In reply to Cap'n Rae (msg # 853):

"I would suggest that we not use the un-shielded deck weapons until we get some plating for them or, in case of dire need arises to use them without any protection."

Quyen spent most of her time below deck keeping warm even after the prisoners were put ashore though she did do her turn on sentry when it was time. When word came down that Bydgoszcz was coming up she put on her jacket and webbing and went topside again to get a look. On one hand she was disappointed in their discovery of the nuked city but then again she with their track record she wasn't looking forward to shooting their way past another town either.

During lunch she passes on her compliments and thanks to Mariusz. He didn't have to take on the added role of cook. "Hauptmann." she asks at the table in the galley. "Short trip ashore to scavenge? We have a Geiger counter don't we? I doubt we will find food but we might find some things worth trading for with someone downriver."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:22, Sat 17 Aug 2013.

Craig added;

"We could potentially also find the needed materials to extend the fighting position to the entire weather deck, then we would not need the gun shields on the third DShK. We could also collected the required wood for the tug to burn much quicker if we are not felling trees."

"It is not without risk, if the radiation is at bearable levels I think there maybe others in the rubble. The idea that a nuclear weapon went off is probably going to keep away all but the desperate and so this place could be somewhat of a safe haven for them. They will defend it just like the communities in Warsaw."

"No sign of smoke, though," Connolly notes, "and I don't think many people would be staying here in this weather without a fire for warmth."  She nods to Minh.  "If there's any canned food that hasn't been scavenged, it should still be edible."

Danny frowns slightly.  "Just wipe off the fallout before you open it, right?  I think I saw the same filmstrip, Boss, but I'm gonna to want to monitor exposure levels anyway.  I don't have the supplies to handle a bunch of radiation sickness cases.  Do we know if this was an airburst or a groundburst?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Sun 18 Aug 2013.

"If a patrol into the ruins is being planned then it might be best that I stay on the Queen to allow my arm to heal," commented Jan with a Gallic shrug.

Either way Jan spent as much time as possible fishing while the boat was at anchor, using the line from his survival kit.  Hopefully there were still fish in the river and they were edible.

If he was sent on a patrol into the ruins Jan went fully armed.  He wasn't taking any risks.

"We're going to be needing all kinds of supplies soon.  We do need to get some kind of fixtures for the gun emplacements and we may be better off getting them sooner than later if we get the chance.

Our luck hasn't been that good as of late.  We do stand the chance of getting into trouble, as usual," Tucker says with a smirk but, is very serious about his statement.

"Okay." Bayer replies in regards to going ashore for a look. "If it's safe we'll put team ashore."

Bayer then makes his way to his gear and retrieves his geiger counter. Back on the deck he takes a measurement of the background radiation, noting that it was low enough here for it to be safe to stick around for a little while. Konrad then finds Griet where he explains, "Going to send a party ashore to look around. Can you find a place to dock, or where we can land the launch? Preferably around some buildings that don't look flattened... if possible."

Bayer then musters the Kommandos back in the galley and hands Robert his geiger counter. "Sergeant Tucker, you're in command of the shore party. Make this one a call for volunteers. Jan and myself will remain here with Griet and anyone else who is staying behind. We'll man the weapons, radio, and carry on with any work that can be done on board."

"Stay close to the shore and plan on a return time an hour before sunset." he adds.

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg # 861):

At the call for volunteers Craig slightly raises his hand;

" Aye could do with a walk."

In reply to Konrad Bayer (msg # 861):

"Roger that Boss," Tucker says as he turns to the rest of the group.

Before he can get anything out, he nods to Craig's request to go ashore with the party.  "I got one volunteer so far.  Looking for at least two more for a complete fire team.  I want to reasonably light with gear, no heavy shit.  I want to be able to move when we need to and run if we have to.  Ammo, some food and water, first aid kit and, mostly empty rucks in case we find anything."

Danny peers over Bayer's shoulder for a closer look at the Geiger counter, then does some quick mental calculations.  "Yeah, that should be okay as long as it doesn't get much hotter."  He looks across the table at Tuck.  "I'm in if you want me along.  My usual combat load is pretty stripped-down, though I can't commit to lugging much else if I have the bag of happy."

He pauses in thought for a moment.  "Are we gonna secure the LZ and leave the boat ashore for a fast exit, or bring it back aboard until you call for a pick-up?"

OOC: Unencumbered load is 42 kg; current combat load with armor, rifle, and aid bag is a hair over 39 kg.  Not much spare capacity for loot without getting into encumbered status.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Tue 20 Aug 2013.

Between puffs on a cigarette Jan offered his thoughts on Danny's question.

"I think that we should keep the small boat crewed but tied up with the Queen.  That way we can pick the shore party from wherever is needed and means that the gunners on the Queen will not need to cover two teams ashore."

"Always welcome along Danny.

I think we should call for extract in case there are people around who would want to steal the boat, then we would be royally fucked."

Thijs speaks up, "Like Danny, I cannot carry much beyond my LBE.  Perhaps I could pilot the small boat.  Then again, I suppose I could leave my LSW behind, and carry just my pistol on shore.  I can do either."  Notitie aan mezelf: ik had beter een van die AK-74s te verkrijgen in het ruim en vertrouwd mezelf met het voor de volgende keer dat ik nodig om minder gewicht te dragen.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Note to self:  I had better obtain one of those AK-74s in the hold and familiarize myself with it for the next time I need to carry less weight.

---

"Not looking to carry much going out, it's coming back that we may need the spare weight possibly bringing something back with us.  I would rather you bring your LSW or another long arm than just your pistol Thijs.  I wouldn't mind a support weapon with us but, we may need to start going over to PACT gear soon when our shit starts running low."

"Combat order needs to be flexible so that it can be mission oriented. If the sergeant needs a squad with a minimal load, then it needs to be stripped down. You'll be breaking contact immediately if you run into trouble, so even ammunition and grenade loads should be adapted similar to a close reconnaissance mission if that is what it will take." Bayer explains.

"With the LSW and its magazines, I cannot carry much else, which would defeat the purpose of going ashore to bring back something.  There is not enough time for me to select another long arm and familiarize myself with it before going ashore.  I will stay with the Princess.  As for going over to PACT weapons, why do you think I have that RPK next to my bunk?  Of course, I would prefer an RPK-74 if we can find one, since we have much more 5.45mm ammunition than 7.62mm.  Now that I think about it, I could take along the RPK instead, if you must have me in the shore party.  That should save about 2.5 kilos over the LSW.  Stripping off my gas mask and night vision would help a little.  Oh, yes -- are there any Kevlar helmets going spare?  Swapping one for my steel helmet would make that much more I could carry."

"I'm going to leave individual load-outs and weapons to the operator.  We're all professionals here and I think everyone knows what's expected of them."

Danny suppresses a frown at Bayer's implied criticism.  "Sir, I am clear on mission dictating equipment.  My only intent was to clarify that my primary mission is medical unless otherwise directed, as I am now our only medical asset.  I can dump the gear that supports that mission, but doing so will limit the level of care I can provide in the field.  If you or the sergeant so direct, I will comply, sir."  He glances at Tuck.  "Or I can remain aboard on standby if the sergeant needs a stronger back in that slot."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Tue 20 Aug 2013.

"Bydgoszcz has many waterways and a river link to the west so there will be plenty of landing opportunities," Griet said, "I'd agree that keeping the launch with us would be safest."

"As for what you carry back," Griet said, "food is a priority but anything else will probably need a further expedition to get it back anyway."

"I'll go scrounging if you want," he volunteered, "and I'll carry some extra gear if other people want to lighten their load."

Jan smiled at the Dutchman as he spoke about his equipment.

"Thijs my friend, we have plenty of AKs and magazines so you can take your choice and have a practice to get used to the weight and how it fires."

"I'll go." Quyen says though it was probably assumed already. She then fetches her patrol pack and empties it completely except for the coil of rope. While she waits for the others she will smoke a cigarette on the deck next to the launch.

"Danny, why don't you hang out here.  I'll take Mari and Minh along to round out the patrol.  You make a good point and I don't want to risk losing the only trained medical person the Queen has.  Don't take it personal please," Tucker says to Danny in a professional manner.  He then turns his attention to Craig, Minh, and Mari, "OK, gear up, or down, whichever you prefer.  We shove off in one hour.  Equipment check in four-five Mikes.  Let's get there."

Tucker waits for any other comments or orders before going to strip down his gear and change weapons for the patrol.

Danny nods at Tuck.  "Yeah, no problem.  I really need to start running trauma classes again.  Maybe I can use Jan as a demonstration."  He grins at the Legionnaire and pushes back from the table, then blinks at a stray thought.  "Oh, shit.  Guys?  Don't take any gear that won't survive decontamination if you do pick up fallout.  Same goes for bringing back salvage."  He turns to Griet.  "And it'd be a really good idea if we parked the boat in a piece of river that's not directly downwind of the city.  I'm gonna go check that right now."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Wed 21 Aug 2013.