Craig follows Tucker at a jog once he has removed the webbing and extra ammunition from the dead grenadier. He stops at the corpse nearest the hole that Thor appeared at and begins to collect any weapons and ammunition. He then does the same to each corpse in turn until he is back at the truck.

Craig works as fast as possible cutting webbing and checking pockets, if he finds a pack or sack he will use that to store magazines. Several times he glances up the road looking for additional troops he knows are on their way.

Assault Squad
Looking for weapons and ammunition

None of Vita's squad-mates seem to have any mechanical skills or aptitude.

Janek and Mattias have wandered down to the Zil. They stand looking down at the bodies lying contorted on the bloody asphalt. Mattias starts to cry quietly. Janek just shakes his head. None of the squad seems to have picked up any significant wounds. A bullet tore through Teo's jacket and scorched a shallow scrape across the back of his forearm. Aside from that, everyone's fine, except for some ringing of the ears and a bit of a stinging sensation in the ears, nose, and throat from the CS gas.

Teo, ignoring the minor wound, disables the SG-43 and then takes the remaining ammo over to Vita at the PKM.

Near the entrance hole to Thor's flat, Craig collects another Tantal. This one seems to have taken some damage from bullets or grenade fragments.

Those still scrounging by the truck have turned up several full magazines of 5.45mm and 7.62mm S and a couple of fragmentation hand grenades. They also find an M1911A1 pistol with one full magazine (in the weapon). Two packs-worth of loose Russian and Polish smokes are found, as well as one one full flask-like bottle of clear drinking alcohol. It's smells strong.


Next Moves?


Recovered Weapons (total undamaged):

4 AKMs
1 RPK-47
1 SKS
1 Dragunov SVD (sight is damaged)
10 AK-74/Wz88 Tantals (2 are equipped with a BG-15 GL)
1 RPK-74
1 AKS-74U carbine
1 Uzi
1 M1911A1
1 PM-64


Recovered Ammo (total):

14 AKM/RPK-47 mags (7.62mm S)
4 SKS stripper clips (7.62mm S)
2 SVD mags (7.62mm R)
28 AK-74/RPK-74/Wz88 Tantal mags (5.45mm b)
4 Uzi mags (9mm P)
2 PM-64 mag (9mm M)
14 40mm S HE
14 fragmentation hand grenades (all Soviet-made)

Captured Vehicles:

1 Zil 6x cargo truck- blown right front tire, all tires blown on left side; possible broken front axle
1 BTR-70- completely destroyed turret (one 40mm HEDP hit [repaired), two 73mm HEAT hits; ammo fire), 1 engine damaged, 1 flat tire left side, three .4" diameter holes in left hull

*Remember gear from Spider outpost!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:15, Mon 03 Jan 2011.

Vita remained in overwatch, as the threat of the other troopers inside was still on-going.  She thought that they would pursue them, since any survivors could come back for some sort of counter-assault or harassment.  She caught herself though wondering why this damn war made her so cruel.

Vita's former vocation as a mechanic would seem to come in handy once they had a chance to take a stab at getting the vehicles running again.

In reply to Viktorya Nowak (msg #580):

"Eagle calling Sunray. vehicle here is mobile, minimally. Preparing to move. Over." He transmitted to Konrad.

Grunting, Dawid lit up a smoke. He realised that while the rest of the people had confirmed they didn't know anything about fixing the BTR Vita hadn't said anything one way or another. "Vita! Do you know anything about engines?"

Working rapidly, Thor helped load as much of the recovered stores as possible aboard the damaged and bloodied BTR. It wasn't in great shape, but it still beat walking!
As he worked, he claimed 4 of the 5.45mm magazines to add to the Tantal and grenade recovered moments before. A BG-15 and 6 HE grenades were also claimed, wrapped in a rag torn from the dead until he had time to sort out his gear again. Once cleaned, the PM-63 SMG he'd been carrying would be deposited into the BTR along with it's two magazines and total of 35 rounds.

"Food? Any food got?"
His empty stomach was threatening to eat its way out of his body if it wasn't fed soon...

Taken:
Wz-88 Tantal
4x 5.45mm mags
BG-15
6x 40mmS HE
1x Frag grenade

Deposited:
PM-63 SMG
2x 25rnd 9mmM mags (empty)
35 rounds 9mmM

Vita was intent on maintaining security, but as Dawid called out to her she was momentarily distracted.  She looked up for a second before getting back behind the machinegun, "What?  Engines?  It depends."

In reply to Viktorya Nowak (msg #583):

Amused, Dawid chuckled. "Depends? It's a yes or no question! Tell you what, get over here and have a look for yourself."

"Jan, organise everyone else to strip the outpost. Food, water, the radio, any more ammunition, whatever we can get."

    Monika saw the others converging on the BTR.  She headed that way to drop off her armload of Tantals.  As she carefully placed her cargo down, she saw the wildly dressed soldier the others called...  what was it...  Thor?  She addressed him in her broken English.  "You are Thor?  I medic.  I help.  Where hurt?"

Hearing Dawid's transmission about the vehicle, Dieter gathered up his gear, slung the PSG over his back and came down from his lookout post, SVU in hand. He headed towards where the stash of kit was collecting, and grabbed a few items, including the Uzi. Once done he found another spot from where to provide security while waiting for the vehicle to be prepared.

Kit taken from haul:
1x Uzi
4z Uzi mag (9mmP)
2x Hand Grenade

OOC - Dawid, I am not reclaiming the AKS-74 + ammo from you, so you may do with it whatever you wish.

Also, what other kit was at Spider? Rae, can you please re-list it so we can salvage that as well.

Mariusz gathered the food together and handed out a share of black bread to everyone, "Once you're ready to head out," he said, "grab a tin mug and get a dip of soup. You can drink some as you go along, there's no time to stop at the moment."

Bayer turns and looks in the direction of the BTR as Dawid's voice breaks over his radio, surprised about the outcome of the smoking AFV. "Uh, roger." he says in return.

Then loudly, he says, "Sergeant Tucker we're withdrawing now. If its not picked up - it's not being taken. Get Assault to take what you have and move to the BTR for a head count. We have wheels. Security (Dieter) is the last man in."

Bayer then moves over to the APC and says, "Alright, load up." When proper seating space eventually runs out he says, "Squeeze in... tighter. Tighter. Rest of you sit on the floor or ride up topside. Mariusz, sit near me in the commander's seat in case I need you to help navigate."

Next, Bayer climbs into the commander's seat and toggles his radio and finally calls in the last of security, "Dieter... move in. Quickly now." Then unfolding his map on his lap, Bayer says to Dawid seated next to him, "Alright Dawid. Hope you can drive this thing. We're heading north towards the 10th."

Bayer took (stuffed into his grenadier's vest):
1x AK74 w/40mm
6x 40mmS
5x AK74 Magazines
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Wed 05 Jan 2011.

"You got it boss," Tucker says as he turns to the rest of the assault group and get their attention.  "Assault Team on me!"

Robert waits a few seconds before addressing anyone.  "OK, we're gettting the hell outta Dodge.  Pick up whatever you need from the ground or we don't take it.  Deiter, You're the last one aboard but, I'll be right there with you.  Let's make it happen people, Konrad wants us gone ASAP!"  Tucker then bends down and stuffs the AKD-74U and [6] 30 round mags into his ruck along with the Colt M1911A1, and two of the fragmentation grenades.

He waits at the back of the damaged BTR with Deiter outside and loads up when he does so they can get moving.

TUCKER
Browning HP-35 [13/13] SAFETY 'OFF' Cocked & locked {READY WEAPON}
M-16A2 [30/30] / M-203 [BUCK SHOT] - {SAFE/SLUNG BACK Rt. Side)}
H&K SOCOM Pistol [12/12] (Holstered) {[1] Full 12 round / [1] 10/12 Round mag}
Slung Romanian AK-74 [30/30]

Salvaged Gear:
*Claymore Mine & Pouch    2.0
Mag Bandoleer [6 MAG 30] 3.0  {5x30, 1x22/30}
5 L. Canteen             5.0
Lg Alice Pack
[16] AK-74 Mags
[2] empty 5.56 MAG 30 in outer ruck pouch

[1] M-16 mag (BDU Pocket [18/30])

*NOTE: Claymore given to Sutherland (remove upon use)

Stowing the following gear in his rucksack:
- [1] AKS-74U
- [6] 30 round mags
- [1] Colt M1911A1 w. [1] MAG 7 (Loaded)
- [2] Fragmentation grenades
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Wed 05 Jan 2011.

    Monika climbs into the BTR with her chunk of bread and sits on the floor.  The bread goes into her jacket for the moment.  First things must be first.  She begins to top of her partly spent SMG mag with the few loose rounds from her pack.  The 25 round mag in her PM-63 digs into her side, so she swaps it out for the refilled 15 round stick she carries in the SMG when it is holstered, replacing the longer mag in the ammo pouch.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Thu 06 Jan 2011.

Craig searched the remaining bodies as he moved back to the truck. He loaded up with the small arms and ammunition that had been collected and moved towards the BTR.

If a second trip is needed Craig will move back to the truck. He then turns to Konrad or Dawid:

"What should we do with the truck ? Do you still want the fluid from it, how about the fuel?"

Assault Squad
Collecting equipment and brake fluid from the truck, fuel if he has time
This message was last edited by the player at 06:57, Wed 05 Jan 2011.

In reply to Craig Sutherland (msg #591):

Smoking, Dawid nodded at Konrad's orders, he was about to suggest essentially the same thing. Craig brought up the truck. "Take the fuel at least. If we can pull some hoses and the brake fluid reservoir I'll be happy. That's about all the time we have."

His hand hurt like hell, it was throbbing where he'd burned it on the hot metal. "I guess I'll get people settled in, then I'll drive the BTR."

Jeff busies himself grabbing any and all weapons and ammo he can.  He tries to bundle them together using strips of clothing from the dead if needed, and then cramming them into any nook he can find in or on the BTR.  "A hand anyone? no sense leaving this all for the Baron.  Besides, the 10th could really use it."  Hopefully someone will come to his aid.

After having gathered all he possibly could, Jeff finds space inside the BTR, hopefully near the turret to speak to Konrad, but also near a roof hatch in case the vehicles radio is shot.  He says to Konrad before they leave "I'll radio ahead to let them know we're coming once we're out of the city.  Hopefully this thing will make it."  he also adds to Tucker and Craig before they leave "Don't leave the claymore behind.  I'm not sure where you guys set it, but it could be useful."  he pauses for a moment "Unless you want to rig it to a body."

Taken for personal use: 4 AKM mags, reload of .45 ammo from M1911, reload of 7.62mm S ammo.

Dieter helped cram the last of the salvaged gear into the BTR. No sense leaving it here for the enemy. As he bundled in the last of the weapons he took one final look around before giving a thumbs up to Konrad, who was at the front of the vehicle. He then hopped up into the back and got as comfortable as he could for the jurney ahead.

Mariusz stuffed the bedrolls beneath him as he squeezed in next to the commander's seat. Despite his slight frame he was cramped and uncomfortable. He moved slowly and carefully as he readied himself to dole out soup to those inside he asked, "I'm out of grenades for my launcher. Do we have any I could scrounge?"

Bayer struggles to turn halfway in his seat to face Mariusz, he then hands him all six of the 40mmS grenades that he picked up. "There might be more than someone else picked up." he says before turning back around.

Then seeing Dieter's thumbs up, he says to Dawid, "Let's go."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Wed 05 Jan 2011.

Vita reluctantly pulled away from her position behind the MG to hop onto the BTR and have a peek at the engine.  She rubbed her hands together having gotten a bit cold gripping the machinegun for so long.  She wondered if the engine would be so much of an issue as the axle.

Tuesday, October 24th, 2000
1830 hrs.
35F
light clouds; slight breeze from the west
Northern light industrial zone, East Bank Warsaw, Poland


The group's efforts to effect a quick getaway are only partially successful. They eventually get away from the battle site, but it's anything but quick.

Vita takes a look at the BTR's damaged engine #1 in the failing light. It's hard to see much in the cramped compartment and, with the imperitive being speed of egress, even if she was able to determine the extent of the damage, she wouldn't have the time to try and fix it.

The next 15 minutes are spent cleaning out and loading the BTR and canibilizing the dead Zil truck.

Dawid finds the APC driver dead at his controls. Aside from a gash along the young man's left eyebrow, there's not a mark on him. He most likely died from either massive head trauma, accute smoke inhalation, or, quite possibly, both. Dawid removes the dead man's leather helmet, heaves him out of the hatch, and rolls him into the RR pit. Others complete the unenviable task of removing the partially carbonized turret gunner and the six dead infantry from the BTR's soot-stained interior. Jan's hopes for a relatively clean and undamaged field Jacket are dashed when he sees the condition of the bodies. All were peppered with grenade shrapnel, speckled or soaked in blood, and infused with the strong odor of burnt flesh and rubber. None of the dead enemy appear to have been carrying any spare outer-wear. The only thing of use is a few blankets and groundsheet marred by fresh bloodstains that were recovered from the truck.

While members of the group scavenge weapons and equipment or prepare the BTR for departure, Craig siphons the remaining methanol from the Zil's tanks into a couple of jerry cans from the BTR using a section of hose cut from the Zil's engine. He also uses his bayonet to slash the Zil's undamaged tires. The Baron's forces aren't going to be using this truck again any time soon.

After the BTR is unpacked, Dawid attempts to back it away from the T-86. It's a challenging process being as half of the BTR's wheels are suspended over the empty RR pit. He has to judiciously apply maximum power from the BTR's only functioning engine in order to get all 8 wheels on the pavement. He succeeds in doing so, but just barely. With the idling BTR-70 back on its feet, so to speak, the party loads up, placing all of the captured weapons inside the vehicle. With the extra meth from the Zil truck, the BTR's fuel tanks are about 3/4 full.

The BTR now more resembles a circus clown car that a military vehicle. With the captured weapons taking up any extra space, only 8 people are able to squeeze into the troop compartment and it's a very tight fit. The cramped crew compartment stinks of blood and smoke. Dawid takes the driver's station, while Konrad occupies the commander's. Mariusz perches himself in the burned-out turret. It's blackened with soot and malodorous grease from the dead gunner's incinerated torso and the turret's weapons are completely destroyed. The only bright spot for him is that's it's still relatively warm there. Everyone else has to sit on top of the troop compartment. After a few minutes, those exposed to the elements are suffering from the increasing cold.

Dawid struggles to get the overloaded BTR underway. It's now almost completely dark outside. Dawid tries to engage the headlights only to find that they do not work. The single engine is straining to propel the vehicle forward. It sounds like it might start coming apart at any moment, even at lower RPMs. With only one intercom headset between the three of them, Dawid, Konrad, and Mariusz have to shout over the engine noise to communicate with one another. The road north is in bad shape and still partially covered in snow. As the temperature continues to drop throughout the night, the day's snowmelt will turn to ice, making travel by road even more difficult. The BTR is currently rolling along at 5km per hour. It could probably do at least 30, but, under the current conditions, that would be tempting fate. The chances of a mishap are growing by the minute.


Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:59, Thu 06 Jan 2011.

Unlike the others Vita and her squad mates did have cached rucksacks which they quickly tied off to the outside of the BTR.  She had rode atop BTRs in the bitter cold before and her parka served well to keep her only slightly better off than some of the others.  She huddled with whomever was nearby for additional body heat.  Under different circumstances it might have actually been pleasant for whomever that ended up being, but conditions made it difficult to think of little else but the bitter falling temperature.

OOC:  Who wants to snuggle? =P

Trotting back towards the BTR as fast as his leg will allow, Craig drops the two jerry cans off and from under his arm he removes the brake fluid reservoir. He moves forward towards Dawid and hands off the Zil truck parts.

”I disabled the wheels with my bayonet but we may want to finish it properly. I’ll be up on top.”

He moves to the rear of the APC and takes the RPK-47 as well as the remaining 10 magazines. As he stuffs the magazines inside his jacket he grabs the rusted handholds and climbs onto the BTR’s roof. He scans for additional footholds and handholds and positions himself to the right of the destroyed turret facing forward. Glancing at the burnt and twisted metal he let out a low whistle.

He lays down and puts the light machine gun to his shoulder and holds one of the handholds with his left hand. Looking around at the other on the roof he says:

”Get as low as possible and try to cover up this will be a cold ride. If we are attacked try to hold on, if the APC is hit get off it ASAP.”

He then steadies himself and waits for the BTR to lurch forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Thu 06 Jan 2011.

As last man on, Dieter scrambled onto the roof of the BTR just before it lurched off down the road. He quickly regretted not finding a spot inside, as the cold bit deep into his bones. His sweat-stained parka did little to prevent the chill, and his slight frame started to shiver. He did his best to focus on keeping warm, allowing his mental faculties to switch off. He knew that he should have been keeping watch for any enemy activity, but he was too tired and cold to really care.

As his mind wandered, he thought of hot roast pork with apple sauce...

In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg #598):

Hastily, he wolfed down some of the offered food. "Thanks, Mariusz."

Dawid appreciated Viki's attempts to fix the BTR, but it was too little, too late. They needed to move. "Thanks for the attempt, better luck later, yes?" He was also grateful for the others' efforts to salvage the truck and clean out the bodies from the BTR. Supplies and the parts Craig gave him were crammed around him, rifles and webbing and ammunition dumped on the floor.

"Okay, Kapitan, everyone on the bus!" He was frankly shocked he was able to back it off the tank hull. Getting it moving at all was a minor miracle. The engine noise was loud, although it would have been worse if both engines were working and they weren't at the rear of the hull.

He turned to Konrad, behind him in the commander's seat. "I'm taking her north along 61! And going... ah, taking her up to ten kilometres an hour! Shouldn't be a problem with night goggles, this speed."

"I hate to ask but Kapitan, could you find out if anyone has a better route than the one I've chosen? Thank you!"

Driving at a whopping 10 km/h.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Fri 07 Jan 2011.