"Brother Switek? We were in the same community together. He had business farther afield. Dead, you say? A shame. I will be happy to ask Father Andre to preside over a funeral mass for him. There's no need for a fee. And I am not an actual bishop; I am just a monk."

"We call him the Bishop because he fights like the bishop on a chessboard." The teenager piped in.

"Father Andre is the senior clergyman here, and our leader. How's the food coming, Petr?"

"We're about to bring it out, Bishop."

"Good, good. So," he said, addressing the gathering, "what really brings you to Gora Kalwaria?"

Konrad relays much the same tale told by Mariusz to the town watchmen. The Bishop smiles politely and nods along, as if Konrad weren't telling him anything he hadn't heard before.

"Yes, yes. Well, you will find crossing the Vistula anywhere in this region difficult at best. You've heard about our pirate problem, I'm sure. They troll the river, daily. Anyone caught crossing must pay a 'toll', else we find their bloated bodies washed up on shore.

"The bridges, you see, were destroyed in the fighting and it is beyond our means to repair them. We managed to fashion a ferry from an old military pontoon bridge section but the pirates severed the cable and will not allow us to use it again without paying an 'operation fee'. They like to make things sound official- it must make it easier for them to sleep at night. These pirates are affiliated with the Black Baron you mentioned. He all but rules the area around Warsaw. A few brave but foolish souls insist upon staying there in the ruins of the city but many of them have left recently and settled down here. A motor barge of about a hundred or so others left for the south seeking better fortunes about a week ago. There can't be many left."

The teenaged attendant and a young woman entered carrying trays of hot cabbage and potato soup, bread and butter, thick slabs of bacon, and candied apples. An older woman brought in mugs and a large pitcher of warm, dark beer.

"I hope you don't think less of us but the water isn't always safe to drink. Help yourselves. Now, where were we? Yes. Well, the pirates must be feeling it in their bellies because they are now demanding food from us. Lots of it, too. And they want our ammunition. Those folks in Warsaw must be giving them more trouble than they expected. Well, food we have; ammunition we don't. And we all know that if we pay this fee, another, greater one will soon follow. Without ammunition we won't be able to defend ourselves. We have quite a bit of manpower- some of it trained- and I've done my best to train the others up as much as I can. We just don't have enough weapons for everyone.

"I'm taking quite a chance telling you this, but something about you tells me that I can trust you. Look, let me cut to the chase. Father Andre would never ask you- he's too proud- but we could use your help. The pirates are returning the day after tomorrow at noon to collect their payment. They will be coming in force to carry it all. With your ammunition- and we will pay for it of course- and your heavy weapons, we can drive them off, I am sure. Then you could cross the river on our barge and collect your refugee friends. They are welcome to join us here. We are building something quite special, as I hope you have seen. For your help, we can give you food and spare but comfortable lodgings and as much methanol as you can carry. I hate to press you for a decision but we don't have much time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Mon 16 Mar 2009.

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #4):

Dawid held off from partaking in the food, bending his head over his hands to give thanks. He crossed himself and then kissed his rosary before putting it back around his neck.

"My name is Dawid Piotrowski. I cannot speak for my friends, although they are good people and wish to do the right thing."

"I serve with the Home Army, and I fight for God and the people of Poland."

"If Father Andre forbids it I will not raise my hand, but I am willing to fight to the last breath to protect the people here from these jackals."

"It sounds like we're to face these bandits at some point in our future," Anneka mused thoughtfully.
"Better to face them peicemeal and whittle away their strength than all at once while evacuating civilians from Warsaw."
"Your struggle is ours. We will help in any way we can and in return we ask for little more than what you've offered - food, shelter, and fuel for our vehicles in addition to a supply of warm clothing, pick of the bandits equipment and a chance for fair trade."

One thing she couldn't get out of her mind though was the question of crossing to the east side of the river. Was it really necessary?


OOC: More to come....

Sam will sit and watch the talk of others; he will eat and drink his fill and then some. Not having food in a long time will make a man hungry.

Sam will lean into Konrad and speak in low tones.

"Boss, I can start an SF assestment of the force here and take a look at the land. With this I can write up and order tonight for us to fuck these pirates... if you so wish. If not, I can sit here and eat also." This is for Konrads ears only.

Looking over at David,

"Well David you know how much I like killing. I'm sure we could all help here."

"But we need to make a plan and stick too it. I'm an operations sergeant in the Green Beanies- this is my type of game here."

"I'm more than willing to help. But I dont want to impose so if you want help just come and ask."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Tue 17 Mar 2009.

Quyen will stick around the vehicles while the officers and such talk with the local authorities. She'll be keeping an eye on their gear until the Hauptmann or Soleblume have other ideas for her.

He laughed. "Well, my friend, I was going to charge them single-handedly with a bayonet, but I seem to have gotten shot somewhere recently."

Grimacing, he lit a cigarette. "We will need any help that is on offer, and of course a plan is desirable! We wouldn't have gotten this far without you, and I personally am most grateful."

"Anneke is right, the pirates would have to be dealt with sooner or later. Better do it on our terms, eh?"

Mariusz said to the monk, "Thank you, that will be a weight off my mind. As for helping to defend your town from bandits, I would heartily support any action we take, although there are those much more versed in that arts of war than I. I'll follow their lead."

"Having a place to bring the refugees would be ideal," Griet thought out loud, "at present we have no plan of what we do after we reach Warsaw and find my father's family. This gives us a viable option. That being the case, making the town as safe as possible would be in the mission's interests. Everyone here needs to make their own decision however, although once we agree to stay, we will of course follow orders." Her face quirked into a smile, "Democracy only goes so far in a firefight."

In reply to Griet Niewiadomska (msg #11):

He nodded in agreement.

"Yes, democracy doesn't work, in combat. It's not so bad out of combat, because then other views are heard and (hopefully) respected."

Dawid addressed Konrad and Anneka. "Kapitan, Major, I need to speak to you. This is important."

"Yes Dawid?" Anneka replied, leading him away from the group for privacy.
"The Hauptman will be with us as soon as he's done," she nodded towards where he was discussing the details of their proposed assistance.

A tall slightly dishevelled individual approaches from centre of the village. He is wearing faded UK DPM woodland camo BDU’s with no insignia other then a name strip, underneath a German fleck pattern parka. He carries a rather odd looking stumpy M14 over his shoulder. As he notices the visitors his pace quickens towards the trucks. He raises his hand in greeting. In a australasian accented voice he asks "Visitors? USA, allied?"

He looks visibly relieved holding out his hand to Quyen he continues. "Lieutenant Alan Wicks 2nd Green Jackets formally 2/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Though I was going to have a bit of a walk to the nearest allied unit. What are you guys doing up here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Wed 18 Mar 2009.

In reply to Anneka Soleblume (msg #13):

"This won't take long." He lit a cigarette.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:09, Thu 19 Mar 2009.

Jan stands around next to the TH leaning against it. Pulling out his pack of Gitanes he taps out a smoke and lights it up. Looking at the pack he shakes his head and puts it back in his pocket.
Looking around he takes in the state and layout of the homes and buildings. The people and the way they move, and the responces of the mounted outriders reasures him somewhat.
Eventually he stubs out the smoke and walks over to stand near McCoy.

"This place, it has potential. The people are carefull but not terrified. The equipment is not good and they are obviously untrained, but they try. That is more than most, no?"

Dave quickly wolfes down the offered food, then whispers to either Konrad or Anneka, whoever is closer, "I'm going out to the trucks, relieve Minh and Jan. They deserve some good grub too."

He walks back outside to the vehicles and approaches Jan & Minh. "Go get some grub, I'll stand watch out here for a bit. Yell at me if anything interesting comes up."

"How ya doin, Lt Wicks?" holding out his hand to shake. "Dave Stoner, formally US Navy Corpsman. NATO, allies, really a mixed group."

Anneka responded to Dawids words, genuine concern showing clearly on her face. Their conversation continued for several minutes, both of them glancing at Konrad and some of the other members of the group as they spoke.
Whatever it was, it was important, and the results could impact the entire group.
"Hauptman Bayer, could you join us when you have a moment please?"

Still exhausted from the near-constant pace of pursuit and evasion of recent days, Ondar sat silently at the table.  He contemplated current events as he ate the meal placed before him.  The defector had overheard the young Pole, Mariusz, inquire of the "Bishop" as to funerary arrangements for Brother Switek.  Another name Ondar knew well.  Stanislaw Switek, a.k.a Buddha.  A suspected CIA operative for years before the war, any lingering doubt of which was lifted when he brought his band of partisans down out of the hills to reinforce Warrant Officer Milk's mission to escort RESET out of Poland.

Milk.  Pitchfork.  Switek.  Buddha.  RESET.

With the operators now dead and their prized cargo in the wind, Ondar reflected on his motivation, the present state of affairs and the path that had brought him to this junction.  He thought of Irena and the General.  He thought of Montana.  He thought of the untold sacrifices made on both sides of the conflict in their respective quests to possess and control the infernal secrets of the RESET project.  He thought of his role in precipitating this Armageddon and lost any trace of appetite.  He consumed the remainder of his meal partly just to be polite, but mainly as a contingency - hedging a bet against the uncertainty regarding from whence his next warm meal might come.

When finished, Ondar pushes back from the table, thanks his hosts and excuses himself.  He goes to find McCoy, and - out of earshot of the others - suggests, "You and me, we should take walk."

He discreetly makes the hand signals proposing they move out and survey the town's perimeter and defenses.

In reply to Anneka Soleblume (msg #18):

Dawid continued smoking as he talked to Anneka.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:07, Thu 19 Mar 2009.

Ondar leaned in closer to brief McCoy.

"Couple night ago Ondar tell Milk how GRU put infiltrator on tugboat at locks.  Fake Brit or Aussie accent easy fool most American."

He eyes the New Zealander, sizing up the alleged Green Jacket.

"Pretty sure he not one of ours.  Best keep eye on anyway."

UNtil I can update, Tucker will unload all of his weapons and join the gathering.

"You and me both." Quyen replies. "We're "allied"... enough. Heading north or so. You want to know more, you should talk to that German captain." she adds pointing.

When Stoner wanders over she gives his a quick nod but looks back to Wicks, "Got any smokes? I got some, but I'm looking for more."

Leaving Stoner to watch, Quyen disappears into the back of the Tarpan. She hadn't the chance to change in a long time. First things first is her socks. The feet were always the most important part. Eventually she emerges wearing her green Adidas running top - the hood pulled up over her head to help keep out the cold. She'd also thrown on her thermals underneath.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Thu 19 Mar 2009.

Alan looks in the direction Quyen is indicating. "In with the Bishop I spose. They’re good people, it’s just a shame the problems they are having with these river pirates."

"I arrived here myself only a week or so ago I been trying to give the militia some basic instruction, weapon drills, marksmanship, maintenance etc... I think they have the basics down but in a fight against a determined enemy, I don’t know."

"Their biggest problem is lack of ammunition most of their weapons only have about a magazine's worth at best. They requisitioned all my spare ammo so now I’m in the same boat, but it was a small price to pay for somewhere safe to stay. They also lack heavy weapons and could do with a few more rifles in general. I know they have sent out trading parties and hopefully they return with something before the pirates return in a couple of days."

"Sorry no smokes, didn’t have much of anything up until a couple of weeks ago. I spent most of the last year in a Polish internment camp."

Alan looks back towards the building where the meeting is taking place.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Fri 20 Mar 2009.

Bayer eats while listening to the situation and his companion's opinions. The beer was good - it was almost 'German good'. He was appreciative and did his best to show it. He quietly nods his thanks to Stoner when the medic offers to relieve those outside. Then after excusing himself, steps out at Dawid's request at some privacy.


When he returns to his seat he makes eye contact with Adam. The old captain was still Bayer's and the unit's 'employer'. It was only because of him that they were an organized body with a purpse. He won't allow major decisions like this without his final approval. Bayer subtlety raises one eyebrow and follows it with a affirming nod to show his own support of the town's request. He then studies the Captain's own facial response - aye or nay?

Aye.

Good, he thought. A friendly base, close to Warsaw would be nice to fall back on if things went poorly in the capital. In addition, taking on a small part of the opposition from a prepared position would also give them a chance to assess the enemy's strengths and capabilities much more safely then venturing on alone.

"Yes." he announces when the room has quieted. "We can help each other. My men can do what is needed here."

"I would like to discuss some points if this is to happen. These are not demands, but I can't foresee things working without then being addressed and having complete cooperation between both of our organizations."

"If our forces are to be under a unified command. We will need open access to your community and the right to arm ourselves appropriately. My men will be more willing to fight for something that welcomes them as more than simply passerby visitors."

"I will need detailed interviews with the suitable people regarding two main themes. One... everything there is to know about the riverine pirates. And two... your own militia's capabilities." He points to the bearded American, "Sergeant McCoy will be my liaison on these matters. He will assess the friendly and enemy situation and present to me options that he believes are the best for our combined goals."

"And I need to know what limits are you imposing on us? Are we to lead the defense? Or to simply assist it in a supporting role?"

He adds confidently, "We have the skills, experience and will to do both."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Fri 20 Mar 2009.

Sam to Jan

"Yeah Brother, every one has hope. I always look at the glass being full, not even half. These people fight for their homes and that always adds a little spark. If we can add a little surprise and hit with some of our heavy shit at the same time we can knock them back then kill them. We take their weapons and ammo and we get stronger. But we only get one surprise attack. Then they come at us full tilt. We must explain that to the people here. I'm tired of training people then, when a few die, they tell me its my fault for being there. Kind of like the Magnificent Seven- an old move off a Samuri tale. If they want to fight, cool but we must tell them the cost. My life means shit so I'm willing to die thats makes me twice as evil I dont give a shit. My wound will heal. So fuck it. We can work together, don't worry."


Sam walks to Odnar to talk....
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Sat 21 Mar 2009.

"Fuck, Ondar...I don't trust anyone here. I watch all. Shit, you should not trust me. I wanted you to have your gun a long time ago. You a have a suppressed rifle yet we take your pistol away? Ann, I have no comment there. Well buddy, we might be up for a big fucking fight here. Hope you are on our side. If not, know I will hunt you first since you are the best and it will be fair and fun. I have not tested myself in a long time and you are a old pro. If I turn, make sure you get me first. From what I see here we set up a spider trick let them get in then we close the trap and kill them all with precession fires. We won't be able to go toe to toe and we don't have the ammo for it. But one shot should make one kill. We will make a good plan. But I need you. Like I said, you're a pro and we will need you."


"Fuck, let's not talk about Virginia; fuck Montana. I know of a place about 5 miles from my home good farm land with horses. A wife there with huge tits that is widowed. She would love some big Asian cock. You could ride horses and raise some crops. Think about it. We also raise some home brew and there is a river to fish in. Not a nuke target within 200 miles- should be clean 'cause the wind blows toward the cities so no blow-over."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:32, Sat 21 Mar 2009.

In the meeting with the Bishop...

"Sir, I'm trained in assessing ,training, and fighting with partisan forces. I did this during the war when It was a war. Now I just want to get home. So if me helping you gets me home and my friends here safe, then I will do everything in my power to win and make sure you are set up here for the long haul. The Captian here is a fair man and we have good to great medical people. Most of the warriors here are good men and they can hold their own. What I have too do is work fast and hard so please don't think that we are questioning you- we just need to find out how we can help and keep your people safe."


After Sam hears what the Bishop has to say he will then start the work of our group...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:36, Sat 21 Mar 2009.