The tug's armed complement stands to and a dozen weapons are trained on the two spotlit strangers. The tug is not quite even with the unidentified men, the faint lights of Gora Kalwaria glitter off the port side. At Griet's signal, the light is switched off and the surrounding area is swept with several pairs of NVGs. No other interlopers are detected. The powerful is switched on again and, after sweeping the shore and area behind it, reaches out for the two men on the riverbank, blinding them for a second time.

Jan volunteers to take the small boat across to pick up the pair. Tadeuz drives and two of the more calm, experienced militiamen ride shotgun. The two men are secured, their weapons confiscated, and their hands tied securely (but not too tightly) behind their backs with short lengths of rope. They're helped into the small boat and taken back to the Krolowa where they are met on deck by most of the tug's organic security force.

Stoner notes the men's NATO camoflage fatigues- one is clad in British DPM and the other U.S. woodland pattern BDUs- and quips,

"Looks like it's time for introductions. You two first."

Next Moves?

The older of the two men speaks up. You would guess his age to be mid forties, his head is shaved and he is wearing a green beret. He also sports a salt and pepper handlebar moustache.

“Well I’m Lt Craig Sutherland four two Commando, Royal Marines.” “I’d shake your hand but.” He motions to his bindings.“We have important Intel about the Baron’s next move against you and that village.” “Who’s in charge ?”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Tue 22 Dec 2009.

Griet watched the two strangers get aboard the boat and then waited for Tadeuz to secure the launch. Once everything was safe, she started moving toward Gora Kalwaria once more.

She'd noticed that the two men both wore NATO uniforms and wondered what their story would be. She ordered the searchlight to the front again and searched carefully for any snags or sandbanks that they'd missed on the night trip upriver.

Tom watches the arrival of the duo with interest. He leans on the guard rail with his RPK’s barrel resting on the deck.

Royal Marine, Tom had never met one. He thought they had been all killed like most of the Special Forces types in the UK army. He then notices the beret the new comer is wearing, green with a bronze badge he couldn’t make out. Well he looks the part Tom thought to himself maybe he could lets the others know, then he though better of it.

Bayer motions for Griet to carry on with getting the tug back to the village. He then asks Tucker to move the two unknown men into the galley. Inside, he doesn't answer their question directly at the moment, rather ask first off, "Just how exactly are you privy to information regarding the Baron's intentions?"

After an answer is given he says, "Well... we're listening."

Before being taken below decks, Apel answers "Apel Avtomian, 1st. Lieutenant US Army 8th ID"

As they enter the room Craig takes in his surroundings before addressing the men and women collected around him. "Well the short answer is that up to a few days ago we where part of the Baron’s international brigade.”

He lets the information set in before continuing "When we heard you where putting up a resistance and still fighting the war we thought we could help.”

"As for the Intel the Baron has despatched a convoy including a howitzer and a couple of chemical rounds to the east bank of the river across from the town in order to bombard it.”

“The convoy is leaving this morning and it should reach firing range by mid afternoon. The convoy is going to be escorted by at least 50-100 infantry and at least a couple of AFV’s.”

He looks around at the gathered faces to look for a reaction to the information he has offered up.

Mariusz stared out onto the bank and watched how the shadows cast by the tug's searchlight played across the land. He wondered to himself what news the newcomers had brought, it probably wouldn't be good news, not good at all.

"The Baron is livid about the destruction of his riverine force.  Morale is generally low.  A few of his senior officers have been executed for cowardice and incompetence" adds Apel.

"Go on." Bayer says quietly. "Explain why the Baron is going to expend his limited supply of invaluable NBC weapons on such a non-direct threat. Surely the army in Lublin is more worthy a target." (Note - he doesn't say this with any sarcasm).

Following a reply, Bayer asks, "Alright. Explain your own plan. How you figured you would convince us that you tell us the truth, and that the Baron hasn't sent you himself." Again, Bayer doesn't word it to be sound sarcastic or disbelieving - only defensive. He continues, "Of course we could use help. And if you are who you say, then you are honorable men worthy of respect. But you have to understand our position regarding your arrival and news. What uniform you wear nowadays certainly doesn't tell much about who you are dealing with. We've already learned that the hard way with false messengers of help."

He continues with collecting as many details as possible, "How many rounds are in this convoy? Type of howitzer? What type of AFVs? Precise Location?" he asks. This is shit, he thought, while entertaining himself with the thought of secreting away the townsfolk and leaving the Baron an empty village to waste his ammo on.

After a moment, Bayer concludes, "Those are big odds. Yet, you risk yourself to put yourself in the face of this? Besides information and a rifle, what else can you offer?" He then looks around to gauge the rest of his team's expressions.

Edit - Apel seems to have answered one of Bayer's questions while I was writing this.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Wed 23 Dec 2009.

Griet's heart sank as she heard the news that the newcomers had brought. It was a sword of damocles, they had to react to the intelligence as if it was true, but if it wasn't, they were putting their heads into the noose.

She looked over at the two NATO troopers and said, "I realise that this probably isn't the reception that you may have been accepting, but over the last few weeks we have had two people desert with vital supplies, a Soviet spy infiltrate our ranks posing as a Royal Marine and another stray we picked up killed two of our crew and would have done serious damage to our craft if one of our number hadn't sacrificed themselves."

She smiled lopsidedly, "You must forgive us if we seem suspicious, but we have had cause to be over the last few weeks."

She moved to stand next to Kaptain Bayer, leaving teh guidance of the boat in Adam's expert hands.

"That I can’t explain he is not a rational man. He is aware of the threat from Lubin, I believe you are a test of the shells, there effectiveness and how to deploy them. Also a warning to any who would resist as I said the man is a psychopath surrounded by crazy’s."



"Well we both had intended to leave; I had succoured the safety of the family that sheltered me by joining the baron. Apel here has his own story that he can tell. Once we heard that people where resisting we had to come. The last straw was the chem rounds we had to go. To be honest we had no plan, we relied on the fact we had travelled several days to find you and bring this information. We hoped it may give us and our Intel some credence in your eyes, I know it was a long shot." Craig pauses again to look at the people in the small galley.



"I understand this has been the most unconventional of conventional wars."He pauses and then says "In my webbing front pocket is my UK passport, forces photo ID card and dog tags not much but apart from my actions all I have to prove who I am. I know it is a leap of faith to believe us but the consequences of not are to horrible to think of."



With the request of more precise info he asks if they have a map of the area to the north of the village. "The route they are taking will take them south to the east bank of the river; I don’t know the precise route. The convoy is made up of one of two D-30 howitzers the baron has, a company of infantry about 50 to 100 men probably Poles or Russians and at least two AFV’s. The AFV’s could be any of the following a T-80, T-72, BMP x2, M113 x 2, BTR-70 x 2 or a OT-64 this is the Barons motor pool. I think he will probably have two rounds for the howitzer, blood agent shells."



"Well I will offer my services as a soldier of Her Majesty’s armed forces and a Royal Marine commando. I am a mountain leader which is a specialist reconnaissance role within the marines. In addition to normal reconnaissance I am also trained in mountain warfare, arctic warfare, cold weather survival and operations, and cliff assault. I am also a qualified sniper and have had demo training."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:13, Thu 24 Dec 2009.

"He is crazy," says Apel.  "Seems he wants to quell any resistance to his authority.  Worried about how it will be seen in Warsaw.  He’s mad Gora Kalwaria finished his plans for a brown water navy.  We heard some of his men got gassed.  Payback I suppose.”

Apel pauses then continues.

“I got separated from my unit last summer outside Neklo when we were overrun by the Sov 207th MRD.  A few of us followed the river Noteć southeast, fishing and foraging until we were “conscripted” into the Czarny's private army.  From what I overheard, the Baron's convoy will probably be coming down by either the 801 or the 50."

In reply to Griet Niewiadomska (msg #230):

Dawid made sure the ORMO were paying attention to the banks, then wandered over to have a look at the newcomers. After hearing their stories, he commented to Griet in Polish, "wonderful, a couple more NATO liberator mouths to feed. Once again, we must throw ourselves at another army, and it seems we are weaker than we were before. Always, always."

He predicted confidently, "I can take the T-80 and T-72 like taking candy from a baby. It would have to be side shots. I don't imagine these guys brought anything useful other than their clothing and smile."

Speaking in English he said, "welcome to the Wisla Krolowa! We are something of a conglomerate here, with personnel representing NATO, the NATO-allied Polish Home Army (that's me) and various independent factions and their own interests, of course! The pay is lousy but the food's not too bad, thanks to our cook, Mariusz, and as a benefit you have the chance to rid Poland of a madman you recently followed."

"Now, kindly tell me, did you manage to come over to our side with anything more useful than yourselves and your rifles? An anti-tank guided rocket launcher, perhaps? 150mm artillery piece? That would really help."

"And you," he indicated Avtomian, "what might your story be, my good man?"

Dawid spoke English well and fluently, but it was clear he'd never be mistaken for a native speaker. He was dressed in relatively new Polish Army fatigues and wore a green beret with Eagle badge. Around his arm was a red-and-white armband signifying he was part of the Polish Home Army anti-communist forces.

"I'm sorry Apel and I had to bug out pretty quick. We did as much damage as possible before leaving but apart from my sniper rifle, shotgun and pistol that’s it. I like to think we could improvise, but without the knowledge of what’s available... who knows. If we are calling for plans I have some ideas."

He looks at the collected faces around him, they looked weathered and tired. Probably not that much different from himself, it had been a long war.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:41, Fri 25 Dec 2009.

Leaning on the quarter deck, Tom watched the lights of the nearby village. He didn’t really care what the newcomers story was, though he was glad of their help. He just need some down time, some time to think.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:37, Fri 25 Dec 2009.

In reply to Craig Sutherland (msg #234):

Dawid sighed and lit a cigarette, from one of his few remaining packs, the offered it around.

"At least you're here and you want to fight. That's the main thing. So many of us are injured now. I can't say you won't regret your decision, but you are appreciated."

"Say, do you know anything about the people resisting the Baron in Warszawa? Any chance they could be of assistance? They must be capable enough of fighting off the Baron's attacks as it is, who knows, eh?"

"Also, any word of a Doctor in the city? Urzula Piotrowski? My sister. They say the Baron killed her, but I don't believe it. It takes a lot to stop a Piotrowski!"

"As far as I know, there is no resistance in Warsaw.  The Baron runs the show.  His patrols are there as much to keep the civilians in as to keep threats out. I think his bigger problem is food.  Unless he's stockpiled alot, there won't be enough to feed his army and the populace.  People will die."

Apel smiles. "Me, I'm a journalist.  Not much help unless I can eat my words." (Smiles again.) "But I've spent a lot of time on bases and I'm good at finding catch-22 workarounds.  Tracking down "misplaced" gear; that sort of thing.  And learning intelligence I'm not supposed to know."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Fri 25 Dec 2009.

Craig nods at Apel assessment
“The Barons patrolling is vey intense and his lines of communication have not suffered as much as the other combative units. It’s more about keeping the population quiet then keeping anyone out. He also needs the village for the food; I don’t think he has enough for winter for both the army and civilians. With that in mind and the knowledge that he is a little Hitler you can see why this dog won’t give up the bone”

As he reaches for the offered pack of cigarettes he stops at the mention of a doctor and sits back in his chair.

“There is a female doctor who works at the Barons HQ treating the army and some civilians. She is a civilian not one of the conscripts never got to talk to her though.”

"I think we owe it to the people of G-K here to try and put an end to this threat coming towards us now.  Especially since we kind of helped them out to stand up against the pirates and their little navy they had.  We're a little banged up and tired but, count me in," Tucker stand up and says to those assembled.

In reply to Robert 'Tuck' Tucker (msg #239):

Nodding at Tuck's words, Dawid said, "pending the Kapitan's ultimate decision, anyone have any ideas on how to fend off such an attack? We have little time to set an elaborate ambush. God DAMN it, I should have been working on that truck! (The Aldis). We have an anti-tank gun, a Vasilek with some phosphor and a few anti-armour rounds (HEDP). No indirect to speak of. Maybe a damaged AGS-17 with little ammo. An anti-tank mine."

He eyed Sutherland, remembering his comment on using poison gas.

"Hypothetically, does anyone have any objection to employing chemical weapons? We recovered one round of nerve gas. It's evil, I know, and God will punish my soul in eternity already, but what's good for the goose..."

"Isn't that... Aren't you..." Apel stops.

Quyen nods at Tucker's remarks and says, "I think I'm ready to be put back on the line too, Hauptmann. It hurts still, but I can keep up." She then adds following Dawid's comment, "We've used the gas once already. I don't see why using the last single shell will make things worse. I say do it."

As the conversation continued, she looked over the two newcomers carefully. Trust wasn't her strong point, but she tried. "Are there other NATO soldiers still in the Baron's army?" she asks.

Thinking back to the setting off the gas shell like a mine, she says, "We also have the 120mm dud which can be added for an IED. Maybe we can just blow up the howitzer as its being moved along the route? Saves us a fight against horrible odds."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Sat 26 Dec 2009.

  Drew:

  Drews mind is racing.  He hadn't even wound down from the patrol into indian country.  Digesting all they had been through reviewing in his mind what they had encountered looking for any bit of information that they could extract for intel value.

  He heard the storey and it was similiar throughout dozens of hamlets that was being played out all over Europe.

  "Well, we had better start planning now.  Its obvious we ain't gonna leave the vil, they've been good to us.  So here's as good a place as any if we're gonna go out.  It can be our little ALAMO.  Weather we win or loose at least we may whittle the Baron down enough so he can't do it ta the next town, so lets do it."

  Drew pauses,

"I know I'm new here but anyone get a lay of the land for good ambush sites on the Barons route of march?"

  Drew turns to the new guys,

"Ya know what routes this force is commin by?"

REPY:

  Drew will turn to the other members of the team.

"Ya know this area?"

REPLY:

"Any places along the way we can hit em and make em deploy while we withdraw ta hit em at another place?  Bridges, rivers, ravines, roads through forrests or even swamps?"

  "Hell, if we can get em ta stop and dismount ta deal with us, say from some woods adjacent ta their road,  We'll it will buy us some time, slow em up.  Tire out their force and burn up fuel and ammo.  The thing is, we just want ta engage em enough so they dismount to deal with us then we withdraw."

  "We also set up some obvious improvised mines.  That'll stop em ta either deal with it, or divert their route.  We make some real improvised mines with those duds and the gas round and any other demo we got for real mines that we hide as best we can so they work.  That way, they may drop their guard thinking we're bluffing and drop their guard.  That can also buy some time.  And have the towns forlk set up as many defensive positions as they can, at this point, it won't be much more than a bunch of fightingholes and punji sticks but it'll be something.  We have more fighting holes than people put in some sticks and a hat or something so they look manned, draw some fire off the guys who actualy are manning a hole.  And work out a defense in depth so if one fails we can fall back to a second and third."

  Drew pauses.  His mind racing, his eyes darting.

"We also have the ambush teams, those teams don't need to be more than a guy sniping the bastards, or an RPK letting loose with a burst or two, maybe a machinegun or even a couple riflemen.  Operate in pairs or singly, fire take out a couple folks, a vehicle maybe and wait for them to dismount and attack.  That's when we run.  Have those guys hauling ass all along the enemies line of march and they can't be eliminated!  When the enemy does set up for an attack on the ville, these ambush teams attack their base, focus on weapons, vehicles, weapon crewmen, com and command.  That's the best I can come up with considering what we have ta work with.  The towns folk can dip the holes, the militia can mount their own defense along with our folks here who have the best heavy weapons skills, the rest of us, we'll be those ambush and sniper teams slowing em up."

  Drew again pauses,

"So were are the best spots ta hit em?"

Sgt Drew
Adding his two cents
M16A2

Apel turns to Drew.  "Either 801 or the 50.  A little town called Pitrowice?"