"Thank you," Ben replied gratefully.
"Our people are pretty good, but don't have access to hi tech machine shops like I'd imagine you've got here. Most of our maintenance has been in the field, and parts usually scavenged from other vehicles."
There wasn't much of a supply chain behind them anymore, not for about a year or more. First the war in Europe drained peacetime stocks, then the invasion through Alaska, and finally tactical and strategic nukes took care of everything civil disorder, plague, famine and the elements hadn't.

Mobile workshops were fine for short term deployments of a few months, but just weren't up to the job of years at a time. Some parts could be fabricated, but most, well they required precision machinery only found in major cities or the better training facilities.

"Has the UBC or its security arm collected any sort of intelligence regarding factions or gangs in the city? Information on their strengths, mobility, activities, etcetera? Or are we starting from scratch?" Lee asks.

"Second question. Would the UBC be willing to share information regarding their contacts or possibly informants... if any... within any of the factions or communities?"

And still standing, Lee presents another question - "Does the UBC have facilities for holding detainees... such as criminals and combatants? If not, would it be possible for something to be utilized, at least for short term holding?"

"One more, I promise. What can the UBC provide us, if anything to use as either leaverage or rewards, or incentive to cooperate. I'm thinking something like food or doctor visitation. Is this possible?"

Lee finally sits down.

Fox sits with his arms crossed listening to Lee's questions. When she sits, he gives her a light elbow followed by and approving nod... as if to say well done.

The head of security, Alain Belanger, answered her.

"We have some general intelligence on factions and groups in the Lower Mainland. It is somewhat out of date."

"For most of the last year we concentrated on salvaging materials from the local neighborhoods, consolidating the community here and establishing our security perimeter."

"It was an unfortunate trade-off. Concentrating close to home has left us with serious gaps in our knowledge further afield. This is the reason that your HQ has primarily tasked you for reconnaissance."

He paused to let that sink in, then continued.

"As part of a long-term program, we just sent a meteorology team to monitor water levels up-river, but they are instructed not to interact with anyone and keep out of sight. We have contact with many people in neighboring Kits and of course the Musqueam band. That is the extent of our forays and contacts."

"Of course, we will willingly share all the information we have on file."

"Out of a total population of 1000 (about half of whom live here at UBC), we have a part-time volunteer militia of 120, led by the RCMP, armed with hunting weapons and pistols. For heavy weapons, we only have the one RPG and a GPMG that Taras has donated for community defence."

The Japanese professor, Kasawa picked up from there.

"Resource-wise we have all that you ask, and we will willingly share what we have."

"During the early part of the war much government matériel was stockpiled here, as this was to be a major nexus for recovery in case of natural disaster or nuclear attack. Although most of the military supplies were moved when the city was evacuated, we retained much in the way of communications equipment and other supplies.

"At this time our only real shortages are in weapons, ammunition, and warm bodies."

"We are not cloistered academics, cowering from the cruel world. We are willing to risk much to help restore order in the Lower Mainland, because there is a narrow optimal window for national recovery and once it closes, it will remain closed for a decade or more."

"Specifically as to what we can offer to other communities, we possess a knowledge base for instruction in many fields. Some medical supplies and advanced equipment (including a PET scanner courtesy of the physicists at TRIUMF), and of course the university teaching hospital. We are self-sufficient in terms of food, but do not have a large surplus."

"We have been quite successful in salvaging electronics like radios and computer equipment. Much that people assumed was damaged by EMP was in fact not, although it was of course without power. At this time establishing a telecommunications system is seen as an important first step in introducing social and political cohesion."

"There are several thousand litres of wood-grain alcohol available in storage. As well as a type of fuel known as "bio-diesel", which should be as good as the real thing."

"Some of the engineers have been working on an alcohol-powered light aircraft engine and a smaller one for a remote control drone, but so far no airframes on which to mount them or even complete the tests. They will probably end up making those from scratch. We do have a fair number of small watercraft, some made at the Celtic shipyard, as it happens."

Lee's colleague Sgt. Khandola offered, "I can show you around the campus detachment. There are naturally some holding facilities there. Before the war detainees would have been transferred to Richmond or Vancouver, of course, so we had to build some cells for our own use."

The conversation continued.

In broad terms, the community laid out what it wanted to accomplish, how they intended to do it and what resources it was willing to devote to those ends.

So far, what they required from the government was mostly symbolic. The passage of legislation, the position of LT Governor General. The former could easily be delivered by the Provisional Premier back on the Island, the latter by the Governor General and Prime Minister's office.

"Lieutenant, I guess we should discuss what we need from you, specifically."

"Your unit is desperately needed for reconnaissance purposes."

"As Taras previously mentioned, the different communities here are in a state of equilibrium. We see a definite value in bringing in an outside party to assist us in representing the government's interests here."

"Additionally, not that we see a combat as a major component of your role here, you can act in an advisory role to the local militia and be, as Taras also put it, a "fire brigade" if armed conflict arises."

"I guess one caveat is that your unit be placed under local command, answerable to the community. Your HQ was amenable to this stipulation but it's clear to us that this has to be agreeable to you, personally."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:10, Fri 15 Feb 2008.

Andy sat quietly, soaking it all in.

He didn't relish being shot at, but he almost preferred it to what amounted to peacekeeping duty. He'd had his share of that as well, although his expertise with a long rifle usually ensured that he'd spent most of his time employed as a countersniper, holed up in a sandbagged tower at an airfield or FOB somewhere. The former Yugoslavia was a sniper's paradise and none of them- regardless of ethnicity- seemed to know or care that a cease-fire had been signed. Anyway, that was a long time ago, and in the interim- not so long ago- Andy had been immersed in what soldiers often referred to as "the shit". Transitioning back to "the world" and garrison duty had been difficult enough. This, well, this wasn't going to be any easier.

Perhaps they need some farm help. That, I can do...

He leaned over and whispered to Fox,

"Sarge, I'm gonna go check on MacDonald- make sure he's not butt-stroking the locals or pawning our gear or anything."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Sat 16 Feb 2008.

Also, Kelsey hadn't had much to say, standing off to the side. Her headgear of choice was a glengarry, not a beret.

The radio sat beside her, as the chances of calling in an air strike seemed remote. Her C8 lay propped against it.

She finished her cup of tea, then moved over to Jagelis' side.

"Sir, would you like me to get HQ on the line, double-check to see if they're okay with this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Sat 16 Feb 2008.

Fox shakes his head in agreement, and whispers "Sure. We'll be done here soon anyways I think."

Fox looks at the other members of the team in silence, he raises his eyebrows in a questioning look as if to say, anymore questions? He's happy to get a start with what they've been told. They could always ask more later. Besides, they others were probably just as interested to see where they'd be calling home as he was.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Sat 16 Feb 2008.

After the couple of hours in the meeting, McRae took his leave and exited out the conference room into the glassed-in foyer. Sunlight streamed through the extensive windows and skylights.

Outside, he could see the LAV parallel-parked at the kerb, police SUV in front, jeep in behind. MacDonald sat on the turret, smoking a cigarette.

Most of the people were gone. The news van was parked down the block, and a few children (young boys) were gathered at the LAV.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:39, Sat 16 Feb 2008.

Chris saw McRae exit and smiled, his usual easy-going self.

"Howdy, Sergeant. What's the good word?"

He chided one of the kids who was trying to climb on one of the LAV's Michelin tires.

"Hey there little guy, you better stop that now. You could get hurt!"

Lee gives a polite nod after all of her questions are acknowledged.

A follow up to one of her questions comes next - "Regarding detainees. I assume you have some form of justice organization to handle serious breaches of the law yes? We could expect you to effectively handle criminals and combatants." Before an answer is given she thinks about how some places she knew about in BC had dealt with justice... swift and extreme. Both military units and civil militias had both taken drastic steps after the nuclear attacks to handle those guilty of participating in the anarchy that followed.

Lee then looks at Fox and nods in agreement.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Sat 16 Feb 2008.

"Yeah, probably a good idea."
He'd gotten used to being out of long range communication the past year ot more. It seemed odd to suddenly have that capacity once more after so long without it.
"You'll need to put the long range antenna up though, right?" he queried, not really knowing a lot about her speciality.
"If so, we might want to wait until we've been assigned somewhere to camp."
Ben didn't relish deploying their equipment just to have to pull it down again. No, first he wanted to know where their vehicle was to be parked, where their billets were, and most importantly, where the mess and bar was located.

The meeting was coming to an end. Everybody was tired by now. Too much excitement and expectations. Taras casually picked up a book from a shelf, "the Republic" a classic from Plato. While browsing the pages a note fell from between the pages. Probably left forgotten by a Philosophy student from better times:

"The Republic" is astonishingly prescient. Plato well understood that democracy by itself is not a recipe for harmony in the state. He understood the false allure of military heroics: One of his objections to the artists of his time is the glamorization of violence they inspire. He understood the corruptions of wealth and the characteristics vices of tyranny..."

While folding the paper and putting it into his left breast pocket he moved towards the young Lieutenant:

Lieutenant Jagelis, as a Commander of your crew you may have to make a decision. The people here at the University are very capable to fix the engine of your vehicle. But it may take some time and it will compromise the mission. If you decide to move ahead with the vehicles that the Faculty can offer there should be no problem to start as soon as possible but without the armor and firepower. You may have to decide what to do and propose it to the Council.

The Ukrainian pointed towards one of the windows:

Over there is a buiding with bedrooms and kitchen service. The vehicle can be station in the shop or if you want, it can be left parked where it is as is not far from your new quarters. Or maybe you have some other idea in your mind...Lieutenant the night is approaching...

"Shouldn't be a problem; the LAV's radio can act as a relay."

"When I did my radio check on the way in, I was able to get through to the Signals relay unit on the high ground between Duncan and Ladysmith on the Island. It's about fifty klicks, across the water. Not too big a deal, may take a few minutes, though."

As Jagelis had said it was a good idea, Kelsey proceeded to place the radio on a table and began the process of finding and accessing the long-range channel.

She whispered to him, "if you really want me to wait, then just say so and I just won't be able to get them, if you know what I mean."

When Shevchenko speaks to Ben regarding the LAV, Robert leans over and says casually, "Maybe we should wait until we've done at least one or two patrols. I think it'd be best for our first taste of the city to be with all the assets we've got. Until we've seen the place with our own eyes anyways. It'd also be good to advertise our firepower to anyone who doesn't want us here before we drive around in soft skins."

Standing up he walks to the window and looks in the direction indicated by the Ukrainian.  Then looking at the UBC's leadership he says, "Ok, thank you."

Speaking to first Ben and then Lee, Fox slings his rifle and begins to walk out, "I'll be outside. Lee? Ready? Let's go start the LAV."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:17, Sun 17 Feb 2008.

Angela answered,

"I wouldn't be a good Dean of Law if I didn't practice what I preached!"

"We now conduct trial-by-jury here, as per the legal and Criminal Code of Canada."

"After civil order collapsed here, we eventually decided it was worth it to reinstate a conventional justice system."

"We do have some individuals incarcerated for felony crimes like murder and sexual assault."

She listened to Tara's suggestion about the LAV.

"We could give you a tour of the community right now, if you like. It's not that large, and this time of year sunset is around 6:30-7:00 anyways."

"If you want us to work on your vehicle, there is a community on the North Shore that it's better to reach by boat, anyways. Your time will not be idle."

With the meeting winding up, Ben made what was probably the first really big decision of the mission.
"Listen up team," he called, making sure his radio was transmitting to the LAV.
"We're going to go unload our stores and set ourselves up in the dormitory.
I want the LAV weaponry unloaded and the vehicle delivered to the mechanics asap. Lets see if they can't at least assess the beast before dinner.
Wire and sandbags to be donated to the militia as will our perishable food stocks."
As they were apparently being billeted clost to the kitchen he had no intention of having his own people needless cook for such a small group. The non-perishables though would form their rations while outside the wire on missions.
"Still to remain on the trailer but production of fuel to commence as soon as possible. I know the university has supplies and stills, but every little bit helps." There was no need to say he didn't want the still ever not producing. Every one of them already knew that an unproductive still could mean death out there in the Canadian wilds of 2000.
"Starting tommorrow I want to instruct a cadre from the militia in the operation, placment and care of our claymores, machineguns, 84 and the '19. They don't need to be experts, just able to take over these weapon systems in case of emergency."
"Mr Belanger, you'll need to forward suitable candidates in the morning please. Hopefully we'll only need them a few hours."
Anyone that couldn't understand the basics by then probably weren't who they were after anyway.
"I know the university has communication towers and so on, but I'd rather not rely on them if we can avoid it. We'll erect our antenna and amplifier as soon as Champlain finds a good location for it."
What he hadn't covered, he had faith his team would take care of....

Belanger nodded.

"I'll send over an 8-person section at 0800. Let me know if you want more."

"As for the still," Kasawa added, "You can park it with our larger ones, and my staff will be glad to use it for ethanol production."

Kwan finished up.

"Before any kind of permanent arrangement can be arrived at, we will no doubt both need some mutual guarantees regarding acceptable behaviour."

"Some time tonight or perhaps tomorrow we will need an answer about cooperation between the government and UBC. Either from your HQ, or from you on behalf of your HQ. If you need time to make a report then by all means do what you need to."

Lee shakes her head - "Yeah, ready."

Giving a polite wave to the UBC's leaders she excuses her self and follows Robert outside. Climbing up onto the LAV she enters through the driver's hatch. Settled inside, she starts up the engine and waits for everyone to make there way in.

"Yeah, I should get going as well."

Kelsey packed up the radio and C8, then headed out to the LAV.

As his men left for the outside, Kwan asked Jagelis to stay a moment with the Council.

"Leftenant? A moment, if you please."

"A couple of things we'd like to make clear before you go."

"There have been some complaints about what happened today today. Apparently, you broke into a building and scared the heck out of Chief Don Allamby's son and his grandchildren, and the Chief was rather upset."

"We can smooth things over with the Musqueam and overlook what happened at the Checkpoint. However, in the future your actions will be a reflection on the government, and us."

"We understand that you probably aren't used to dealing with these kinds of non-combat situations as of recently."

"So, someone from the local RCMP detachment will act as a local guide and liaison for you, to help you get your feet and navigate local society."

The tone wasn't confrontational, but matter-of-fact, like these were issue of concern that needed to be worked out.

Belanger interjected, "as well, we're going to set up some ROEs and RTEs (Rights to Engage) guidelines."

"Get yourself set up, then we'll give you the tour. Tomorrow morning we'll finalise your arrangements for operating here."

"In the mean time, Taras here will show you to your quarters, and then conduct a tour of the campus after."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:04, Mon 18 Feb 2008.

Ok Lieutenant. Lets go this way. That buiding over there.

Taras pointed out towards one of the housing units for students in UBC.

There are plenty of rooms. One for each of you. And also bathrooms, showers and kitchen. We have also a kitchen hall for the Council members and families but for now I recommend you to go to your rooms. I can see that you have a lot to unload! I'll go get some copies of the UBC map.

Fox exits with Lee. Spotting Andy and MacDonald he says, "Mount up. We're going in a minute." Climbing up on the LAV's deck right after Lee, Fox enters the gunner's hatch and sits.

Aloud, but mostly to himself he mutters, "I wonder who actually realizes the close proximity we share with a few thousand Soviet troops."

Keysey climbed in.

"Soviet troops? Close proximity?"

"What are you talking about?"

"There's some up in Kamloops, but those are on our side."

"There are some loyal communists up in Campbell River, but that's over on the Island. The closest ones on land are, fuck, up in Bella Coola, last I heard. Probably a hundred, hundred twenty klicks across the freakin' mountains."

"After that, there's some up in the Yukon, I think."

"Maybe we'll luck out and they'll attack here, eh?"

This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Mon 18 Feb 2008.

Seeing that McRae was ignoring him, Chris returned the favour as the others came out.

He exited the turret to allow Fox to enter.

Hearing the conversation, he added, "there ain't no Soviet troops here, Sergeant. Acting like there is just makes us look like, I dunno, psychos, you know?"

"'Scuze me for saying that, if that's somethin' you don't wanna hear, Sergeant.