Tucker will be keeping watch out of one of the cracks or windows in the building when the girl comes in and is questioned.

"Hurry this up." Bayer says from further back. "We're still on the move and can talk when we're done." After Quyen had finished checking the woman, Bayer then signals for Mariusz to lead off again.

As the woman enters the building, Jeff brings his neck wrap up to cover all of his face but his eyes.  He notes carefully her Russian accent.

As they get up to move, Jeff quietly speaks to Konrad in German

After the discussion ends, Jeff falls into line with the snipers, watching the group's left rear flank.  He makes sure to never let the newcomer out of his sight, and keeps an eye on Woj as well.  If they make any attempt to flee, he will not hesitate to fire.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Fri 05 Nov 2010.

Seeing that the new woman appeared to offer no threat, Dieter eased off and lowered his weapon. He went over to Jeff, Jan and Tuck and concluded their discussion about Dieter taking Ondar's old SVU, as well as some extra kit. Long term Dieter planned to ditch the PSG-1 (and probably the AK as well) but for now it was too valuable a resource to leave lying around. He took up the new rifle, and slung the others over his back. It wasn't comfortable, but he would have to deal with it for now.

He familiarised himself with the new weapon. Nothing too complex, but he needed to zero the sights to his eyes. As he inspected it he absent-mindedly wiped a few specs of blood and gore from around the telescopic sight, then realised that this must have been Ondar's. He cursed himself for his thoughtlessness as he remembered the ex-Soviet soldier. He hadn't known him long, but he had seemed a good man. This was the first time he had had an opportunity to think about the man's loss. Again, the demons began to take him as his slipped into melancholia.

As he heard Konrad's instruction he snapped out of his mood. He approached Dawid, to ask him about obtaining some extra ammo. As he approached he heard Jeff speaking to Konrad in German. Did he catch what was said? He wasn't certain.

Approaching Dawid, he spoke up. "Herr Dawid, any chance of getting some extra rounds for this SVU? I believe your PKM has the same rounds. I know you are short, but it would be appreciated. Seventeen rounds would fill my magazines."

Hopefully Dawid would give up some ammo. Either way, once concluded, Dieter readied his kit and prepared to move out.

In reply to Dieter Brandt (msg #306):

"Here, I think I can spare twenty rounds. Just." He reloaded the PKM with the spare belt. He removed 20 rounds from the non-disintegrating links of the partially used belt that went back in its can. The spare can went to Woj to carry as his loader.

"All right, we must move out immediately after Minh has finished her check on Vita. No looking!"

"Mariusz, Woj, Craig, on me. We're in the lead."

"Jan, I am afraid as you are wounded you must stay with the Kapitan, Minh, Tucker and, ah, Vita in the centre group."

"Warren, you Dieter and Thor will cover the rear and flanks as we move."

"Everyone clear? Vita, you too? Also, as we go every 500 metres or so I or the Kapitan will designate a rally point to fall back on if needed.

"Let's go."


OOC: PKM's ammunition status is now 100/100 + 40 (spare half-belt).
This message was last edited by the player at 09:23, Fri 05 Nov 2010.

Jan had studied the new arrival briefly but had then been distracted by concluding the discussion and reorganisation of weapons with Dieter.  As far as he was concerned Vita was either the bravest infiltrator Jan had ever heard of or she was a genuine deserter and that meant that she was a good source of more up to date intel!

"Dawid," Jan replied in English as Dawid took it upon himself to organise the unit's disposition.  "Craig should be in the centre group I think.  His leg is bad and though I have done what I can he should not be scouting ahead.  Craig, I am not a professional medic but I do not think that you should be running or crouching if it can be avoided.  There is quite a danger of you reopening the wound if you do so."

Jan didn't force the issue however.  Craig and Dawid were quite capable of making a final decision between them, though Jan privately wondered why Tuck and Minh weren't being detailed to scout ahead as they had done previously!

Once Minh had concluded her search of the new arrival Jan approached Vita and spoke to her in Polish.  "Vita, I am Jan," he said, offering his hand in greeting as he spoke.  His left arm was bandaged and he gripped his webbing belt with left hand as he moved, obviously suffering some discomfort from it.  His Polish was also accented, more so than his English, though the accent was hard to place.  "While we walk tell us what you know of the Baron's troops and their current set up.  Particularly any troops in this area.  And tell us of the city.  Is there a market anywhere?  Does the Baron ruthlessly control every part of the city or are there parts where people are allowed to trade?"

Dieter thanked Dawid for the ammo and quickly loaded it into the empty magazines, pocketing the remaining rounds. Once done he took up a position at the rear and kept an eye out for trouble, leaving the flanks for Warren and Thor. As he waited he practiced with the new weapon, and ensured that he was happy with the sighting system and the bipod (although he didn't deploy the bipod yet).

OOC - I have updated my char sheet with 20 7.62mmL rounds from Dawid - Thanks!

[NPCed]

Minh slings her rifle and thoroughly frisks the new arrival. As a former MP, she knows what she's doing.

She removes the woman's slung rifle (an AKS-74) and sets it down out of reach. While frisking her, Minh finds a pistol and a bayonet/knife and removes them. She doesn't bother to remove the new arrival's webbing.

"That's it. She's clean."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:02, Sat 06 Nov 2010.

Mariusz stood up and readied his weapon, he looked at Dawid and asked, "Can you check the grenade launcher for me, please? There might be a dud in the tube."

He waited to see if the weapon could be fixed and then asked, "Do you want me on the flank or on point?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Fri 05 Nov 2010.

Dawid nodded at Minh's report, and the feedback from Jan and Mariusz. "Okay, thanks, Minh."

"Bugger, that's right, his leg is fucked. Okay, Sutherland, you're with the Kapitan. Jan, can you travel with the vanguard? If not, we'll go with Woj, Mariusz and myself in front.

"Mariusz, you're on point. Woj and I will cover you and watch the flanks.

"Christ, I think I can deal with that grenade but Minh is probably better at removing it than I am. Ask her later. Nicely! The grenade should be safe as it won't arm until it's traveled a ways." He crossed himself for luck.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Fri 05 Nov 2010.

Yes I think you are right if I could be detailed to the centre group I would appreciated it.

He take a quick glance towards his wound and the rusty stain on his paints from the last time it opened up.

When Minh approached her she got the idea, and found it strange and refreshing that none of the men themselves were taking 'advantage' of the situation.  Definitely a very good sign.  She held her hands up or out to the side as required and spread her feet to make it easier for Minh to accomplish her task.


Minh was thorough, but Vita didn't mind knowing she was just doing her job when it came to checking certain areas.  At least they had the woman do it.  She, however, was not pleased with being disarmed.  In this time and place that almost meant being sentenced to death.  Yet, she had to understand the groups perspective -- she was a stranger, no less seemingly of an enemy force intent on killing or at least harming them; she would've taken away their weapons if roles were reversed.  Certainly sound logic, though it did not put her at ease at all.  Once all weapons were removed Vita couldn't help but feel herself squirm just a little bit.

She wondered if Dawid was an officer the way he was directing everyone.  She nodded and said in Polish, "Ok. Dokąd idziemy?" ¹ She was up chest high in it now, so might as well cooperate and hope she could serve her own agenda as well.  She was hoping she could guide them to the northern outpost for her compatriots to join them, bur rightfully so she didn't think they would automatically take to any of her suggestions.


Vita looked at the hand for a moment almost forgetting the ritualistic part of greetings.  She took Jan's hand and gave a curt, firm handshake even with the mittens, although you could really feel the relatively petite size of her hand compared especially to Jan.  She answered in Polish, "Warto poznać Jan pomimo okoliczności." ²


She looked at Jan quizzically before he threw out his multitude of questions.  Perhaps she was about to question him about his apparent injury or his odd accent, but the stream of questions prevented her from interrupting with one of her own.  She replied in Polish, "Tak, powiem ci tyle, ile wiem. Jestem bardzo zaskoczony, ale zadowolony z gościnności i wszyscy zaufania w stosunku wykazały do tej pory. Mimo, że, przynajmniej jak karabin lub pistolet się bronić." ³ adding a charismatic smile.

OOC:

¹ ["Ok.  Where are we going?"]

² ["Good to meet you Jan despite the circumstances."]

³ ["Yes, I will tell you as much as I know.  I'm very surprised, but pleased with the hospitality and relative trust everyone has shown so far.  Although I would at least like my rifle or pistol to defend myself."]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Sun 07 Nov 2010.

In reply to Viktorya Nowak (msg #314):

Slinging his machinegun, Dawid looked back at Vita.

"Where are we going? That might depend on what you tell us, Vita. You have friends? Where are they located?"

Using a gesture that implied respect, Dawid indicated a man dressed in German fatigues.

"I must mention that our leader is that gentleman, Kapitan Bayer. I am acting as senior NCO, so I keep this show as organised as I can but I do not exercise tactical command as an officer would."

Despite being as filthy as the rest, the Kapitan (the Polish word for "Captain") had a certain air of command that marked him as an experienced officer. In fact, while everyone in the group was soiled they still gave off an air of knowing their business.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:28, Sat 06 Nov 2010.

"Máni, bring here. Thor fix."
Thor's hand stretched out towards Mariusz and the weapon, sweat beading on his forehead and his tone filled with worry.
"Go careful. No bump. Point window."
An unexploded grenade wasn't something to take lightly, especially one that had failed to fire. The slightest jostle could be enough to trigger the booster charge and sent the round flying, potentially directly into one of them....

Vita turned for the moment away from looking at Jan who had introduced himself and offered a welcome hand, unlike most in the group, but to be expected at this point.  She had earned nothing, but basically making herself a prisoner and at the whims of this armed group.  She said in her limited Russian accented English simply, "North."


Vita nodded in acknowledgment to what was being told to her and she pursed her lips slightly as if deciding something that could potentially be unpleasant.  She then continued in Polish speaking to Dawid still.  Apparently more comfortable or perhaps preferring either Dawid or speaking to a NCO.  "My squad is based at the northern most outpost of the Baron's territory.  We must hurry since my squad will be relieved of their shift tonight.  We have resources that may be of interest to you."  She paused again as if debating something internally then asked in Polish, "May I have my pistol or knife at least for self-defense?"  Her head dipped slightly and her posture shifted with one leg on her toes and knee bent inward, and her sweet expression almost seemed like playful girlish flirting as her bright grey-blue eyes seemed to twinkle as she bat her long eye-lashes.  In a different time and place she would have been irresistible, but it was still relatively outstanding for the moment.

"Enough." Bayer says, "We're moving. Now, before we can't. Mariusz... north. Keep us out of sight and halt us before any indication of habitation or people." He then waves at the young point man for him to step off.

Bayer will co-navigate from his group's position behind Dawid's team, keeping track of their progress and location. With wounded in their party now, he'll also ensure that the last man regularly sends up the count to the front to help prevent the patrol from becoming broken up.

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg #318):

"Thank you, sister. You will travel with the Kapitan and of course do what he says."

In English, he continued, "Kapitan Bayer, she says her unit is to the north and is wanting to defect. I see we are heading in that direction anyways, let us continue, then. Vita will travel with you."

As they started, Dawid looked to make sure no one was overburdened, which was possible in the process of rapidly shedding and then acquiring gear over the last while. He was carrying less than his back-breaking load (and of course this was nothing compared to the farm!) and would help out if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:48, Sun 07 Nov 2010.

With Mariusz, Dawid, Woj, and Vita in the lead, the party sets off north, keeping to the ruined industrial strip between the cratered road to the west and the torn-up railroad tracks to the east.

You pick your way through the rubble, winding through random and relatively clear avenues between badly slumping factories and nearly collapsed warehouses. The sun shines brightly overhead. Snowmelt drips from the jagged and jutting remains of roofs, falling on snow that's top layer is now translucent and slushly. There are no tracks here and the ones that you are making will probably be obliterated by sunset if this weather holds through the remainder of the afternoon. You actually feel warm when you're in the open for more than a few seconds.

It's slow going. Vita gives directions carefully, well aware that one or two weapons are trained in her general direction, ready to repay her for any betrayal. Despite the promise of a friendly reception awaiting them, Mariusz and the other pointment are extremely cautious, anticipating an ambush. Fortunately, no such ambush occurs.

After two hours, Vita halts the party and points to a smashed highway interchange several hundred meters to the north.

"It's there. They'll be expecting us. They need to see that I am OK, though. There is a signal. Two whistles and the white flag means that everything is fine. May I?"

Dawid relates the information to Konrad who, after a few seconds' consideration, nods somewhat reluctantly. Dawid gives Vita the go-ahead and she steps out of the rubble.

She removes the white cloth out of her jacket and puts both pinky fingers in the corners of her mouth. She whistles loudly, twice. Then waves the white cloth for a few seconds. Wrapping it around her neck like a scarf, she raises both arms high and extends all of her fingers.

Mariusz spots a glint- sunlight reflecting off of some sort of optic- from the interchange. For a moment, he expects a sniper to drop the rather fetching Polish-Russian girl in the snow. Instead, someone from the interchange starts shouting something. It sounds like "Come on in!"

Without turning around, Vita shouts,

"It's alright. They see us. We're good. You can come on out now."

Somewhat reluctantly, the party emerges from cover and walks towards the outpost. The sniper detachment remains behind, concealed (they hope) and ready to kill should the welcome turn into an double-cross.

The outpost appears to be built around the rusty hulk of a knocked out Soviet-made MBT parked on the roadway. Several other destroyed AFVs are scattered around the interchange as well. Sections of the elevated roadway, running both north-south and east-west, have been collapsed by artillery fire. The effect is a maze-like warren of craters, trenches, rubble, and wrecked military vehicles. A tall man dressed in Polish raindrop pattern cammies and a greasy fur Ushanka hat emerges from the ground and waves you forward.

Vita leads you towards the man and into the heart of the outpost. An already sizeable crater has been enlarged into a sort of bunker and affored with what comforts the various people manning it have managed to install over the years. A large tent covers part of the crater; it barely sticks out above the road. A makeshift roof of railroad ties and corrugated tin covers the deeper western quarter of the crater. There appears to be a field radio underneath this reinforced section of the bunker. Three short communications trenches have been bored out of the pulverized asphalt away from the main crater- one leading several meters east to the wrecked T-86, another leading west to a burned-out BRDM AT vehicle, and the third leading south to a small fighting position/sniper's hide. Piotr must have been waiting there for Vita's return. A Dragunov SVD is slung over his shoulder.

Besides the tall man, who identifies himself as Piotr, there is another man and one woman in the crater. There must be others, as-yet unseen, stationed in other parts of the complex. There are a few folding chairs and a small patio table in the crater, as well as a couple of cots with ammo crate end-tables, and a pot-bellied, wood-burning stove nestled into the northern side wall. You didn't see any smoke on your way in so it must not be burning at the moment. Shelves have been dug into the walls and lined with wooden planks.

Having arrived at the outpost in one piece, Tucker gives the sniper detachment the all-clear signal and they emerge from their positions, joining the rest of the party in the bunker. Piotr grins wryly. "Shit. I didn't see all of them. Nice."

He's so tall- well over six feet- that he has to duck while standing under the tent. Turning to face you, says with a mix of suspicion and admiration, "Welcome, I guess. Vita must think you're OK. That's good enough for me- for now. You've been causing the Baron a lot of headaches lately. Can't say that bothers me much. He's a right fucking bastard. So who the hell are you people?"


Next Moves?


Updated Tac-map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms...7&mid=1289167812
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:01, Mon 08 Nov 2010.

   The black-haired woman in the Polish Army coat a size too large for her looks at the incoming strangers.  The Eastern bloc combat rifle she is holding is pointed off in a neutral direction.  She smiles at them.  Since Vita seemed to think they were all right, she would as well... until they proved otherwise.

   The woman volunteers some information in an attempt to make the strangers less nervous using heavily accented English, "Who the hell this person is Monika.  I am good medic.  You have injured?  I help."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Mon 08 Nov 2010.

In reply to Monika Sawicki (msg #321):

"I am Dawid, and I am a Polish brother serving in the Home Army." He showed his red-and-white arm-band.

"We were sent here to cause problems with the Baron, and I believe we've been somewhat successful. Part of out job is to contact anyone who wants to resist the Baron."

"Our commander is Kapitan Bayer."

Dawid gestured with respect to Konrad. He spoke in fluent Polish, and it was clear from his accent, fatigues and green beret (with silver eagle badge) that he was formerly in the Polish army.

"Monika, I am pleased to meet you, sister. Yes, we have wounded."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Mon 08 Nov 2010.

Vita did her best to not lead them anywhere they might think she was setting them up.  As they were moving tactically it was difficult to talk, but she tried to tell the Kaptain and Dawid some of the things she knows in hushed tones.

"Outposts have 24-hour shifts on station and then they're switched out with fresh troops from the central barracks area near the Baron's palace. My squad started our shift last night after the reports of armed intruders in the city. We were already thinking of walking away and recent events have made up our minds for us."

"The Baron's army is in a bit of disarray. During the early morning's firefights, the Ukranian company has taken over 50% casualties and lost all of its AFVs."

"Mid-morning, the Ukranians got into a brief but bloody firefight with some of the Polish irregulars over a UAZ-69 "jeep", killing about a half-dozen of the Polish. Word of the massacre got out over the radio and now the Polish part of the Baron's army is calling for Ukranian blood. The remains of the Baron's Black Guard is being kept on a tight leash, guarding the Baron himself and keeping an eye on the NATO company, which, rumor has it, is talking openly about deserting, en-masse."

"That leaves angry Polish irregulars to continue the fight against the unidentified intruders, assuming that's you, and none of them seem eager to do so."

"There is a market, near the old stadium/new fort but the refugees don't have a whole lot to trade because the Baron's men take all the good stuff. There's probably a bit of a black market but I don't know too much about it."

OOC:  Sorry for the brevity and basically copying and pasting the GM's notes.  Still in transit status so don't have much time to write up something more decent.  Besides, it gets all the information out that's available.

After entering the bunker complex Jan kept to one side, ensuring that he was standing close the Captain, his rifle slung over his shoulder but his right hand near his pistol, which he had holstered just before entering.  His left arm was obviously bandaged and he gripped his webbing with his left hand in an attempt to keep it as immobile as possible.  He was certainly interested in the offer of medical aid but until they were certain of what was going on here he wasn't about to ask for it.

While Dawid did his introduction bit Jan glanced at his watch and then leaned close to Konard, quietly muttering to his commanding officer and speaking in English.  "Konrad.  If you still want me to contact the person who might help us it needs to be in the next hour.  The window is from 2pm to 3pm and it's gone two now."

Craig remained close to Dawid as he did the talking he tried to make a visual assessment of the solders and outpost noting weapons, equipment etc...



"Indeed who the hell. If you could look at my leg I would be much obliged my colleague did a fine job earlier but if you too could have a look."

He looked towards the others to gauge a reaction if any. He then motioned for Jan to join him letting the Frenchman go first.

Dieter was last in, following Thor and Warren after Konrad had called them in. He kept quiet, as was his way, and positioned himself at the back, attempting to blend into the background. He appeared at ease, but was ready to move into action if needed.

He looked around at his new surroundings, taking in any relevant details. Of particular interest was the man (he thought he heard the name Piotr?) who was carrying an SVD. This may be a good opportunity to get some extra magazines and ammunition for his newly acquired SVU. His old PSG-1 was a valuable item, and might be useful as a trade item to get extra supplies.

In reply to Viktorya Nowak (msg #323):

"Thank you, sister. That is useful information indeed!"

Dawid lit a precious cigarette and offered the pack around, as well as a light.

"Piotr, Vita, Monika, do you know if the Baron holding a doctor named Urzula prisoner? I don't know her last name. Please, if you know anything about her, this is important!