Shevchenko got what he wanted. The interrogation turned into almost a conversation in friendly terms. Lots of information arrived in one single stroke. The facts were there, not that difficult to corroborate but they didn't talk for themselves lest make some sort of sense. A theory was necessary. A roadmap to be undertaken.

Thank you, Josh. Now you will meet briefly with Kelsey and she will provide you with some mailbox location, possible schedule and maybe some safety point for meeting. In the mean time I will arrange a vehicle with a driver for you. An unmarked one. You'll be dropped somewhere between here and downtown. You'll save the equivalent time that took the chatting. I really hope that we will be able to continue our cooperation. The clock started ticking for the stickmen and the end is near for them. We want a peaceful resolution, bear in mind.

Taras stood up and pulled up his duty belt. He was pleased to the point of giving Josh his pack of smokes and wish him good luck before leaving the room.

Basically stick to this story. You and your partner were sent to spy. The Police catch Sebastien while you escaped. The Marina is a good spot to hit. Not well defended, only one guard at night and there are a couple of good boats to destroy or steal. If they decide to attack, let us know. You can go with them, do not compromise yourself, you'll be protected.

After a wink, Taras left the room giving way to Champlain. Being aware that the rest of the team knew about his intentions he just nodded to Belanger and Clarke and walked towards the land line telephone to communicate with the RCMP/militia operations centre.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #82):

Clarke stopped Taras.  "There's one more thing to ask.  He said that if Cyrus was there they would fight without thinking.  It's been drilled into them.  What if he isn't?  What happens then?  Ask what he thinks of that possiblity.  Also, see if you can get any details on when he goes to the HA club.  Who often, what time of day or night, what route, when was the last time he went."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #83):

The sudden avalanche of questions proposed by the Lt. Cmdr. completely took Taras by surprise. He was tired and willing to finish the interrogation as soon as possible. It was getting late.

Absolutely. No problem. I was about to get the vehicle and driver. It may take a while to arrive. Feel free to proceed with him. He wouldn't mind to answer you.

Shevchenko made an inviting gesture to Clarke inviting her into the room. Josh appeared to be stashing the cigarettes and matches in his pockets.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #84):

"Well done, Taras! Excellent work."

Belanger poured him a cup of tea.

"One thing we can take comfort in, the government did say they were intending on deploying troops to secure the city, coming down from Kamloops and over from the Island. At the end of summer. So we don't have to worry about taking on 300 full-patch HAs by ourselves. As long as we gather enough information to make it easy for them to do the job when they get here."

Night was falling outside, about time for Josh to head back to the park to make his report.

In the room, Josh repeated his instructions to Kelsey. He beamed at her, basking in her approval.

Belanger stuck his head into the room to pass on Clarke's questions. Josh replied, "I dunno, I guess people rely a lot on him for instructions. Maybe some will run for it, the rest? Stand around, I guess. Cyrus goes to Brandis' every week, on Friday. He goes at dusk, on bike with a couple guys. They go up West Georgia, then bear left along, ah, West Pender, then they hang a right on Hornby. Going against the 1-way, I guess."

In reply to helbent4 (msg #85):

Clarke noted the information from Josh.  Kelsey was building a raport with him and she didn't want to interfer with the other woman taking control of the situation. "Very good.  Let Kelsey finish up with Josh and we'll cut him loose.  She trusted Kelsey would set up the information drop and left that to her.

She beamed at Taras. "As Belanger says, excellent work.  Now we need to organize this information and bring other things into play.  Looks like you and I will be sitting down to get this all together, hmm?    There should be some new information coming in from the census as well, correct?  Hope you like spending a little time manning a desk.  It looks like we'll be rotating between field and desk work.  We have to get the intel organized or it's useless to us.  That's going to take some good old fashioned research and organization.  We also need to liase with our subordinates.

She looked at Taras' tired face.  She hated to ask more of him but it seemed there were still things they needed to work on before they called it a night.  "You looked like you had business to attend to when I interrupted you.  My apologies for that.  Why don't you take care of it and I'll fetch us a spot of tea?  If you don't mind, come back and we'll wrap up our intel here for the night over our tea."

Sure thing. Just allow me to give a call and get a ride for the kid. He helped a lot. A wonder how many patrols and probably lives we saved tonight with all this information.

Taras walked down the hall looking for the phone. It wasn't too far away from a missing ashtray. A brief conversation ensured and then he stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before returning with Clarke. The blank slate helped to better picture some thoughts. Maybe a cup of tea would help.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #87):

Clarke had the mugs waiting when he returned.  She had a map laid out for the park and the West End.  She also had her laptop and the tapes of the interview for reveiw and transcription.  "Well, it's Monday, so we have four days to prepare if we want to snatch Cyrus this Friday.  What do you think?"

Kelsey will indeed set it up for him to go back in.. do his report, they go over what he will have "seen"

Anyone have any input exactly what we plan on feeding these people?

I am guessing we will want the next time their leader will be leaving on one of his forrays?

"Well, if we're going to take him down, there are two options, in my opinion, sneaky or overwhelming force. Both have similar preperation, we find somewhre isolated on the route and take him at that point. Doing it sneakily we use snipers and incapacitating grenades, overwhelmingly we use the LAV and as much heavy kit as we can muster, they'll probably surrender rather than face total destruction." Andy began, "I'd favour the overwhelming force as it sends a message to others of our potential combat power. Either way is good for me though and I'm more used to the sneaky way. If Cyrus has good guards however, sneaky is likely to end in fatalities and I'd make sure they were theirs, not ours, overwhelming is our best course for a peacful arrest."

Taras was looking at Andy and his options. Not bad, the fellow has some ideas and initiative.

Here is what I think we can do. We have to exploit his weakness. He and his bodyguards will be riding bikes. Great. What we need is to set up an ambush with explosives. Nothing fragmentary. We just need a nice blast that will be send them to the ground soundly. A nearby ambulance that was dispatched to asses the health and medical conditions of our dear citizens as a part of the IRON program will rush to the rescue and the victims will be offered first aid on site and hospital "on going care" in UBC facilities. Of course we need a security team for the snatch that could be passing by paramedics. I see Georgia St. is wide enough for a non lethal explosion. Nothing too spicy like plastic. I have a good supply of materials that will help. Somewhere in the middle of the route will do indeed. I'm sure is quite unlikely we can have pedestrians on that area at that time and around office buildings.

Shevchenko was trying to mak a mental list of explosives and associated devices that he kept in his quarters.

We are going to need the cooperation of Bulat and the people on the small corner of the Park, the survivalists. And probably mobilize the tank and all heavy staff in order to exploit the victory. Once we move in with full force in the Park the job will get done. We cannot risk capturing Cyrus and have a harcore group of lieutenants making a split and reorganizing another criminal element.

Taras plan contemplated both of worlds. The "sneaky" and the "overpowering". Firstly to gain the upper hand, the second to exploit success and exerpt control over the Park.

Kelsey knows the area.  She should set up a "mailbox" location on the route that Josh would normally travel from the park to the overlook location.  This will be where messages can be left and picked up.  Arrange some location Josh can fall back to if he feels he is in trouble and needs to get out.  Also, if Kelsey can rig up one of her "coke can" listening devices, make sure Josh knows what it will look like so he can pick it up and deposit it in a good location.

Story is simple.  Sebastian told Josh to run tonight.  If at all possible, don't bring it up.  Just pass on notes and leave, no conversation.

Report is that the Marina seems to be a soft target.  Only a few people seen coming and going and a single guard left at night.

Does Taras have anything to add to this?

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #91):

"Taras, Andy, I have to admit I like the way both of you are thinking.  Knocking them down and then offering assistance gets them into custody with no fuss, no muss.  It might also make it easier to deal with their people.  Josh seems pretty sure the people in the park will be confused without leadership."

"We can also put at least one person on the inside to start negotiations, but that is getting a bit ahead of the game.  When we get that far, we will need Bulat on board to bottle up the north end of the park."

"Taras, work with Belanger on the trading aspect.  If the people you are sending in are Native, perhaps Chris can go along so we have our own set of eyes on board.  Andy, put an observation team together.  The more intel we have on this, the better."

"I'll also work with Belanger to get the other intel available to us collated, such as what we have about the survivalists and other trading contacts."  She looked at the faces of her subordinates.  Sound like a plan to you guys?

See Clarke. I've been munching around the idea of creating a dedicated intel unit to work upon all the information that we need and all the information that the HQ in the island will need before they deploy. I believe we need to have a structure and a command. I already talked about this with Belanger and he is willing to give the thumbs up and create a joint task force CF/RCMP. Since you represent the superior rank we decided that is up to you to work on this lines or not. You may need approval of the Command of the DRI but you'll have our support.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #94):

Clarke smiled.  "I'm a Senior Intellegence Officer.  My mission here was to function in that capacity, so approval from DRI won't be necessary."

She looked at Taras a moment.  "Having a talented and competent person to act as Second in Command, to run field operations and liase with other elements would make it a lot easier for me to begin work on what I intended to come here for in the first place.  Interested, Mr. Taras?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:39, Mon 07 July 2008.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #95):

I'll be most honored to help in this endevour to the best of knowledge, Ma'am!

Taras smiled. It finally cam down to senses the fact that the mission was intelligence gathering at its roots. Probably the Belanger discourse on the incoming military deployment helped to make that decision. Taras knew it at took advantage. Right moment to hit. First thing in the morning will be to present a basic lay out of the organic structure and the interaction with the personnel. Then, the missions. All of this while running parallel with the IRON program that was mapping the human landscape of the Lower Mainland, one block at a time. And also the take over the dangerous head of the Stickmen while maintaining good relations with recent allies and recovering from a not so bright start. A challenge that will demand the very best of each and everyone of the members of the team.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #96):

"Thank-you, Taras.  I'm deeply relieved to get the mission back on track.  Andy, there will be some changes in store for you and Kelsey as well.  We will cover that soon.  For tonight, let's wrap up.  All of you need some rest after a job well done and I need a chance to organize myself for tomorrow."

Kelsey will wrap up with Josh and release him.  Taras and Clarke will colate their information as much as possible.  Andy will be released to organize his own recce team for observation and the snatch.  The team will adjorn for the evening.

Belanger nodded.

"A dedicated intel unit would be perfect. We already have the basics."

"I'll have a unit help Josh by sending him on his way with a simple story. We can start feeding Cyrus misinformation immediately."

"I will talk to the Musqueam band about sending some volunteers to trade in the park."

"We should also have a surveillance option set up by tomorrow night."

"As well, I will pick up Shepherd, see if he has anything more to say, and can maybe wrangle us a meeting with the survivalists on Deadman's Island, who are kind of a wild card. I think they will be neutral, but we don't want them reacting offensively to protect their interests and make things... complicated."

"Well, done, sounds like we have some good plans going forward!"

"The census shall proceed tomorrow, finishing Ktisilano (the western areas by UBC) and going into the areas south of the downtown, up to Cambie and City Hall. From False Creek to the Fraser River."

"Clarke, you should consider a more central location for a base of operations. UBC is inconvenient. At some point, the provisional city government will move back into city hall."

"The main police station is down the street from city hall, easy to access both the downtown and the rest of the city. Within the next couple weeks, we should check it out, maybe clean it up. That would make an excellent base of operations, at least in the downtown core."

"The main provincial emergency centre and RCMP command post is also down on Cambie but far to the south, not really convenient to reach the downtown. Still, these facilities are important to keep in mind."

With not a lot of further ado, Josh was sent on his way. So far as the plan was understood, there would be no further intelligence-gathering that night. But in the next few days information would begin to pour in, if all went well.

Making her report to the DRI and VIC (Vancouver Island Command) later that night, Clarke was congratulated on the successful efforts to bring West Van into the fold.

"We will make getting that steam locomotive across Burrarrd Inlet a priority. We have abundant supplies of coal here on the Island to offer if incentive is needed, and that train will be a strategic asset once a rail line through the Rockies is secured. We'll check to see what we can do; I think there is a rail barge docked at Ladysmith but it might take time to put into service. Worse comes to worse it can travel by rail up north and around the long way, but we'd prefer not to have to do that."

Regrefully, she was informed that the possibility of getting any more sophisticated electronics aside from what had already been sent over (the extra radios, digital multi-channel scanner, RDF intercept gear, etc.) would be remote.

When she informed them there was possibly several thousands of litres of kerosine (aviation fuel) that might be salvaged, the tune immediately changed to, "...this changes the picture considerably. That fuel is another strategic priority. With it we might be able to run some limited maritime air patrols! It could well free up a radar unit that could be deployed on Bowen Island for air and maritime surveillance, like you wanted."

Also, VIC had no problems with the proposed promotions for Andy and Kelsey, as well as making formal the joint CF-RCMP command structure by making Sgt. Shevchenko the task force's 2IC.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #99):

Clarke acknowledged receipt of approval for the changes in command for the Task force.  "Thank-you for the approvals.  I feel with these changes things are back on track for my original mission.  We have an operation in the planning stages that should allow us to recover the JP-8.  I will keep you apprised of our progress.

Back at Uni and after a sound sleep Taras met with Clarke for breakfast. A quiet corner by a large window was found more appropiated than the large mess hall where the residents usually gathered. A tray containing a generous carafe filled with fresh brewed coffee and some bakery items were shared under the delightful spectacle of the morning springtime in the West Coast. Shevchenko procured one of the portable Hi-Fi stereos reworked by the electronics workshop and a tape with a recording of the Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn. Taras would probably had preferred a Tchaikovsky in his Piano Concerto but he found the classic from the german romantic enough to set the mood for the morning briefing. After hearing the news from the Island, Jascha Heifetz and the New York Phillarmonic Orchestra started filled the air with music. The first of many bold structural innovations -the omission of an opening ritornello in which the orchestra announces the main thematic material- enables the soloist to introduce the first subject of the opening movement after only one-and-a-half prefatory bars. In same fashion, Taras started his own lines:

Well, Clarke. In first place I would like to congratulate us for the progress that we are making. I believe that we are in the right track and the HQ in the Island will know how to appreciate our job here. I believe that, in order to achieve an efficient flow of intelligence we have to work at multiple levels and places but all at the same time. I also believe that still to early to be able to set up the operation to capture Cyrus. As I told you before, my idea is basically take over the Park in full force. They stickmen are divided physically and ideologically . A big show of force will save lots of ammunition. But for that we need full cooperation of Bulat and his people, the survivalists and also we have to be able to ready the largest force possible, train, give mobility and finally deploy with guanrantee of success. This is possible to do as we already can count with some help. We also need to confirm the information given by Josh and plant some undercovers in the downtown area. This will take more than 4 days and we will have to wait to confirm the friday's tradition and prepare ourselves.

The barely thirteen minutes of the Allegro molto appasionato were in its mid point when Taras made a point of inflexion upon the impecable precision of the outpouring violin notes:

I want to send McDonald with their own. I want him to live with the people in the reserve for a few days and gather information about the airport, New West and the market in Annacis Island. This can be done in the time lapsus before we strike against Cyrus. Maybe we are going to be able to find more information about that fuel. Seems a very convincing article for the HQ and we still need more insight in the daily life in those areas. I couldn't believe my eyes when Lt. Jagelis failed to make the connexion between the indians and our own indian! The 40th Army in Afghanistan was full of people of similar ethnic background of that of Afghanistan as Uzbeks and Tajiks. And I don't trust the natives too much. McDonald has the judgement of a soldier and he will be able to rely important information at the same time that the military, and hence the Government, congratiates with the indians.

The beginning of the Andante -allegretto non troppo- heralded another suggestion for tasking a member of the team:

We probably won't have time to set a new base by the City Hall by the time we move over the Park. In any case, I will like to have my fellow RCMP member Rachel to contact the RCMP and militia units and implement a block watch program in the limits of the neighbourhood where the census was conducted and make a troughout investigation of any criminal activity registered in the area for the last two weeks. We need to know who is moving around before we make a move. At the same time it will help to recognize possible threats. If they are Hell Angels, common offenders, marauders, bandits, etc.

A sip of coffee helped to clear the throat.

Our sniper will be needed to recce the downtown locations. I don't want him to go alone in an urban environment. We will send then in disguise. Together with Fox and Kelsey and escorted by a couple of RCMP they will be conducting a radiological study as if they were scientists. We will provide three vehicles in total: a police cruiser, a van with supposedly nuclear radiation equipment which in reality will be the radio scanning gadgets of Kelsey and finally and ambulance. Fox and McRae will be our paramedics. They will become familiar enough with the landscape before we jump over Cyrus. The disguise should be not only credible but also somehow welcome by the locals. We are here because we care . Even contact with the undergrounders will be welcome as another way to gather information.

The cadence of the words and the eight minutes of the second movement of the concerto came to a close. By the time the third and final part allegro molto vivace Shechenko was delivering his last comments:

Belanger should contact Sheperd and we'll have to set up a meeting and negotiation with him. While we do this, there is no time to lose and I should go to North Vancouver and talk with the West Van police and Bulat. They will need to gather as much as strength as possible. Initially they would be only tasked with the stickmen guarding the bridge and then make contact with us but I want to make things easy for them. The Stanley Park current situation is a source of trouble for them and they will be willing to help. I'll try to get them prepared and equipped with as much punch as they can. A BMP-2 and a BTR-70 will be a nice argument. This may take some time and probably will need our help. We shall also check the status of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle under repairs in the shop and make a list of vehicles available to move in. If we can pull out this operation, then it will be a great victory. It not only will tip the balance for us but also will show our strength and determination and will also help to unite communities towards a common goal of justice and future.

The silence after the quicksilver finale left an atmosphere inviting for reflexion. Taras had exposed in general lines his plan. He was aware that the situation was a difficult one. So far, the stickmen were striking left and right uncontested and after scoring a propagandistic coup against the military it sure would make any peaceful and diplomatic approach almost impossible. But the innocent people involved were not to be punished because of the tyranny of a bad man. Shevchenko knew about the suffering of his fellow country men and women in the hands of ruthless dictators.

This brought something to his memory and before Clarke could say anything Taras added:

I would rather kill myself that son-of-a-bitch. But we are the Law. The explosive wave will take him down. Maybe it will crack some bones. I prefer him to taste some of his own medicine and live to tell.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #101):

Meeting him for breakfast before heading off to meet Shepherd, Belanger sipped his orange juice, enjoying the music.

"Kelsey... she's your mechanic and electronics tech, right? MacDonald, Chris, he's your medic. (That will help in his community relations with the Musqueam, although they already enjoy the hospital here.) You'll have a couple of real paramedics along with the ambulance there to take care of actual medical issues that are brought to you."

"What can I say? Brilliant, Taras, my boy!" Belanger beamed at him, impressed.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #102):

Clarke smiled as she sipped her coffee and listened to Taras.  "Hearing this I can't help but think of the old saw about like minds," she said.  She straightened in her chair, scanning something on her laptop.  "As Belanger pointed out, MacDonald is the medic, so he'll be with the ambulance team.  Other than that, you plan is pretty well structured."

"I appreciate your congratulations about our 'progress'.  It's more getting back on track, doing what I was supposed to do, than 'progress'.  If it's any comfort, we're actually ahead of schedule.  I wouldn't be here for over a week yet if things hadn't gotten off track."

"I was thinking of having McDonald in contact with the natives as well.  In addition to being our eyes in the situation, he can liaise with the natives, building a relationship with them.  Thus he can fulfill two functions at once."

"Moving to the City Hall is as much a symbolic gesture as a practical move to a more central location.  It might be a good thing for after our first 'victory'.  There is no hurry. It is something that would be a good thing for the moral of the people, a symbol that life really is getting back to normal."

"As for Champlain and MacRae, I've already received approval for their promotions as well.  MacRae will be in charge of his own Recce element, Champlain a communications team.  I think it best to take personnel from both RCMP and militia.  I don't think we can support full time personnel, but part time volunteers can be trained and activated on an as-needed basis."

"Go and visit Bulat. We'll see what we can work out with the Survivalists.  If we can't get their cooperation, at least maybe they won't interfere.  As for Cyrus, we'll get him.  We'll take our time, plan well, and take him down.  We'll separate the wolves from the sheep and deal with each accordingly.  Sound fair to you?"

I think at this point you should call for a briefing with RCMP and militia squad leaders and your troops. Outline the general idea and get them to be prepared for their next assignments. After that you can present the plan to the Council. In a few hours, probably after luch time, get together with the commanders of each part of the plan and go into the small details. Prepare a dossier and file containing the preparations, personal and material needed and questions. Don't forget to ask for suggestions By the time I come back from the North Shore we can have a primary survey of the elements that we have and start working from this direction. Now if you allow me...

Taras will make radio contact from HQ with Bulat or West Vancouver Police announcing his imminent arrival without further comments. He will be back to the Marina with his faithful backpack containing a bottle of vodka, dressed in full uniform and with 2 RCMP officers escorting him, one will be in charge of manning the boat while the other will return the cruiser to UBC grounds after Taras's departure.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #104):

"Very good suggestions, Mr. Taras."  Clarke jotted a few notes as she finished her coffee.  She found a phone and made the necessary calls to get the meetings scheduled.  After this, she made a call to Belanger.  "I think I'm going to need an assistant," she told him.

Before breakfast had settled the meetings were set up, she had appointments with a couple of candidates via Belanger, and she was ready to organize the materials she'd need for the meetings later that day.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Fri 11 July 2008.

Kelsey will of course do her best to "make it so"