Returning the smile with a dazzling one of her own, Tricia asked how she was doing, then showed her how to work the camera and microphone.

"Maybe you can get a shot of me, eh? Usually Curtis would do it, but we didn't think there would be enough room."

He demeanour was friendly but certainly professional, as if she were trying to impress the team that she would be an asset and not just get in the way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Mon 05 May 2008.

The telescope was difficult to use from the boat as it slowly wallowed, low waves from it's own wake slapping the hull broadside. A precision instrument like this really needed a steady platform to be useful.

However, huge yellow piles of sulfur from the industrial park just to the east of the bridge blocked any direct ling of sight to the source of the column of smoke. It still seemed to be coming from downtown North Van in the direction of the Quay, but it was hard to tell how far it exactly was.

They would have to pass under the bridge and probably go in closer to see, but they were on a schedule and needed to get moving.

At his advice, Tricia winked at Taras and gave him her dazzling smile.

"Don't worry big guy, I'll be careful of any tall dark and handsome Russians I meet!"

Kelsey checked in with the Topaz at the marina.

"Topaz this is Amber 1, advise Romeo Echo on Ruby 1"

"Ahhh... Ruby-1, Wilco..." was the reply. She also updated them on the smoke coming from somewhere near the water in North Van.


Looking at the map, Lee guided Clarke as she cranked up the engines and they turned to head back east out towards East Van. They passed some of the parks that lined the northern shore of Burrard Inlet, then past the jutting cliffs of Lighthouse Park, marking the end of the Inlet.

They turned north and passed Eagle Harbour, noting that the fishing boats that were reported to be docked at Eagle Island were long gone, probably shoving off with the dawn and sailing on the tide.

A few minutes later, they were pulling into Whiskey Cove. It was a beautiful little inlet, wooded cliffs to their left and a lower wooded hill with big houses perched there off to the right. The idling engines throbbed in the quiet, echoing off the stone around them.

Signals were exchanged, and they glided in over the shallow water to the narrow beach. Then the 2-man recce team was wading through the water and climbing aboard, looking a little worn after a day and a half of torrential rain with a little flurry of snow. Still, prior to that a little heated water to use for washing up and shaving had done wonders for their image.

After a radio call to nearby Horseshoe Bay to warn them of their approach, they rounded Whytecliff Park and the steep-sided penninsula that hemmed the town and harbour in on 2 sides (Black Mountain being the third).

Being on the port side with Andy, Kelsey could easily see up the sheer flank of Black Mountain. The Sea-to-Sky highway (Hwy. 99) had been literally blasted out of the side of the rock cliff, and Andy pointed out the roadblock and camouflage-painted BTR still parked on the highway way above the town, guarding the road down from the north.

Below it, near the water, rail tracks came out of the other end of the tunnel that Andy and Mac had seen the night before last by Eagle Harbour. Parked on the tracks was an orange Ford F150 pickup with a methane exchange system mounted in the bed, and some kind of rail-running gear fastened to the lower chassis. A few men stood around it.

At the water level itself, on the left at the foot of the cliff, was the empty BC Ferries terminal, multi-level ramps and gangways waiting for ferries that were either long out of service and rusting over at Ladysmith on the Island (the CF's remaining naval base) or at the bottom of the water. The Trans-Canada sloped down the side of the mountain to end at the ramps, from there to continue on Vancouver Island.

On the right was a marina with docks and various workshops, backed against a rugged heavily forested bluff above the town, topped by a cell phone tower.

In between the two was a small municipal wharf and park. The park stretched for 2 city blocks along the waterfront, but was only a half-block wide at the most.

A platoon of militia in surplus camouflage and a dozen West Vancouver Police in uniform had assembled there in ranks to meet them. Parked in the lot to the left (by the ferry terminal) were a couple of Ford Crown Vic police cars and a police Jeep Cherokee SUV. There were a few dignitaries present, likely the mayor plus some flunkies; Bulat and a policeman in dress uniform was with that party.

At the rear of the small parking lot they could just see the section of 8 Russian solders standing in neat ranks. Behind them was parked a squat, low, deadly-looking tracked armoured vehicle with a turreted autocannon. It was parked side-on to them, the cannon pointing skyward at maximum elevation. 3 crew in padded helmets lounged beside their vehicle.

Taras immediately recognised it as a Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhota, M1981. It had a 30mm autocannon and mounting what looked to be the launch tube for the Fagot or Knokurs rockets.

The NATO personnel saw it as a BMP-2 with either an AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL ATGM. Lee just saw it as a kind of tank, but smaller. However, it wasn't in an obviously threatening posture, more like it was on display.

Map:

http://tinyurl.com/5ubry6


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:13, Mon 05 May 2008.

Before reaching Horseshoe Bay and to the surprise of the sniper recce team, Taras briefed them about the happenings with Lieutenant Jagelis, the new commander on board and something more...

Gentlemen, as per our conversation with the North Shore it appears that you were detected and tracked by Bulat's troops. Nothing too serious since they didn't retaliate but I would like to bring this to your attention anyway. Old fox Bulat will probably scorn you and make some fun of it. Nevermind, he is a recce of his own. This also coms to show that Jagelis endangered the operation. Initially I proposed a single sniper mission for 24 hours and Ben decided to send 2 of you and for an extended period of time increasing the chance to be spotted...

The boat was approaching the Bay. The wharfs and reception team visible with the vehicles in the background. The unmistakable silhoette of the pekhota took him was surprise.

Oh, another armoured vehicle...I wonder if there are more troops than we thought... Did the guys miss this one, hmmm...

The whale watcher was approaching now the moorings. Taras stood up and wave his arms to the crowd.

Mac introduced himself to LT CDR Clarke.

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am. The LT? Ancient history. Hope he moves on to bigger and better things."

He nodded hello to Lee and Tricia, and didn't mention that Sgt. Fox wasn't there, either.

"Kelsey, nice to see you in a skirt, girl! All lady-like and everything!"

Upon seeing the BMP he whistled.

"Swear to God we didn't see that fucker anywhere, Taras. Fuck me. We didn't hear it, neither."

"The Russkie can say what he likes about our woodcraft. If the LT hadn't roused them up we'd have been in place instead of playing hide and seek." Andy replied, "Still, I ain't gonna say a word, they'll know who we are anyway. You're all done up for parade and we're looking like we've been out in a storm for two days."

"Oh, be glad to look at you through that Tricia"

A grin, a wink, lots of smiling, normally fairly gregarious Kelsey is much more so around the newscaster, though careful not to push it beyond where she is neglecting her duties, but on the boat, and on the way to it, when she has time a look or a word is headed her way.

"So, you going to stay with us tonight, or drive back in a hurry.  I think it's more sensible to stick with us and get the rest of the story, huh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Mon 05 May 2008.

Clarke had to reach down from the pilot house, but she made sure to greet her men.  She smiled warmly and shook Chris' hand.  "You're very generous to Lt. Jegalis, Pvt. MacDonald.  Do you have a prefered form of address?  It seems rank and last name is a little too formal in these parts.  I'm Lt. Cmd Clarke-Sullivan, but Clarke will do."
Clarke scratched her chin. "If they knew you were out there, they may have taken pains to ensure you didn't see it.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Mon 05 May 2008.

Having greeted MacDonald, Clarke turned to McRae.  "Pleased to meet you, Mst. Corp. McRae.  Sorry I can't make it a longer greeting, I need to get back to piloting."

With that she turned her attention back to the console.  "Mr. Taras, should I take us in?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Mon 05 May 2008.

*She laughs and pats the kilt*

"You get one free one, Mac"

*And with a grin she adds*

"Bien sûr, il est porté correctement régimentaire"

*The kilt showing off the woman's well toned calves, as well, though the others have seen her well defined biceps and full arm tattoos as well.  Professional soldier.. of a sort*

"Wouldn't miss this for the world! We can call it Rebirth of a Nation. Still, qw got jobs to do."

She gave her a last smile, then resumed taping.

*Ahhhh well a gurl can only do what she can do, pass deflected she carries on, remaining friendly and engaging*

"Maybe another time"

Mac braced himself against the mild rocking of the boat as he looked between Andy and Clarke.

"I guess both of you are right... If that little fracas with the Stickmen put them on high alert, then we were walking into a riled-up hornet's nest."

Looking at the BMP and the arrayed dignitaries and such he said, "begging my pardon, ah, Clarke, we come all this way, we can't really back out now at this point, eh?"

"No, we can't.  We came here to pick them up, and that's what we're going to do.  Ready, Taras?  The last was a point of respect.  Taras had tactical command, and had not yet given the word to move in.

Shevchenko was too lost in thought to hear the first Clarke question attempt. The second time came clear. He has put his mind in order:

Yes...yes...we are ready to go in. Just let me tell you something about that BMP...

Taras tried to composed a comprehensive puzzle. This involved to get into Bulat's mind. A treacherous one. Carved by constant conflict and adaptation, in school and in combat, in war and peace...The snipers didn't see it so it was recently moved...Another show of force like the one he deviced? Could be...What was the status of the vehicle?... The gun in the turret was in the traditional non threatening position...something unusual during normal operations so that meant that the electric system was working. But what about mobility? There is only one way to know...There was also the vehicle heard by the recce couple. Probably making sure that the pick up boat was on its way rather than tracking the snipers... They would radio in to bring in the pekhota in the mean time.

I'm concern about that armoured surprise. As soon as we land and I greet the people over there I'm gonna approach that BMP pretending old good memories and will inspect what is the mobility status while checking the exhaust, leaks, tracks and other traces that may show that it moves by itself. It could be cammouflaged before... Will see.

Then directed himself to the incredibly tired and odd looking pair,

Gentlemen, the target was able to detect you using thermal camera and night vision equipment. As I see there is nothing much to worry about but for your own safety I will keep this on mind. Never underestimate the opponent. The BMP-2 is a good example of how much important intelligence gathering is in our mission.

Clarke pushed the throttle forward and nosed the craft toward the bay. "Aye, aye, Mr. Taras," she acknowledged.  "Let's hope that if that thing is fully operational, they're low on ammo."

*Kelsey pulls out the binoculars and critically examines it from this distance, looking for any obvious signs of disrepair.. listing from broken rocker arms, highly damaged roadwheels, streaks from spilled oil, improper angles on turrets or other components*

Mac digested the news about the thermal capacity. As a former guerrilla he may not have been up on the exact specs of Soviet forces or their TO&E, but he respected that capability and how well it served as a warning and detection system.

"Either they towed that fucker there or they drove it, 'cause we sure as hell didn't see it parked there before or hear it move up."

"Ah, pardon my French."

Using the team's radio (originally borrowed from Kelsey to allow comms with the the recce element) he radioed Topaz, giving them a quick SITREP on the situation. Just in case.

He waved at the townspeople that were also starting to gather along the shoreline, and they waved back.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Tue 06 May 2008.

Clarke nosed the Whale Watcher towards the warf, preparing to come along side and tie the boat off.

"I'm trying to get a good look to tell right now Mac"




"Vous êtes pardonné"  *followed with a giggle*

Kelsey couldn't really see the important details from the pitching whale-watcher, the vehicle would require close-up examination. She did see some of the people waving to her. It didn't like seem the BMP was obviously broken-down or anything.

When the boat nosed into the dock, a fisherman caught the lines that Lee threw him and they were tied up efficiently.

The team was escorted to the VIPs waiting on the grass, and introduced. The town militia stood by, armed with Ak-47s, SKS carbines and some M16s. While impressive on the face of it, the two score or so people there represented the best-armed militia the town had to offer; most of the others had only hunting rifles, shotguns and pistols.

The Mayor was a small intense-looking olive-skinned woman named Shiela Fahandizh, and looked to be of Persian descent. She had been the Deputy mayor before the war. The police chief was James Selkirk, and warmly greeted his fellow police, Cpl. Lee and Sgt. Shevchenko.

Bulat Izmailivitch was in a clean uniform typical of VDV (airborne cammies, sky blue beret, light blue-striped telnyashka) underneath, although armed only with a sidearm. To the westerners he seemed rather odd; he wasn't Persian or Arab or European-looking, but had Asian features, as befitted his peoples' Mongol tribal heritage. "Taras Vladmirivitch! Is so good to be seeing you!"

He winked at the snipers. "Pleased to be meeting you as well. Was wery amusing watching you watch us! Not knowing we knew you were there. Yes! Ha! You are quite good, for western razvedchiki. Of course, had we not been alerted by disturbance, would have been more difficult to see you." He shrugged to show that spotting them was merely inevitable in any case.

The Mayor smiled and said, "we are all so glad to see you, Commander! As you can imagine, we've had a trying time as of late, not that it was a lot easier before! We'll be glad to come with you, so that we can work out an agreement between West Vancouver and the GVRD government." She was dressed to travel, and had a valise beside her.

As she talked, the chief discreetly checked his watch.

After a polite interval Taras excused himself, and went over to the BMP. Bulat tagged along, happy to see his friend. He spoke in Russian. "It is very pleasurable to see you again. Come, I shall introduce you to the remains of my platoon." he indicated the dozen soldiers there, including the armoured vehicle.

As he got close, Taras could see the gleaming BMP had been washed down within minutes of their arrival, as water streamed away from it into a nearby drain. It looked functional from this distance, everything in place. The exhausts showed recent use, dry despite the rest of the vehicle being wet, hull behind them blackened by soot from burning alcohol as fuel. The suspension smelled strongly of lubricants, and there were traces of mud and needles thrown up where a quick washing might miss them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:24, Wed 07 May 2008.

My old good friend Bulat! It's been ages! Look at you!

Shevchenko was all pleasantries. In a way, he was glad to see the old acquaintance and also fellow countrymen. After the customary greetings and meetings with the rest of the platoon, Taras produced the box of cigarettes and the bottle of vodka.

This is for you guys. I hope there will be a lot more of it if we can work together!

The cardboard box was ripped apart mercilessly by the strong hands of the kazakh VDV. Flying packs were landing on the troops and the bottle was passed along. Nobody appeared to miss glasses for that matter.

After a few minutes with the soldiers, Taras went for a little walk away from the cloud of smoke and laughter that brought the unxpected gifts.

Bulat Ismailovitch Shailin. I know that you are a great commander and your people respect you. You've been taken good care of them. We need your help. There is so much to do and there is a good future for us if we work together. I have some letters for the Mayor and for you. The Government is offering you amnesty and the oportunity to cooperate in the return to normal life. We should go to the Univrsity as soon as possible.

Taras now was pointing towards the crowd gathered at the pier and chatting with the newcomers.

We can provide you with health, schools, help to rebuild...The provisional Government is throwing all the weight in this. Is the oportunity for you as well...Look at my uniform Bulat, I'm an RCMP Sargent now. Take me to the Mayor and introduce me. We'll be going soon after. You may hav lots of questions that w will like to answer as well.

Kelsey did wave back from the boat, and was all smiles when she arrived, keeping to the back but being acessable.  One look on the exhaust on that BMP told her that it was probably in good shape.. telltales of running on alcohol, mmmm.  She scanned the crowd for faces she knew, having spent time here, hoping to pick up a connection or old friend, even just someone she used to work out with.

She does, once ashore, make a comment to Mac

"Mac, boyo, this is so Deja Vu"

"What, you mean like the shipyard when we came over from the Island a few days ago? Back then we didn't ask where we could land ahead of time, there was no security, and we ended up breaking and entering someone's building. Yeah, this seems familiar, all right."

They walked up to where the VIPs were waiting, and were introduced to them.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Wed 07 May 2008.

Bulat introduced Taras to his people. Of the 11, 7 were young Motor Riflemen, barely out of their teens. 3 older men looked like an experienced vehicle crew. 1 older more experienced man wore the fatigues, dark blue-striped telnyashka and black beret of a Naval Infantryman, while of course the female sniper ("Tatiana Grigovna Kalinova") had started out a non-combat branch, in signals. They were armed with fairly standard weapons, AK-74s and an RPK-74, AKS-74Us for the vehicle crew.

He could see that there was some kind of improvised machinegun pintle mounted next to the vehicle commander's hatch.

Bulat listened to Taras. "So I see! You, part of the local Militsiya now! Who'd have guessed, eh?"

In communist countries, the police were also called "Militia".

"Yes, I think the community here needs you too. There is much they have done and they are well protected. But some things they need assistance with. Bigger things like medical attention, schools, and so on."

"I have heard that official amnesty is being granted. I am interested in settling here in the city, perhaps. Certainly, no way to get home for the foreseeable future."

"Of course, is not up to me. Am, how you say, "employee" here, but I think Mayor will release us from our contract as part of negotiation with government. They told us that we would be jailed if we surrendered, but we have heard this is not true."

Indeed, there had been stories of units as large as a Motor Rifle Regiment in the Interior "turning it's flag" and cooperating to restore civil order.

"In the interest of trust, I shall give you a short summary of what I command here."

It was somewhat unprecedented for Bulat to drop any pretense at Maskirovka, but Taras knew he was one of the few people the short burly Kazakh actually trusted.

"We have BMP and people you see here. Vehicle has almost full weapon load. For extra weapons we have Konkors ground stand, has thermal optical unit attached, is how we saw your men. We hide BMP on ridge above town there across from them, can see all along valley over town, and cover all roadblocks. Anyone coming along highway from north or south can be attacked from side by surprise."

"We have RPG and PKM, do not have that much rifle or machinegun ammunition. We have several anti-armour rockets and extra 30 millimeter ammunition; not much need to use! I start with 2 BTR-70M, 2 BMP-2. I lose many men, BMP and BTR last year, salvage ammunition. Have mounted salvaged Dushka on BMP (is removed now). Other BTR up there not work except for gun. Sure, could repair engine, probably will some time, but no need right now. Spare rifles we sell to community."

They walked over to the waiting VIPs who were talking to Clarke, Lee, Champlain, Mac and Andy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Wed 07 May 2008.

"Yeah.. something like that."

*she kept the rest to herself, putting on her best smile to meet and greet, staying close to the snipers as if to lend them credibility.. or to herself.  Gregarious if sometimes misspoken.*