"Did he now? Did he really commit these crimes?"

Belanger looked over the transcript.

"He said that he didn't want to talk about it. Guilty, yes, perhaps guilty about not stopping it? As if he could. We should nail down his culpability a little more."

He took out a pouch of tobacco, then lit his pipe.

"There's also the issue of mens rea... "guilty mind", one of the basic requirements under the law."

He quoted some Latin from memory.

"Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea."

"The act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty. In this case, if he was coerced into committing criminal acts, he is not criminally liable. A young kid, an orphaned refugee, in the middle of a group led by a vicious sociopath, where's he going to go? The Undergrounders? He would be dead meat. West Van? Call the authorities?"

"Let's say I don't have much hope for the Crown securing a conviction in this case."

"Besides, the Crown has held it's nose and made some rotten deals. This kid isn't any Karla Homolka!"

There was a moment of shared revulsion at the notorious plea deal that let her be sentenced for manslaughter in exchange for testifying against her co-partner in serial killing 4 young women (including her sister Tammy), Paul Bernardo.

"Be that as it may, I agree with Taras and Clarke, we should use him as a double-agent."

"We can double check some of his information. We can have Andy keep watch over him, and Andy read lips. He can wear a wire, no one would expect that these days. Unknown to him, Andy can also recce the Park tonight or some other night, do his own head-count for us, examine the defenses, look for the tankers. See if the information is valid."

"Also, we have listening devices that can be planted, so we can overhear this "Cyrus'" plans.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:43, Fri 13 June 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #32):

"So you're saying he's not guilty of anything, or at least nothing you can make stick. Then offering him hope and a way out becomes even more important.  Without those things, what right do we have to ask him to risk his life for us?  We could play the 'good citizen' angle. However, self-interest is a basic law in economics.  It works pretty well for human behavior as well."

Clarke took out a some paper that was blank on one side and drew a rough sketch of the park from maps they had.  "Let's get an idea from him of the lay-out.  Belanger, the recce idea is a good one, but much more cautious than before.  We won't be so lucky getting out again if caught.  Listening devices are also good. Jeremy would know who else is tired of life under a psycopath.  He might be able to find people who would rather quit than fight."

*Kelsey listens with great interest, then grins widely*

"I will check with the mounties to see if they have the transmitters.  I have receivers that will make theirs look like tin cans.. just installed and I been just dieing to try them out.. radio direction finders and the lot.  With a plan, I could set up three attennae and be able to triangulate his position.  Have a ready force in an armor carrier and a team ready to strike or maybe artillery, mortars or something, would be more effective.  Hell.. we got a mark 19, right?"

Lee laughed at Kelsey's boast, although it was probably true. As an infantry signaler, there would have been no need for any kind of sophisticated surveillance equipment, but Kelsey's months of experience in the DRI probably taught her a few tricks.

"Well, we don't have the gear here we once did, but the RCMP did engage in counter-intelligence during the war. Not so much now."

She gave her input on how to resolve the Stickmen dilemma.

"With all due respect to Mr. Belanger, planting a wire on the kid is something we wouldn't do at this stage of the game, anyways. We don't know if we can trust him, the chance of accidental discovery is too risky, and so on."

"I agree that Kelsey would make a good control for the kid instead of a Mountie like me. Of course, I will assist as much as possible if she likes."

In other words, her experience in the RCMP's anti-gang unit had given her considerable experience, but she would let Kelsey take the lead.

"As for the prospect of dislodging the Stickmen from the Park, let's not be hasty in action. There is much intelligence to gather and verify, and different approaches to contemplate."

"There are, in my opinion, 4 similar scenarios to consider: the Mowhawk Warriors at Oka, the Branch Davidians in Waco, MOVE in Philadelphia and the Nuwaubians in Georgia."

"During the so-called Oka Crisis in Quebec in 1990, the Mohawk Warriors were a radical native-rights group that clashed with police over the building of a golf course on "traditional" tribal lands that were not part of the reserve. They then occupied public and tribal lands to protest social, economic and political conditions. The stand-off with Quebec police was successfully dealt with by deploying Canadian Forces (there being no Canadian equivalent to Posse Comitatus) who cordoned the radicals to isolate them; people were let out but not into the reserve. The cordon was then continually constricted until the radicals were confined to a single building, the band's rec centre. The last hold-outs surrendered. No further casualties resulted other than a Sûreté du Québec constable killed in the initial police action."

"In Waco in 1993, we all know that the same classic containment strategy did not work. Religious and radical social beliefs created a "bunker mentality" centred around a charismatic religious leader, and a lengthy stand-off resulted. The siege ended in disaster; more say the fire the ended it was accidental, some say it was lit by the Davidians themselves to commit suicide, others claim it was the government. All agree that the strategy used was a complete failure resulting in total civilian casualties as they still not surrender."

"In Philadelphia in 1985, a stand-off between radical quasi-religious social and political activists and police also ended in complete tragedy. Well-situated in prepared urban defenses, an accidental fire set by a bomb intended to be the opening move in a police assault caused extreme civilian casualties because they still would not abandon their fortified positions."

"Lastly, the social and religious extremists of the Nuwaubians occupied a fortifiable compound in rural Georgia. Building on "lessons learned" during the Waco siege, a containment strategy was eschewed except as a last resort. Instead, the cult leader, Dwight York aka Malachai Z. York, etc. etc. etc. was identified as the spiritual and motivating element of the group. He was isolated and arrested off-compound, while separated from his followers and thus his power base. Leaderless, the entire compound and all followers were simultaneously captured without incident or resistance. This speed was crucial, as the Nuwaubians were gathering support from various sympathetic legitimate political leaders and social activists who were beginning to critise "government interference" in the Nuwaubians' affairs."

"Of course, we should hope to emulate either the first or fourth examples. The first used containment, which is the usual strategy for dealing with barricaded suspects or political or social radicals."

She paused for emphasis, looking at the others.

"Bear in mind, it was believed, correctly, that the Mohawks were ultimately not interested in giving up their lives for their cause, and were more interested in making a political statement and not escalating into further violence. Also, they lacked a strong central leader. "Their "centre of gravity" was their land and their political demands. Isolated and having taken their protest as far as they could without escalating, they eventually surrendered without a fight."

"Contrarily, in the last example, the group's "centre of gravity" was identified as their messianic leader. Once isolated from him, containment was quickly achieved and the compound secured without incident or a lengthy seige."

Lee sipped her coffee, leaving it to Clarke and the others to debate the pros and cons of the different approaches.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:02, Sun 15 June 2008.

"We will have to take all considerations into account."

"The militia here, they are part-time. We are already back to 1/2 the level of when you arrived, about 60 part-time active members backing up the 20 RCMP. Calling all of them out for an extensive period of time will affect the community economically, politically, even socially."

"Plus, they need better training. Now, they have the equivalent of GMT (General Military Training; ie: "Basic") so they can follow orders and maintain their weapons. They have what specialised infantry training I could teach them with limited facilities (like patrolling, assualting or defending) but there is limited ammunition for marksmanship practice."

Belanger continued smoking his pipe.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #36):

"I think first we need some additional information.  Corraborate as much of Josh's information about the internal defenses as we can.  Try to find out if there is a time and place where Cyrus typically leaves the compound.  Who they trade with, when and what for.  Josh has already mentioned alchohol for bombs, but this has been replaced by the kerosene and petrol they captured from the tankers."

Clarke looked to Taras.  "Proceed with the questions you wanted to ask, Taras.  We can't build a firm plan until we know exactly what it is we are dealing with.  Take Kelsey in with you.  You can use the opportunity to establish her as Josh's handler.  If we can cut a deal with Josh, we'll cut him loose.  We don't have a lot of time to come to a decision on that.  We don't want to miss his next scheduled report time."

She turned back to Lee  "I think plan four is going to be optimal.  This isn't a peaceful group and they are far from leaderless.  If Josh and Sebastian are any examples of his people, however, they aren't very unified.  Some will fight like tigers and others are so sickened by his behavior they'll quit given the slightest opportunity.  We need more intel but the plan should take advantage of this weakness.  If we can cull out Cyrus and his central pack, the rest will give up without a fight."

*Kelsey grins wider, appreciating any compliments*

"You haven't seen the gear I managed to scrounge and set up, have you?  Anyway, I am honored, I will try to do my best, and am counting on your help, Rachel"

Most excellent, Clarke. I'm taking Champlain with me and we will go over the questions again with the prisoner. This should gives us a good scope on the situation.

Taras appeared to have some odd piece of food stuck betwen his teeth. Unable to remove it with the tip of the tongue and being toothpick an unavailable commodity at this point he put a finger in his mouth and start twisting it upwards to the amazement of the presents. The final prize came out as a spinach trophy.

Aha !

Taras catapulted the prize using the middle finger tip supported by the thumb. A ballistic parabollic flight placed it a few inches from the corner of the room. As it nothing had happened he inquired towards Champlain:
Any chance to get our next interview taped?

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #39):

Clarke followed the projectile with her eyes.  "I hope you don't do that during the interview," she said drolly.  "Carry on, Taras.

Taras couldn't help a chuckle after Clarke's remark.

Thank You. Let's go Champlain.

He stood up and opened the door leaving the meeting room.

Lee smiled. "Touché!"

"I'm sure your gear pretty good. I've seen the shops they have here, with those you should be able to do even better."

"Well, we know what to ask, let's do it. I'll wait here for now, help you work up a plan after."

Indeed, there was a camera already set up. The previous interview was taped, and so would this one be.

"If you want to send in Andy to do some verifying at some point, we can make a plan for that, infiltration, reaction force, and so on. We still have several hours until night, when the kid will take back the information. He can probably tell them that the other guy, Sebastian, made him take the message back. Sounds plausible."

They entered the office-cum-interview room and took their seats. Some small talk ensued, and the kid, Josh, didn't seem to react to what appeared to be a Russian interviewer. He smiled a little at Kelsey but figured (correctly) from the short spiky hair she was a bit of a dyke. He looked tired, but relieved.

"So, what do you wanna know?"

Shevchenko took a seat in fron of the new "guest". This was the first time to "use" his brand new rank in an official and hopefully efficient manner. He started talking to the suspect in a calm but firm voice:

Look, Josh. Before we start with the stickmen I want to make clear your situation. First of all you did some bad things and because of that you are currently under arrest. A judicial process is started against you for what you did. It will take time. Justice is hard but is the Justice. There will be investigations and search for evidences and all that. In a due time you will get a sentence. That's pretty much it.

Taras look at the cold reaction of the young kid in trouble. The he shook his head slowly and kept on taking but this time in a more gentle, almost fatherly, tone:

Listen now. We believe you were dragged by that people and somehow forced to do things that you didn't want to do. Look, our job here is restore normality and not destroy more lives. We want to give opportunities to everybody. That's what they told me is the canadian way . We can help you. We are truly willing to make sure you will have a very light sentence. But for that we need your cooperation. I think is fair.

The ukrainian made a short pause to make sure that the proposition will make effect. Trying to relax the stress of the moment he pointed both his index fingers to Josh and to himself in a fast manner while winking over his grinning face.

You help me. I help you.

Without waiting for any response, the freshly minted Sargent continued:

Of course we have a lot of questions for you to answer but that wouldn't take long. I think you are a smart kid and we can get over that in a quick and efficient manner. What I really want from you is a very important decission. I really need to know if you are willing to keep working with us. Before you answer me I'd like to give you some options. As you can see, we like to give people opportunities. Here are your choices:

The voice turn deadly serious again. Taras sat upright extending his right hand and grabbing his thumb as pretending to be numbering the options:

Number one: If you are willing to help us you will be released and you will go back to Stanley Park. You will tell them that your partner was captured and you escaped. You'll give them your reports, of course, maybe a little bit...changed. We will provide you with a place or places where you can pick up our messages and drop yours: a mailbox. This lady will be your "case officer" and you may have contact with her for everything that you may need. As I said, you are smart and I'm sure you understand what a double agent means...

Taras left hand was gripping now finger number two. His eyes fixed in Josh expression.

Number two: You decide not to cooperate...I know you are in a difficult situation and you are scared of coming back. Well, then you will be kept behind bars until enough evidences are gathered to start the judicial process and then you will be sentence without any benefit of possible reduction or amnesty...

The hands of Shevchenko were resting now on the table. Fast tapping fingertips occupied the brief paused with their rhythmic pattern.

Let me explain a little bit more before you make a wise choice. Your cooperation will speed up the prosecution of the people that ruin your life and many others. We will take care of you and keep your anonimity. The more information you can provide to us the more chances to get them and get a parole, for instance.

The side to side movement of Taras head came to show some incoming negativity for the next proposition.

If you are not willing to cooperate...Well then, you are going to have many enemies out there... Including the stickmen that will probably think that you exposed them to us. The judge will look for a maximum sentence. Who knows...many years in prison...

Shevchenko finally added:

Look Josh, you did something wrong. I don't blame you. We are living hard times. But you are lucky because you have an opportunity to have a future. You have achoice. Now is up to you. What do you say?</Red>

*Completely oblivious, the 12 year military vet just nods and smiles*
"Sure, I can record audio"

"I guess the question on recording was rhetorical?"

*She laughs and follows*

Clarke looked at Belanger.  I think we'll be able to get some help from Josh after Taras' performance.  She grinned at the man.  "If he doesn't scare him to death first.  It's probably a good thing that Kelsey is in there with him."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Fri 20 June 2008.

Belanger nodded in agreement.

"Yes, young Josh should be of considerable value."

"Also, I agree that Kelsey's damn sharp. I don't doubt that there were certain... "personality factors" in her still being a Private. Even after all this time and the war. Canadian society has changed over time, and the 'Forces were dragged kicking and screaming along with it. In the 60's to the 80's, when I was in, Canada was still quite a socially conservative place, moreso than the USA in most ways, and you would never have seen women in a combat role like now. Let alone any lesbians in the 'Forces at all, homosexuality itself being a crime until the 70's. Of course now it's the other way around, Canada has evolved into a far more liberal society than the USA in many respects. Overall that's neither strictly here nor there of course."

But of course it was important when it came to the career prospects of a lesbian woman in the Canadian Forces. Belanger raised an eyebrow, wordlessly asking Clarke if she concurred in his assessment in at least how Kelsey's sexuality and "un-military" affected her advancement in rank.

"So the question is, why is she still a Private? She's good enough to be Section Leader: a Corporal. People trust her, respect her opinions. You have the authority to promote her. Same with Master Corporal McRae, he should be made Master Sniper so he can lead a proper sniper team. We did the same with Taras in promoting him, Inspector Khandola believed Taras deserved the rank of Sergeant."

Smiling a little Provost Belanger turned back to the monitor, sipping his tea, waiting for her reply.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:58, Sat 21 June 2008.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #44):

Josh looked more and more nervous when Taras laid out the situation. When the possibility of a deal, of redemption was offered, he practically jumped at it.

"You're offering me a... plea bargain? To snitch?"

He thought about it for a second, looking down at the scarred conference table. He pulled his arms into his shirt, as if seeking some kind of warmth or security, a turtle pulling in its extremeties to become less vulnerable. He sighed, then nodded.

"Okay, I'll do it. Let me know what you want me to find out and I'll do whatever I can. What the hell life or future can Cyrus offer me, or anyone? I don't like being a rat, 'cause rats die. Just make sure I'm safe, eh?"

He knew that there was likely no way to guarantee that 100%.

"Can I get a cigarette, maybe something to drink?"

*Kelsey pulls out a battered pack of Benson & Hedges 100's, tapping one out and offering it to him, and shortly after offering to light it, with an even more worn and battered Zippo lighter bearing her unit's insignia.  A keepsake of old times, a reminder of how it was, how it could be again.*

*She smiles at him generously*

"Here.  I'm Kelsey."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Sat 21 June 2008.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #50):

The kid (although he was no longer really a kid) looked at the pack as he took one out. "Benson & Hedges, nice! I remember my folks taking me to the fireworks... you know, before the war." He lit one up, sucking the smoke into his lungs.

Benson & Hedges had sponsored a major fireworks festival in the city before the war, the "Symphony of Fire". It was an international competition lasting over a week, where 3 different countries competed, and the winner gave an "encore" performance.

In a way having Kelsey there was an excellent idea, as she projected a less traditional image (albeit still military) and therefore less threatening. Taras was more intimidating, speaking with a Russian accent and wearing a Mountie's uniform with a military bearing.

"Kelsey is... unconventional.  But her competence is unmistakable.  I've only known her a little while and I feel it is a waste of talent to keep her in held back as a Private.  The same for McRae.  We need to encourage competent people by promoting them."  She grinned at Belanger.  "I'll get to work on the appropriate paperwork.

Taras reflected over the situation while looking at Josh puffing away the long desired cigarette. A sense of accomplishment filled his thoughts for a moment. The kid was willing to cooperate. Not like he didn't have more choice but certainly a good position to start with. The fingers flipped over the pages to find again the notes with the questions that was ready to fire away. Now comes the interesting part... He decided that will go one question after another and trying to complete some of the answers with further inquires in order to gain, if possible, a detail insight in the structure of the "enemy".

Congratulations! I should say that you made a wise choice. We are going to be with you all steps of the way.

The body language of the young Josh across the table was clearly indicating a will to provide the much needed answers. But it was necessary for the Sargent to clear his intentions one more time before starting the round. Using a plain tone, almost academic and minimal expression but maintaining eye contact all the time Shevchenko began:

Before we start there is something I want to tell you. The more information that you provide to any issue the better for all of us. Any question that I may consider that is not enough covered will be in need to be investigated and contacted by the mailbox or Kelsey...I would like to limit the contacts as much as possible for obvious reasons. The better picture we have the sooner we finish this business...

Taras didn't need any comment or answer to that so he continued in his very same line:

Ok, Josh. First we need to know where the stickmen are located. If they have a complex,ranch or temple, etc. Also if they have any other buildings where they live and also any fixed military type of post like watch towers, bunkers, etc. We need to know if any of these facilities contains prisoners. I hope you understand what I mean by prisoners...

This was supposed to be the first question. Taras was expecting the first flow of intel with the pencil ready. A chilly moment of silence made its presence in the room.

Josh pulled on the cigarette then looked for a place to put his ashes.

"You have a map? Well, ah, the park is kind of triangular. Points to the east and west, and to the north. The causeway sort up goes up the middle and leads to the bridge. The other end of the causeway is West Georgia St.. Aside from West Georgia, the other road into the park is Beach Ave. Between Beach Ave. and West Georgia is Lost Lagoon, kind of like a lake. On the other side of the Causeway is, like, water, too. So it's easy to block off the Causeway. We get around on mountain bikes, on the paths."

"There's a dozen people at the west end of the park, all warriors. Living at the Fish House restaurant building. They cover Beach Ave. There's another dozen in the cafe/gift shop at Lookout Point keeping watch on the bridge."

He admitted that he made a mistake earlier; when he said the Teahouse he'd really meant the Fish House.

"The rest live around the buildings in the east end of the park. Like, the zoo, the aquarium, um... there's a stadium, a police station. From there they can cover West Georgia and the Causeway. Plus, there are fishing boats we pull up by Lumberman's Arch."

"No one really lives in the middle of the park, there's no water supply. Oh, I think maybe there's a couple families living in tents by Beaver Lake."

http://www.stanleyparkcycle.co...park_overviewmap.jpg

*She pops one out for herself and lights it before putting the zippo back up, leaning against the wall nonchalantly, she smiles nostagically*
"I was there.  It was, fantasmal"
*she smiles softly, eyes looking ceilingward, distant a moment as she recalls the flowers of fire in the that fated summer sky*

Not being very familiar with the Stanley Park lay out and features, Taras couldn't get a good picture so he referred the issue to Kelsey, a better choice for marking down the locations:

Ok, Josh. This is good. Kelsey here will draw a basic map of Stanley Park and you will help her to pinpoint the locations and mor or less the amount of people in the area. It is very important to know which areas are occupied by "warriors" as you said and also which ones are purely civilian...families and such. The big question here is where is Cyrus and his bodyguards. We need you to tell us where are his head quarters. And don't forget about the prisoners. Are there any captives? Someone held for ransom or any other reason?

Shevchenko felt a bit useless and he couldn't but tear off a couple white sheets of the notebook to Kelsey to get a more accurate description. Overall, he didn't felt too bad about the layout exposed by Josh. Nothing too hard to crack but very well strategically located. This dispersion also worked well in Taras plan to dislodge them. Further questioning will bring more information about deployment and command and control but so far it appears that the enemy was dispersed in some positions of advantage and therefore divided. Cyrus remained a misery, though.