The BTR group had been gone for almost half an hour when Dettinger heard something. It was vehicles approaching from almost the same direction as the two teams had gone towards. From the sound of it, there was at least one tracked vehicle amongst them, maybe more.
A few minutes went by with the vehicles growing ever closer until, at last, Dettinger spotted them through his binoculars. He'd already called a warning down to the others at the first sound of them. This time he reached for the radio.
"Sentry to all. Vehicles near camp. One BMP, two light still trucks with trailers, one UAZ with towed mortar, one school bus with large trailer. Heading south on main road at speed. Estimate minimum two dozen soldiers. No imminent danger. Out."

The few thousand metres or so back to the warehouse doesn't take very long. Spewing diesel fumes it rolls to a comfortable stop inside the building, where it's found that two of the civilians have rigged up a camp shower down in the loading dock. Straws are drawn, soap (from the buildings washroom) is distributed and bodies are cleaned for the first time in weeks (months even for some). Most of the water reserves are used up but it's a price that all are willing to pay. An hours work with a few pack horses and jerrycans in the morning will rectify that anyway.

The evenings exertions highlight the critical need for fuel. Your still at maximum output creates only 35 litres per 24 hours. The BRDM-2 burns over 60 litres of ethanol in only one hour - even more if the more common (and easier to make) methanol is used. At best, that one 24 hours fuel production will move you (conditions being ideal) approximately 30 kilometres - barely a village or two. Obviously this situation is untenable and something must be done.

The fuel position would be much, much worse if the BTR-80 didn't have a supply of Diesel to use but even that will run out sooner than you may wish - only 440 litres remains. A veritible fortune really at over US$40 per litre and if it could be found (compare that with the price we are paying now to fill our cars! An entire 220 litre barrel of crude oil is selling for about US$63).

That 440 litres is enough for most to kill for - a resource like that could get the BTR-80 over 850 kilometres - well into western Europe and possibly even down to Spain! Such a shame that the BRDM-2 cannot use it too...

So what are the choices?
1. Abandon the BRDM-2 and its added firepower and load carrying capacity.
2. Attempt harnessing the horses to pull it (very difficult since you have no harnesses, proper skills to do it and a vehicle that simply isn't designed for it).
3. Sit about and wait the required 8 and a half days for a tankfull (that will only get you 240 kilometres on road or an abysmal 84 kilometres offroad).
4. Find somebody to trade with.
5. Find somebody to take it from. (These last two may be difficult in such a devastated and sparsely populated area as you find yourselves).

Another problem that complicates matters are the civilians who are now reliant on your group for food, shelter and protection. While of some use, they are also a constant drain on your resources - food and medical in particular. The good news is that most want to leave as soon as they can and head back to their home town of Zyardow, around 40km to the southeast.

_{Edited to the correct vehicle and fuel type.}
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:08, Thu 08 Sept 2005.

Now that Michelle is back in the town, she still wants to go to the area school and see if she can scrounge up stuff needed to make antibiotics and makeshift med supplies. There has to be a chemisty/science room there.

Clean and refreshed after his shower, Kett dressed himself in a spare Russian uniform before presenting himself to Major Finnegan.
"Sir, I'd like to discuss the present fuel shortage with you. I think that a week in one place like this is far too long. Perhaps if we were off the beaten track camped in a forest somewhere or had a smaller disciplined group we might get away with it."

"So what I suggest is that I take a small team out for a day or two and see what's out a bit further than Lt Ashtons team. We'll go on foot with some goods to trade with. I know we haven't much to spare besides a few rifles and some 40mmS HE grenades we can't use so acquisition by stealth might be the more productive idea." He shuffled from one foot to the other, looking uncomfortable with the concept of taking what little people had left.

"I was thinking of taking Corrigan as medic, and Miricada as scout with Oberstleutnant Dettinger as commander. I think Zhukov should come along too in case we run up against any of the "local" Soviet units. If we dress in the Russian uniforms and only carry the right gear, we could pass ourselves off as a patrol. All but Corrigan can speak at least a smattering of Russian so should be ok if we strike problems."

"What do you think sir?

[Private to Major Bernhard Finnegan: All five are now NPC's so generally expendable.]

After who knows how long it's been since she's had a real cleansing shower, Tanya goes back and finds a quiet place to clean her weapons and try to get some sack time.

"Sounds like a solid plan. Take as many of our extra rifles as you see fit, and enough ammo for each of them to have at least one magazine. If you feel it wouldn't compromise the nature of the mission, you could take horses. Cover more ground on horseback, at the very least if you take a pack horse you can carry supplies back easier." Bernhard pauses to think for a few seconds,"Also take the radio we recovered from the forward observer earlier. You can use it to radio that you are close, and not to shoot you on your way back. One last item, if things go bad, either for your team, or for us back here, we make our way to Zyardow and rendevous there."

"We've only the four each AK-74's and AKM and they're on loan to the civies. Have to take at least two anyway for Dettinger and I or swap with one of us. I think it would be best to carry AK-74's for ammo commonality. They're a newer weapon too so more likely to be found with regular units."

Dettinger would be leaving his PSG1 Sniper rifle and MP-5SD3 silenced submachinegun along with the HK-69 grenade launcher. Kett's Diemaco C7 (Canadian M16) with M203 grenade launcher would also stay behind. All very nice weapons but would stick out like a red flag if they intended to pass themselves off as Russians.

"All the ammo for the AK-74's has been distributed too so probably need to pass the hat around for "donations". Still 13 mags of 7.62mmS in stores though plus a few loose rounds."

"We'll leave the horses, none of us can ride. I'll carry the radio myself and Dettinger has his short range unit as backup."

"We'll leave as soon as possible and head west. Might be able to find out a bit on the units that way for an eventual return to friendly lines."

Once the plan was confirmed by Major Finnegan and the various minor details (callsigns, radio frequencies, etc) worked out, Kett headed over to Major Smythe.
"Sir, look after this while I'm gone will you." He handed over his cherished Walther P-38 pistol. "My grandfather picked this up in the last war. I don't want anything to happen to it." Tone indicated that bodies would be littering the landscape if it had even one small scratch when he came back...

Staff Samuels! Got a present for you." A C7 assault rifle with M203 grenade launcher and Lietz-Elcan sight (telescopic) was thrust into the marines hands - a weapon he was far more familiar with than the AK-74 he was carrying (licenced and slightly modified M16A2). Seven magazines and five rounds of 40mm HEDP went with it. "I'll take that AK from you if you like. Look after my toy there won't you."

A few more changes in equipment (including swapping his Canadian issue webbing and pack with captured Russian rubbish) and he was right to go.

Kett's fellow Canadian listened intently to the patrol orders and then went back to sentry duty. There was little he needed to do to be ready - just pick up his share of the food and trade goods on the way out.

"Smith?" a heavily German accented voice called quietly from behind, "You take, yes?" Dettinger stood holding his HK-69 and MP-5SD3 out towards him.
A collection of four magazines and almost a dozen grenades of various types accompanied the offer although the sniper rifle remained firmly slung over his shoulder.
"You use yes?"

After approaching the American Special Forces soldier, Dettinger headed for Matterson. "You give AK for this?" The PSG1 was held in offer to the marine sniper. Out of all the people in the village, surely Virgil was by far the best suited to the precision weapon....
[Private to Sergeant Virgil Matterson: As mentioned previously, the PSG1 is a highly refined G3. I might even let you use it as if specialised with it because of the "family resemblance". It's the same weapon Billy Zanes' character used in the movie "Sniper" with Tom Berrenger.]

Once the patrol "O" group broke up, Andy swapped his Polish fatigues for a set of Russian ones. Then he headed to the makeshift "hospital" and rummaged through the pitifully meagre medical supplies.
"Doc, I'm grabbing a couple of personal medikits for the patrol, alright?. I'd like a full doctors kit but I think you've more need here."
Personal kits were no more than a shell dressing and a unit of antibiotics in an autoinjector with a couple of safety pins for good measure, but even such minimal equipment could save a person's life. If they ran into real trouble, a quick call on the radio and the "cavalry" could roll out in the BTR-80 to meet them - a little like one of the helicopter evacs of only a couple of years before.

Some felt the forced grounding of aircraft was a bad thing, but in Andy's eyes anything that took away the enemies ability to rain down high explosive rockets, missiles and shells was nothing short of mana from heaven. Back with "the regiment", Andy had been part of mobility troop usually assigned as medic there too. The light attack vehicles and landrovers he'd usually driven had been a pain to camoflague from the air.

Looking up with a surprised expression Samuels gladly accepts the weapon and relinquinshes his AK without so much as a pause.  Quickly checking the weapon he appears like a kid at Christmas with a new toy.  A smile played about his lips as he checked the clip and aimed the weapon at the nearest inanimate object.

"Will do!"

Gallin looks up as the remaining antibiotics are rationed out. "Keep your eyes open for anything that may help replace this. Supplies are running extremely stretched out." She looks over at the men preparing to go out, and looks back at Corrigan. "Please be careful, sir. The BTR is out of fuel, and we may end up having to come get you on horses. Just don't get too banged up, keep your head down, and make it back safe."

"Looks like its back to the moldy bread and oranges."

Taking the offered PSG-1, Matterson hands over his AK and says, "Thanks slim," giving the man a smirk as he considers the weapon.

Marcus nods to Dettinger as he accepts the various weapons and accessories.

(taking a while to get back into step  hehe)
Camilla drew the wealth of damp locks back pulling with a tight twist, before a thin strip of cloth was used to bind it all. (providing there was one-if not count her as in the same-ole-same-ole) She’d have also taken up one of the fresh uniforms, picking a quiet place to watch the others. Her old Polish uniform was folded beneath her, the wall of the warehouse at her back and the weapon draped across her lap.  She’d clean it, if anyone had some oil to spare.

Her expression was lacking much character,  dimly distant as her eyes fell on Smith a moment.  Cam was thoughtful, and turned her attentions to locating any of her group, from where she sat.  She wanted to be sure they were getting the rest they needed.    And with a slow sigh Ashton pulled herself up, slinging the rifle in preparation to look in on them.

Of course she’d listen in on the conversation between Kett and the Major, if she happened to brush by,  what she understood of it anyway.  Kett seemed to be saying a great deal… And fast.  Wordlessly she watched as they concluded,  Turning back to locating the people she’d been scouting with, in order to be sure they were -at least -taking a break.

Either before or after Tanya is cleaning her weapons/sleeping, she'll say something to Cam,  Everything good Lootenant?

“Yes,..”, She said slowly with an uneven smile.. “Just see if all resting..  Had big day.”  Ashton’s gaze traveled toward the exit.

“Kett take next group, think we stay with Main.. maybe head to village soon.” She motioned toward the survivors.

The five members of the long range scouting team were ready to go. A few last words here and there and they were gone. The sentry on the roof the last to see them as they dissappeared between the buildings headed westward.

The remainder of the second full day in the village passed with the usual camp duties, food and water foraging parties and a little hunting. While enough food was gathered to support everyone, there wasn't much left over to add to the stores.

Every scrap of vegetable matter left over from the "kitchen" quickly found it's way into the mash pots for distilling into fuel. Unfortunately there simply wasn't enough grain available to produce ethanol - the majority of fuel production would be the less efficient methanol.

That night passed uneventfully except for the death (not really unexpected) of one of the more critically wounded. Infection had set in and despite Michelles best efforts, they had succumbed. A short search of the ruined school nearby had yeilded some usable equipment but Michelle had been unable as yet to produce much more than a furry mold that had little resemblance to the desired antibiotics.

The following morning (about 60 hours or so after the slavers bloodbath) and the day the long range patrol was due to return, the sentry spotted a group of five people approaching on foot from the north. The last radio message from Dettingers group, a few hours before, placed them at least thirty kilometres away - this group could not possibly be them...

Going to his sniper's nest at word of five unexplained travellers, Matterson lays down on his stomach in the darkness of his little nest and scopes in on the five people.

Tanya is woken up from her most restful night of sleep in a long time when there are reports of men appraiching the camp that aren't from our camp.  She puts on her web gear, body armor, and picks up her Russian SAW and goes to look for Cam.  Lootenant!  Lootenant Ashton!  Where do ya want me ma'am?

Gallin is just finishing the days initial rounds when she hears about the sighted patrol. sighing, she mutters to herself something about no rest for the wicked and finishes her rounds, keeping an extra close ear on the radio, making notes on who could be moved in a hurry and who could not.

Having doned her flack, and tugging at the chin strap of her helmet absently, Cam glanced toward the demolished store building, little more than a few walls and rubble, and motioned toward it, “Get Winters and set cover there.. Church probably have cover already... No know if radio up there... Dave float anyway..”  She’d move over there with them to help, kneeling down behind one rickety wall amidst the chips of paving and brick, sliding her rifle over to train on the street.




(Possibly to be eddited)

The voice on the radio seems familiar to some of you. The heavily french accented english sounds suspiciously like Sergio, one of the men left behind in a small village about ten days ago along with Dimitar and Lt Col Nelson. Their use of one of the same frequencies you commonly use as well as a few code words from that period go a long way to confirming their identity.

Bernhard nods to himself when he sees Lt. Ashton's response to the news of five unknowns inbound. "Lt. Don, with me, lets go meet the newcomers, find out who they are and what they want. Smith, you and Feldwebel Lumper find a spot in the ruin northeast of here, (building L) give us some cover fire if we need it. Mister Brown, take Samuels across the east road and do the same in the rubble there (building K). Or if they are far enough out, get into the woods and flank them. Everyone else prep to load into the BTR as fire-support if things go bad or its a trap."



Bernhard pauses when he hears the voice on the radio, "Anyone know who that was? They seem to know us, or at least know of us."

"Aye, Finnegan. I know. That's Sergio! I wonder what he is up to?"

Don smiles after hearing the frenchie.

"I'll follow you. It will be hard to have to fight for the women with a Frenchman again. But, of course they will still stick to me, hehe"

OOC: Could've snatched post no 3000, but thought one of you active could get it. ;) Will try to be here a little more often from now on :)
And of course the only one less active than myself got it :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Sat 17 Sept 2005.

Cam saw the buzz from her spot across from the warehouse, heard the sounds, doubt she heard the radio, unless it was with Winters or Tanya, if either of them went with her, But if she did, she’d speak up.., but ultimately it was unnecessary,  And if not she’d just settle in, easily in ear shot if any orders needed to be issued.

"A Frenchman? Named Sergio no less. Sounds more like a runway model, than a soldier. Same plan then, but you and me will approach friendlier, weapons down but ready, and make sure it isn't a trap." Bernhard moves to head out of the warehouse and adds,"Someone he will recognise easily radio him and let him know we are coming."

"Aye, you're right on that one, haha. But I'm actually prettier than him!"

Don gets a grip of a microphone.

"Oy, Serge. Welcome. We can get you a lot of snails to eat around here, just keep away from the lassies!"

He smiles again.

" 'ey, and we're coming there"

Michelles heart drops to the bottomost recesses of her stomach as she hears Sergios voice crackle, and then the mention of his name sends her head into a dizzying tailspin. She had kept quiet all this time about anything she had ever felt for the frenchmn who had unknowingly stole her heart, but she'd be damned if anybody found out about it now. When he had chosen to stay behind those so many days ago, she stifled any feelings and felt if it was meant to be, then it would happen some day. Now the damn Frenchman was practically knocking on the doorstep. Sighing, she went to the Btr to give it a good inspection, and raps it with a little more vigor than needed. Damn the frenchman all to hell.....


She shakes her head visiously. She shouldn't feel like this about him anyway. She was a man once after all, damn aliens....

The crosshairs hardly moved, and that was good, he was calm. Matterson's rifle stayed pointed at the traveling Frenchman and the others with him, floating casually on their chests and heads.

If they mean to sight in on the others, they'll find a hard fight anyway, but for the time being, as they were traveling on the road, he'll figure they were legit and not out to cause trouble.

Leading his targets a bit, he pulls a piece of gun out of his pocket and starts smacking on it.

They know they're coming, just relax Virgil.

Winters wordlessly grabs up his gear and moves into the position prescribed by Lt Ashton. He quickly snaps his head from one side to the other trying to work out the kinks from his sleep before settling into a sector of fire.

Marcus nods to Major Finnegan's suggestion and readies his gear and weapon to move into position for a little overwatch. He glances over in the direction of Lt Ashton's little group before moving out.

Tanya grabbed her RPK and radio and headed over to the area where Cam wanted here and Winters to occupy.  She unfolded the legs of the bipod and laid out another magazine right next to her and Winters and then signalled to Cam that they were in position and ready and waiting for further orders.

If no one has any other need of me I think I'll join the greeting party.

Cam relaxed some-what, tension slipping from her shoulders. Over the crumbled wall she caught sight of Smith as he made off to depart, ahead of (or with) the Major’s greeting group. She watched him go a moment, then glanced over the chosen position, with a frown. “Good they come back yeah?..”

“We keep watch here small time..”

That scope tight on his potential targets, Virgil counts the buttons on their coats and makes note of each and every feature he can discern. What kind of alice gear they have, their weapons, their formation, the presence of cigarette packs pushing out cloth.

Quietly to himself, he gives each potential target a name in his head.

You're first if you try something Curly, he notes to himself, his sights casually tracing, and leading, the sniper in the closing group. He figures he can put two in that guy before they even hear the first shot, and then it'll be easy pickin' from there.

With everyone in position, the greeting party heads out to say hello. Those who had met him before easily recognise Sergio but the other four American soldiers with him are total strangers to you all.

(OOC: Ooops they are American. I got english for some reason, no wonder they didn't respond when I said I'd been holidaying in england! lol!)

Smiling and leaning casually against the trunk of a tree. Up the tree. He waves and pulls himself down.

"Ha! Saw you come from a while back! Still I suppose iz all as you knew I am here, non?" he says grinning. Taking note of the new people he gives a mock bow, "Name is Sergio" the large well built frenchman has a bit of a grin, if anything his spirits seem higher than the last you saw him.

"These quatre were passing through and I ad that motor fix, and few of the guns too, so when they were a going, I decided to help. Not realising I am to be so little there!" he says with a smile.

"Ahh tis good to see yall, and more of the names to remember too I am seeing. And was that your work with the ambush and HumVees back that way?" He points the way of the site before.

"Come guys, let us all get aquainted!" he says to his american posse. "They're good guys if a little quiet at time, unless for that football they go on about! The NFS or something?"

Bernhard offers a firm handshake to Sergio, then the others travelling with him."Major Finnegan, US Army Rangers. No, the ambush wasn't our work. Local marauders, we owe them for that one. We can fill you in more when we get back to camp." Finnegan turns to head back to the warehouse, scanning the woods on either side of the road as he begins walking.

Don shakes Sergios hand, gives him a quick hug, patting his back. .Who could think that 4 sturdy Americans has to  be rescued by a Frenchie. Hehe. G'day, lads, Welcome to our little part of Poland. Don gives each man a handshake of a politician.

With deja-vu, Sergio happily replies, "Well it zeems they have a baby sitter for eaz day of the week for you" he lets out a laugh.

Tanya watches the gropup move in and her tension lightens some when she sees them shaking hands and they appear to be friendly.  Phew!  Thought we were gunna have to rock 'n' roll on their asses!  Looks like they're good Lootenant! she says back to Cam.

Winters nods in agreement to SFC Redgrave's apparent relief, but continues to stay behind his SAW scanning the area around the gathered party they're currently overwatching. "Best to stay frosty S'argeant, we don' know wuz out th'ar." suggests Winters while continuing to keep his eyes on the horizon and surrounding area.

The remainder of the day passes uneventfully. the usual chores are completed and a little more fuel distilled. The only issue of concern is the silence from Kett's scouting group. So far they are over four hours overdue to report in by radio. The possible causes for this could make a nearly endless list - flat battery, out of range, broken wire, etc, etc, etc...

Finally all the wounded appear to have stabilised and passed through the most dangerous period. Unless infection claims them, they should all survive. Michelles efforts at growing antibiotics continues to frustrate her - nothing more than useless mold the result of careful preparations and her barely adequate equipment and high school biology lessons.

Although only about ten days has passed since leaving Sergio behind with Lt Col Nelson and Dimitar Nikolov, there is plenty of news and events to catch up on. Sergios four American travel companions are all from the same US Mechanised Infantry unit and had been attempting to break out of the encirclement at Kaliz a few weeks ago when their M2 Bradley had been used as target practise for a Soviet T72. Only the four of them had escaped the suddenly burning wreck with nothing much more than the clothes on their back and a few hurriedly grabbed supplies. Since then they have been steadily heading southeast towards Krakow, an apparently "Free City" like Cassablanca in the last big war. They've heard that as long as you can show some way of supporting yourself and keep out of trouble, the city ORMO (militia) will let anyone in. Some talk during the day lets you know that although thankful for any offer to join up with you, they would rather move on in the morning with whatever food and other supplies you can spare.

OOC: Might be an idea to tell Sergio what's been happening and a bit about the ambush and what was found there. He does not have access to that thread until somebody states they are talking to him about it all. (It's also a good idea to summarise it all for him - a lot of posts to read otherwise).

Sergio can tell the tired look in thte eyes of the soldiers, whilst leass than two weeks had passed, it must have been like a lifetime around here. He himsefl had used his skills to avoid trouble like this, but his was not a mission to be killed eventually, having a backup was always the way to go!

He seemed to settle in well with most people, though Donnachaidh seemed even warmed than before, and Michelle colder. But maybe it was the travelling?
"So I have much of ze news to be a catching up en?"

(OOC: Better luck second time, I sent the first as a PM to the two mentioned! lol!)

Michelle spends the day doing just about anything but sitting with Sergio for any specific length of time, especially not alone. the situation with the antibiotics has her visibly frustrated, but her cool attitude towards Sergio seems to stem from something else. as the day wears on however, it is noticed that michelle is hanging around the fringes of wherever Sergio happens to be, watching him, at times almost ready to say something but holding back. By the end of the day, finally unable to say what she wants to, she gives Sergio a look of come see me when you can get away, and states she is going to check on the brakes of the BTR and see how the gas distillation is going.

After seeing a death stare (OOC: Hey you girls are always saying us boys never know what you mean!) Sergio gulps. What had he forgotten? With the group telling him things he couldn't get away yet (OOC: Awaiting a little recap... come on, it's ONLY 10 days lol!!!) but he made a mental note to confront Michelle. He felt the slight tingling on his face, as if his body prepared for a slap. Ahh for a country girl!

As the group starts to head it's own ways for sleep, and the americans gone. Sergio wonders about sleeping arrangements...

Going over to Michelle, hoping he'd not waited too long he goes with a casual confidence with a slight slow worry. "Michelle? I was wondering about the... err.. guard watches tonight, you know where I'd fit in? You know to pull my own weight?" As he speaks his arm reaches behind his head in an embarrassed type way, giving the perfect reason to lower his stare from her eyes, there was something intense there. Almost like she was ready to fight? He'd seen a look in others in bars, when the english came around his village. Never with him, whenever he made himself part of the eqaution, the groups quickly backed down.

[Private to Sergeant Michelle Gallin: Hope thats okay? And hope I didn't scare you with the first line! Lol! Though okay,  meant it that way!]

 Michelle looks at Sergio for a moment. Not a cold stare, one more of trying to make a decision. She decides to tackle his question first. "There is a lot of people here, some new ones that help with watch. I think you can not worry about that tonight unless One of the Officers decides to change his mind." She gives him a look over, and her face flushes a bit and she turns away. Suddenly she turns back on him again, eyes full of hurt.
  "What are you doing back here anyway? When we parted at the city, you just let me walk away. Do you have any Idea how much it hurt just picking up and walking away from you?" She shakes her head. "I must have walked a mile that day, wondering when you would recognize the quiet hints and come running after me, asking me to stay with you. But you never came." She ran a hand through her hair. "For the last ten days, I have been telling myself that a little feeling is not worth it, if it was meant to be then it would find a way.  More than once we were in fights for our lives, and all I could think about was if you would ever realize how I felt towards you." She Stops and turns away, unable to look at him any more. "And now Fate has delivered you bac to my life and you come strolling in, leaving me wondering what to do now. I don't know if there are any feelings on your side for me. But now you know how I have felt for a while now. If you don't feel the same, then I have sounded like a fool, and you can forget this conversation ever happened. But if there is, then I would most definitely like to know so I can, so we can, decide where to go from here."

Sergio goes from quiet chock to outright facial explosion of shock. Not that anyone can see. As Michelle turns he will hide it as much as he can, still seen, but not so... obvious...

This all came as a great shock, and like most men in this situation his mind ran circles around the details he was being force fed these details. After all his thoughts of Marie were on the edge of his mind, a pulling force to get home as quick as possible, his mind sent this bombshell realing into his conciousness to knock apart all he knew about his way forward in this crazy new life...

He was to go home, to wed his first love... wasn't he?

True it had been some time and many things had come between them and maybe... she wasn't... well he wasn't going to think about that. But going off on his own would easily be the quickest if maybe not the safest... yet... he didn't...

He looked over Michelle again, wondering  if she had anything to do with it... He couldn't fall for an american, even if she did have a twinkle in her eye and the way her hair fell to show that little slither of neck which made him feel, alive. The fact she was an army girl, at least time had led that way, he wasn't after that but... was he going to find much else?

The reply she gave no sense... until... he noticed the warmth he felt towards her. Leaving him speechless. What was going on?

Bernhard walks purposefully to where Sergio has been left standing by Michelle's tantrum. He watches her walk away and waits only a moment before interupting Sergio's reverie,"They tell me you are a mechanic? Let me show you what we found out about at the ambush site. See if you can make any sense of it." Bernhard leads the other officer to where the footlocker of technical papers are in the back of the BTR-80. Upon opening it, and showing Sergio some of the pages Bernhard lets the story sink in as Sergio attempts to decode the writings.

[Private to Major Sergio D'ammond: This is the story we were told by the lone survivor of the ambush. Bernhard will fill you in on it.     “Schaeffer, Frederick L... Lieutenant,” the man manages to say. “Mission ... mission accomplished... almost. Operation ... R-Reset. Got that? Reset. Got to get them through...”

The Lieutenant's story comes out in bits and pieces. His unit is, or rather was, a B team of the US 20th Special Forces Group. At first, all that the characters are able to understand is that Schaeffer's unit was carrying something of vital importance, that their unit immediate destination was Krakow, and that they were ambushed by marauders with the aid of a traitor.

“It was that damned Cutler,” Schaeffer says. “Sergeant Cutler. He ... he led us ... right into a trap. He was with the Captain in the lead Hum-Vee, and they didn't fire on him. He was with them when they rounded up the prisoners. Like he was in charge. He was with them when they marched us over to the woods...”

Schaeffer had been among those captured by the marauders, who he says numbered between 50 and 100. The prisoners had been led to the edge of the woods, herded together, then machinegunned. Schaeffer had been hit, but managed to crawl into the underbrush, his escape concealed by the fall of his comrades. He'd lain hidden in the underbrush while his friends were massacred, stayed hidden while the vehicles were stripped and the bodies looted. He'd lain there, his wounds draining him, until he'd seen the characters' arrival and managed to get their attention.

“Listen to me," he says with a desperate, burning intensity. “This is Operation Reset. Got it? Reset. We were carrying vital plans. Blueprints. Films. All the way from Lodz. They're all there ... I don't think they got them. Can't let them get lost. DIA needs that stuff ... bad ... real bad...”   “Listen, you've got to get the papers. They got the ... the things ... the prototypes ... but I don't think they got the papers. That's what's important ... the papers! Raiders didn't know ... about the papers. Everybody'll want ‘em... DIA ... CIA ... KGB even. Got to get them ... get them to ... they'll pay...”

Searching about reveals one footlocker which is different. It is still aboard one of the trucks, opened and rummaged through, but the contents have not (yet) blown all over the field. These papers include what are obviously electrical wiring diragrams, hundreds of them, in sheaf upon sheaf, all carefully labelled and annotated (in Polish), together with several loose leaf folders crammed with hand written notes. The notes are highly technical, describing modular components for an extremely complex peice of electrical equipment. The papers include a bound volume of blueprints, again of electrical wiring diagrams and curcuitry, and several exposed rolls of 35mm film. A leather Nikon camera case remains in the truck, but the camera has been taken.]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Wed 28 Sept 2005.

Sergio follows to see the papers, wondering about the Polish.

Sergio looks over the papers and uses his brief skills in electronics to see if he can decipher or recognise what this might all be going on about. His total lack of Polish had been a problem in the village and was once more here. He'd have to start learning a bit, but at the moment he was just going to get it confused with his other languages...

He tries to get the gist of the drawings, what they might be pertaining to. His mind wanders a little but he has to concentrate for a while to see what comes of this.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Wed 28 Sept 2005.

Camilla straitened slightly, watching the approach,.. and nodded to the pair that had joined her. “We good..  Back normal..” What was Normal anyway? Ashton saw the majors, caught bits of this and that, odds and ends really.  She wasn’t sure what-was-what at the time, but could feel the tension slip slightly back to a less urgent level.  Brushing the dust from her uniform, Cam rose and crossed into the street.

She searched the faces of the people she could spy from there, just silent in her pondering. -The recon team’s absence was disturbing, the chain of command was busy at the moment, so that left her few options.. As far as she knew they were working on it already. A honey coloured lock was tucked behind her ear as she moved toward the church.  “I go to pray…”  Slinging her rifle, she did just that, walking the rest of the way to the religious structure, placing a pale hand to the aged surface of the door frame.  Her words were meant for the team, but could have easily been picked up otherwise.  As long as someone knew where to look if they needed to give orders.

Michelle hears the approach from behind Sergio before she turns and sees Finnegan approaching. Wiping any sign of emotion from her face, she clears her throat a bit, and since she is the one who speaks Polish the best, will help Fill Sergio in on the parts he gets confused or lost on. Her ability in mechanics may help, and between the two of them, maybe they can come up with some Idea what they are looking at.

Tanya begins to collect her gear up from the ground where her, Winters, and Cam had set up whaen the news of a patrol was in bound to their location.  After all is well and good she turns to Winters & Cam, I guess we can secure this shit then right?  All is clear.

NPC'd
Dave already had his feet up and his webbing as a pillow even before sergio had entered their temporary home. Loud snoring reverberated around the metal walls...

Dave is presently in the process of moving house several hundred miles. Should hopefully be back with us once he's settled into his new home - a semi tropical paradise about 4km from the beach in far north coast New South Wales (That's Australia, not the British isles).

With Michelle translating Sergio attempts to decipher the highly technical documents and diagrams but with little success. From time to time a few other people with some skills in mechanics, electronics, computers, engineering, etc come to peer over the mass of papers.

Even Michelles native Polish skill is barely sufficient to decipher most of the documents - the hand written notes are next to impossible with it's small spidery writing crammed onto each page.

What is discovered is that it's extremely complex. Something like this must be more than the plans for a new type of transistor radio or toaster - some of the notations that are understood describe power relays, modular design, transfer speeds, and the like.

When complete, whatever it is would be about the size of a briefcase with various ports and leads coming from it. All the connectors are common types found on many audio/visual devices, computers, and other electronic units. It must be intended to be part of something larger...

"Iz a port-able device, an a thinking back to ze times I watched ze James Bond, I am thinking it might be a weaponz control, iz the only thing I can think of to be worh ze troublz of the last mans breat!" Sergio says, wondering the size of toast it would require if he was wrong.

"So wat are da plans? To be going where from her?" he asks the group. He has many things on his mind and would have to deal with them as they came. He wondered if the group would want some luck?

Out of curiosity, Tanya will walk over to where Sergio and Michell are gathered looking over the papers they found on the ground.  Able to make heads or tails outta any of that stuff Michelle?

First planning to join Cam in the church for some, praying... Instead he decides to go over to the other girls instead. He comes from behind and grabs them over the shoulders, one arm each.

" 'ey, what are you looking at?"

After understanding that they don't really know, he instead grips the chance for a Sean Connery impersonation. A task not very hard for a Scotsman.

"My name is Bond, James Bond. Hehe"

He looks at the girls to see if they appreciate his effort. He takes for granted that they do, so he continues:

"Yeah, but it could be that thing the other guy found. The ATAC. Beautiful scenes from Greece in that one. Beautiful scenes with Carole Bouquet as well. Grrr. Hehehe."

Michelle looks back at Tanya, slightly smiling, slightly distracted. "The language I understand perfectly. It application on the other hand, is of a more scientific bend than I am used to. But I think the Key is just perserverance, and finding an engineeer somewhere who can actually read the technical stuff."

Sergio sighs, shaking his head with a smile.

Turning to Don he straightens up, "Well Misser Bond, now you are eere you can andle the situashion." He gives a salute after a rather bad english accent impression.

Michelle shakes her head at DOns impression. She harrumphs slightly under her breath. Here was a fine situation indeed. One man who would do anything to woo any of the ladies present, and then, right next to him, the one she truly had feelings for, who obviously didn't have feelings for her. Maybe then it was time to move on from her schoolgirl crush.....

Seeing they've done all they can, his eyes meeting Michelles more than once whilst trying to work out what the words were (to translate, hard enough when you can read them!) He put a hand on Michelles other should and says, "I think we av done all we can, no? It seems we're not much of the use to know this stuff. Wanna eat a grab a bite?" he looks slightly confused at that last part, obviously knowing he's got the saying wrong, but not sure how.

Michelle looks up at Sergio and smiles slightly, and gives the paperwork a last glance. "That sounds wonderful. You are right. Staring at all this tech stuff gives me a headache. Lets go get a bite to eat, and I will catch you up on all the details surrounding the finding of that mess. Maybe that will shed some light somewhere." In truth there were plenty of other things to talk about as well, but somehow she felt a little confused inside about where that discussion would go. After all, her conversation before came rushing out in the heat of the moment of getting the chance to even glance at him again. She hadn't thought if he had had a wife or girlfriend awaiting at home. Like a fool, she had just laid it out, on the line. There was still so much to know, but so much  she couldn't deny. But she decided she wasn't going to bring it up again unless he did.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Fri 30 Sept 2005.

"Well thanks all, I guess Missa Bond is here to look after youl all!" he laughs and follows Michelle. It seemed she was talking about something important before, and private by her eyes, but as it had been interrupted he wasn't sure what. He tries to work out what it might be about, it sounded like a man, and that he was involved. But who was he close to?

Unless it was him? But surely she was just getting him confused with another? He was very confused and hadn't seen this coming, but knew the best thing to do was to talk it out... wasn't it?

Marcus finds himself standing in front of the old wooden doors of the church. He was never particularly religious, but has certainly not found God anywhere out here. He turns with his back to the church to just look around, apparently internally debating something.

Winters glances over his shoulder as SFC Redgrave and LT Ashton part from their position. Always vigilant he continues to cover their six. Hefting his paraSAW easily he moves to head back to their little encampment. At Lt Ashton's statement of going to pray Winters nods. After a moment he seems to decide something himself and moves after the Lt towards the Church.

As he approaches he sees SFC Smith come up to the same doors of the Church. Smiling to himself he approaches his friend. Nodding in greeting he addresses Smith, "Hey bud, what's up? Feeling God today?"

Pacing through the strewn isle amidst the pews and the dust, Ashton approached the altar, only to cross herself and take a knee in the patchy gloom. Clasping her hands, fingers entwined, she bowed her head in silent prayer.  The uniform was coarse to her then, sure its rough material was always that texture, but the misplaced woman was more aware of it.  The lids of her eyes fluttered as she sought guidance, and whispered for the safety of the advance group..   Mingled hopes and despairs were met there in whatever was left of the chapel.  There was much to be thankful for too she decided.  So much fortune had come to them of late..  All of it despite the precarious place they were teetering on the brink within.

The next two days passes without incident. The radio remains silent as far as Kett and his small group are concerned. There isn't even a small clue as to their fate. To begin with it was assumed that they were either out of range or the battery was dead and they we just delayed but as time drags on without word or sign of them, concern grows.
Various theories are floated, the most logical based on information from the radio - a unit of troops was identified as moving between the main camp and Ketts presumed location. Although there were no reports of any prisoners captured, it had been agreed before the party left, that in case it was too dangerous to return, they would proceed in a westerly direction in an attempt to link up with friendly forces last reported to be several hundred kilometres away.
With luck, they might just make it.

Meanwhile, the tasks continue. Vegetation is gathered for the still, food harvested and hunted from the surrounding area and a constant watch mantained from the high points in the village. The wounded continue to mend and should be ready for travel within the next few days at most, right about the time enough methanol has been produced to fill the BRDM's tank (if it didn't have a reduced capacity due to 20mm autocannon holes drilled through it).

A few spare parts are found at the abandoned repair yard discovered by Lt Ashtons scouts on the first day - not a lot but enough to keep the vehicles running without resorting to yet more fencing wire and chewing gum.

Next morning, the foraging team returns with bad news. The food they have loaded on the horses is the last to be found. Somebody has taken the rest within a hours walk of the village, almost as if a plague of locusts had desended during the night. There are a few footprints in the dirt but no vehicle tracks to be found. Also, the footprints were not heavy - the makers were not burdened and probably civilian refugees foraging. Regardless, they could become a problem.

Time to move on it seems but in which direction and to what destination? Your present fuel supply (methanol supply) will get you approximately 200km on road or 60km off road. You also have a number of horses and around a score of civilians wishing to return to their village of Zyrardow about 30km to the southeast as the crow flies. (At least one of these people have expressed a desire to travel all the way to Romania to gain employment in the Soviet controled oil fields there.)

A complicating factor if you choose to escort the civilian ex-slaves to their home is that military forces of any nationality are not welcome there. The towns ORMO (militia) has been known to attack any armed parties approaching within a dozen miles...

Cam walked to the warehouse,  she’d been able to hunt some, probably cooked a few meals now and again.. Each day was an ashen silhouette of the next, tasteful as chalk to the pallet and probably just as murky when mixed with emotion.  Blue eyes cut across the gloom as they adjusted from the light of the day, course bringing Ashton to where-ever she might find the Major. At least that was her destination. Thoughts didn’t quite make it to her tired gaze, a dim reflection of the world before her barely registering.

“Orders sir?..” Camilla had gotten into the habit of checking in with the major recently, -sort of a routine to an extent..  When not occupied with a duty, she’d tend her gear, check on the few she’d been traveling with and practicing her English with Tanya when the woman was available. Naturally she’d pray.. There wasn’t much time for formality, so..  Just a little bit of personal religion for the moment.

Tanya was more than happy to help the Lieutenant out with practicing her English.  Too make it easier on her, Tanya asked if she would just teach her basic/simple one and two word commands like, 'Stop', 'Shoot', 'Cease Fire, along those grounds so there was a common understanding.

While during one of their tutoring sessions, Tanya asks a simple question of Cam,  Why do you still pray mam'am?  Do you still have hope in something?

“Hope?.. Yes much hope..”  She answered quite glibly despite her previous expression.  It was a break in the storm-front that was her features recently, though brief..  “No hope is no life..  No god?.. No point to live or die.. Matters not yes?..”

“So I choose yes God, even if god is no there.. I could always choose die..” The colour almost left Camilla’s gaze grey and dim at the end, but she was weary.. Not broken. They used to say if you wanted to be found, stay where you were… It probably depended upon the circumstances… “Believe in something... Maybe pray to say thing you can not say mmm?” A quiet shrug was offered and a blink..

“You have hope Tanya?..”

Tanya sighs, Yes ma'am I do.  Just not sure who to ask for it anymore!  I've been around a long time Lootenant, over 22 years of service I've given to the United States military, 22 years.  Do I want to live?  You bet!  Do I beleive there is a God?  I beleive that there's someone or something that watches over us whether it's Jesus, Muhammed, Buddah, Yahweh, I don't think any of us will know for sure.

Tanya pauses and takes a swig from her canteen and continues, I've had to do things in my life that I regret to this day but, a good soldier follows orders to the letter, do they not ma'am?  Maybe I'm still alive during all of this because of some of those things I had to do is now a punishment for me.  Or, maybe I'm just to stubborn to die yet ma'am.  I beleive in what we're doing right now, it's the right thing to do when everything has gone so wrong in this world.  As far as hope Lootenant, I just hope when it's my time, it's quick and painless!

“Mmm.” She nodded in response with one of those half smiles..“Hope lives..” Of course it had to be humour, Ashton’s gaze turned inward for another moment of reflection before she continued..  “Find what we do next hmm?..”

Tanya returned the half smile and a nod.  Roger that Ma'am.  Take a few minutes for yourself to finish up.  Who do you want me to check in with, Major Finnegan?

Sergio returns from his morning walk. Foraging a few of the rarer forest goods, will help feed a few people. After his late night guard postings, he always went to enjoy the dew soaked forest, the air being a great electrical buzz and refreshing to wake to. Shaking his hair free of his face he walks back, his mind reeling over the various news Michelle had passed on through the past days since his return.

It seemed life wasn't going to be boring, he just wondered who to talk to about it, if anyone? He used to be religious but, that seemed so long ago in a safer and more solid past. Now he felt on his own, unless he found he could share...

Brown shifts the strap on his AK and pulls up the collar of his battle jacket, trying to stay warm in the morning chill.  He had been on watch since before dawn, watching the edge of town from two corner windows high in the warehouse, and the report from the ambush site had set him on edge, more and more as Kett and company failed to return.  He had been thinking, and his mates back home always told him that was a mistake.

He unslung the russian weapon, and looked it over.  The previous owner hadn't been the most professional in its care- altho' he had cleaned it thoroughly, rust had pocked the barrel and lock here and there, and he scraped experimentally at one spot with a thumbnail.  He thought of his L85, and wondered what Rusky was bragging about it, and if they were cleaning it regularly.

Bloody hell, get a grip!  Gettin' nostalgic over a weapon.  Y'll be havin' wet dreams over M-16's next, lad...

He sighed, and reshouldered the weapon as his replacement came up.

"Quiet enough?", they asked mechanically.

"As a tomb, lad; jus' like a bleedin' royal park on Saturday mornin'."

He went to find Finnegan, and have a word or two.

Bernhard seems distracted the last two days or so. He seems pissed by more than just Kett's team not returning.







After a few moments to collect his thoughts, Bernhard gathers a few people around him and has a quick pow-wow.

Camillia melted into the conversation.. Blending quietly into the meeting with one of those thoughtful expressions.  Distant..  Untouched. Her gaze drifted amongst those that conversed as they spoke, stance stiff as the poorly spoken officer found a nook to browse from.

Michelle seems frustrated and distant over the last few days, hiding beneath her duties of caring for the wounds the best she can. Her conversation with anyone has dropped, and she spends time with the horses when not tending the wounded. Even after looking at the plans and having a bit to eat with Sergio didn't improve too much, at least for a few hours she was content.
  It seems every moment she gets spare is in the company of horses.

Bernhard turns from the small group he has gathered,"All right, everyone listen up! We leave this place at first light. First stop is Zyrardow, We will get these Poles as close to their home as we can. If we can't go all the way to the town itself we will drop them off with the first militia unit we meet. I'd like to show them we are friendly by clearing out any marauders that they know are in the area. Now that doesn't mean we are going on some big offensive, it just means we will make it seem like a well trained military force has moved in to Zyrardow." He pauses to catch a breath, and continues before anyone can interrupt,"Whether they want the help or not we are going to give it to them. Chief Brown seems to think we could use some more supplies, and I agree at least in part with him. If we can stock up a bit it will give us some valuable trade goods to barter with if they do let us in. If they don't want to trade, no skin off my back, we will have more trade goods for our next stop. When we leave Zyrardow we are heading to Krakow, see if we can deliver this paperwork to someone that knows what to do with it." He pauses once again to let his words sink in before continuing,"I know everyone is concerned with what happened to Dettinger and his team, but there is no need to be. They probably just got in a tight spot and had to head west away from us is all. That was the plan we made before they left if anything happened that made it impossible for them to return here. Now, any questions about anything I have just said?"

Brown nods as if in agreement, even though the Major's final decision hadn't been in line with his own suggestions.

"We've got all those horses, Major, and a few folk who can ride them- me, Tanya, Gallin, Camilla, maybe some of the civilians- and we're short on lift as it is.  You happy with the Recon team going out, or you think maybe we should give a try to scout out mounted?  It'd weaken our vehicle mix, but maybe worth it in the long run- just a suggestion.  Or maybe just right now, before it's dark - just pop out for a quick scout-about and then back?"

He waits for the response, then calls out to the rest-

"OK- if there's anything worth taking in this town, now's the time to get it.  Nobody travels alone- groups of 2 or 3 at all times.  Keep on your toes, people- bonus watch tonight- tomorrow we're back in the valley of the shadow, so let's be prepared."
[Private to Major Bernhard Finnegan:
'oo-rah, sah!]

She had paused asking a question about the route as the confrence broke, quiet gaze flickering over the group, and at the mention of horses Cam blinked. Quietly looping her thumb through the strap of her rifle, Ashton took a casual stance.. “I ride..” Her expression was open as she nodded her agreement,  motioning to Winters if she caught sight of him.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Fri 14 Oct 2005.

Never walk, when you can ride is what I always say.  Horses sound like a good option for a scouting party since it seems a lot are switching over to more 'fuel efficient' transportation these days.  As long as you can feed 'em and water 'em down, they won't let you down.  Bad thing is they don't hold up very well against small arms fire!

"We head cross country. I believe it will be safer for the civilians, and won't add too much time to the trip."



"Find out how comfortable they would be riding, and if any of the civilians can ride, and put the team together. For this trip we can give the recon team a break, and send out a cav screen instead. Lt. Ashton, get with Chief brown and set up a mounted scout team.



"Look for some white cloth, we may need to parley with the town, and will need a white truce flag to hang off a vehicle or carry so that hopefully they won't shoot on site."

Tanya goes back to where she was bedding down for the evenings and packs what little belongings she has up and stows them in her pack near her horse.

Sergio finishes off packing his stuff. Used to living out of a bag, so this isn't much of a change for him. Home cooking is something he misses, but the foraging can come up with some familiar tastes and flavours.

He looks for Michelle again, even with all this time, it still seems nothing has really been sorted yet. Maybe it was time to get down to the details of it all? As for the rest, he'd met most of them now. He defered his role to the other major happily.

Michelle finishes her rounds with the wounded, then goes and checks on the soundness of the horses, and that is where she can be found when Sergio catches up with her. She gets a sudden lurch in her throat finding herself all alone with him, but smiles politely and pats a horses neck for reassurance, and approaches casually.

"Good evening Sir. Something I can do for you?" Her tone is not formal, but she knows what is coming and is trying to steel herself for a great letdown.

"I was just coming to umm, look at de horses" he says, trying to scratch for words as his mind seemed to go blank. It was that problem to be solved when he didn't know the problem feeling. "I was, you, I umm, you know how ta ride? I was, when a boy, a little with the animals, and learnt how to ride, but now I can just remember the basics, but the practice, ha well that is something to study up on!" he gives a wink. Sometimes changing the subject was the easier thing to do, and occasionally the way things were said could say a lot.

"On it, Major.  Right then.  Leutnant Ashton, if you would...", he gestures aside, so they can discuss the idea.

"Oh, and Doc- if you could ask around the civilians, see if any of them ride- and try to get a feel for those, if you can- if you think we can trust them on a horse, and not have them take off on their own once they get one.  Just a gut feeling- whatever you can find out."
[Private to Sergeant Michelle Gallin: "Doc"- that's you, btw.]

He waits for the Danish Lieutenant, and begins thinking what changes will be needed for the effort.
[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton:
Talk about this in the OOC thread?  IC or OOC?  Either way, good by me]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:56, Tue 18 Oct 2005.

“Yes sir.”, With a stiff nod of acknowledgement to the Major, Cam walked off a short distance and stepped into time with Brown.. As the warrant officer sought Michel’s attention, Ashton’s gaze traveled over the camp toward the horses then to the areas the Team had come to haunt. It was slightly reassuring to see that Tanya was prepping despite the possibility that the group might not be used. Though she had a horse it seemed.

Camilla’s gaze traveled to the animals again, then to her co-conspirator assigned to the horse recon roster to be.. “This your idea.. Good Idea. My English no good.. “ She extended her hand lightly as if striking a bargain. “Getting better.. We speak you.. Eer thinkings.. Ideas.”

[Private to WO1 William Brown: Ko we can discuss in another thread so as not to confuse the rest of the team. Probably should stay IC though, becuase Cam's english is riddled with holes.]

Michelle smiles at sergio and pats the horse again. She had already gone and asked about civilians who knew how to ride, and now had to only get that information sorted out and figure out who knew how to ride and who knew how to simply "Stay on."
 "Sometimes its the basics that all you need. Some things can only come with practice. The most important is understanding your horse. But if you are willing to learn, then I am willing to help as much as I can." She Eases an arm up over the horses neck, and rubs the horses brow line and behind the ears. Glancing around for a bridle, she casts a glance back at Sergio and recognizes that nervous stance and change of subject. So, he had been thinking about things that had been said. Running her hands over the horse carefully, her eyes are still studying Sergio. "I must be nuts" she thought to herself. "What is it about this guy that I can't breathe when I am around im, yet when he is not here I feel I can't live?" She stares hard at Sergio a moment, then takes his hand in hers, gauging his reaction for just a moment.

Winters was helping SFC Redgrave prep their gear for another possible recon mission. He felt someone look at him and looked up at Lt Ashton, but before she could call him over, or so he thought, she was pulled aside with Chief Brown. He returns to his preparations while keeping an eye out to see if Lt Ashton would still require his services.

Brown and Ashton sat against a burned out and stripped shell of a vehicle, talking and exchanging ideas, occasionally gesturing toward the horses, the civilians, the vehicles, the horizon, or one of the personell specifically.

Whether they were making progress or not was unclear to any out of earshot, but there was more nodding going on than shaking of heads, and after about a quarter hour they got up, stretched, and headed toward where the Major was sitting...

"Major, we think we got an acceptable solution for ya..."
[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton; Major Bernhard Finnegan:
OK, Major- you may have gleaned some of it from the Cav Options PM thread, but the Ltnt and Brown have come up with what we think is a workable proposal.  We've taken all the factors into consideration, and made some changes and concessions - do you want that here in public, or a PM? (I'd recommend the latter).  And IC or OOC? (Might as well be IC- more fun that way, esp w/ this whacky Dame Dane.)  ;)

If PM, you go ahead and start it with whoever you want in on the discussion- or we could just use the current OOC with the 4 riders and yourself, IF you want to include them.

Gallin still needs to interview the civies, and some other details, but... I think we're good to go, or at least take it out for a test drive.]
[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton:
Didn't start talking in case Ashton had more to say in the PM thread.  Post there and/or here as you prefer, I'll follow your lead.]

Bernhard looks up from where he was double-checking his loadout, nodding to the two would be cav-scouts. "OK, fill me in on what you have figured out for a cav screen." The ex-linebacker stands as he begins a second meeting with the two.

[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton; WO1 William Brown: OK continue this conversation in the previous cav scout thread]

Marcus assists Michelle here and there on checking on the wounded. He takes a moment to crouch against one of the building walls and take a breather. His 'borrowed' HK MP5SD3 casually laid across his lap he scans the area. The little 'command group meeting' catches his eye and he watches for a bit. He shakes his head slightly as the thought of officers taking such a long time to make decisions pops into his mind. His thoughts move onto other things as he watches the trio of his old PL, MAJ Finnegan, with Chief Brown, and Cam huddled for more discussions.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Thu 20 Oct 2005.

Cam had been mostly listening after the exchange began, attention pinned to Major Finnegan, and Brown as they spoke. She found her fingers lightly rubbing at the shoulder-strap of her rifle. Maybe a nervous tell, or one of those actions indicative of thought.  Her eyes wavered between those at the mini-conference then oddly enough found Smith.  A brow rose slightly in one of those delicate arcs, but she didn’t look away..  At least for that moment and the next she regarded the soldier openly.. Then, a mild twitch tugging at the corner of her lips,  Ashton tucked back into the discussion.  During which she seemed to indicate the warehouse with a bob of her head beneath those sun streaked locks.

As michelle take Sergios hand, he can suddenly feel parts of his body line them selves with sweat. It was like being at school. A redness followed the heat and he could tell he was beginning to blush. He obviously felt something, for such electricity to pass through a touch, and decided this was the time to do something about it. Whether his mouth could convey the words bulging through his mind was an age old question... He opened his mouth, and for a second or two it looked much like a gaping fish, as his mind worked through thousands of possibilities and all sounding like "Urrmmm", finally he manages, "Michelle, look I..." before being interrupted by Marcus.

Immediately dropping her hand, geting back to 'checking' the horses he felt the cool breeze blow around him, whilst an unfortunate feeling of another missed chance, and when would the next be. Then he had to just work out one thing, was it going to be a good thing or a bad thing... he wasn't sure if he wanted a chance now or in many days time, if ever? Ah to be back in his village where he had less things to worry about.

Shuffling his feet a little he nods to Marcus and moves off to his own chores,
"Michelle I'll, err catch up wiz you later if that iz okay? I am having much to be do." he managed to steal a glance to her eyes, but otherwise stares anywhere but. The moment has obviously flustered him somewhat. He even moves off with a stumble, wondering if his obvious unease is going to cause any amusement for her. The army never taught this sort of thing, well not officially anyways.

Michelles eyes meets Sergios for a second, and as he drops her hand, her gaze drops too. With a nod of her head, she looks more like she's been kicked than anything else. "Yeah. Later. Whatever." Was all she manages to say and abruptly turns her back on him and ducks beneath the neck of the nearest horse. She grabs a bridle and absentmindedly begins checking it for needed repairs.

Marcus regarded Cam as she regarded him, unwavering, almost expressionless and straight-faced, except perhaps for something glinting in his eyes, something only Cam could possibly see. What is it? For now, it just seems like a glint. The moment passes as Cam returns her attentions to their meeting. After a few more moments Marcus stands and starts walking unhurriedly towards Cam and her group of officers.

When Marcus comes within normal talking volume distance the usually laconic green beret speaks up in an even unhurried tone much like his stride, "Gentlemen, is there anything I can do to help?"

She tilted her head at his question, eyes on Smith when he walked up. Her last words were drifting to a standstill on the breeze, something about asking someone a question.  “We talk recon plan on Horse..  No many peoples can ride.”  Camilla went quiet then so that anything that needed to be said could be covered. Marcus seemed more sturdy, stable compared to the day of his recovery.

Doing what he can, he spending his time checking his equipment for wear and tear. Looks fine, if dirty. A quick clean later and it could have come straight off the factory floor. He tries to help out where he can, trying to remember his training, so long ago now. He'd never liked giving orders, and in the mechanics there was just the job to do and you did it as needed. That was the easy life. It was the war that shoo everything out of place, hence why he'd taken to the small or solo missions.

He used to be a people person. But things like this, change a person like that.

"Marcus, perfect, we were just finishing up here. You can get with Lt. Don and organize the Poles. We need them to gather materials and make up 8 litters to carry the badly wounded. 5 will be pulled by horses, the other three will be carried by the civilians. I figure with 4 people carrying each litter it won't be too heavy, and the remaining 7 healthy civilians can switch off to keep them from getting too tired."

Bernhard stands from where he was talking to Brown and Ashton,"Everyone listen up. There has been a slight change of plans. We are still leaving tomorrow, but we are going to take the main road south. The newly formed Cav Scout team will sweep down to the crossroads and the rest of us will follow a bit slower. The walking wounded will be riding in the BTR, and the more seriously injured will be carried on litters, some by horse, the rest by hand. Some of you already have tasks, the rest I will be talking to shortly to fill you in on your part in the plan."

[Private to Major Richard Smythe; Marcus L Smith; Sergeant Virgil Matterson: "Gentleman the four of us are going to be flankers for the main group traveling with the BTR. It will be our job to sweep the flanks for possible ambushes. We will be 25-50 meters from the road, but still in site of it. We will stay just ahead of the main body. Matterson and I will be on the east side of the road, Major Smythe and Sgt Smith will be on the west.]


[Private to Donnachaidh (2nd Lt); SSgt Jared Samuels; Staff Sgt Dave Guido: You three are the BRDM crew. Lt Don you will be driving, Sgt Samuels will be the gunner, and Sgt Guido will be commanding. I want you to lead the main force out of here. keep us in site, but I expect you to scout a bit ahead of the Main force, just not too far cuz that thing doesn't hold much fuel.]


[Private to Aaron J Winters; Feldwebel Dieter Lumper; Major Sergio D'ammond: You three are going to be the BTR crew. Lumper you will drive, Winters you will be gunning, and Sergio will be the commander. Your job is too transport the 8 wounded Poles and also support the rest in their task of carrying the badly wounded. I expect you to drive slow, and keep up back with us. We will have two flanker teams sweeping for ambushes to clear the way.]

Marcus nods patiently listening to his officer. After the quick briefing Marcus asks to speak to the Major in private.

[Private to Major Bernhard Finnegan: "Sir, how are the scouts going to move? Foot or horses? I would like to stick with the scouts, if at all possible sir, considering my skill set and my new toy." Marcus emphasizes his new toy by raising his MP5SD3 by the receiver.]

The sniper nods at his assignment, when it is given, and continues to scan the area, while he waits for the actual deployment to come.

PM

[Private to Marcus L Smith: The scout team will be Lt. Ashton, Chief Brown, Sgt. Redrave and Sgt. Gallin. They are going to sweep ahead of us on horseback.]

Marcus nods to the Major and speaks in a flat professional tone, "Rog' sir." and walks off to prep himself for the journey ahead. If much of anything could be registered in the usually stoic face of the green beret you might say he was disappointed.

Cam nodded quietly as well, turning a curious eye to Smith’s departing form.  “Brown, tell team.. I talk Winters”, Her tone was less bark than her words suggested which might leave someone with the impression that it was suggestion.  Her gaze fell to him shortly after with  bob of her head, then she walked to where Aaron was kitting. She had just been getting used to her little team. Maybe Camilla didn’t do the best job, but that didn’t mean she didn’t get nostalgic about it.

With a slow sigh she broke the news.. “They change team for horse.  You back to gun, if you take job..” She indicated the vehicles.

Winters looks up from re-packing his rucksack as Lt Ashton approaches. With a slight smile he gives a nod just before she speaks.


Winters chuckles a little, "So they traded me in f'er a horse huh?" He adds jokingly, "I guess I wouldn' be very good wit' a saddle on my back." He can only smile and shrug, "W'atever the officers say I suppose." He catches himself, "I liked you s' much ma'am I almos' f'ergot y'er an officer too" finishing with a smile to ensure that Lt Ashton understands it as a joke.

Winters adds his own sigh and comments, "Well, I hate ridin' in those tin cans, but I'll go where ever I'm needed." He tightens the last strap on his rucksack before throwing it over his shoulder and hefting his SAW. He nods to Lt Ashton, "Thank you ma'am, it's been a pleasure", before moving on to prep his position in the vehicle.

The morning dawns warm and cloudless. By 0600, everyone is awake and preparations for the days travel is well underway. Michelle makes a final check of the wounded and inspects the stretchers and litters that have been fabricated during the night. The BRDM-2’s fuel tank is topped off and most of the remaining methanol loaded aboard in jerrycans.
The last task before the crews and passengers take their positions is the dismantling and loading of the still. The need for fuel so great that it was left to run right up to the last minute.

Finally all is ready and the five (Brown, Michelle, Tanya, Camilla plus one civilian) mounted scouts head out along the south road. Shortly after they radio back the all clear, the vehicles start up and follow down the road, the majority of the civilians struggling on foot and by horse behind.

By 0800 it is painfully apparent that it will take far longer than anticipated to travel the distance to Zyradow. The carried stretchers are much slower than was planned – not even a mile an hour, a fraction of what the horses and vehicles are capable of. At this speed and remaining on the more circuitous road route, it will take about 30 hours. Even cutting across country and following tracks, paths and back roads, it would still take more than 20 hours non-stop. There must be a better and more fuel and time efficient way...

(OOC: We can't contruct carts/wagons as trailers on teh back of the vehicles to be towed? That way all the injured can be sped along. Rough riding but then conditions aren't great and better to be alive and safe elsewhere than slowly dying as we trundle along? - I might be misinterpreting what the GM is hinting at though
That or we split. Vehicles taking the ill?)

)OOC: The reason we didn't put the critical in the vehicles was the risk on thier lives of the rough jostling. and room. But its apparent this isn't going to work either. Too bad we couldn't string some of that camo netting between the two vehicles and put the stretchers on it, then set a predetermined speed. The makeshift hammock would have give and sway to it, making a smoother and faster ride, if it could be coordinated between the vehicle drivers to stay on smooth areas and maintain the same speed.)

  Michelle wipes a hand across her forhead in frustration as she sees how slow it is going. Checking on the wounded at the first stop, she Finishes the round and stands thoughtfully looking at the two vehicles, chewing her lower lip in thought. Then she sees Sergio taking a stretch, and watches him just for a moment,then goes back to thinking about her ideas.

Brown throws a leg up on his horse not long after first light, and with self-conciously gives the "move out" signal, as if right out of some old western, binoculars around his neck and a pistol on his hip.

They move East, spreading out a bit, stopping at treelines to scan for movement, smoke, trouble.  Small crossroads are probed on foot, dismounting a safe distance, leaving the horses with the holder, and leapfrogging forward.  After a pre-determined several miles of scouting, they radio back, and wait for the convoy.

And wait.

"What the bloody hell is the holdup?" he wonders aloud, but uses a better chosen vocabulary when making the official radio inquiry.

"First stop my sorry ass- that shouldn't have come for another hour.  This ain't gonna work worth piss."  He's dismounted, waiting in a corner room of a house with a decent view of the crossroads they're waiting at, and scowling back in the direction that the vehicles should be, but aren't speeding out of.

Cam tilted her head listening to Brown’s triad,  curious.. And made a point to keep him in sight as hovered about her mount. She had filtered well enough into the background that morning.  Content to play observer on the trail as she watched the Chief work.  She scanned the earth for tracks, made pauses now and again and kept a light eye out for edible game.

Her chin strap pulled annoyingly, as she looked her mount over when they came to a stop.  Uneven ground could be detrimental and she’d do her best to keep it off the paved areas.  Cool eyes trailed after him a moment analyzing the words that were unfamiliar. She didn’t have a clue, then motioned to Tanya,  “I look  tracks.. You find what happen Vehicle.” She didn’t have much else to do, and Brown would be better at relaying the situation due to her language barrier.  Ashton wasn't going far.

OOC: Just a quick post to get back into the game...

BIC: Tanya nudged her horse forward with Cam, Brown, and the others at 0800.  She kept up a steady pace set by Brown and also stayed near Cam in case she needed a translation to or from somebody.

They maintained a decnt pace and dismounted their horses to take a look around the area of the crossroads for any signs of trouble.  Their horses with the handler, they moved out to snoop around and make contact with the motorized body of their element.  Tanya listened to Brown curse and dismount his horse and walk back to the house(?), obviously very agitated.

Tanya acknowledges Cam with a nood and moves next to her listening to her broken English, Without asking him Lootenant, I think the vehicles are moving to slowly for the Chief's liking!  I can try to get the official word from him but, judging by his reaction and comments, I don't think his answer would be too far off from mine!

OOC #2:  Sorry if I misposted about something that may not be right on the money or off slightly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:07, Sun 06 Nov 2005.

(OOC: Hope this is alright then? It seems to be the way things are headed I believe?)

Sergio looks around, the talking, the slow pace, the neccessary, but seemingly unneccessary scouting. Either way the pace was too slow. Speaking to the others in the car he asks "Anyone else thinking this izzna working? Maybe we should we-evaluation this... setup." Sergio was beginning to remember why he'd left at the last village. The constant protecting of anyone they came long was a slow and dangerous mission.

His own stealth way meant he saw no one and so wasn't abandoning people as, he never found them. True he couldn't just leave them but, the chances were there wasn't going to be adequate medical supplies or personnel to fix this lot up. They might just die anyway, let alone from bandits.

As the large main body takes it's break Marcus makes sure to find MAJ Finnegan before settling into his position in the defense.  "Sir, respectfully this is a charlie foxtrot.  We need to break down our size so we could all move a little faster.  Or..." pausing for effect, "Drop our dead weight and move on." As an afterthought, "These people aren't Rangers, there's no dishonor in letting them find their own way, and it would not be without means." This must be something Marcus feels strongly about, or the Major might take note of that since he's usually not very vocal.

Bernhard nods his head,"I always could count on you to tell me want I didn't want to admit too. We just don't have the resources to help these people. Keep an eye out, I got to go find Don to translate."

Bernhard trots over to where the BRDM has stopped,"Don, I need your translation services. You get to break the bad news to these people, we aren't babysitting anymore. They can take the horses we have here, and some food, but then they are on their own. And if any of our people want to go with them because they disagree with the decision, they are free to go, I won't hold it against them."

"Sir," Samuels calls from his position behind the guns of the BRDM-2, "I think I'll stay on with the civilians. I can speak a little Polish and have gotten to know a few of them in the past few days. I'd feel terrible if I didn't help them out as best I can."
He climbed out of the vehicle as he spoke, motioning Dave to slide in to replace him in case trouble chose just that moment to strike. Crossing to Major Finnegan and Marcus, he looked down at his feet and kicked a stone absently.
"You'd better take Ketts weapon, he's more likely to catch up with you than find me in the middle of Poland somewhere." And a lovely weapon it was too, one that Major Finnegan was fairly familiar with as it was a half brother to the M16 he usually carried. The M203 grenade launcher attached underneath it only added to it's lethality.
"If you don't mind, I'll take that AKM you've got in exchange and I can catch up with you in Krakow later."

Feldwebel Dieter Lumper hadn't really felt like he fitted in ever since catching up with this group. There was only a couple its members he could even talk to properly since his english was barely better than Camillas. German and Russian were his strongpoints.
"I too will leave you," he said skipping between the three languages as he struggled to find words.

"Aye, Mr Finnegan. I'll help ya out."

Don jumps out of his vehicle with a pair of helmets and approaches the civilians with Finnegan, Lumper and Samuels.

"Keep the weapons down, lads. I'm afraid that they might get the wrong impression if we jump down there with enough firepower to gun them all down. A big thanks to you both, Dieter and Jared. If you hadn't had the guts to help the poor guys out, I had left with them myself."

"If needed, kill a horse for food, but try to keep the people away from the horses as long as possible. The horses are able to help you out in other ways than food. Even if the best way for a horse of course is to become a hamburger, hehe."

Don gathers the civilians around a small rock and steps up on it, with the hands he shows the people to be quiet. In Polish he begins to talk, in a loud voice about what Finnegan has said. Even for those who doesn't speak Polish, you understand that he starts his monologue with the word "Comrades!"

He says everything he knows, and points at Samuels and Lumper while speaking of protection for the group. During his speech, he does everything he can to make them trust him and have faith that this is the best solution for everyone. He makes clear to them that they will get the opportunity to live as free people in their fatherland, and then he explains that the girls and the other soldiers want to get back home as well. The only difference is that our trail is much longer, and more dangerous. After finishing, he looks at Finnegan to see if he wants anything more said.

Bernhard watches Samuels solemnly as the younger man makes his decision, Then nods and hands over the AKM and its ammo. "We've been through a lot, I pray God will watch out for you while you help these folks out."

He nods as Don finishes his speech,"Sounds good to me. How much food do you think we should give them? I was thinking 2 days or so food for each of them should last until they get close to home."

Sergio will watch the goings on. He'd done his "community service" with the last lot. He was ready to protect those near him. Don and Michelle came immediately to mind, as did the others he knew from before. He was even making new friends. And these folk were to be moving off to allow them more speed on their own journey. He could wish them the best of luck, but best in his own language.

Which wasn't going to be too easy to translate.

(OOC: Does anyone else speak french? Or am I the only one? I mean character-wise. Parle-vous francais?)

Winters scanned from his position in the gun, a bit nervously for the long stop. It seemed as if the big wigs were making decisions. He kept his eyes on the surrounding areas and horizon.  Whatever was going on was above his level, he just wanted to be ready for any surprises not wanting to end up like the last convoy they had seen.  He manages to overhear someone mention something about cutting the civilians loose.  Without poking his head down he calls into the main compartment to no one in particular, "We cuttin' the civies loose? They gonna be alrigh'?" with a slight hint of concern.  He is afterall a familyman at heart.