Max looks at Captain Adam impassivly.  How can the Capt be so calm about the great vistala queen, breaking down so soon after leaving port?

Drag itself back up river?  Which way are we meant to be heading????

Max waves dismissivly

yeah. whatever.  do what you need to do he replies to the Capt.

Max returns to his dushka, for lack of anywhere else to be. He resumes a casual watch of his mates fighting the river some 300m away.

Seeing that nothing more seems to be happening, Dawid slid out of the AA gun's metal seat and dropped down to the ground from the truck bed. He squatted by Mad and Griet and said, "you know how to man that weapon, correct? I should update Tuck and Major Soleblum on the status of the vehicles." Noticing the end of the ammo belt he added, "I also see you're almost out of ammunition, so this should work well."

He offered them a cigarette and a light, then keeping low he jogged over to where the others were located.

"Hello. I am certain I can fix the jeep. I have the tools and the parts. It should take an hour, maybe two.

"There is also the mortar across the canal to consider. If we leave, even if we come back this will be all be gone, and we will have let a valuable opportunity slip through our fingers."

"Therefore, I volunteer to stay and fix the vehicle, and keep watch on the mortar and (more importantly) its ammunition."


Dawid Piotrowski
Wz.88 Tantal (30/30, + 8 spare mags)
Volunteering to stay and fix the jeep
This message was last edited by the player at 09:08, Tue 04 Sept 2007.

Anneka greeted the Poles approach with a smile from her position by a fallen brick wall.
"Yes, I agree and thank you for the offer," she said warmly.
"Sergeant Tucker, I request that you take Milk down to meet Snowy. Recover the boat I've been hearing about and if it's not too much trouble, make a landing on the island before returning to the tug. It'd be such a shame to let those Russians cart away good mortar rounds now wouldn't it?"
Her disarming smile was a strong counterpoint to the disagreements of before. Her tone all sweetness, it was the stony hardness of her eyes that said she wanted it done and damn Bayer's silly order to pull everyone in.
"I'll stay here with Dawid and keep him company. I'd like Griet to watch our backs too."
That just left the new British man since Yassie and Parks had wandered off.
Leaning a little closer she spoke in a hushed, conspiratorial manner.
"That new man, the British warrant officer. Probably best not to have him too close to the tug for now don't you think? Until we know him a little better..."
And that made four. Far less than she'd wanted but then in a situation like this an entire company of hardened combat veterans might not have been enough.
"Dawid, if you'd be so kind as to start on the repairs?"

Maddock nods at Griet's question. "Right-o. Rowing is quarreling, having a spat, that sort of thing." He snugs the butt of the LSW into position, and settles in to watch the opposite side.

When the other Pole comes around, he grins but waves off the offer of a cigarette. "You can be calling me Warrant, Chief Niewiadomska, or Maddock, if the rank sticks sideways in your craw. I 'ent been a Sergeant in some six years. My mates call me Mad John, but I don't ken as any of them are still about." His tone becomes bitterly regretful at that, with a fearsome twist to his habitual grimace.

Tucker watches the surrounding area as Dawid moves to their position and gives a status report.  He looks up to him, "You've got the stuff on you right now to complete the repairs?  Before I agree to this, we need to consolidate our postions Major.  We're way too spread out here to be any kind of effective force.  We've got the Marines down near the tug covering it with precise fire.  We've got the six of us here holding this real estate with our asses out in the open.

I'll compromise here Major.  We need to get our raft back to us.  I'll give Dawid here his two hours time to play around with fixing the UAZ and finally, scrap the AA gun.  We need to get the majority of the supplies out of here that we've found and the jeep would be a big help in getting them out.  Bayer must be going crazy about us being here for so long and the tug being under repair with little help to protect it.  I suggest one person stay with Dawid, the others carry what they can and make for the tug area.  I suggest Griet stay with Dawid and you can take Maddock with you so you can feel him out.  Me and Clarence will go with Snowy, get the raft, and then check the island.  Fair enough?" he offers Anneka as what he thinks is a compromise.

[Private to Konrad Bayer: I haven't forgotten you!  I will make a call to you once we've got this handled.  Passing up this chance at so many supplies might be worth the risk right now.]

Anneka considered carefully Tuckers words before replying.
"No," she said slowly, gathering her thoughts. "Like you said, we're getting spread out too thin. Dawid will have his head stuck in the engine and Griet can only watch one direction at a time."
She looked about at the area surrounding them with a critical eye.
"He'll need the rest of us to keep him safe. If you feel that the Tug won't have enough protection, I'm happy for you or Bayer to reposition Parks and Yazzie away from covering here."
With at least two people on guard (the third might be helping Dawid as needed), they could cover the island and shoreward.
"Not much point leaving a boat for us, I still intend to move down river by vehicle to the next bridge. Better leave a radio behind though."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Wed 05 Sept 2007.

Clarence raises his eyebrow at Tucker's sudden acquiescence. It appears that the major has swept aside all opposition and, in effect, taken over the entire land-based operation. Clarence had tried, and aside from instigating nominal mutiny, there was little more that the could do to move things in the direction that every fiber in his combat-hardened body told him they should be going. Besides, getting back to the tug meant getting back to his primary mission. It stuck in his craw, though, effectively abandoning soldiers he was developing paternalistic feelings for to an officer who's ability to effectively lead during combat he'd already openly called into question.

"Fine, Major. I'll go with Sgt. Tucker and link up with Snow. You got what you wanted. Anyone left here get's hurt or killed, it's on you."

As he turns to walk away, he stops, turns on his heel, grabs the radio handset from Tucker's chest harness, and holds it out to Anneka.

"Before we go, you go ahead and tell Captain Bayer that you've taken personal command of this whole clusterfuck."

OOC: Once Anneka calls it in, Clarence will move to Snowy's position with Tuck. He won't speak to Tuck unless spoken to. Clarence will NOT leave his AN/PRC-119 behind with Anneka.

[Private to Konrad Bayer: Sorry man. Aside from back-handing her, there's nothing else Clarence can do, being as Tucker's thrown in the towel.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Wed 05 Sept 2007.

Dawid gaped at Clarence. Groping for words, he stammered, "er, my friend, I see no "fucking" going on here, to my understanding of the word."

He looked disappointed, then seeing that Clarence himself seemed conflicted, recovered with a joke. "So, you wish to leave me to fix the vehicles and look after the women? You have great faith in my abilities indeed! If the Britisher," He indicated "Mad", "is staying, too, then I am confident everything will work out fine."

"Have no fear, we will see you later."

He offered whoever was there a cigarette from his almost empty pack. Then he grabbed the Stetchkin, and after checking to see it was loaded, placed it in his belt holster along with 2 spare 9mm magazines in the ammo pouch.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Thu 06 Sept 2007.

Bayer contacts Snowy for an update on his progress. "Snowy, Tug. You have cover from Guns. Any status yet of the boat? Over."

He is still waiting for a response from Team Tucker.

[Private to Robert 'Tuck' Tucker: I understand. Just to clarify, Bayer doesn't necessarily need everyone back. You plan is good as far as he is  concerned. Push the Maj for it and I'll  back it up over the radio.]

[Private to Clarence Milk: No I understand. Try to get the Maj to go with Tuck's plan would you? It should please everyone... Bayer, Soleblume, etc.]

OOC - It was pointed out that my post may have been metagaming. I didn't intend or see it really that way but have deleted part of the post anyways. Dawid may want to adjust his post accordingly.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Wed 05 Sept 2007.

EDIT:

Grabbing the other Tantal, he gave it to Anneka and said, "much better under the circumstances than your small weapon," he indicated the Uzi.


<b>OOC: Ooops! I stand corrected. The RPD uses the 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge, while the PKM uses the more powerful rimmed 7.62x54mm R round. Thanks to Legbreaker for the info.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:11, Thu 06 Sept 2007.

Tucker reaches out for the handset from the obviously upset and pissed off Milks.  He keeps an open palm out towards Clarence and says, "I'll make the call myself Clarence.  I'm still in charge of this OP."

When Clarence gives him the handset back, tucker will call Bayer on the radio.  "Tug, Tug, this is Tucker.  Do you copy over?" (wfr) "Sorry for delay Tug.  Be advised, Starlight will be holding position at lock house for repairs on Uniform-Alpha-Zulu vehicle for our personal use and to ferry captured supplies back to base with three.  Not sure if made clear before, have zero-one British soldier freed from Tango's with Starlight.  Understand Snow is en route to our 'twenty' (i.e. location in police terms) for pick up of two, over?"

Tuck
Captured M-16A2 w. [30] round Mag
Calling Bayer on Tug for updated SITREP

[Private to Clarence Milk: I know you're characters pissed but, I hope you're not.  I got tired of arguing with her on land and felt it necessary to compromise this now before it went out of control any further.]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:33, Wed 05 Sept 2007.

Bayer thinks for a moment at everything Tucker has unleashed on him. His English is good, very good, but it takes a few seconds to fully understand. "Tug, ahhh roger." He pauses for a moment to try and piece together the situation. "Ok, three at repairs including friendly PW, and remainder awaiting pickup? Ok fine. Still awaiting status from Snowy on other boat. Status of boat may change das plan. Ah tug will not be returning to last... ah original position. Remainder no change. Over."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Wed 05 Sept 2007.

Keyiong the mic once more, "Tuck copies Tug.  Still need to retrieve transport in from base.  Hoping Snow can help out.  We have resistance zero at lock house, no further contacts!  Please advise us when ready.  Tuck out!" 

"sunray this is guns....in position to cover you at this time...lokking for targets and have security set..."


"any further orders"


John waits with the gunny at the new OP.. he tries to cammo himself and position with out making to much noise or being see..once done he sets security and waits further orders...


John
at op
Ak-47 at ready

"Guns, Tug. Roger, maintain cover for Snowy. No further orders. You'll be the last to withdraw. Out."

"Tucker, Tug. Roger your requirements. Method of transport will be determined ASAP. Out."

Bayer can do no more but wait for Snowy's report.

Tucker and Clarence descend to rendevous with Snow at the riverbank. The rock anchor is left en-situ and the three, joined by Walter and Tadeuz, make the short but nerve-wracking journey to the island. They disembark, and while Tuck and Milk provide perimeter security, Snow and the two Poles make fast the inflatable and inspect the assault boat. It's rather well-used and the outboard engine has been removed. A pair of stubby paddles sit in a puddle of water in the bottom. Snowy notices a length of thick rope tied to a tree nearby. The rope trails off into the river where it stretches out a few dozen meters downstream. Perhaps this was the boat's means of propulsion, severed by the unexpected passage of the Krolowa.

At the locks, Dawid gets to work under the hood of the UAZ. After a good thirty minutes, the problem becomes apparent and Dawid is confident that he will be able to make the necessary repairs; they will take at least another hour to complete, however.

With the immediate threat from accross the canal no longer looming (Gunny and Yazzie report no movement in their area of observation)- and having witnessed the departure of Milk and Tuck- Griet takes her leave of Maddock to speak with Anneka. Anneka makes her aware of the situation and informs the Polish chief of her plan. Griet becomes quite serious and addresses Anneka in an authoritative tone,

"I am sorry Major but this plan is not acceptable. The tug is property of Krakow Rada and it must be protected before all else. The road to the bridge is far from river- out of sight. To... separate group will not be safe for boat or us. We will go back to tug now. This is not... option. We will take what we can and destroy the rest."

[OOC: This may seem rather sudden but I hadn't assessed  Griet's position on this matter until just now. Her job is to make sure that the tug completes it's trade mission. She believes separating the team on even the shortest leg of the journey presents a much greater potential for risk than reward. This is non-negotiable.]

Actions?

[Private to Anneka Soleblume: Let's not belabor this any more. The players on the tug are bored to tears and I'm not interested in running two groups (one on the road; one in the boat) at the moment. We need to reunite and regain some positive momentum. I think most of the players would like a change in scenery.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:54, Thu 06 Sept 2007.

As he sees Snowy appraoch in the raft, Tucker smiles as they get close and gives him a welcome pat on the shoulder.  "Good to see you guys," Rob says to all in the boat.  "You guys got here just in time!  What a cluster fuck this has become.  Let's sweep the island and get back to the friggin' tug.  How's the repairs goin' anyway?"

As Snowy, Walter, and Tadeuz get out of the craft, Tucker sets up a quick perimeter security with Clarence while the others check the assault boat.  He flips his captured M-16A2's safety to 'burst' setting.

Tuck
M-16A2 w. [30] round magazine (Set to 3-round burst)
Setting security with Clarence on the island while Snowy checks assault boat

Anneka looked pained at the womans words and replied to her quietly. Their conversation lasted only a short time with apparently little arguement. Soon after they parted, each content with the outcome if not entirely pleased.

Max senses the tention of battle is over.  He sits down and looks towards the sky.  The boat rocks back and forwards, Max is still not used to it.  He takes off a boot, rubs his foot.  4 of the 5 nails have gone black from walking.  The fifth toe nail has already fallen off some weeks ago.  It may never grow back.

Max takes a dry sock out of his backpack and slides it onto his foot.  He casts another eye towards the guys working upstream.  There is action aplenty.

Maddock nods as Griet walks away to consult with Anneka. In turn, he gathers up his binoculars, and shifts his position to the shadow of the ruined lock building. He squats in what shade he can find, continuing to look out across the lock canal and environs.


Beside lock building
L86A1 LSW
On watch

John scans the area trying to find targets and providing the best security for he mates as possible.




John
scanning area
AK-47 ready position

Snowy pulls down his flash hood over his chin and grins at the guys.
"Wow! The radio's running hot! You guys are really having a morning! I got out of the Tug before the repairs started, so I'm in the dark about how the donk is going. Well, all aboard for a trip to Fantasy Island."



He hops out of the boat and pulls it up onto the side of the island, then drops into a crouch and keys his mike.
"Snowy to Long Gun, we're on the island. Thanks for the cover fellas, we'll back for you soon. Snowy out. Snowy to Sun Ray, we're at the island and the boat has no motor. Those nutcases paddled over, something I don't intend to try. I'll see about getting the boat back but as this is a millrace, we may have to ditch it if it takes water. Will update you soon, Snowy out."
Snowy lowers his mike boom and gives a shake of the head to Milky and Tuck. "Events are against us guys, with this strong current and this boat turning out to be dodgy it'll be a long and painfull process getting everyone back to the tug. We'd better get our shit together and get moving, some prick took a shot at us from around here as we motored up and I'm not keen to repeat the experience. You remember how trustworthy this outboard is Tuck. You missed that fun little run Milky, but Tuck and I had to paddle this bastard back this morning."
Snowy checks his weapon and looks over at Tuck, and says "Well mate, what do you want to do? Shall we look around or go straight back?"

Snowy
M4 tactical carbine + 6 mags (-5 rounds)
Island riverbank.
Getting the plan straight

Before spreading out to provide security, Clarence shares his opinion with Snow and Tuck.

"Guys, there's no way the three of us are gonna sweep this whole damn island. I'd love to get some more mortar ammo too but we shouldn't hang ourselves out to dry to do it. There's still bad-guys over here and those houses be perfect for fuckin' our shit up. Know what I mean?"

Clarence is tired of arguing. He's confident that Snow and Tuck are open to his professional opinion.

After Tuck and/or Snow responds, Clarence will provide security while Snow decides what to do with the assault boat.

Clarence Milk
Island
AK-74 (AKSU slung): full auto
landward security

Snowy nods and looks around, then back at Tuck and Clarence. "You're not wrong there mate, this place is tough country to sweep with three guys. I reckon if we ever need a place to hole up, we should keep this place in mind. It's be a tough nut to crack if defended properly."

Snowy
M4 tactical carbine + 6 mags (-5 rounds)
Island riverbank.
Getting the plan straight

Tucker listens to the more reasonable suggestions of Milk and Snowy.  "OK, here's my two cents.  Both of you guys are right on the money.  We shouldn've agreed to come over here but, that's another story that'll come out later on the tug today and we're too few to do a proper sweep.  As long as the three of us are in agreeance of that I got no problem getting out of here and getting back to shore.  We've got a shit-load of supplies we found to haul back to the tug.  We're hoping that Dawid can get the jeep fixed and at least get the bulk of them to an area where we can load them and with any luck, the jeep and the cycle.  Fair enough fellas?"

Tuck
M-16A2
Lanward security talking with Milk & Snowy