on his stomach, pants around his knees, while Anneka expertly stitches up his entry and exit wounds. Fortunately, Old Adam's medicine chest is well stocked and an injection of local annesthesia makes the process relatively painless. After Tuck is patched up, Uller is next on the butcher's table. Anneka removes the core of a rifle bullet from his leg and sews up the wound. Blue's wound requires little more than a very large band-aid. Gunny roams the boat looking for good sniper positions, nodding in the universal masculine gesture of greeting to the Polish crew as he passes. Clarence returns to the boat along with the grimy Dawid and Joost, the body of the slain bandit having been given a proper, traditional Polish burial.

Adam gathers the entire crew on the foredeck of the Queen. In his booming boat captain's baritone, he addresses the assembled group.

"Gentlemen, I deeply regret what happened here this morning. I have given this much thought and I want to be very clear with you before we begin this journey together. I will not have anyone aboard my ship behave like an animal. If you are not willing to follow the spirit of the Geneva Convention, then there is no place on board for you. You may leave now- I will personally drive you to the crossroads. If anyone decides to commit an act of barbarism during this voyage, they will be put ashore with ammunition, food, and water, and left behind. Am I clear?"

He looks pointedly at Dawid before continuing,

"Good. Now let me introduce to you my boat crew. You already know my first mate, Karl Uller. This is Jozef Grzyech, my chief engineer. Over there is Tadeuz Roszkowski, the senior deck hand. The other deck hands are Walter Matusiak, standing to Tadeuz's left, and Luboslaw Kaminski, the young man right there. Luboslaw will be working with Jozef in the boiler room. These good men will run the boat. They know her quite well. We've been living and working on the Krolowa for weeks. Jozef has completely rebuilt the engines.

Grzyech is a compact, grizzled man, probably in his late fourties, with tufts of long brown hair poking out from underneath a rather piratic looking head-cloth. He wears a sleeveless undershirt with a red hankerchief around his neck. Both his clothes and his hands and are filthy with oil stains and coal dust. Roszkowski is older, probably somewhere in his mid to late fifites. He has a creased, ruddy face rimmed by long, grey sideburns. He looks strong though, veiny biceps bulging from rolled up sleeves. A dark blue watch cap is pulled down to just above his bushy grey eyebrows. Matusiak is a solidly built, dark haired man in his early thirties. He's darker skinned than most Poles you've met. His button down shirt is open to about mid-chest, revealing a tuft of thick, dark hair. Kaminski appears to be in his mid teens. He's tall and slight for his apparent age but he's more wiry than thin. His T-shirt and jeans are the same dull black as Grsyech's clothing.


"I have hired you to provide security. I would like your recommendations for making the Krolowa strong and ready for a fight. The river is a dangerous place. There will be more bandits. The Russians still control parts of the River. They and the Lublin government may not approve of this boat, its mission, and most of all, its crew. And, there are pirates. They have many boats and powerful weapons. They roam the river north of Annapol but are growing bolder. Not even the government has the power to control them.

"We are carrying a load of bicycles built in Krakow for sale along the river. You will split my 3/8 share of the profits as Captain. Your payment will include food, shelter, ammunition, medical supplies, and transportation as well.

"That is all. Are there any questions? If not, I am ready for suggestions for how to prepare the boat for battle."


OOC: Now is the time to begin discussing modifications to the Queen and other items relating to the functioning of the security element.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:09, Tue 19 June 2007.
Trevor 'Snowy' White
player, 77 posts
Australian
Customs Service
Mon 18 Jun 2007
at 23:52
  • msg #80

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

"If I can butt in Skipper," says Snowy, "but we really have only just introduced ourselves. We don't really know what each other's skills and capabilities are. I think if we give a brief rundown on our skills and experience, then our ideas on armouring and arming the vessel, it would be a good idea. I'll start if I can."

"I'm private Trevor White, as you probably know. I have a NATO rank, under the German army and my nation is linked by the ANZUS treaty to the US as well. My former standing and rank in the navy means nothing here. I've been serving in the Military Police before we were overrun at Eberbach by French armoured forces. The survivors were incorporated into the 5th Infantry, US."
"I'm trained in heavy automatic weapons, deployment of personal chemical munitions and my specialty is close assault onto naval vessels for search and seizure. I have both a watchkeeper's ticket and marine engineer ticket. SO my specialties are autoguns, driving ships and making stuff. I can do a lot of other stuff too, but that's the main things."

"I reckon that we're all agreed on the vasilek being mounted forward, as we'll be nosing into trouble and that's where we'll want our big hammer. As to the AGS and the GPMG, well I suggest that we make a series of armoured barbettes for these weapons as they're light and easily moved about the vessel. Blue and I are hell on wheels with a welder, but we'll need armour plate for that. Luckily, recent events has seen fit to strew Poland with ruined armoured vehicles for us to chop up. The problem is, how do we get the hulls down here?"

Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 42 posts
Polish
Artillerist/Grave Digger
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 01:51
  • msg #81

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

David addressed the crew, "I would like everyone to know I will abide by your rules.  Please bear in mind that I may not be familiar with your ways.  I am willing to listen to instruction."

"Although Adam is our employer and the master of the boat, as part of the security crew I will follow Captain Bayer and whatever NCOs he appoints because there can not be two parallel lines of command."


Dawid listened to Snowy's suggestions.

"Mr. Snowy, this sounds good.  There are several locations that we can fortify on the ship.  I do not know of any armoured wehicles around here that we can salvage for armour, or how much time that will take."

"I propose this: in addition to your suggestion of fortifying several firing positions around the ship for the portable weapons, we place the Vasilek fore and the third Dushka aft."

"Also, it looks like there is enough room for a firing position on the wheelhouse.  Perhaps we should emplace the Plamya grenade launcher up there.  A gunner and assistant can cover almost the entire 360 degrees.  The PKM and RPK-74 can be moved around on the decks, or taken off the ship by shore parties.  I should mention that I also have an RPG-76 Komar single-shot rocket we can use."

"That way we have the mortar covering the bow quarter to engage targets and blockages in front, a Dushka to either side of the bridge to cover both the front and sides, and a Dushka to discourage pursuit and the Plamya covering all around.  We should only need worry about small fast lightly-armoured craft from that quarter, anything heavier will not be able to catch up.  If the Dushka cannot handle something, there is the Plamya and the RPG rocket."

"As for skills and abilities, I am familiar with all manner of heavy weapons and guns, like the Dushka and PKM machineguns, the Plamya, and the Vasilek in all of it's fire modes.  As an Artillerist I can also fire the Plamya and Vasilek indirectly."

"My other skills include some experience as a mechanic, and I can disarm explosive devices, although most of my experience is with clearing faulty ordnance failing to ignite in the tube.  I can also ride horses and handle a small boat to a minimal degree."


This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Tue 19 June 2007.
Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 44 posts
Polish
Artillerist/Grave Digger
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 02:35
  • msg #82

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

He added, "and another thing.  We should have a spotter up top, perhaps a sniper or sharpshooter.  To act as a Forward Observer for the Vasilek and Plamya if needed.  There should also be a radio and maps by the mortar so FOs on shore can direct its fire."
Robert 'Tuck' Tucker
player, 72 posts
American
10th Mountain Division
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 03:29
  • msg #83

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Old Adam finishes and opens the 'deck' to evreyone for questions and comments, Tucker waits his turn and then throws in during a lull in the conversation.  "I think what you're offering us Cap'n that is more than we could hope for anywhere around in these parts.  I'm sure that we'll earn our keep and satisfy that you picked the right bunch of crew for the job.  Once we get done with the meet and greet here, I think we should also look at these hot spots you pointed out where we might find some resistance from Russians and Pirates!

Tucker uses the railing to steady himself getting himself comfortable enough so he doesn't risk ripping his fresh stitches.  "For those that haven't been properly introduced, my name's Robert Tucker, Platoon Sergeant, US 10th Infantry Division.  I was badly wounded in Norway right before the redeployment in '97 and evacuated to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. When I was well enough to get back into the action, I was assigned to a general replacement pool and transferred to the 5th I.D. which we all know was later destroyed at Kalisz, that's how I got here.

As far as what I can do, I've been hauling around my 'sixteen and 203' since I got out the hospital in '97.  I'm a ground pounder bascially and I'm a little more useful in the winter with my training.  I've done a lot of climbing in skiing before and after I joined the army too.  As far as the boat and weapons placement goes, I think we should mount the main weapon forward supported by the heavy machine-guns on each side of deck, once or two spotters, I'd suggest the Gunny and Yazzie for that.  Maybe a couple of emplacements on the barge as well in case we get company from behind us.  Definitely fortify the mortar and the DShK positions.  I think someone also mentioned putting a PKM or an RPK on deck too?  Might not be a bad idea because it might just shy some people away from attacking us if they see what we've got!  Don't forget, we've got about four grenade launchers too and oh, I've got some spare rounds in my duffel that I don't mind sharing if needed."

This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Tue 19 June 2007.
Rick 'Gunny' Parks
player, 54 posts
American
Marine Scout Sniper
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 03:55
  • msg #84

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Parks steps forward slightly. "I can handle that, though I have never spotted for arty before. I have none of the mechanical skills that some of you have. I have been a sniper most of my life with only a brief civy job as a PI. As  I see it, my main job will be scouting on shore and spotting and taking out enemy gunners from here. For that I would like to have a high covered position and a spotter if possible. John here will do, since we know each others general tactics. Aside from being a sneaky old bastard that can shoot, I speak a bit of polish and Russian and can handle most man portable weapons. I will help out where ever." Parks stops for a second and looks at Konrad then to Adam. "As far as the Geneva Convention goes, I will follow it as I always have, until it's going to get me or these men killed." Parks changes the subject but allows that to sink in a second.
   "I think we have a more immediate threat to deal with. This town has been hit recently by, it would seem, the same bandits we met this morning. If anyone saw us dragging that cannon into here then we are a juicy target until we are moving. I say we add a few of our members to the town's defense until we are underway. That also might give us a leg up on finding that armor you spoke of Snowy." Parks steps back to say he's done.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:05, Wed 20 June 2007.
Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 46 posts
Polish
Artillerist/Grave Digger
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 05:22
  • msg #85

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Dawid shook his head.  "I really don't recall any hulls, destroyed or otherwise, lying around.  There were no battles fought around here for over many kilometres, aside from the usual bandit ambushes and security sweeps.  There could be some, but it might take some time to search and locate them."

"Is anyone here actually an artillery spotter?  A Forward Observer, as you call them?  If not, then it of less importance."

"Lastly, I forgot to mention that I am fluent in the Russian language.  Also, my unit was the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Artillery Regiment, attached to the 10th "Sudeten" Tank Division."



OOC note: anyone with knowledge of the Polish OOB might remember this unit was involved in the destruction of the 5th ID at Kalisz.

[Private to GM: OOC Note: There could be hulls, he just doesn't know about them.]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Tue 19 June 2007.
Clarence Milk
player, 23 posts
American
Infantryman
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 05:46
  • msg #86

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Clarence waits his turn patiently, listening thoughtfully to each of his new companions' backgrounds, thoughts, and opinions. Competence wouldn't be an issue with this bunch; character just might...

"Ahem. I guess it's my turn then. Clarence Milk, Sergeant if that makes any difference. Infantry. I was with the 5th too when the shit went down at Kalisz. We'll have to compare notes some time." he nods at Tucker "I've called in mortar fire missions a few times. And, I'm a pretty good shot with a rifle. I can fire an MG, but I haven't had much practice. I'll go wherever you need me and Captain, I aint got no problem with following the rules.

"As for my two cents on the boat, I think the big gun should go up front, on the tug. The RPK-74 could go on the walkway right in front of the bridge. If we put the PK on top of the bridge, we can fire over the riverbanks if we have to. The other big MG could go on the superstructure behind the stack. It'll be able to sweep the whole back 180 from there. The Russian grenade launcher We can put on the rear deck. That'll let us lay down some serious supressive fire as we float by and should make anybody think twice about following us. If there's anything left over, we can stick it on the barge. Hey, but just for the record, I don't like that barge thing. It's just gonna slow us down and make us a bigger target. That's it. Thanks.

"Your turn."
he says to the person next to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Tue 19 June 2007.
Dawid Waldus Piotrowski
player, 48 posts
Polish
Artillerist/Grave Digger
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 07:54
  • msg #87

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Clarence Milk:
" Hey, but just for the record, I don't like that barge thing. It's just gonna slow us down and make us a bigger target. That's it. Thanks.

"Your turn."
he says to the person next to him.


"Sorry, if I may interrupt, it is good that you can call in mortar fire, that will help a lot!  I agree, the barge is something I also do not quite see the value of."

"My only disagreement is that if the PKM is dismounted and used for shore parties, then we lose our weapon with 360 degree coverage if it's the one mounted up on the roof.  I do think your suggestion of the placement for the RPK and the third Dushka is clearly superiour.  Thank you."

This message was last edited by the player at 09:03, Tue 19 June 2007.
Bruce 'Bluey' Thompson
player, 34 posts
Australian
Royal Australian Engineer
Tue 19 Jun 2007
at 11:37
  • msg #88

Re: Ch. 1: The Wisla Krolowa

Staff Sergeant Bruce Thompson, 3rd Combat Engineers, Royal Australian Army.  More recently US 5th Infantry Division with whom I held the NATO rank of Sergeant First Class.  I was with the UN on Cypress before the shooting started and when the UN pulled out, we got bounced around Europe, ended up in Germany, and got shafted by the frogs." He looks over at Joost for a moment before returning to look at the rest of the group.

"I'm good with my hands, demolitions, construction, a decent mechanic, machinist and gunsmith.  I shoot Marksman level with a rifle and hold a black belt in Karate.  I like walks on the beach, romantic dinners, and small fluffy animals; one day I hope to be able to work towards world peace. He grins.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Tue 19 June 2007.
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