Mariusz ran to the side of the Queen ready to lash the Princess to the side of the larger craft. He looked nervously toward the oncoming enemy craft.

17:57, Today: Mariusz Tokarski rolled 3 using 1d20. obs.

Currently on the downstream side of the tug, Thijs could see the two enemy boats.  He watched for some moments, trying to determine what they were up to.

Tucker rushes over to where Mariusz is and helps to retrieve the Princess.

Bayer notes the distance and the estimated speed of the enemy boats, and says, "I am guessing fifteen minutes before we are in range... unless they have something worse on board then I expect, then maybe ten. If we can get that launch aboard quickly enough you can still draw them into a better position, and I can get the RPG and some grenade launchers ashore to fire defilade from a covered position near the shore."

Craig stayed where he was until ordered otherwise. He hunkered down next to the guard rail and readied the HK-69 loaded with a HE grenade. He would fire on the converted water taxi as if he managed to hit it may be able to do some damage.

22:43, Today: Craig Sutherland rolled 3 using 1d20. Observation check.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Sun 27 Jan 2013.

Jay was about to reply to Anders' small talk when the call came up about the monitor. He quickly adjusted his helmet strap while looking upriver, appraising the two vessels. He then looked to Anders for more instructions.

08:55, Today: Mrityunjay Byanjankar rolled 10 using 1d20. Observation check.

"Roger that Kaptain," Griet replied, "once we have the launch with us we should tell the Russians what we are doing. If they don't like it, at least we have all our gear ready to fight on our own."

"When I come back to engage the enemy, I'll keep close to the bank you are on to give the RPGs a better shot."

Anders turned the Vasilek at the incoming vessels and peered at them through the optics on his station. "Load HE", he said loundly - the obvious first target would be the waterbus as it might, for the moment, slow down the monitor. He started tracking it through the sights, as unfamiliar they were. He had worked with Soviet optics before and knew the main principle.

12:43, Sun 27 Jan: Anders Mattson rolled 8 using 1d20. Observation.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

Jeff moves to the radio room, prepared to translate to Russian Bayers orders over the PA and the radio.  On the way, he'll lend a hand securing the launch.

Gathering that the Russian boat was approaching Jan called out to Griet and Konrad.  "Griet.  Capitaine.  Do you wish me to set up an RPG team?"

He already had the M72 LAW slung over his shoulder but would need some time to organise the RPG-7.  He wasn't sure of the best position to fire from on the boat however.  He kept glancing in the direction of the approaching boat.  It seemed like they has a few minutes before they were in range, though he was no expert in the speed of boats.


OOC - 22:35, Today: Jan Cerny rolled 9 using 1d20. Observation check, asset total 9.

Frank yells over to Jan while bringing in the Princess, "I got an RPG on me already Jan.  No spare rockets though!"

The Queen and the Princess meet about 20m from the western shore. After the three-man Russian crew climbs aboard the tug, Mariusz, Tucker, and Tadeuz quickly secure the motor launch (OOC: Do they bring the Princess on deck or fasten her to the side?). This process takes about five minutes from start to finish.

In the meantime, the water taxi pulls ahead of the monitor and heads for the Krolowa. With several pairs of eyes studying the approaching, presumably hostile vessels, additional details of their armaments and speeds emerge.

The water taxi appears to be armed with [at least] two PK machineguns and an AGS-17 grenade launcher. A long whip antenna suggests long-range communications capabilities. Considering its recent acceleration, a reasonable estimate of her top speed would be about 45kmph. The monitor is probably making about 20kmph at the moment, and it's not likely that she can move much faster. Aside from the PT-76 turrent mounted on its closed-over cargo/troop well, it appears that the 'Crocodile' has a BTR turret (presumably armed with a KPV 14.5mm heavy machinegun) mounted atop its conning tower, along with at least two other machineguns, their barrels jutting out to port and starboard just behind it. Along its low-riding sides, sections of chain-link fencing have been mounted a foot or two away from the hull- stand-off armor against shaped-charge warheads. The whole thing has been painted a dark olive green with irregular brown streaks and splotches. Someone put a whole lot of time and resources into the construction of this monitor and they are apparently confident enough in its capabilities to send miles from its base in pursuit of the fugitive 89th CD. How the Torun garrison found out about the 89th's departure from Wloclawek, you may never know.

Men of the 89th are now on both banks of the river and the bluffs along the east bank overlooking the crossing zone offer excellent fighting positions. Their light machineguns and RPG launchers might by able to damage the water taxi but, apart from a very lucky shot, they're not likely to hurt the thick-skinned 'Crocodile'. The lines of fire of the 89th's ZU-23-2 are partially blocked by the tallest stretch of bluffs (it couldn't be moved west, cross-country along the icy heights), so the enemy vessels will have to be drawn upriver in order to give it a clear shot. The 89th's 120mm mortar could have devastating effects on both enemy vessels, if it could manage to hit a moving target. The young mortarmen of Plock, however, have proven that this can be accomplished. (OOC: The mortar can either be controlled, via radio, by the tug crew, or by its own spotters- you must who will give the corrections.) Another difficulty faced by the defense is the width of the Vistula here, about a kilometer-and-a-half. Depending on the line taken by the approaching enemy vessels, engagement ranges will vary.


Updated tac-map: https://maps.google.com/maps/m...pn=0.040322,0.132093


Next Moves?

It's time for combat tags. Make sure that you specify where your PC is on board (or inside) the Krolowa in said tags.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:09, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

Bayer studies the two craft then turns to Griet, changing the plan to deploy an anti-armor team ashore, "Unfortunately... RPG won't be effective." He then glances over to where the ZU-23-2 is position though and adds, "But that zoo-two will be against those AFV turrets. You'll need to draw it upriver so it will have a shot and give the mortar time to fire."

"If you take us in a zig zag pattern the DSHKs can deal with that escort."

Bayer then toggles his radio, "Filipov, link up with the mortar and prepare to relay a fire mission for me. I also need you to tell the zoo-two team to standby on my call."

Rae - do you want me to make up fire mission data or will you supply it?

Bayer then leans out of the bridge, "Machineguns, stand by. Scout boat... engage at 500 meters. Remainder hold fire."

Bayer
Wheelhouse
Observing/Communicating
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

Griet watched the monitor's progress and said, "She's running five kilometers and hour faster than we can make at top speed. The Russians were lying about her being slow though those stand-off shields might make he unwieldy. There's no way we can out run her. If you want me to lead it upriver we're going to be a big target even if we zig-zag and it'll get even closer before before the Zoo-Two can come in to play. I'll do what I can but we should get any RPG gunners on the Zoo-Two's bank up on the bluffs where they can go for top shots."

Griet
Wheelhouse,
Heading North-North-East
15kph
Zig right 100ms
Zag left 100ms
Zag left 50ms
Zig right 100ms
Zag left 100ms
Zig right 100ms
Zig right 50ms
If you need more tell me

Craig ran towards the Port DShK, checking the large MG had a round in the chamber he orientated it towards the incoming threat of the water taxi. He fired short bursts towards the boat whenever he was able to get a shot, with the tug moving and jigging this was not going to be an easy task he thought to himself.

Port DShK

Firing on Water Taxi
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

Anders begun tracking the water taxi with the Vasilek, keeping its bow under aim. The range was purely an estimate and he was not quite certain of the ballistic properties of the 82mm rounds in direct fire mode. First few rounds would indeed be pretty much through trial and error. Time would tell, how many rounds he could get off before the monitor opened up and made his life far more dangerous.

Anders
Manning the Vasilek as the gunner
Aiming at the water taxi

Thijs watched the enemy boats -- still at extreme range -- swing out of his line of fire as the Krolowa turned about and headed across the river.  If the zigzags brought the scout boat  back into his field of fire, he would send bursts in its direction.  [OOC:  the way I visualize the zigs, I don't think there is a shot, but I could be wrong.  BTW, his autorifle is stowed in the wheelhouse.  EDIT:  Oops, I erroneously thought the wheelhouse/bridge was on the same level as the upper deck where the Dushkas are.  Since there appears to be no direct access to the interior from his location, he has the weapon slung.]

Thijs
Starboard DShK
C7A1 LSW [90/90 +(6x30)] Slung, on SAFE
Firing on scout vessel if/when possible
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Wed 30 Jan 2013.

Connolly makes one final scan of the deck, fixing the crew's locations in her head, then turns to Griet.  "We'll be taking some hits.  I'll take Larue and Mariusz and handle damage control.  Mac and Tadeusz are our backup."  With that, she spins through the bridge door, grabbing her helmet on the way, and clatters down the stairs to the upper deck.

Passing McClurg and Kellerman, who are still standing at the port Dishka after Craig's takeover, she punches them on the shoulders.  "Kel, head downstairs and help Jozef.  Mac, find Tadeusz and prep the fire buckets, then get under cover in the machine shop."  She looks around and spots Ryan.  "Lieutenant!  Get on the aft gun and be ready to take over on a Dishka if a gunner goes down!  Larue, get your ass out here!"

Boots
M11 [13/13 + 2 magazines] - holstered, loaded but decocked

upper deck, organizing damage control
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Wed 30 Jan 2013.

Danny emerges from the wardroom, blinking in the sunlight, and tosses Connolly's AK up to her.  "Here, Boss, you forgot this again."  He gives Mariusz a nod.  "Follow me, Boy Wonder, and watch out for the horseshit."

Danny
Winona [30/30 + 5 magazines] - slung, on SAFE
CZ 75 [15/15 + 2 magazines] - holstered, cocked and locked
AN-M8 HC smoke grenade x2 - on vest
AN-M18 red smoke grenade x1 - on vest

main deck, port side; prepping buckets and hose for damage control

This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Wed 30 Jan 2013.

Jay tracked the target and prepared to start reloading. Nothing like a full blown firefight to hone your training.

Mariusz followed Larue.

As Griet turns hard to port for a run upriver past the ZU-23-2, Thijs decides to show the pursuing water taxi/police boat (as it gets closer, it looks more like the latter) the Krolowa's sting, squeezing off a five-round burst at a range of nearly 2000m. It's either incredibly skillful or incredibly lucky shooting- one of the neon green tracers appears to merge with the police boat's bridge, causing the vessel to swerve slightly and briefly reduced its speed. Almost simultaneously, the police boat sends its own hopeful volley of 30mm grenades towards the turning tug (the AGS -17 is mounted in a forward hatch located between the vessel's sharp prow and the low superstructure). Four geysers, each about two meters in height, walk their way towards the slow-moving tug before a fifth HE grenade explodes against the hull with a sharp, metallic BANG! The sound is startling, and there's a bright yellow flash and a puff of white smoke, but the explosion doesn't seem to bother the sturdy tug, and no one is injured by shrapnel. The enemy gunner's job is made much more difficult his crew's evasive manouvering in the wake of Thijs' hit on the brige. (-5 rounds 12.7mm)

Anders and Jay track the fast-moving police boat as long and as well as they can. The rapid swing to port, however soon renders their efforts wasted. The tug's superstructure now blocks the Vasilek from engaging either target downriver. Until the Krolowa exposes either broadside, or turns back to face the targets bow-on, the automortar is effectively out of the fight.

The tug completes the turn, facing roughly upriver, and Griet pushes her towards her maximum speed of about 15kph. She angles out towards the middle of the channel, exposing the Krolowa's port Dishka. With the gun cranked aft as far as its pintle mount will allow, Craig fires off another long range burst, once again with improbable success. A brief, tall kick of spray near the waterline of the police boat suggests a hit on its unarmored hull. The police boat cuts to starboard so that Krolowa's portside HMG position is masked by the bulk of her own hull (Craig loses LOS to the target). The police boat has slowed somewhat and its pilot is doing his best to keep right aft of the Krolowa's undefended stern. It's forward gunner looses off a second five-round burst of 30mm grenades. It's poor shooting, the impact geysers appearing nearly 40mm off of the tug's port side. The POP-POP-POP-POP-POP of the exploding grenades echoes off the bluffs after a second's delay. In fact, due to the unusual accoustics of the area, the whole battle, barely begun, sounds a lot more intense than it is (so far...). (-5 rounds 12.7mm)

The Crocodile, meanwhile, is gaining ground on the Krolowa, slowly but surely. The police boat is allowing the monitor to close up with it, but the smaller vessel is still several hundred meters out ahead of its larger compatriot. The police boat will soon be under the guns of the cavalrymen on the riverbanks who have, as of yet, held their fire. It's attempt to stay in the tug's blind spot directly aft is bringing it closer to the west bank and further from the bluffs. It's nearly a kilometer from the heights, reducing the effectiveness of any potential fire coming from the high ground. Via radio, the 89th's mortar team relays that they are ready to fire in support of the Krolowa- they await a fire mission from the tug. (OOC: I at least need to know which vessel the Kommando would like to target.)

The tug's crew, both above and below decks, are primed and ready for battle. The three cavalrymen from the rescue boat seem unsure what to do, so they crouch behind the main-deck rail on the port side, preparing to use their rifles should a target close to within small arms range.

OOC: Was the Princess brought aboard, or is she attached to the tug but still in the water?

Updated tac-map: https://maps.google.com/maps/m...pn=0.040322,0.132093


Next Moves?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:13, Thu 31 Jan 2013.

Bayer leaves the bridge, binoculars in one hand and map in the other. "Yvgenny" he says, waving for the Russian to follow him outside. Once outside, he gets into a position where he can see the pursuing boats. Looking through the binoculars at the monitor, Bayer uses the reticle pattern, measured in mils, to help measure a point in the water, cross referencing it with the map old Adam gave him of the river. There's no references points out on the open water, so he needs to use the neighboring land based topography and man made structures to triangulate a position on the river that he expects the monitor to sail into (or close by).

He then lines up the reticle pattern on the monitor, and counts the lines. At a thousand meters each mil represented one meter... and using this formula he could work backwards and estimate the range.

Bayer then stabs his thumb onto the map where he plans on directing the first mortar round fired by the Russians. Yelling over his shoulder, he begins, "Fire mission... grid 824 660... direction 5200... HE impact... one round to adjust..." He then looks over his shoulder and calls out to whoever can relay that to the mortar for him, "Got that?"

Then while the mortar is preparing to fire, he looks towards the ground where the ZU-23-2 is located and toggles his radio, "Filipov (Warren), Bayer. I want that zoo-two to hold fire and not to engage the escort. It is to fire only on the monitor after it has entered into it's arcs of fire. Over."

Bayer
Upper Deck
Calling in mortar fire and ordering the ZU-23-2 to stay quiet
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Thu 31 Jan 2013.

Using his last burst as a guide Craig continues to fire on either boat if he has a clear line of sight. At this point he is just looking to get some fire on target, but if he is firing on the converted landing craft he fires on the turrets.

If anyone at a loose end is close he will call them over to sight corrections on his fire.

DShK

Firing on either target that presents itself

Jay cursed the wasted effort as the boat moved him out of sight of the targets. While waiting for a new opportunity he glanced the other direction, scanning the river and far bank for any changes that might cause concern.