She spoke into the radio. "Ahhh... wait one."

"No Sergeant, nothing was going to happen, and you obviously missed the point if you think that."

"I will point out we were well within our orders and threat posture to contemplate that kind of thing. After all, you don't just go around cocked and locked unless you expect an imminent attack. Do you see any threat here? Jesus."



"Hey, this is a serious concern that's time-sensitive. You can take it whatever way you want, but please, take it seriously before it's too late."

"Here, this is from an admirer."

She handed him a bouquet of flowers before he turned around.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Sat 09 Feb 2008.

Following the other vehicles lead, Lee slows the LAV down. She's oblivious to the heated discussions occurring on the turret and in the passenger compartment. Sunglasses on, she gives a couple quick waves in return, before putting all of her concentration back to driving... and not running over any of the welcomers who get close enough.

"Dammit, Champlain." Fox says just loud enough over the LAV's engine. "I heard enough to think something could have happened. I heard what was one step from a target indication."

"The leftenant made a decision on a battle estimate he had little information on. Thats why are at a ready posture. Nobody knew enough to decide whether there was a threat or not, it isn't just about what you can see at the moment. Now, your worries have been heard, but like I said, we aren't going to deal with this on the move."

He takes the flowers and lays them on top of the turret. Looking back at the crowd he gives a little wave and smiles as if everything was ok.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:48, Sat 09 Feb 2008.

She smiled back.

"Okay, Sergeant, I understand. Sorry if it came out wrong."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:00, Sat 09 Feb 2008.

These two enlisted both seem a bit schizo, Andy thought. One minute they're looking and sounding like they're about to start wasting civies, then they're chiding the Sgt. and the Lt. for insisting on a high level of alert and readiness.

"We're only joking." Yeah, fuckin' hilarious.

Truth was, no one on board the LAV really had any idea what the true situation was here and, under such circumstances, it was always better to be safe than sorry. Yeah, it looked, sounded, and smelled safe here, so it probably was. But, probably shouldn't cut it in a war zone.

"Quit arguing with the sarge and do your jobs."

What a magnificent welcome!. The guys sure must feel proud!

The younger members of the small crowd appeared to be mesmerized by the presence of the mighty combat vehicle. Some of them they were trailing the motorcade with their bicycles. The cluster of buildings they were heading for were already on sight.

Kelsey finished her radio check before replying.

"Sorry Sarge, just doing my job, as you can see. I was following the proper chain of command by talking with Sergeant Fox. Sorry if you object."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Sun 10 Feb 2008.

The small convoy made it's way past the happy little crowd to a low modern concrete building. A sign proclaimed this the "UBC Services Building". A few people followed on bicycles, or jogging. Everyone sure looked healthy and fit, although not over-fed.

The lead SUV and the forward outriders halted in the street by the glass doors of the main entrance. There was a small "honour" delegation there, four men and two women. Khandola parked at the curb, then exited and made his way over to what was obviously the community leaders.

He spoke into his radio, and the outriders (front and rear) moved off out of sight, waving to the people and to the team. The only other vehicles present were Taras' jeep, the news van, and Khandola's parked SUV.

After the LAV halted, the two now-unarmed Militia (Kelsey and Chris) disembarked. A couple of children (a boy and a girl) came forward and presented them with more flowers.

The flowers were offered to everyone who dismounted.

[Note: if you do not post that your character is accepting them when offered, it's assumed you are ignoring or refusing them.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:28, Sun 10 Feb 2008.

A boy presented Chris with a small bouquet of flowers.

Chris accepted them, smiling, then put them in the left breast pocket of his flak vest.

"Thank you, little guy!"

He tousled the kid's blond hair.

Kelsey laughed and bent down as a little girl put flowers in her hair.

"Why, thank you very much!"

Fox is the last to dismount. He jumps down from the top of the LAV and gives a short nod to the welcoming group. When presented some flowers he gives a brief smile and holds them awkwardly. Then walking over to the adults, he introduces himself, "Morning. Sergeant Fox. Well established place you have... you are lucky. Its quite bad in many places. This is Leftenant Jagelis, mission commander."

Stepping out of the way, he gives a little time for the others to meet before sliding up behind Kelsey. Quietly he says, "No Champlain. Make them gone in a minute." referring to the flowers in her hair.

When the time comes to enter the building (assuming it does) he'll select MacDonald to keep watch on the LAV.

Andy dismounts, slinging his carbine as he exits the vehicle. He reaches out and awkwardly accepts a small bouquet from a "tween" girl and smiles warmly. He sets the flowers on the hull of the LAV where he'd been stationed and stands uncomfortably exchanging niceties with the locals while awaiting instructions.

"Sarge, where do you want me?"

Lee climbs out of the driver's hatch and drops onto the ground. She's armed only with her sidearm and the loaned camera. Removing her sunglasses, she accepts the flowers. Smiling she says a simple - "Thank you." to the child.

After Robert eventually climbs down and meets the six men and women, Lee walks over as well. "Hello and good morning. Rachel Lee. Unlike my friends here, I'm with the RCMP. Amazing welcome we are getting. This is nothing like we expected, but its appreciated nevertheless."

Lee then will offer to shake all of their hands.

Fox turns and gives a quick look around. He says quietly to him, "I think we're ok here. MacDonald will keep watch on our gear... you should come inside with us."

The moment of truth. With the party finally arrived to the building complex Taras was expecting already the next step. After the niceties of the welcoming will come the "serious" first meeting with the Council. Hopefully he will get to know the names and stories of the military crew that arrived to the Mainland in such an ackward manner. The briefing will give them a clear understanding about the situation in the city. Not a battlefield or a nest of insurgency and unrest but certainly lots of work to do. This was a recon mission of great importance. The Faculty was getting acceptance and legitimacy from the new Federal Government. The imposing view of the heavy fighting vehicle will throw some diplomatic weight just by its own presence. A convincing argument in any case. But beyond the weaponry show itself it was the qualification of the team for this job that kept Taras uneasy. A peaceful and harmonious return to a democratic and peaceful society needed lots of careful approach. The previous display at the shipyard wasn't the best presentation card, nor was the young Lieutenant attitude. Stepping down the Jeep, Taras met one of the members of the Council, lit a cigarette and rolled his eyes up.

Lets prepare the meeting ASAP. This people still believe they are in a frontline trench or something. Get the kitchen people to prepare the tables. I'm going to look for dormitories arrangements.


<Red>

Unaware of much of what had been going on behind him, Ben kept a close watch on the obviously dangerous crowd of unarmed civilians crowding both sides of the well kept roadway. This was about as far from what he'd expected as they could possibly have gotten. These people seemed to have barely been affected by the ongoing war - well dressed and fed, electricity and telephones. Nothing seemed out of place for the early '90s besides the few machinegun emplacements and heavily armed security checkpoints.
Ben felt completely out of his element. His own faded clothing had been patched many times. The locals appeared to have just bought theirs from the local department store last week!

A moment after the LAV crunched to a halt Ben climbed up and out of his position, grabbing his C-9 on the way.
"Team, Load weapons," he muttered into his headset radio. Holding up a hand to the girls with the flowers, he indicated with a smile for them to waitr just a moment before he accepted. Grasping the cocking handle, he pulled it fully to the rear before opening the feed cover and removing the belted ammunition from in front of the bolt. Gently squezzing the trigger after reclosing the cover, he allowed the bolt to move forward, locking on an empty chamber. A second or two later and he fed the end of the belt back into the weapon, effectively rendering it into the "load" condition and one step further away from dangerous.

His pistol remained holstered however. The situation still felt too....uncomfortable for him to unready that also.

"Now then ladies, I'll take a few of those lovely flowers you're offering."

"Aww!"

"Yes, Sergeant Fox."

She put the flowers on the LAV, which was looking a little more festive now. Making sure the radio was properly seated, she slung her C8 over her shoulder, waiting for the team to move out to what looked to be a reception of some sort.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Wed 13 Feb 2008.

MacDonald nodded when told to stay and keep the gear and vehicle secure.

"Yes, Sergeant Fox."

He climbed up onto the LAV and into the turret. Once there, he unloaded his sidearm and replaced it in its holster. The C6 and his FN were kept out of sight in the vehicle.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:56, Wed 13 Feb 2008.

Fox unslung his rifle and followed suit, it was now loaded, but not readied. He then holds it in one hand, around the center slip ring, (as if it were a briefcase or something) in an attempt to look unagressive.

The atmosphere was somehow crowded compared to the daily routine at campus. Sgt. Khandola was interchanging opinions with a middle aged asian woman, Angela Kwan and also two other Professors appeared to be following the impressions related. The public was also commenting about the arrival and showing extreme curiosity for the armored vehicle and the equipment carried by its occupants. Even more after the display of weapons handling. Some of the younger couldn't help but dream of belonging to this special elite.

At a signal of Ms. Kwan Sgt. Khandola indicated the crew to get inside the building. A nondescript building with several classrooms. One of them ready to accomodate the guests. A nearby catering tray sporting hot tea, juices, fruit and pastries. Two young ladies with aprons ready to serve the tables.

Angela Kwan murmured something to the Ukrainian and handed out to him 2 paper sheets. She smiled. Taras was surprised but sent an affirmative gesture and moved towards the chalkboard. The rest of the crew were already taking seats.

Dear friends, I've been asked by Ms Angela Kwan to give you a most warm welcome to the UBC and give you a briefing about the situation in the Lower Mainland

Taras was talking in a slow pace. Basically translating in his mind the slavic words into his new adopted English language. It was a wise decission made by Angela herself after hearing from Sgt. Khandola. She knew that she was dealing with the military and certainly an academic tone of presentation coming from any of the Professors will not help to clarify things. Shevchenko was his ace up the sleeve: Military also, an Officer, well educated but with basic English skills and no compromising. Khandola being "too" RCMP and Allain too "Canadian Forces". She wanted a neutral ground and she knew she had it.

There is no war here. The situation is what we call "balanced opposition". Groups hold each other in check through group unity and mutual deterrence. This different groups or communities around the Lower Mainland have responsability for the defense of the members. This is where deterrence lies, in the balance. Individuals do not face groups, and small groups do not face large groups. This way we have a more or less peaceful area but anarchic anyways.

Taras was trying to let the words sink. Not an easy endevour.

Of course there is no Courts, Police other than what you'll see here or Army to maintain control of these groups. Our community is based on a democratic basis but we are aware than some of the other "neighbourhoods" have tended to rule tyrannically. The arrival of the good weather may bring complications and we want to act fast.

Taking one of the papers given by Ms Kwan he continued:

The Faculty has the moral and ethical authority to begin a program to unify the people and give them a form of Government and restore their rights as Canadians citizens. The Council contacted the Federal Government and was granted initial support in the form of...you guys...

Taras paused a bit to look at their faces. Then he looked at the sheet:

Here is the plan that the Faculty is willing to put to work:

Step #1: To establish the legal frame that will legitimate this mission. This will be done by the implementation of the British Columbia Patriotic Act. A document that, as we speak, is been elaborated by the team of Law School Professors, and will reflect the measures to reach the objectives of pacification, normalization and ratification of the integration into a Federal system with the rest of provinces and territories of Canada.

Step #2: Identify the communities of residents, survivors, refugees, etc and identify their leaders.

Step #3: Conduct a census or Vital Statistics record of every person belonging to such communities. In order to guarantee the transparency and accountability of this process the local media of the Faculty will be present. So expect to ride along...

Step #4: Implement an electoral process in order to validate the mandate of these identified leaders and get recognition as civilian authorities. They will guarantee the safe return of refugees and the respect of the civil liberties.

Step #5: Create a referendum between the leadership in order to accept, modify if necessary and extend throughout the province of British Columbia the mentioned BC Patriotic Act. This will include the acceptance of the Council as a legitimate base of democratic process and the acceptance of Ms Kwan as a provisional Lt Governor for the province.

Taras stare briefly towards Angela. She didn't react.

Now. Your mission will be to help to implement this plan. We need your help to recon the different areas where the scarce population is located and provide as much information as possible. This will include contact with their leaders and negotiation. Some paperwork will be provided to help achieve this. We have lists with the amount of services that the University is able to provide and also blank forms for the Vital Stats.

Just a reminder. This is the City of Vancouver. This is Canada. The respect for the life and property of the citizens of this country is the most important thing. Everything that we destroy will have to be reconstructed and we are full accountable for that. We'll go into more detail regarding the different groups that we are aware that live in the Lower Mainland. It will show to you. The Faculty is willing to provide you with food and shelter for free. But a long stay may need of your cooperation in terms of offering security to the premises since the local force still struggling with their tasks.

Taras felt like he needed a cigarette and this point.

Now. If you wish. You can introduce yourselves and ask any question you want. Thank you.

"Robert Fox. Sergeant." he says after standing. "I would like to know the UBCs position of government regarding the martial law that is in effect nation wide. Eventually Federal forces are going to be operating here on a permanently establish position. How is this going to interfere with the city's way of doing things."

While speaking, Fox did his best to maintain a friendly, or at least neutral composure. Deep down however he was very resentful. How could it be that a Soviet soldier was feeling the need to remind him where he was, and to be mindful of causing damage. You are the one who is the outsider, and who's country destroyed mine, he thought.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Wed 13 Feb 2008.

In the ground-floor conference room in the UBC Land and Services building, the young women efficiently served drinks and various finger-foods.

"Tea? With or without milk?"

Doors were open to the patio and manicured garden behind the building. Insects buzzed around the flowers and manicured shrubbery. Early spring sunshine poured in through the modern windows.



As the meeting got underway, the small group of soldiers (and Mountie) took stock of the community leaders (all of whom were unarmed).

The Chairperson of the Council that governed the community at UBC known as the Faculty was Angela Kwan, former Dean of Law. She was conservatively dressed in a skirt and suit.

The head of the Faculty's volunteer militia and the deputy chair was Alain Belanger. He was a short friendly balding man with a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard and intelligent eyes. He allowed that he was once in the army, and had been forced to remember lessons learned decades ago in the 60's and 70's. Before the war he had been Dean of Criminology, although he admitted he also had a degree in history. A walkie-talkie radio peeked out of his suit pocket, black cord running up to an earpiece.

The Sikh, Sgt. Khandola, was of course the senior NCO and detachment commander, responsible for keeping the peace and enforcing the law. After talking to him Rachel was somewhat surprised that he was not a career Mountie but had immigrated to Canada in the early 90's after serving in the Indian army for over a decade.

Judy Salter was a large long-haired middle-aged hippie-looking woman in a tie-dyed long dress. As a former professor of Agriculture, her department was of course key in feeding the community. She was proud of the community's self-sufficiency, use of renewable resoureces and low environmental footprint.

Running the Supplies/Logistics department was Shoji Kasawa, a former professor of economics. Salvage crews, recycling, fuel generation, all was under his careful watch and resource management. Head shaved, he wore sandals, panama shorts and a short-sleeved shirt.

The Maintenance/mechanics department was run by Eldar Oeleksyn, a wiry fellow and Ukrainian who immigrated to Canada before the war. He had been a professor of physics but knew quite a bit about mechanics. His department kept the Faculty's fleet of vehicles and various sources of power running, oversaw waste management, road repairs, and performed the many tasks that kept the Faculty in business.

Lastly was Paul Tremblay, a long-haired and bearded Computer Science graduate student. His small and specialised department was Communications. This included not only the radios used for communications, but UBC's commercial radio and TV transmitters (currently non-functional), telecommunications network and computer network.

There was one VIP not there. Angela explained, "Doctor Chandra had emergency surgery this morning, and couldn't attend."

It was obvious that they were allowing Taras to act as spokesperson. Although his presence was sanctioned by an Act of Parliament that granted amnesty to surrendered soldiers, those were just words put onto paper by an unseen federal government that was little better than ad hoc. Regardless, it was obvious that he had gained their trust enough to represent their interests at a crucial juncture.

Before the negotiations started, the news crew got some nice video for a photo op, then retired so that the talk could progress out of the public eye.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:53, Wed 13 Feb 2008.

"Sounds like a tough job," Ben stated after setting his laight machinegun down on it's bipod. It wasn't exactly burdensome, but it's weight did grow on you over time. Besides, his team were distinctly out of place in worn and patched uniforms, body armour and automatic weapons.
"But we'll do what we can to help."

Help... Yeah, they were really going to assist this thriving community make a better life than they had now. A few hours before, Ben had thought the military were in the best shape to deal with the catastrophic aftermath of the war. Now he realised they were barely hanging on to civilization themselves. Here at the university it was almost as if the war hadn't happened. Even the nuclear strike a dozen miles or so to the east hadn't really had much of an impact it seemed.

Shielded by ridges and forest, the blast and heat waves had obviously been deflected up and over the area. With the prevailing winds blowing inland, only EMP had really had any impact, destroying irreplacable equipment, multimillion dollar computer systems and frying anything else vaguely electronic in nature.

"I think the first order of business is for us to set ourselves up somewhere before inspecting what you've already done. I'm sure the people you've got have done a great job, but it never hurts for another set of eyes to look things over."

He was suprised they hadn't already offered the "tour", especially of the defensive arrangements, but then they had only just arrived.

"I'd like to have your maintenance people look over our vehicle too. The war has been hard on it."

Kwan sipped her tea. Her accent was similar to Lee's (and common to Chinese-Canadians of Hong Kong origin), a precise and neutral Canadian English with a slight British and Cantonese tinge.

"That is an excellent and significant question, with quite a complicated answer."

"Simply put, we don't know how with certainty how all people will react."

"Generally, Canadians are law-abiding, and we think the vast majority will welcome a return to civil order."

"Those who are not personally law-abiding and/or are profiting from the anarchy may not, of course."

"As to how they will react to the presence of "federal forces", by which I take it you mean the RCMP and the army, it largely depends on how they act. Bear in mind, a high proprotion of the city's remaining inhabitants were unable to evacuate due to a lack of resources, or unwilling due to a distrust of authority."

"Thus, many people feel abandoned and are distrustful to begin with."

She paused to allow the implication that trust would have to be earned.

"Now, the presence of "Martial Law" is an important factor."

"In an of itself, Martial Law is a tool intended to allow the military to act in a capacity as an aid to the civil power. The chief effect is to suspend the Charter of Rights. Once civil government is reestablished, then it should be relaxed."

"The federal government should be committed to a return to Constitutional government, the Charter of rights and overall democratic governance. This is because the role of direct military rule, while necessary, is neither legal under the Emergencies or National Defence acts, nor Constitutional. Even under the National Survival provisions now enacted in the case of nuclear war, federal military forces are placed under the control of local provincial government, not the other way around."

"Now that the war in Europe has ended, according to your HQ the federal government has pledged what military forces and resources it can to effect a transition to local civil government."

"Hence, your presence here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:08, Thu 14 Feb 2008.

Eldar, the chief of maintenance took this as his cue.

"We will be glad to put you up in whatever quarters you wish, dormitory housing, single-family dwelling, whichever you prefer."

"Any time you would like to have a look at our community, we would be delighted. Maybe after the reception?"

"As for your vehicle, we have extensive machine shops and a selection of spare parts. We would be happy to supply you with whatever transport you require while yours is undergoing maintenance."