"It is my thought that this plan will work as a begining. The bicicles and gear will need to be hidden at the edge of cover and the main body moving in from there. It leaves the gear vulnerable, yes? But it makes it so the main body can more easyly move and  respond. We can easyly recover the equipment on the way out. And so the problem of moving down the waterway it is lessened."

"Yes Jan. The ground will dictate." Bayer agrees. "Anymore questions or concerns?"

"Adam, Walter, Stoner and I should stay back about a mile with the equipment." Anneka commented after writing down both Jason and Dawid's gear on the list of supplies.
"We can provide fire support with the two automatic grenade launchers if necessary."
"It's probably best not to place Adam and Walter in harms way if it can be at all avoided, and Stoner is still seriously wounded. I need to remain with him just in case..."
Well, her presence with the injured Stoner wasn't strictly necessary, but in a fast moving raid situation, her limited strength and load carrying ability would probably prove more of a hinderance than help.

"I'll support that. Your position will be the release point. The recce party in the truck... or trucks and the support element will withdraw there for loading and extraction." he says. "Stoner really is that bad huh."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

Dawid thought for a moment when Anneka and Jan made mention of caching the gear.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to add that if someone does sound the alarm, one starshell or flare and anyone approaching across the field will be turned into fertiliser."

"Let's cache the gear in the woods along the waterway but away from here. That would let us make an approach via the cover of the woods and the stream-bed."

"What do people think of that? Cache the gear so we can use the covered approach? Because I want to go that route, and frankly I'm not comfortable with crossing the open fields, reassurances from the Hauptmann notwithstanding. Anyone else wants to go the way of the fields, good luck to you."

"Pardon my presumption, but going across the open fields instead of the wooded streambed only makes sense if we have to carry everything all the way. We cache the supplies and whatnot at the woods where we enter them, then there is no logical objection to taking the covered route to literally exactly where we need to go!"

His face was set, like he'd made his decision.

"As for any mortar or artillery, if there is any artillery in town, then for the sake of Christ let's try and capture it and as much ammunition as possible!"

"One last thing, I could use an assistant gunner. Griet, you've done it before and I would like you to help me again. Just don't drop the ammo in the water this time!

He smiled, making sure she knew he was just teasing her for the first time they'd landed to deal with a shore threat, and she'd accidentally dropped an ammo can with a spare belt.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

Griet smiled at the memory, "I'll try not to do that if you promise not too go stopping bullets with your head this time, old friend."

"Sir," Mariusz raised his hand, "I think I must have got my wires crossed when I reported my Intel to you, Sir. The Motor Pool has about a dozen people, but it is backed by a platoon of soldiers, true, most were conscripts when I was here, but there'd still be maybe thirty of them." he looked uncomfortable, he'd fouled up somewhere, "I'll follow any plan you suggest, Sir, I just thought you should know there are more troops there than a dozen."

"Speaking as an engineer. That covered route you mention Dawid is where you place your mines and obstacles." Quyen says. "Mines, flares, and wire are placed in positions of dead ground or covered avenues of approach. And an obstacle isn't an obstacle unless it is covered by direct or indirect fire."

"And speaking as an MP, since when did the insubordination get to be so common around here? I thought that bit of unit history is in the past."

He laughed long and hard at Minh's suggestion, slapping his thigh.

"Insubordination? That's fucking hilarious!"

Doubling over, he gasped for breath, wiping tears from his eyes.

"To, ah, clarify, I'm not part of your NATO. I'm under the orders of the Polish Home Army. Technically, you're in Poland at our request. So do try to be a better guest, eh?"

"I agreed to help Adam in his humanitarian mission. Konrad agreed to help Adam in this as well. Adam's mission is done, and so is the agreement between Adam, Konrad, you, myself and so on. So let's try to understand that and move on."

"I've done nothing more than give my opinion, when asked."

Controlling his laughter, he began breathing more normally.

"Of course I know about fucking booby-traps and the rest. In my army, it's the job of the Engineer to disarm such devices in advance of the troops. I don't know about NATO, but I would assume that's something you can do as well. I hope that little... accident with the gasoline back at Tarnobrzeg was merely a momentary slip-up, won't happen again. Right? I hope your confidence in your abilities isn't shaken!"

"Speaking as an observer of your abilities as an "Military Police(wo)man", I witnessed you beating the shit out of a helpless prisoner, my friend as a matter of fact, so the less said about your former career, the better, eh?"

"But, any ways you can't "disarm" a field of fire swept by machine-guns like you can a mine. You can't turn invisible, just in case the sentries you hope aren't there, are really in fact there."

"Not even you can do that. No one can. Not the Germans, not the Americans."

He grinned at her having made his point, tapped some ashes from his cigarette.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

Dawid sighed.

"Ah, shit."

"Well, there goes the "human wave" over open ground approach. I kid; I don't think the idea is to charge across the open shouting "Urrah Pobeida!" Still, the Russians also tried using stealth over open ground in the war against the Nazis. If there was no cover by smoke, it was a complete massacre if and usually when the Germans noticed them."

"These are fellow Poles we're talking about; don't assume they are going to be completely useless!"

"So, we have a combat Engineer, we have a covered route of approach."

"Seems that's the most sensible way to go."

"I want to hear from everyone on this."

He went around the people gathered, making sure they said something.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

"That's enough. From everyone." Bayer says.

After a moment he says, "As I tried to clarify, a decision will be made dictated from that based on the ground. Points are valid on both sides, but without eyes on the objective no decision is made. For all we know that are is now cleared of vegetation for heating and transportation fuel. The reason we are sending a recce party ahead is to establish not only a safe route but a suitable firebase position."

"Both options are still viable. I wouldn't consider it a human wave method either. I was thinking more along the lines how the British superbly attacked much larger forces at night across open ground in 1982. The odds we have here are about the same." he adds. "Also, if the decision is made to take a covered route, and mine obstacles are found - we'll likely be going around anyways. We don't breach at night if it can be helped."

"Kasparov. Take the rifle you can handle best. I'll take the 40mm grenades if they are not spoken for. Carry your limit." he says to the pilot.

Bayer smiles a little to show that he's not angry and that the situation doesn't concern him too much. "No worry Mariusz. The rest of your info was more important."

"Conscripts or not. I don't hold their night fighting or small unit tactics to a very high degree. The increased risk of sentries is a problem... but other than that lets just deal with it like we always have."

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #55):

"Forgive my impudence, of course! I forget my place."

He winked at Minh.

"We may always ask the people who live here. They should know if the route has vegetation or not. Even if not, a depression in the ground leading to our objective is still better than nothing at all."

"That is what the terrain dictates. Some approaches are better than others, it's just that simple, and will not change if "eyes" are "on" or not."

"I am unfamiliar with the English in '82, some Colonial war fought against savages armed with spears and bows, I shouldn't be surprised. Still, we're not trained British troops, and Poles are no pushovers, even conscripts."

"Like it or not, the Krolowa was a major part of our strength and protection. It's gone, and if we try to deal with problems like we always have, we might find out we can't. We need to use our intelligence, and what scant advantage the terrain has to offer, plan ahead."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

Griet looked up at Bayer's reference to the Falklands, "Just don't end up like the leader of that attack, Kaptain, "H" was a brave man, but he should have been guiding his troops, not charging machinegun posts. I'd agree that we ask the locals about the terrain, there might be irrigation ditches or something."

"Ok. Ask the locals. See what they can update to Mariusz's information."

"Yessir." Jason replies.  Later, after the meal/meeting is finished, he retrieves the F88 and the ammunition from the community stores and takes it to his stall, greeting the cat along the way.  He adjusts the Australian web gear to fit his body, then transfers various pouches from his own webbing to it.  He then starts packing grenades into his ALICE pack, weighing it in his hand to judge the encumbrance.  Scowling, he removes his flight suit, then gives a nod.

Returning to the stores to be loaded on the bicycles, he adds the flight suit, his AK-74, and his web gear holding the Kalashnikov's ammo to the bundle containing the other clothing he had already set aside.  Going up to Bayer, he says, "Here, Hauptmann.  I can only carry about half the grenades," and hands him 9 rounds -- 4 HE and 5 HEDP.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

Adam, feeling out of his element and clearly agrieved at Dawid's disavowal of their association, speaks up from his end of the blanket in an uncharacteristically sheepish tone,

"Although it is true that none of you are under any further obligation to carry on with me to Warsaw, my mission to help the people there is by no means finished. Yes, we no longer have the means to evacutate them nor the supplies to feed and clothe them, but that does not mean that we are helpless to render aid. Your military expertise, especially- should you be willing to offer it- could be of great assistance to them in their struggle against this bandit captain that the refugees on the barge spoke of."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Thu 02 Oct 2008.

Mariusz is sent to bring back farmer Bak. They return and the farmer addresses several of the questions that have been brought up at the planning meeting.

"Mines? No. Well, there are few scattered about, left over from the fighting here a couple of years back, but no proper minefields. The farms around town are all active and the fields have been cleared... mostly.

As to the state of the vegetation along the riverbed, he explains,

"Well, yes, much of the dead wood and old growth was cut down to use as fuel by the townspeople, before things stabilized in this area. But there is still a lot of new growth along the river- especially with all the rain this summer and fall. I don't think that it is very well watched. There is sometimes a sentry posted on the bridge in town, but I have seen it unguarded at times as well."

He offers further insight into the quality of the town's garrison.

"They aren't much. It's a relatively quiet area so there's not much for them to do. Of course there's the odd truck that breaks down along the road that needs to be fetched but aside from that and the routine patrols every few days, they're pretty quiet. The government's not really very popular in town because the military convoys that pass through every week on their way back and forth between Lublin and Radom always end up taking more than they give back. So the soldiers that have to live in town full time tend to try to keep a low profile so as not to further antogonize the townsfolk."

Ominously, he adds,

"But, if they are expecting a large force of bandits to come through this region, perhaps the garrison in town has been reinforced. It was the same old faces that showed up today to check in and warn us, but still..."

"Of course, my friend. There are still people that need help."

"You are not unimportant. With the humanitarian mission over, and with no boat to captain, you are more of a... moral force."

"Helping the people in Warszawa resist the Baron is the Home Army's job. My job. The NATO people, bless their hearts, are along for the ride as long as it suits them. Indeed, none has actually said they will stay and help the people in Warszawa. (My apologies if you have and I do not recollect it."

"Let's face it, most if not all the NATO people are going to fuck off when we hit Warszawa. They have a ship to catch for home! Why would they hang around? I wouldn't!"

He smiled when Konrad suggested asking the farmers for information about the surrounding area.

"Why didn't I think of that? I joke. Seriously, Mariusz, ask them if people fish in the stream, how deep it is, is it considered safe, are there paths, and so on. That will help."

"Also remember, there are TWO streams, so either one is a suitable avenue of approach."

Bak listens to Mariusz's translation before answering,

"Fishing? Not at night! We used to skinny dip in it when I was a boy but that's another tale for another time! It's only a couple of meters deep in most places. I'm not sure if I would consider it safe. I certainly wouldn't drink from it before boiling it a couple of times. There is a bit of a problem with waste run-off from the local livestock. It's not so bad as it used to be but it's still a concern. There is a footpath along the stream nearer the town. It was a popular place for lovers... but such pleasures are all too rare these days, I'm afraid."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:41, Thu 02 Oct 2008.

Dawid spoke to him personally, in Polish.

"It looks like there are several streams leading into town."

"We want to use one to sneak in, unseen by any of the soldiers. Especially to the truck park at the western edge on the Armij Krajowj."

"Are there any that would be good for that? Lost of trees, no land mines or other obstacles?"

"Thank you, my friend!"

He asked the same question a few times, making sure he was understood and got as much information as he could.

"May I make a comment?"

"Let me and the boy recon to the town and back. I will set up an ORP and an RP for the attack and find an MSL and an FSP. This will aid in our attack and I will be able to plan a route in and out. Me and the boy can man the FSP and be your long range fires with the rest of you in the attack. I will also be able to, when I get into position, give SALUTE reports so you don't run into a trap. These are all just options-use them if you will..."

Sam goes back to eating.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:39, Thu 02 Oct 2008.

Farmer Bak addresses Dawid in their common, native tongue. Mariusz translates for the others,

"The stream behind the farm leads right up to town. The vegetation is thickest there as well and there shouldn't be any mines. A canal branches off from the stream to the west, just south of the town proper. It leads almost to the truck park but there is little vegetation along it."

OOC: It would take quite a hike out in the open to get from the farm to any of the other streams so your best bet is probably the nearest (and biggest) one.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Thu 02 Oct 2008.

"Again, you have been most helpful. Poland thanks you! Also, do you know if the soldiers are out at night? Do they keep watch all around town or just at the 2 roadblocks?"

He turned to the others, looking satisfied.

"Well, that's that, as far as I'm concerned. Our "local intel" is that the wooded streambed is unguarded."

"I know (as a real live Polish soldier who grew up in a village like this not too far away from here) that poorly-trained Conscripts or Territorial People's Milicia Forces (aka "ORMO") are unlikely to guard this more difficult route but will naturally expect an approach up the road or across the fields, and that is where the mines, wire or whatever will be placed. If they are, as you say, on the ball enough to close the "back door", they are equally unlikely to leave the front way unprotected and so it's doubly unwise to go over the open ground."

Thinking a second while he pulled on his cigarette, he continued.

"As mentioned I am not familiar with the Britishers' colonial wars. I do recall something from NCO training about the Vietnamese People's struggles during the "American War". When attacking the Imperialist positions, they would always avoid the easiest route and instead choose the most difficult and therefore unexpected route. They trained a cadre of elite combat engineers called "Dac Cong" to clear the way, and they were experts in hand-to-hand fighting, climbing, swimming and so forth."

"Well, lucky for us, we have our own Dac Cong right here with us!"

He grinned and gestured at Minh, who'd just reminded them all she was also a combat engineer.

"Konrad has suggested we don't breach if necessary. If that's just because it's night, well, I don't know about NATO but our sappers could do their job blindfolded, in any weather."

"Also, one element we might make use of is what our Russian advisors called "Maskirovka" or deception. We could light a fire or create a distraction on the far side of town from our entry point, so that the sentries are looking the wrong way."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Thu 02 Oct 2008.

Mariusz nodded at McCoy's suggestion, "I'd be willing to do that, if I travel light, I can be pretty sneaky, but if I do get caught, I can make out to be a local, I'm sure McCoy can be a ghost."