Ondar stands around for a bit waiting for the command staff to consider his request to re-arm and re-equip.  After a few minutes he returns to the cab of the KAMAZ gun truck and retrieves a few items of clothing from his pack.  He returns to the pow-wow and waits patiently for a break in the discussion of marching order and addresses Milk again.

"Long road in front," he advises.  "Maybe all changes clean uniform before go?  Bad hygiene make bad morale."

He drops the clothing from his pack near where the leadership has gathered.

"Got one Polish jacket and one German trousers spare.  Ondar share.  Summer weight, but fix with layer.  Cold better than stink, no?"

He pauses, thinks of something else and keeps talking.

"Plus, should eat before move again.  Ondar go take watch while decide."

With that, the former Soviet paratrooper pulls his Nighthawk goggles down over his eyes, moves off into the denser woods and slowly disappears into the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Tue 25 Nov 2008.

Mariusz nodded at Dawid's observations and then said, "We didn't patrol much this far out of Zwolen, but there was a massive series of wilderness parks and recreation gardens that stretched west and north of here. Thye were riddled with lanes and access roads so we should be able to work our way through. There were checkpoints on the road and river but if we head for that ridge over there, we should be able to feel our way around without making contact."

Griet finished her checks and said, "I'd be happy to man the autocannon. I'm on the flak truck anyway so it'd be no problem." she listened to Ondar's words, "I'm going to change now before we head on out."

Dawid nodded his thanks.

"Excellent news! Let's go tell them.


He led Mariusz over.

"Good news! Our comrade here is familiar with the area. He thinks we can avoid the town by taking back roads and trails. We just need to keep clear of the town and river, where there will be checkpoints."

Dawid pulled out his map and pointed. "We should be trying to pass close by this ridge, here."

After hearing the vehicle assignments, he nodded in acceptance.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Tue 25 Nov 2008.

Mariusz nodded at Dawid's advice and kept his own council, he looked up and asked, "How are we going to distribute the equipment we have?"

As he waited for the answer he thought of another question, "How far will our fuel get us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Tue 25 Nov 2008.

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #394):

"Agreed, but might be an idea to move Minh over to assist with the autocannon. I believe it's normally at least a two person job with those old things?"
At the very least she could help spot for targets and assist with reloading.

"We all definately need to find somewhere to clean up before too long. The risk of disease is high enough already without encouraging it."
"I'm not going to issue any antibiotics for the moment though as supplies are limited and chances are everyone, even those with wounds, will be alright."
It was a risk she'd normally not take, but with little to no chance of resupply...
"We'd also better empty the sidecar of supplies before we go on. It was cramped enough with only me sharing the space with ammo and radio, Tucker would be miserable!"

Dawid listened to Anneka, then thought for a second.

"In that case Major, may I make a suggestion? Please do not take this as any criticism of the plan as previously presented."

"With your permission, Ma'am?"

He continued.

"If stopped by an ambush or roadblock to our front, we face a real danger of being hit in the rear or flank by fast pursuers. Especially if shots are fired and flares going off, like they most probably will be doing."

"Therefore, having the tow truck in the rear makes security in that direction very difficult. The mortar can't be deployed quickly (and probably shouldn't be unloaded anyways), no heavy weapons are bearing to the rear and any incoming fire will hit the towed fuel tank! Bullets, not so bad. RPG rocket... very bad."

"I suggest placing the AA gun truck in the rear to cover that flank. I'm probably best on the autocannon, so I should man it, with Griet (or Minh) to assist and spot. Move up Minh to drive if Griet helps on the gun."

"Also, if I may continue, we will want to overpower all resistance to our front as quickly as possible."

"From my experience and judgement, the recoil from either automatic grenade machine-gun will quickly warp or break the pin if mounted on the sidecar. That mount was designed for the PKM GPMG, so stick one on there, we have a couple of them. Also, move Mariusz to the sidecar, he is our guide and knows the area, at least more than everyone else, including me."

He smiled in apology to his friend for placing him in danger.

"We can quickly remove the Honker's windscreen and put the AGS-17 on the right side bonnet. It has a low mount and should be easy for the passenger to fire, and heavy enough to be stable when traveling. I also suggest pulling "Bones" from the dismounts, running around won't be good for his health, yes? He should be fine behind the AGS-17. Putting the Mk.19 on the roll bar behind will give awesome firepower to the front and be able to shoot over the motorcycle. The AA truck will be covering the rear, and the other passengers of the Honker and tow truck cover the sides."

"I have further input, and excuse me if I steal anyone's thunder. This is not my area of expertise, but please hear me out and correct me were I am wrong or mistaken."

"If we come upon resistance remember: mobility and momentum is key to our success."

"Maximum fires should be brought to the front to overwhelm anyone in our way (motorcycle should veer left into cover to get out of the way of the Honker's supporting fire from the AGS-17), then let the Honker lead. Everyone who can fire to the front should, just blaze away, to suppress the target."

"If we take the time to send dismounts to flank, then rear areas security becomes paramount (because of pursuit) and as mentioned we should leave the AA gun truck where it is with Griet or Minh and I to keep an eye on the rear."

"Dismounts perhaps should try and flank left (although flanking should only be resorted to in desperation) as the town and all known enemy forces are to our right. The MG on the motorcycle and the grenade machine-guns on the Honker lay down suppressive fire for them."

He sighed and looked unhappy.

"In the extent that we are forced to leave our vehicles, things become difficult. This is also not really my area of expertise, but try to form up on Major Solleblum and Kapitan, er, Hauptmann Bayer. Then, uh, maybe try and get over the ridge to our left and then regroup to head north as far as we can before night. Again, let's not go right and get trapped by the river or the town. If separated, don't stop? Try to get to Warszawa any way you can? That's all I have, I guess."

"Also, I'll need my PKM and ammo, to thrown on the AA gun truck, you never know. Secure all the packs to the rear, a kind of improvised backup firing position in case we need it or the AA gun is put out of action."

"Please, I don't want to seem like I am exceeding my place. Best to go over this now while we can. Oh yes, we should clarify the chain of command for the vehicles and the dismounts, too."

Dawid pointed and clarified who he recommended should go where, with an apologetic look to Konrad.

Scout Motorcycle...
Driver - Kasparov
Passenger/Gunner - Mariusz

- Add PKM GPMG

Squad Carrier...
Driver - Soleblume (Section Leader)
Gunner Front seat - Stoner
Gunner Standing- Bayer (Vehicle Commander)
Dismounts -Ondar, McCoy, Milk, Tucker (Dismount Commander)

- Add AGS-17 on bonnet and Mk.19 on roll bar

Tow Truck...
Driver - Jan (Vehicle Commander)
Passengers Front - Adam, Walter

Flak Truck...
Driver - Minh
Gunner Rear - Dawid (Vehicle Commander)
Assistant Gunner/Spotter- Griet
- Add PKM GPMG

Dawid looked a little concerned and added, "er, I get the impression that taking prisoners seems to be a little bit of sore spot. I suggest let's not take any if we can help it. I don't mean shoot them, just disarm them and tell them to bugger off. They may have valuable intelligence, but we simply don't have the secure area, personnel or time to detain and interrogate them and I'm not comfortable with shooting them in cold blood.

"We must always run like the devil himself is at our heels, that is the way of the partisan."

"Is all this acceptable?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Wed 26 Nov 2008.

A little while ago...

Before Ondar left to stand watch, Clarence thanked him for the offer of the spare fatigues. As for the silenced pistol, well, Ondar had gone a long way to building trust, but Clarence wasn't sure he'd gone that far yet. With his extensive training and experience, Ondar could probably kill him silently well enough with a knife, but he could do a lot more mischief with the silenced pistol. For now, at least, Clarence would hold on to it.

"Thanks, Ondar. I think I'll hold on to your pistol just a little while longer. You can probably draw another one from spares. We used to have a few, at least."

He hoped that Ondar understood.

At present...

He listened in as Dawid made his recommendations for the arrangement of the convoy. The young man seemed to have softened his approach somewhat. Clarence smiled subtly. How the Pole would respond to any constructive critisism that might be offered, however, would be more telling. Clarence smile faded quickly as Dawid expressed his distaste for shooting prisoners. Clarence still remembered Snowy cleaning the Zomo captive's brains off of his fatigues.

"Cough... Sounds good to me. Anyone else? Hauptman?"

In reply to Clarence Milk (msg #405):

At the point where Milk's smile faded, Dawid met his eyes directly but neutrally (with some struggle between defiance and apology). He too remembers the ZOMO, digging the poor wretch's shallow grave in the woods and the demons that wouldn't stay conveniently buried.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Wed 26 Nov 2008.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ondar nodded in tacit acceptance.  "You just make sure give it back before we go kick in doors next time."

"I am not to be employed as a gunner. I am to be dismountable. Quyen is also to be a dismount." Bayer says.

"I have no issue with putting Mariusz in the motorcycle. As long as Kasparov has a radio."

He clarifies a previous point, "Stoner is on light duties. He wasn't intended to be labeled an actual 'dismount'. Where he goes for the moment is also not an issue for me. Gunner is fine for the time."

"As for prisoners. I'd rather keep the option of taking them 'open'... depending on each situation. We don't have the best means of dealing with them no, but their comfort is not my concern and a small handful can be watched easily. We don't have any up to date info on the areas ahead. I'd like to pull out of them anything. Then of course release them. As the situation warrants."

"Switching the PK on the motorbike is strongly agreed." he adds.

"For ambushes. We'll fight through any opposition as routine drills state. But I don't want to set concrete actions for flankings or directions. This could create confusion with specific enemy set ups and limit our maneuvers. But, yes the scouts evade and the squad carrier conducts counter ambush drills."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Thu 27 Nov 2008.

Dave looks as if he's going to argue being put on light duty, or stuck as a gunner, the visibly reconsiders the situation and shrugs to himself.

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #408):

Dawid looked to Anneka, then back to Konrad.

"Very good, Kapitan. Ah, moving Minh was the Major's choice, but if she has no objections..."

He scratched out names, drew arrows, and so on.

"There. I am not a Motor Rifleman, so anyone's guess on organisation is as good or better than mine. You and Minh are, uh, now with the dismounts, Tucker is moved to be the vehicle's main gunner, a critical position, yes?"

Scout Motorcycle...
Driver - Kasparov
Passenger/Gunner - Mariusz
(PKM GPMG)

Squad Carrier...
Driver - Soleblume (Unit OC)
Gunner Front seat - Stoner (Light Duty)
Gunner Standing- Tucker (Vehicle Commander)
Dismounts - Ondar, McCoy, Milk, Minh, Bayer (Unit 2IC, Dismount Leader)
(AGS-17 on bonnet and Mk.19 on roll bar)


Tow Truck...
Driver - Jan (Vehicle Commander)
Passengers Front - Walter

23mm Flak Truck...
Driver - Adam
Gunner Rear - Dawid (Vehicle Commander)
Assistant Gunner/Spotter- Griet
(PKM GPMG)

"Are these changes meeting your approval?"

Beaming, he looked pleased.

"Although, speaking of radios I would like one coordinate the rear security vehicle better. Perhaps there is a hand radio I can borrow?"

Thinking a little more he shook his head, looking troubled.

"From what I see of our fuel situation, it's just not good. The tow truck is a real fucking pig. We should consider dumping it along with the jeep, moving the trailer, mortar and the crew to the KAMAZ (blocking the flak gun)."

"But that will make our rear security situation quite dismal again in exchange. Major? Kapitan? This decision needs to be made now, otherwise we are going as planned, I assume."

He was already thinking ahead on what needed to be done to remove the Honker's windscreen. Should take less than a minute with a wrench, and hopefully wouldn't rain before it could be replaced.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Thu 27 Nov 2008.

"Ok. Good enough for me." he says. "Each vehicle needs one radio minimum. The squad carrier should have two... one each for dismounts and carrier."

"I'd rather keep the tow for now, purely for the logistics aspect. More fuel, but I'm concerned about cramming what and who we have into smaller carrying abilities. One vehicle goes down, and we are in trouble. I'll say put it to a vote if there is disagreement."

OOC - Can we get a GM's approval on placing the two AGS where they are indicated?

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #411):

Dawid shook his head, indicating he didn't have anything to add on the score of leaving which vehicles beside the dead jeep.

"Limited visibility, bad roads. It's going to be close intervals for the 3 trucks. 20-50m? Send the motorcycle farther out front or keep it close? Again, not my area of expertise."

Although the more independent-minded Polish Army had developed Overwatch techniques on its own, as a non Motor-Rifleman it wasn't something that occurred to Dawid.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Thu 27 Nov 2008.

"A good point, however the currently installed mount was specially designed and built to take the Mk-19. There should be little danger of damage."
"I'd also think that firing a machinegun while on the move wouldn't be all that productive? Why not leave the grenade launcher in place - it only needs to hit in the area to be effective?"
The machineguns they had were also more useful in Annekas mind when employed by their infantry component. With a higher rate of fire and hitting power than the RPKs or rifles, and yet still able to be carried and operated by one person, they could prove decisive, especially since their vehicles would likely be confined to the roads.

"How do you intend to mount it? I don't think we have the time or the tools to fabricated a new mount for it."
It was a reasonable suggestion, but with the limited time and resources they had, resting a machinegun or RPK-74 on the rollbar was probably the best they could hope for.

"I'd prefer to swap places with Jan. I'm not a combat soldier and I think the honker is likely to get a lot closer to danger than I should be."

Once the meeting concluded, Anneka sought Minh out to retrieve the RPK-74 and hand back Minh's AK-74 they'd swapped before the raid.
"I hope it didn't give you any trouble," she said, glad to have the slightly more controllable weapon back in her posession.

In reply to Anneka Soleblume (msg #413):

Dawid looked dubiously at the sidecar.

"So far. Heavy recoil weapon. I think we've been lucky because only short bursts have been fired. It wouldn't be good to lay down heavy suppressive fire and have it end in Mariusz's lap! Very heavy machine, sensitive area."

"Whatever it's armed with, if the motorcycle comes under fire it pulls off to the side, to let the heavier-armed Honker to take the lead. Therefore the MG is usually fired from stopped, and the better-protected Honker can lay down tremendous firepower. If the MG is fired on the move, it's just suppressive fire in any case. No aiming or accuracy required."

"The Honker has a pin mount on the roll bar which accepts the Mk.19, will be taking no time to mount."

"My thinking is also we should be concentrating primarily on arming the vehicles as best we can and roll through any ambush. The dismounts are a second resort because deploying them to flank or assault takes time we might not have. The RPK-74 light machineguns are perfect weapons for this being carried task, that's their job."

He thought for a bit.

"Let me think. We're short one PKM machinegun than I thought, but the AA gun has so little ammunition left it will be dry in seconds. I'm not comfortable without having an MG, preferably my PKM covering the rear as well."

"See how you like this. Two grenade machineguns on the Honker is superlative in my opinion, but one could be moved with little trouble. If the AGS-17 goes from the bonnet to the roll bar, then the M240 goes with the dismounts, although that reduces our readily available firepower to the front."

"This is per your recommendation:"


Scout Motorcycle...
Driver - Kasparov
Passenger/Gunner - Mariusz
(Mk.19)


Squad Carrier...
Driver - Jan
Passenger - Stoner (Light Duty)
Gunner Standing- Tucker (Vehicle Commander)
Dismounts - Ondar, McCoy, Milk, Minh, Bayer (Unit 2IC, Dismount Leader)
(AGS-17 on roll bar pintle, M240 GPMG carried by dismounts.)


Tow Truck...
Driver - Walter
Passengers Front - Soleblume (Unit OC)


23mm Flak Truck...
Driver - Adam
Gunner Rear - Dawid (Vehicle Commander)
Assistant Gunner/Spotter- Griet
(PKM GPMG, PRK-74)


"Optionally with your leave, I might suggest keeping the M240 mounted on the roll bar, the AGS-17 on the bonnet, and send both RPK-74s with the dismounts, and pulling the M240 from the Honker to send with the dismounts if need be. This incorporates Konrad's recommendation on we should concentrate firepower on the vehicles to overwhelm opponents on the march to preserve our element of speed, yet leaves us with good tactical options for methodical flanking attacks."

"If you are still not convinced, does the above meet with approval?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Thu 27 Nov 2008.

After a few more quick comments and last-minute changes it seemed like they had a plan. He put the finishing touches on, making sure all key people had key gear (radios and NVGs, primarily).

"Okay, here are what I believe the agreed-upon assignments are:"

---

Scout Motorcycle...
Driver - Kasparov (Vehicle Commander, NVGs)
Passenger/Gunner - Tokarski (NVGs/Radio, as Driver cannot use radio unless hands-free.)
(Mk.19)


Squad Carrier...
Driver - Cerny (NVGs)
Passenger/GP Gunner - Stoner (Light Duty) (NVGs)
Gunner Standing- Tucker (Vehicle Commander, NVGs/Radio)
Dismounts - Ondar, McCoy, Milk, Nguyen, Bayer (Unit 2IC, Dismount Leader, NVGs/Radio)
(AGS-17 on roll bar pintle mount, M240 GPMG on bonnet.)


Tow Truck...
Driver - Walter (NVGs)
Passengers Front - Solleblume (Unit OC, 20x Night Glasses/Radio)


23mm Flak Truck...
Driver - Adam (NVGs)
Gunner Rear - Piotrowski (Vehicle Commander, NVGs/Radio)
Assistant Gunner/Spotter- Griet
(PKM GPMG, PRK-74)

---

Dawid looked over at the grenade machinegun mounted on the sidecar, dwarfing it and the (to him) its flimsy-looking mount. He shook his head dubiously and sighed, then shrugged.

"I hope Chopper's work stands up better than the traitor who made it! Remember Mariusz, short bursts. Short bursts!"

"Okay, good, final details:"

"Ondar, tovarish, I should like to borrow your Russian-made radio for the rear vehicle. I think it'll be familiar enough for me to use without difficulty, and I read Russian. I suggest "Eagle" for my call-sign, which as you all know is the national symbol of Poland, of course."

"Konrad, if we become heavily engaged to the front I would like the permission to backtrack the KAZAN a ways and deploy it so the AA gun is in an advantageous position to ambush the pursuit. Out of sight of the main body, probably."

"I will remove the Honker's windscreen now and mount the AGS-17 on the roll bar. I am very familiar with these things."

Which he was, at least for a non-mechanic or weaponsmith.

"Griet, Adam, pile everything we have that might stop a bullet in the back of the KAZAN against the the tailgate. Griet, please retrieve the PKM and all the ammunition (should be a case and several ammo cans), plus an RPK-74 and at least a dozen magazines for it. Store them in the rear of the KAZAN, thanks!"

"Let's cross-level the vehicle fuel tanks, switch weapons, make sure our forward drivers, gunners and our scout (Mariusz) all have night glasses (NVGs or the image intensifier), everyone that needs one has a radio. If you don't want to share your radio or night glasses around for some personal reason, please work something out among yourselves, we're all adults here."

Absent any other input and hopefully done with planning, he went about his tasks as efficiently as possible. This included borrowing a half-dozen smoke grenades from his comrades, being cheerful and persistant. If they needed to withdraw under fire, those would slow up pursuit.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Fri 28 Nov 2008.

"Ok, lets move. We can sort out the rest of the details at the next stop."
Holding the battery operated binoculars to her eyes, she quickly surveyed their surroundings.
"Lets get the jeep rolled over to there facing down that other road." she pointed off in a different direction to which they were about to head.

"Jason, you've got a little explosives knowledge don't you? Think you could rig the jeep with a boobytrap?" It was more a statement than a question, something she wanted done, and as soon as possible too.
"Has anyone got an incendiary grenade he can use?" she called. "A white phosphorus would be perfect."
That way if it detonated before the enemy arrived, signs of Griets work stripping it might be a little harder to find.

Overhearing this, Dave looks over, slightly surprised. "Dude, You're more than meets the eyes. A rotorhead who can handle Demo? Who'd have thunk it. Major, if I remember right, Minh is pretty good with demo, and I know a little myself."

Griet finished her work on the vehicles and then did as Dawid asked and picked up the PKMG and all the ammo. She placed it where it would be handy for her in the assistant gunner's position of the AA gun and then went back to pick up an RPK and twelve magazines. She placed that near Dawid's gunner's seat.

Before taking his position in the motorsycle's sidecar, Mariusz transferred as much as he could of the bike's load onto the back of the gun truck. He was looking forward to the trip, a fast bike, a big, american gun and fancy night vision goggles. It was worth the risk of losing his nuts for such an experience.

In response to Anneka's question/order, Jason replies, "I can give it a try, Major."  When Stoner makes the comment about rotorheads and demo, he shrugs his shoulders with palms up in a "what can I say?" gesture. 

He goes around the group, asking for a "Willy Peter."  If someone has one, he takes it to the Mutt once it has been positioned, opens the hood, places the grenade atop the engine [OOC:  perhaps duct-taping it in place if we have some], lowers the hood so that its weight holds the grenade's spoon down, then carefully reaches underneath and pulls the pin.  [If no WP is available, he uses a fragmentation grenade or two, and possibly a small container of alcohol.]  "There, that ought to do it," he says.

Milk parts with his last WP grenade, donating it for Jason's Jeep booby trap. The remainder of the party reshuffles weapons and seating arrangements. A little over an hour after they pulled off of the road, the convoy- less the Jeep- pulls away from the little grove and back on to the road north towards Kozienice.

After doing his few tasks, Dawid was ready to move.

He waited while the jeep was dicked around, stripped for parts to sell on the black market, for all he knew that it mattered.

He paced by the KAZAN, keeping an eye on their back trail, feeling the pursuit gaining like a hot breath on his neck. A partisan must always run like the wind.

To stop himself from becoming a nervous wreck he sat on the gun, got familiar, showed Griet what to do while they continued to dick around and waste their slim lead. Then showed Adam how to use the unfamiliar night-glasses.

Sighing, muttering in Polish  he got down and stomped over to the Honker, locating the 2 spare RPG-18 anti-tank rockets. God knew they would probably need them if they didn't get going soon.

Feeling more and more frustrated, he calmed himself by demonstrating the preparation and use of the rockets to Griet and Adam. Maybe they already knew, maybe they wouldn't be able to use them effectively if the time came, but it was something to do other than lose his mind over the delay.

When the signal came to move he had Adam drive back (to practive using the NVGs), pick up McCoy so he could be at his assigned station, then rejoin the column.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Sat 29 Nov 2008.