Gerhard smiled and said "Well, the extra bodies will be good. Perhaps we can find a way back to our lines from here."

Looking over the people who would be staying behind with him, he started calculating their chances to move back to Germany soon.

Brown had decisions to make. The Major had ordered him to go on. But by the looks of it everyone enjoyed staying here. He looked at the boy playing football with the kids. Sgt Redgrave seemed to enjoy the relaxation and Lt Don with his injury seemed to need it.

It took him a few minutes of thought and observations before he moved over Lt. Don.

"Lieutenant, how 's your head sir, any better?

I don't know if you have heard, but both majors have decided to stay in this place. I intend to continue to Krakow. I was just wondering what your plans were sir."

Finnegan had finally exhausted herself and settled down.  Since she'd given the minimal comfort of her blanketed alcove to the care of Don and the medic, that meant Mary had to find another spot.  With seemingly careless regard for her welfare, she chose a spot near the door in one of the most exposed positions and settled down to rest.  The slight officer drew her legs up under the coat, bringing her knees up to rest just beneath her chin.  That way the wool coat made sort of a tent.

Before she dozed off, Finnegan took off her web gear.  After a moment's hesitation, she removed the HP-35 from its holster and tucked it in the front of her coat.  Soon she was asleep, head pillowed on her arms which in turn rested on her knees.

Tanya will watch Brown stand there for a bit and then move in to where Don was being housed.  She will wait for Brown to come out and flag him down if she still can't get the the attention of Major Finnegan.  "Hey Brown!  You gunna ignore me too?" she'll yell out to him when he exits the building.

OOC: I'm going to fast forward a bit, Don you can still backpost our conversation we had before Brown exits and talks to Tanya.

After his talk to Don Brown exits the building, looking for some of the rest. Imediately he hears a voice come from his right.



Without hesitation he turns and walks over to the female sarge.

"Not at all, sergeant. Tell me what can I do for you?"

Tanya sits up from her comfortable condition when Brown comes over to where she is sitting.  "What's the deal Brown?  We goin' or we stayin' here?"

"As far as I'm concerned we're moving to Krakow. Major Finigan, the Frog and a few want to stay behind and help these folks out. I talked to the major. Some of us at least should finish the mission and get those prints all the way over to Krakow, we owe those spec ops guys that much."

Measuring her response Brown looks over at Tanya.

"What do you think? Feel like joining? I need every experienced body I can get on this trip and... with a small grin "...we could definately need a female touch on this trip.

After we finish the mission in Krakow we can always see what to do. Maybe we can head back and give the major and the others a hand in helping these folks out, or we can link up with some other group and maybe head home

"A female's touch huh Brown?" Tanya says with a smirk to the Warrant Officer.  "Well, me and Cam already got some new clothes back in that other town but, there's one thing this girl needs Warrant Officer Brown, I need some different weapons!  Now, I didn't mind humping this thing around," Tapping the RPK next to her on the ground, "But, you think may be you can see if one of these people here would like to trade off or swap or something?  Get me something I can work with or gimme some options and I'm on with you Brown.  Deal?"

The afternoon passes relatively quickly with children crowding about and adults offering gifts. By the end, everyone has managed to get clean and their clothes have been laundered and patched (sometimes without the owner even knowing until they're presented to them neatly folded).
With dusk rapidly approaching food is prepared and served. A small pig killed earlier in the day and slowly roasted is demolished by ravenous locals and the group alike before home brewed beer and wines are distributed. Even those few unlucky enough to be posted out on sentry for the evening are looked after (although alcohol is forbidden on watch).
Talk soon turns to future plans...

It's apparent that not just those who spoke to Brown earlier wish to stay. Camilla and Michelle also elect to remain for reasons that they do not share. Michelle's reasons are easy to understand - Sergio...
Roughly half of the group will continue onwards: Donnachaidh, Katka Valechzev, Marcus Smith, Mary Finnegan, Tanya Redgrave, Sebastian Stoeckel, William Brown and Virgil Matterson. The BRDM will stay behind with the remainder and stores redistributed. To help carry the load, the German border guard, Gerhard Dietrich offeres up his vehicles trailer - a two wheeled military issue one tonne box ideally suited for rough terrain.

Don, feeling consederably better, when offered beer and wine, lies in the grass. He is making his best to look over the little group that will continue further west soon.

"The headache I will get from this is a lot better than the one I have had the last couple of days. I just hope it doesn't double it up. Anyway, that's tomorrow's problems"

Don, makes his way up on his feet. His feet are unsteady, but he refuses to rececive any help rising. Instead he stands up and talks with a raised voice at first, lowering it when he has gotten everyones attention.

"Strange are the ways we have ended up here, and blurry are also the ways we are to follow in the future. I have no worries, however, that you who stay here will make this a very good stronghold, able to withstand any opposition trying to break into this haven. Make everything to get this place a good place to live, for all the people that finds their ways here. Let it be the haven that it is now, and make it even better. Let it be a place like Eden, where no evil shall enter. So keep the snakes away from here. Keep a patient view on anything, and trust eachother. Whatever nation, whatever religion. You have a lot to teach eachother, so take this opportunity to see how alike you are, in an equal environment. War is not everything, officers. Take the chance to be 'normal'. Do not put down your guard, though. Evil is always close, and it takes the opportunity when you feel the most secure."

"For you, Mary, and you others, who will continue on our journey. It will be marvellous to make your aquaintance. Let's have a blast! Hahaha!"


He raises his glass of wine, and salutes each and everyone.

Sebastian stands and raises his glass, the warm beer having gone to his head a bit,

"Thank you, Don. Now, I must say, with much regret, that I have decided to stay here. I like this place and these people. I think that I can make a difference here; help make this place safe.  And perhaps, if Herr Dietrich will have me, I will try to make it back to my home. Thank you all for your companionship these few short days. I wish you godspeed and good luck.

With that, Sebastian takes a long drink from his glass, smiles at everyone in attendance, and sits back down. It's hard for him to leave the group, but this seems to him the best time and place to do so.

Brown smiled at her remark. Only a lady to his hart would think of weapons before clothing.
"I can see what I can do for you Sergeant, I'd trade you my AK 74, for it if you would consider that an upgrade, but I'd doubt if any of these folks would like to part from their weapons that easilly. At least spare parts for those pact weapons are easier to come by over here."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Fri 15 June 2007.

Brown was keeping clear of the drinks only enjoying the festivities not to be impolite to these friendly people. He was preparing for a long night. He was determined to get out of here first light the next morning.

Taking a break from his chores he noticed the navy officer at the party and moved up to her. He had come to understand she had decided to join them on their trip to Krakow.

”Ma’am, I’ve got your weapon cleaned and in good working condition again. Guess, when you are going to join us on the trip to Krakow you’re really going to need it.

He let the strap slide of his left shoulder and handed her the weapon, barrel facing to the ground. When the Lieutenant Commander moved to reach he noticed some sound. As if the female officer was carying something heavy on her belt. In reflex he looked down to her gear belt

Donnachaidh's effusive but eloquent toast unsettled Mary and she faded to the rear of the group, out of his direct gaze.  Unsettled; that was a lie she told herself, using the word in place of a more personally disturbing one.

Various people had briefed her in on the two different camps thoughts.  Some would remain here, and with good reason.  It was relatively settled, safe, had a local agrarian populace who came from what could only be described as hearty peasant stock.  Mary wouldn't be surprised if a form of feudalism established itself with the displaced military units becoming de facto squires who protected the peasants in return for fealty and food.  Amazing how quickly civilization fell.  It made her wonder what was happening back home.

That thought shoved a sickening dagger into her heart.  Savagely, she clamped down on it, willing herself to act like an officer and keep to her duty.  The same duty that saw her continuing with the group attempting to deliver some sort of plans to Krakow.

Brown interrupted her thoughts, and the quick grateful glance she displayed told him she was glad of it.  "Let's hope not, Sergeant Major," she replied, taking the weapon from him.  She didn't bother to see if it was loaded, just slung it over her shoulder again.  The butt of it slapped against her webbing, making a heavy dull sound around her belt.  Mary adjusted rifle and webbing, not noticing Brown's sudden scrutiny. 

"Sergeant Major, I need your expertise," she said, stepping a half pace forward and lowering her voice to include just her and Brown.  "How's this going to work then?  Line of command that is.  This is not properly an operation given by higher command, and with this, hmm, interesting collection of officers and other ranks from different branches and nationalities...  Well, it's a right mess, isn't it?"  Her unspoken question was for Brown to sort it out and let her know how things were going to be.

"If we were afloat it would be blessedly simple of course," she concluded.  That would put her in command, and one she would feel comfortable with.  But here?  She seemed to be senior in rank, yet an utter novice when it came to land based operations.

“Ma’am, can I be blunt with you?” Although the question was posed more in a rethorical fashion. Brown still waited a  few moments until the look on Mary’s face showed she was waiting for him to continue.

”I’ve learnt a long time ago that every well organised unit needs officers to control it. In military life the CoC is second nature. That’s why it should be maintained as much as possible. He paused just a moment and leaned even more close before he continued, lowering his voice
”On the other hand though, I sense you’re not certain if you’re qualified enough to lead this unit. Given your background, I can imagine. On the other hand Lt Don is hardly any more qualified than you are, so it's no idea to hand command to him."

He paused again, just to measure her response. It was not often he told an officer right in her face he thought she was not qualified for the job. He hoped he had judged her right.

”I’d suggest you, as the senior officer, take lead when we head out tomorow. I’ll make sure to stay close and advice when necessary. We landlubbers should not be that much different from the average sailor on the Kent so ordering us around should not be to hard for you."

"Besides when things call for quick action you would be suprised how well oiled this group will work."

"You got yerself a deal Brownie!  Maybe that Reset shit will fetch a good price and we can really have some decent shit to shoot, and wear," Tanya says to Brown ahnding him over the Russian SAW that she's been lugging around for way too long now.

Tanya finishes watching Sebastian play and will then go and get herself cleaned up with a marvelous bath with soap!  She will partake in the meal and spirits in her civilain clothing her an Cam had found.

  Katka had been lost amongst the locals since she had gone looking for soap. Appearently she had found the women preparing for the party and gotten swept away. Cleaned up, her hair cut strait by a nice old lady with scissors, dressed in what she hoped was extra clothes, and put to work in the kitchen.

  The language barrier was'nt a problem. They chirped to her constantly in Polish and tho she could'nt understand a word, they pushed her here and there. Showing her exactly what they wanted her to do. Sit here, mix this, chop that. It reminded her a lot of younger days with Mother. She could'nt have been happier to help, tho she got the distinct impression there had been a lot of joking at her expense.

  Later at the party, she made a fool of herself. The food was better than she had in a vary long time and she tried her best to join in. She had'nt intended to drink alchohol untill someone brought out a bottle of vodka. The vodka was what did it. Underweight from a weeks malnutrition, even a little shot had taken a big effect. And she had more than a little shot. Before passing out on the lawn, she had taken to dancing with the local boys and ended with the telling of grim yet strangely humorous tales of when she was fighting the Chinese on the eastern front. Most of which had been told in Russian, as she had lost all reality of who she was talking to at the time.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Sun 17 June 2007.

Brown was a bloody life saver.  If her worries hadn't disappeared, they'd at least been pushed back behind the strong bulwark of his experienced advice and calm presence.  He reminded Mary of a salty Chief Petty Officer who 'coincidentally' happened to set himself on the conn watch during a heavy blow when a green - both in experience and about the gills - Sub-Lieutenant Finnegan conned her first ship through a North Atlantic gale.  He'd let her lead too, in fact he'd quietly refused to do otherwise, but he'd been at her elbow when needed with private advice and a steadying presence.  Mary wondered, not for the first time, just how long this relationship between officers and other ranks had existed.  Had one of Caesar's generals had a scarred-headed veteran legionary doing the same?  Probably.

"All credit to you I've no doubt, Sergeant Major," she replied.  In a louder tone, not intended to carry but not intended to hide either Mary continued.  "See that everyone is fed and ready to fall in for movement an hour after first light.  My compliments to Leftenant Donnachaidh and tell him I want him to begin working on a detailed inventory of how we're found.  He's not to exacerbate his wounds," she warned.  "Assign him a ranker to help get it done.  Now, I'm off to see about laying in some fresh food.  It won't keep, but it will let us stretch our iron rations as long as possible.  Carry on."

Without hesitation, Brown hands over his AK-74 to Tanya taking the somewhat larger weapon from her hands. Before putting it over his shoulders he gives it a quick visual check.

"I'll make sure the lieutenant is informed. If you'll excuse me, there is alot to do before we can leave tomorow.

After leaving Brown walks over to Lt Don and informs him on the orders given by the Lt Commander. After that he starts to spread the word to those involved to be prepared the next morning at sunup. The first ranker he meets he will convincingly ask to help out Lt Don with his assigned duties.

OOC: I'll leave it up to you folks to decide who is going to assist Don

"Oh man!  You only best be checking to see if that chamber's empty or not Brown!  My weapons' tight, I'm a Ranger still remeber?" Tanya says busting Browns' stone's about checking to see if the RPK is clean or not.

"Force of habit, sergeant. Just force of habit."

Tanya smiles at Brown, "Old habits die hard Brown!  No offense taken," she says doing the same to the AK Brown just handed her.  She slings it over her shoulder and exchanges the ammo for the weapons with Brown.  Tanya looks at him, "Who's leading this little Suare' to Krakow Brown and what do you need me to do?"

Mary almost tripped over Katka in the gathering gloom.  She'd stepped outside to make a last check of things for the night.  No, actually she'd stepped outside so she wouldn't risk looking at and listening to Don.  The man was compelling in a way that made her feel hot and bothered, and she couldn't afford that.  Not with what was coming.

"Oi!  Do you have to lie about like..."  Mary trailed off as she thought she recognized the woman.  The hair was different, as were the clothes and both for the better.  But the face, distinctively Slavic, couldn't be forgotten.  Mary squatted and cursed silently as the L-85 came down and smacked her on the ankle.  Stupid bloody thing.

Yes, it was the woman with frightened eyes and the bad dress who'd come in with the group.  There'd been a spot of trouble about her.  Well, none of us can choose our parents, Mary reflected.  Even if she wasn't part of the group, Mary could hardly leave her lying about for someone else to trip over.

Or do other things.  Rape was a problem now that order had broken down.

"Right.  Up with you then, lass."  Mary oofed as she dragged Katka into a sitting position, supporting her from falling back.  She didn't smell any alcohol on her which was a good thing.  Poor lass was probably weak from malnutrition and exhaustion.  "Just you come along now, no fuss, and I'll see you to a pallet," Mary consoled as she dragged Katka up further and supported her like a wounded shoulder; one arm across her back and the other woman's atop her shoulders.  "And it's a good thing you've not eaten much lately, else I could as soon shift you as I could fly to the moon by putting my head between my legs and spitting real hard.  Come on then, walk."  Slowly, Mary began to see Katka inside and thence to a cozy and not too terribly damp and drafty corner to sleep a bit.  For a blanket she gave the woman her peacoat.

  Roused from lucid slumber, Katka did as she was order tho she had'nt understood half of what the woman had just said. Recognizing her from the party as one of the local outsiders but, never properly introduced; she managed a smile and a simple "Hello" that seemed out of place. Secured in her new spot, she rolled up in a ball under the pettycoat and dozed strait off.