In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #210):

Dawid laughed.

"One: if they know a NATO unit is trying to smuggle the plans for RESET out of Poland, they simply need to search everything that comes down the river. That's the whole point of a checkpoint.

"Two: if we're not going at least going to try and pass ourselves off as refugees, even out of uniform who else would we be other than the NATO troops smuggling RESET out of the country?

"Three: I hadn't thought of this before, but as the motor-barge has been through the checkpoint today already.

He shrugged helplessly.

"Two dug-in motor-rifle companies are a tough to crack, I can't lie. For all we know, they could be platoon in strength, you just never know. Reserve echelon troops are like that in the Warsaw Treaty Organisation. At least we'd have a chance to fight it out, and maybe withdraw to have a go at the trucks instead.

"You sail up to them in an unarmoured craft and let them board you, you are finished if they don't buy it. And why would they?"

"So far you've not plugged any of the holes in that plan. I, however, can at least put forth something that plays to our strengths, doesn't have the same gaping holes, and even has a bit of a chance if it doesn't go as planned.

He grinned, pressing home the point.

"Another possibly fatal flaw that is unanswered, why would the barge captain want to exchange his vessel for one that is marked for death? Would you take it by force?

"Come on, you can do more than pretend there aren't serious problems here."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Wed 17 Sept 2008.

Mariusz listened to McCoy, Dawid and Bayer's conversation. There were a lot of good points in each of the plans, "I'd always reccomend subterfudge over brute force, but I'm not sure it'll work in the conditions we have here. If we had time to make the motorbarge look different, it might work, but as we only have a few hours, we can't and driving the same boat through the same checkpoint with different personnel might not work. If we are going to try to battle our wat through, I say we use a variation of part of McCoy's plan. Let McCoy take our best fighters and really hit the garisson, steal the AFV as well as some light trucks.
That would give us a flying attack force. We could load the mortar onto the AFV and use it as an erstaz SPA. If we could get a FO in, the mortar could do real damage, indirect HEAT will turn APCs into tinfoil and dropping WP on the tanks probably would blind them. After that, smoke, confusion and a flanking attack and we might just pull it off, only if we're willing to pay the butcher's bill. I still think running and taking the trucks is a better option but I'll follow whatever is decided."

"That's why I suggested hiding the plans so we don't have them with us and they'll never find them on the tug.  We could always come back for them at a later time and no one is smuggling anything out of Poland!  As much of a bad idea I may think it is to try and hit the garrison, it might be the only shot to get the tug through up ahead.  We certainly can't go the fuck back the way we came up here!  If it means getting the tug through up ahead, I'll go with the ground team and make the diversion.  I know I said I would stay but, if it gets the tug through safely, I'll do that for Adam, not RESET!.  I haven't had anything to fight for in a long time.  This is the first time I feel like i have a place in this fucked up world."

"They are not rear echelon cannon fodder. They are two companies of veteran Polish regulars supported by several mortars. Two T-62 with armour enhancement, and two or three BMP with wire guided missiles. You are wrong to think we can fight that with smoke, or (looking at Mariusz) using a single mortar towed by a recovery vehicle... not an AFV. What you intend to do with one mortar they intend to do the same with many." Quyen replies.

"Tucker is right too. RESET? That is still on your minds? We are not here for that. We are here to get ourselves to Warsaw. If the plans don't go with us, then that's how it is... too bad." she says.

"McCoy stealing a truck gives us the diversion. As for the boat, neither will win in combat. But at least its not a tug."

"McCoy's plan is not ideal, but unfortunately your plan is dangerously flawed as well Dawid. Both seem to have problems that can't be addressed."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Wed 17 Sept 2008.

Griet spoke quietly, "I don't think we have the firepower or the armour to fight our way through the block we have ahead of us. We also lack the time to make bluffing our way through an effective strategy. That leaves us with looking at other options, the other obvious option is going around. Unfortunately that doesn't look viable either as we can't load up the supplies in time before patrols come looking for us. We'll still also have the problem of the Communist Government looking for us with everything they have. In my opinion, we have three options: try to bluff our way through, assuming the refugees will switch boats given the circumstances, and risk destruction or capture, fight our way through and be destroyed, or abandon the river and try to head overland, if we are quick, we might just manage to load up our goods before they start sending out patrols. Of course, I'd also advise my ruse to use the Queen to try to fake our demise, but time is limited and it is risky. It reminds me of a film I once watched where a man said, you have five ways to die, pick one."

Two opposing schools of thought regarding the means of surmounting the obstacle ahead appear to be forming. As the discussion grows more heated, the captain of the Wisla Krolowa speaks,

"I am afraid that all of you are right. If we exchange vessels and the soldiers at Pulawy stop and search the barge- and there's no reason to think that they will not- they will surely find us out and we will end up in a KGB dungeon in Lublin. If we are lucky, we will be killed outright.

"If, on the other hand, we attempt to push the Krolowa through Pulawy, we will be torn apart by the strong forces there.

"A diversion may draw off some of the enemy soldiers but we cannot count on it. Even if half of them leave on a wild goose chase of our devising, those that remain will still be more than a match for us. I am no military man but this is clear to me.

"As long as we stay bound to the Vistula, we are marked for death.

"I will not be able to help my family at all when I am dead. And, if we proceed to Warsaw by river, we will undoubtedly end up that way.

"I care little for this RESET, but we have been indelibly tainted by its presence."

Adam looks pointedly at Clarence.

"It does no good to bemoan our present situation. Parting ways serves neither of us, Mr. Milk, although you are free to go, if you so choose. It seems, however, that our paths are now connected. If we can help each other- to my mind- we must continue do so.

"It pains me greatly to even entertain the thought of losing another vessel, but it is clear to me that we must abandon hope of reaching Warsaw by the river.

"We must land and proceed on foot. And soon."

Adam sighs heavily, his shoulders sagging. After a moment, he seems to recover. His back straightens and his voice regains its characteristic power.

"We won't be able to take the food and clothing- and most of the weapons. That is a great blow. But, we can take the medicines. If each us takes all he or she can carry, we may still be able to do some good when we arrive. The important thing is that we arrive at all.

"Let us go to Zwolen. Perhaps Mariusz's farmer friends can help us. If we can get vehicles there, so much the better. If not, so be it. I will crawl all the way to Warsaw on my hands and knees, if need be."

Adam looks around the bridge, taking great care to make eye contact with everyone present.

"I realize that this changes things a bit, contractually speaking. You have all done your duty and served this vessel- and its captain- well. Your obligation to us both ends here. I will pay you what I promised and bid you fare well. I ask no one to go on with me to Warsaw against his or her will. If, however, you wish to continue on this... adventure, I will be proud to walk alongside you."

A decision has been made. The die are cast.

Actions?

OOC: It remains to decide what to bring and how to carry it all. Please proceed on that tack.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Thu 18 Sept 2008.

In reply to Minh Quyen (msg #214):

Dawid grinned at Minh and waved in a forgiving manner.

"I should think I am somewhat less than ignorant about the Polish Army. You are free to discount my knowledge, of course!"

"My idea shows no real flaws in conception or rely on wishful thinking, it merely makes the best use of our strengths in an impossible situation. There simply may be no "perfect" tactical answer."

When Adam spoke he nodded in sympathy.

"Adam, my friend, I understand your dilemma. There is no reason to give up the Queen and your dream. We have not completely outworn our welcome in Sandomierz. We could retire there, wait until a more opportune time.

"The army can't keep watch forever. At some point the communist government is going to need them for something else. In the mean time, there is the chance we may gain more aid from other sources, maybe even improve matters back in Sandomierz.

"There are Solidarność partisans like Mariusz all around. There are my comrades in the Home Army. The CIA could send more help. Even the French or the Mossad!

"A man was once brought before the Polish King for beheading. He begged for his life, insisting he could teach a horse to sing. Intrigued, the King gave him a year to succeed. The man's friend asked him later what was he thinking, as a horse obviously cannot be taught to sing. The man replied that a lot can happen in a year: the King may die, be assassinated or overthrown, he may be pardoned or his innocence might be proved.

"Or, the horse may just learn to sing!"

"The point is if we don't have to be there immediately, we can always delay until conditions are more favourable.

After Dawid makes his suggestion, Adam is silent for a few seconds and a hint of doubt momentarily creeps over his weatherbeaten face. When the capatain finally speaks, his contenance is fixed resolutely and it is clear that his mind is set to the new course.

"No, my son. If we had the luxury of time, I would consider a return to Sandomierz. But winter is coming even faster this year and news of this 'Black Baron's' attacks on the settlers near Warsaw is troubling, to say the least. We must continue on at once. I see no other choice.

"I will offer the Krolowa to Grzyech and the crew. It is as much theirs as it is mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Thu 18 Sept 2008.

In reply to 'Old' Adam Rataj (msg #218):

Dawid sighed in defeat.

"Well, that's that."

Robert's heart is saddened by Adam's comments about giving up the tug and his dream of getting to Warsaw with her, down the toilet.  "I'm sorry Cap'n Adam.  If we can make good time to Zwolen, perhaps we can get the vehicles we need to come back to the tug and get what we can to bring with us overland!  If we can hit the garrison fast enough, salvage what we can from there and then head back here to load up and then move out, we may be OK rather than just leaving most of it!  Or, we cache what we can and come back for it!  You have bikes in the barge?  We could use them to get to Mariusz's friends quicker?"

Word of trouble soon reached Anneka over on the refugee vessel where she hurriedly wrapped up the last of the medical checks, gathered her equipment and with barely a parting word, headed back to the Krolowa's bridge.
A minute or two later and she'd been brought up to date with the issues at hand.
"Ok then," she began decisively.
"This is what we should do. We cut the barge loose two seconds after retrieving the weapons from the bunker and anything else we can quickly salvage."
"Then, while we're preparing ourselves to leave the tug, Adam takes us back upstream and we head west along that tributary a few miles this side of Solec."
That should buy time to prepare and pack the limited supplies they'd be able to carry with them.
"We head as far up as we can before grounding before transfering to small boat and put the motorcycle ashore."
"Again, we go as far as the boat can take us before heading on foot to Zwolen with the aim of obtaining motorised transport."

"I still disagree Adam, but you are the boss and it will be done." Bayer says.

"Reforming as a land based unit is going to make some serious changes. I'll need suggestions immediately on weapons we will bring."

"Mariusz, what is our rations stores like. Easy to divide and transport?"

"I am suggesting packing most carefully. Weapons and ammo, food, and minimal gear for personal loads. Basic survival gear, medical, that sort of thing. Anything else pack it to carry if we can find transport and assume it will be left if we cannot. Anneka's suggestion of using the small boat and going up one of the smallar branches is good, I recomend it as well. As for weapons, the light machine guns have a most impressive power, but do not forget the grenade launchers as well. If you have any portable rocket launchers those are most usefull as well, but heavy.
If we must travel far on foot you will need stealth, food and firepower. All else is secondary."

"If there is any way we can manage it, Mariusz told me that Zwolen would be a good place to bury Brother Switek.  He had friends there and would be well taken care of.  Perhaps we could take his body there in the sidecar.  As for Hicks... a sailor would probably have no objection to burial in the river."

Later, Jason goes to his bedroll on the barge and packs up his things.  He takes the remaining cigarettes and matches from the ammo can and puts them in his pack as well, saving 15 pounds.

"Hm. Yes, this could work. The Krolowa will probably not make it very far up any of these tributaries, but the Zodiac- as you call it- can navigate them fairly easily."

Pointing at the map laid out on the chart table he continues,

"According to the map, this tributary here goes almost all the way to Zwolen. From its mouth to the town is about 30km. Most of us can walk to this farm Mariusz has spoken of while two or three others take the Zodiac. Between the boat and the motorcycle, we can carry more supplies. If we can cache them closer to the town, it will be faster for us to recover them when- if, I mean- we acquire some lorries. But, this means splitting the party. Is this viable Hauptman Bayer?"

Clarence adds,

"We need to start movin' now. And I think we should take the barge with us for now. Those enemy patrols are gettin' closer by the minute and if they find it abandoned 'round here, they'll know somethin' is up. Better to ditch it further upriver."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Fri 19 Sept 2008.

"We will be staking it all on a roll of the dice."

"Let's not bother with packing much food, if any. If God wills it, there will also be food at Zwolen."

"Father Switek would understand that we need to leave him. He was a geurrilla. Most of the time partisans don't get any grave at all. I shall help bury him along the tributary, and his memory has already been blessed."

"In the time we travel up the tributary we can try to make carts from bicycle wheels. We have a shop here, plenty of wood to use. Plus we could even ride the bicycles if we find a path or road going our way. We made use of them when our vehicles broke down, as did the Home Army in the war against the Nazis."

"We have much excess we can leave with the Queen. I would like to cache some items, in case we have the chance to return. Like the mortar and ammunition. I do not fancy facing the Baron without some kind of hole card."

"Although the 40mm grenades have served us well thus far, during the NATO siege of Warszawa we used hand grenades more, again like the Home Army before us against the Nazis."

As Clarence's warning he raised an eyebrow.

"What about my suggestion to ambush a patrol? It buys us some time. It's what we'd do to keep the NATO patrols in check. Although I don't know if NATO soldiers are experienced in this form of warfare to be confident of doing it again."

"Yeah, the closer we can get the supplies to where we're going would be a lot easier on all of us and less to hump out in case we don't find what we need!"

"Viable or not, it's all we have."
Visibly disgusted, Anneka had been running down her lists of stores and equipment, crossing items off more often than keeping them. With the serious lack of transportation, they'd be hard pressed to support themselves for more than a few days with only what they could carry, and the loss of so much after fighting so hard was beyond painful.
"Once we've selected a "base camp" so to speak, Adam and his crew, along with myself, Stoner, Minh and perhaps one other should stay behind to secure it."
"Everyone else should probably head out with only a day or two's supplies and see what can be found."

"We could sink it," Anneka suggested after Milk mentioned the barge.
"We've got about a hundred kilograms of dynamite that we can't really take with us and it's better than leaving it drift."
"What if we do it at the wreck of the other tug? That might by us another few minutes maybe?"
Only if those who found it were either stupid or didn't know about the wreck...

"I'm keen on the bicycle idea you mentioned too Dawid, but will we have room in the small boats?"
Maybe, especially if they towed the life rafts behind and ran the motorbike along the bank.
"Get on it anyway."

"Yes... viable it is. I have no disagreement with it." he answers. "Also, we will be caching munitions and supplies. If things go poorly somewhere down the line, it will be good to have a means of rearming. I'd like to leave the MK19 and its ammo as part of this."

"I'm not in favor of ambushing. A forward OP to report back maybe, but making contact narrows down our location along the river and indicates we are operating ashore, and possibly not heading into the trap. Its also going to delay a full pullout of this area. I'd prefer us to make a complete yet hasty withdraw immediately."

"Doctor? You have the ammo and unit gear broken down for distribution?"

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #230):

Dawid joked in return.

"No ambush? That is a shame. One day my advice will be heeded. I have great confidence in this!"

"I shall get to work on a cart of some sort to move supplies."

"I hope there is a path going towards town along the tributary. I should like to ride a bicycle again."

"Speaking for myself, I was able to pack all my personal gear plus my PKM, nearly a thousand rounds of ammunition and the RPG-76 Komar. That is not including the Tantal/BG-15 and ammunition for them."

Mariusz said, "I can carry my battle gear and personal gear plus a few days' of food but I can't move fast humping all of that. Carrying more will make me useless if we have to fight before resting. The bikes will be useful, they can let us carry heavyish loads but still have some mobility."

"The zodiac should be able to move more quickly than the overland team," Griet said, "so it might be able to make a couple of cargo runs. Another option would be to load as much as we can into the life rafts and unpowered boat, we can rig them to be towed from the riverbank like in the old days, using people instead of horses. The terrain won't be ideal, but we might be able to get a bit more stuff that would make life easier further away from the hot zone." She looked at her father, "Without gear, getting to Warsaw is nearly useless, without the equipment to make ourselves useful, most of us, with the exception of the Doctor and the Special operatives will just be more mouths to feed."

Under the looming threat of approaching enemy shore patrols, Adam takes Milk's advice and orders the tug into reverse, backing its way towards the tributary, its own barge now in tow.

The refugee barge has been warned of the move and sets off a little ways ahead (astern actually) of the tug, taking care not to pull away too far. Whether this cooperation is due to the tug's recent generosity, the promise of more aid at the next stop upriver, or the 12.7mm HMG looming over them from the tug's quarterdeck is unclear.

Before the two vessels moved apart Dawid has a second chance to confront the barge master about his sister. Under questioning, the man admitts that he was not present at the events which he had described to Dawid earlier and that no body was ever recovered from the smashed hospital since the beseiged neighborhood subsequently fell into the "Black Baron's" zone of control. The possiblility, however slim, still exists that Dawid's sister is alive somewhere in the Warsaw area.

The backwards journey takes about 2 hours. The Krolowa drops anchor even with the tributary leading towards Zwolen and the team begins preparations for debarkation. Nearing the end of the trip, Sanjay Roshon begs his leave from the party.

"I thank you for your hospitality and protection but I feel that the time has arrived for me to depart. I fear that I would be more of a liability than an asset in a forced march over uneven ground. I believe that I will be of more assistance to the people aboard the barge, especially if they intend on continuing to Sandomierz. I have taken the liberty of making a few modifications to a pair of bicycles I found left behind in the aft hold. I have reinforced the frames and added a push bar. They should each be able to carry a good bit of cargo cross country with the 'driver' walking alongside, holding the push bar. The North Vietnamese made good use of such bicycles* on their Ho Chi Minh trail, begging my American friends' pardon."

Sanjay's true motives have not been so well hidden. Those who'd seen him on the refugee's barge earlier in the day couldn't help notice him chatting up one of the middle-aged widows on board.

Also in the interim, Adam has offered the tug to his chief engineer, Jozef Grzyech. The filthy engineman has accepted the offer of a captaincy. Tadeuz too, elects to stay aboard, as does Luboslaw. Of the Krolowa's crew, only Walter chooses to continue on to Warsaw, for reasons known only to himself.

It is now about 1000hrs.

Actions?

OOC: Please continue preparations for landing. This would also be a good time to conduct any last items of business with the refugees from the powered barge.

Even without its own barge, the tug will not be able to move more than a couple of hundred meters up the tributary without running aground.

At the moment, the group has immediate access to the following assets for the transportation of cargo: 1 powered Zodiac, 1 unpowered Zodiac, the Ural motorcycle and sidecar combo, and 2 heavy-duty push bikes which are capable of carrying 500lbs. each.

*I got this idea from whomever suggested creating a hand-cart out of bicycle parts. Such bikes were actually used to great effect to transport supplies along the Ho Chi Minh trail. Hope this bit of artistic license is acceptable.

Bayer calls for the attention of the group and says, "Lets get some of this gear on shore. We will take everything the Doctor listed... at least as far as the cache site. Quyen and Stoner will pilot the inflatable. Tucker, take McCoy, Jan, and Mariusz... go along and setup a suitable hide along the tributary. Unload and setup security. Quyen and Stoner, return once the gear is unloaded."

"Griet, take Kasparov and see if you can rig the lifeboat for tow and load them up as well. As you said, with the humanitarian goods."

"Milk, take walter to the lockup and get him outfitted with a suitable weapon and rucksack. Adam will need one of the rucksacks too, and should take one of the sidearms. Does Ondar have a rucksack?"

Dawid already making himself useful, was omitted was the taskings.

"Doctor? Anything else the refugees can do for us?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:12, Sat 20 Sept 2008.