"I see."

Belanger sipped his tea and jotted down some notes to clarify his thoughts.

"If Ed and his people can simple move freely across the border, what's to stop other refugees, armed deserters, gun dealers and weapons suppliers, drug smugglers from doing the same?

"We have heard that the HAs are heavily armed. Before the war they had arms sources within the US military, locally speaking in the Washington National Guard, and given the situation it's only gotten easier with so many weapons floating around and discipline so poor.

"Not just that, but deserters who turn mercenary: trained soldiers, equipped with at least small arms, selling their skills to the highest bidder.

"We need to choke off any supply lines from the USA across the border before we make a broader move.

"I don't have quite enough resources and numbers yet to do that. Certainly after the government reinforces us in the late summer, assuming all goes according to plan.

"Maybe as we gain in strength we can be more ambitious before then.

He finished taking notes.

"I will recommend this course to Angela. The intelligence unit will need to identify any preferred infiltration routes and uncover advanced knowledge about incoming shipments. Perhaps if we know more about the scope of the problem this will spur the government into speeding up their timetable and devoting more resources into the area."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:28, Mon 11 Aug 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #120):

It was Thursday morning.  Clarke headed to HQ to organize what they knew so far and how well organized they were towards the proposed action against the Stickmen.  It was starting to look like the longer they delayed the more time they would give the opponents to prepare.  Cyrus was already anticipating CS gas and trying to minimize its affects.  Given enough time he might succeed.

If they were going to move with the plan as given then stage one would be tomorrow night.  She started checking in with the other elements of the team to find out their state of preparedness for the planned action against the Stickmen.

She would also be checking the new information coming in for the surveys for any clues that would help with planning the upcoming actions.

After speaking with the doctor, she added that information to the file on their Jane Doe.  With it she also had copies of what forensic information they had, photographs, other information gathered.  If the record search found an ID and background information it would be added.

If Taras or Belanger wanted to discuss concerns about the border with Clarke, they would find her hard at work organizing the information pouring into her office.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:38, Mon 11 Aug 2008.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #121):

Belanger updated Clarke on Taras' concern.

"This might not be a local issue. Poor control of the border may be part of the problem. It allows free transit of weapons, deserters, contraband from the USA. Unfortunately our poor relations with the military regime means we can't really cooperate with them."


OOC: Also, I've been meaning to do this more myself, but let's try and keep the subject lines keyed to the current Game-Day when appropriate! You can post other topics (and I encourage this) but when a date appears there, we should all try to keep it "current". Thanks!

In reply to helbent4 (msg #122):

"It certainly wouldn't help our attempts to deal with the Angels.  They have a ready market just across the border for any narcotics they can grow or import from elsewhere.  With things such a mess there, they can probably trade the stuff directly for arms and munitions that are illegal here.  If we try to prosecute someone in the Dominion, he can slip across the border and be beyond our reach.

She paused for a moment and looked at Belanger.  "To seal the border we will need resources, information and cooperation.  Pulling off a couple of successful local operations will help put those things in place.  Help us build the information network that we need to secure the border.  Give us clear evidence that the problem extends beyond the local area.  Proving part of the problem is an international organization like the Angels would be a huge step.  One step at a time, eh?"

"Taras also has a legitimate concern about, shall we say, armed refugees.  We'll just have to deal with that on a case by case basis.  I think it's a little early to establish a broad policy.  We're making our first attempt at cooperation with one such group, and we haven't gotten very far.  Just have to see how this goes, what we learn and base policy from that."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Mon 11 Aug 2008.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #117):

Fox med Kelsey for breakfast.

"Well kid, looks like you made the grade. Corporal, I should say!"

"You're slated to go out into the field today with the monitoring team. You and Andy. I'll look after the shop here."

"You should get these sewn on ASAP. I'll come along and make sure everyone knows you're the section leader now. Any questions?"

He handed her the chevrons, and waited for her response.

When Kelsey checked in, her crew congratulated her in a fairly laid-back way, The signals techs were competent but not overly gung-ho, the civilian volunteers more enthusiastic but not really sure where they fit into the organisation. Technically, until the situation was clarified they (like the rest of the militia) were "civilian contractors".

The comms logs didn't record any transmissions during the last evening or night.

That wasn't too surprising, the biggest known surviving urban area was New Westminster, and there was a fair bit of distance and high ground between them. There were a few garbled bursts of static, but othewise the low-power FM transmitters wouldn't be heard from where they were located.

Dave Urry, Kelsey's friend from the Royal Canadian Scots' and the "security adviser" for the train on the North Shore got on the air shoot the breeze. He updated her on conditions up to Squamish and Lillooet last time they were up there, in March. (Not so bad in Chilliwack, and terrible in Lillooet).

There was a message from Ed the Survivalist. He said he would send his son Tyler as a liaison. Andy knew this was a good sign; if he wasn't serious about learning about them then he wouldn't have sent someone so close. Lee promised to keep working on a "shooting house" for training purposes, to be shared with the RCMP.

Otherwise, they were set for daily operations. The undercover signals "HAZMAT" van, ambulance and RCMP cruiser were ready to depart for the downtown. In it would be Fox, McRAe and Champlain, along with 2 RCMP and a doctor and paramedic team.

The Council sent word that they would be able to start setting up community centres throughout the east end of the city, extending the government's influence in the local neighborhood by a social and medical "outreach" program.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:29, Sun 17 Aug 2008.

"Thanks folks, just make me look good and do good work, and I will do what I can for you."
</quote>




"Hey guys.. we got any old standing big radio towers still around that we can put to use?  Maybe one of you Contractors can do a survey?  Some more elevation for antenna would be nice."



Kelsey takes notes and chats amiably with Dave, shooting the breeze back with him, she will forward that information to Clark in a verbal report.



That also, of course, will be passed on in report



"Good work achieving the impossible with next to nothing folks, love ya"



Hmmmmm and that makes for a nice little 3 part report to Clarke

(OOC)(want it 'IC' Mel?)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Tue 12 Aug 2008.

Taras continued his chat with Belanger, this time involving the issue of the incoming operation to take over the Park and extinguish the flames of the stickmen.

Belanger. I hope everything will work well. For now we have a good level of knowledge of the enemy and their locations. The idea of infiltrate a mole is working and with positive results.

Shevchenko continued developping his thougths about the added value of a spy. Something not very uncommon back in the Rodina.

So far Josh is not aware of our deals with the Survivalists. Neither are Ed's friends aware of our infiltration. This should serve us good. We have a mechanism of control. I suggest to keep Josh interested in the whereabouts of the Survivalists and therefore get a second guess. It never hurts a second opinion!


More musings were exposed as they passed through his mind.

We need more intel, though. The Chemical team should be able to recce the areas of interests and guarantee a clear road to move to the Park. We need more info on the inhabitants of the downtown area. I believe the TV crew should join them soon. Going over the IRON program I remember to read the importance that we stressed in the media as a tool of persuasion and also accountability.

The next days also should be of help for Bulat's men to prepare and get a good recon on the North side of the Park and their objectives. A detail account is mandatory. Even though they will have a large number of troops to move in, the enemy also have a dozen or so of die-hards.

There is also need for more naval recce. We'll have to dispatch a boat to recon the western locations of the Stickmen from afar. Probably dispatch a team to Vanier Park with optics. Finally we are hopeful that Ed will cooperate with us. If not, then, we will have to converge Bulat's own towards the main complex. I was already thinking about doing that. But there will be coming late as we are trying to do ma simultaneous assault from 4 different locations.

The day was clear and the atmosphere inviting. Springtime in Vancouver was a most comforting season. Even the evergreen rainfall appeared to be an ally that morning.

One of my concerns is to diminish their numbers. If we get to lure them to attack the Marina, it will be a great success. First, they will be easily ambushed. I count with getting rid of a hardcore group. Theis kind of attack is strategically important for Cyrus and he will send his best. On top of that, this will bring more reasons to prosecute them for conducting criminal activities and the overall success will be echoed in the media and will reach the locals. It will boost their confidence.

We need to get the training facilities running as soon as possible. Lets check the level of readiness of the vehicles. We need to start working in the operation. The amount of people that are available, training, weaponry, etc.

This will, inevitably, bring some form of alert for the Stickmen sooner or later. I'd say that we have to try to keep them confident. Let them get their gas masks. I also recommend to get them some faulty equipment too. If Ed is willing to cooperate this can be worked out. I even can booby-trap some stuff...

Taras shift the conversation towards the reconstruction program:

We should get a hold of Khandola and have Clarke too to review the RCMP job on the census. This will provide us with information regarding criminal activity observed by the citizens and we can also start taking a look at the economical landscape of the city itself. I was impressed by the numbers. 5,000 people is a lot. If we can start winning their support it will certainly will give us a critical density factor to our advantage. As soon as we have embrios of community centers established we should start with the launching of civic platforms and political parties and get a timetable for elections. Lets not forget that our humble government, if legal, needs to be backed by a referendum to bring a real democratic presence to the province.

Some other conversation items will also came along. Shevchenko was truly interested in obtaining a ship. Or at least a big boat. It would help to the mobility of their teams and goods and also as an EW platform. And then the radar. Taras insisted in getting a radar. He knew that Soviet units up North defected and availability of SAM radars should be possible. The large surplus built in UBC should help with the trading with the DRI Head Quarters. Policing the sea was as important as policing the land. Not in vain were both integral sovereingty of the country.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #126):

OOC: No, I think we can go with "Kelsey made a report to Clarke"

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #128):

Oki!

By the way, in your contact with Josh, see if you can get a lay-out of the restaurants the Stickmen warriors are using as guard shacks.  Pass that on to Lee and McRae.  They can set up the Shooting Boxes to practice capture in a mock-up of the facilities the Stickmen use for sleeping quarters.  It will give us a chance to prepare our teams for when we arrest those groups.

Clarke contacted McRae.  "Taras has been expressing the opinion that we spend a little more time gathering information before we execute the operation to capture Cyrus.  If we decide to wait, it would give you a chance to observe the party that makes the run to Brandie's at least once before we execute the take-down.  What do you think?  My thought was to hit them on the return trip.  It would be nice to have some idea of when to expect them, both going and coming, and have some idea of the route.  It would also give you more time to assemble and train your team.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #127):

"Yes, it seems the information sources we have are corroborating each other. It sounds like Ed didn't betray us to Cyrus. We should ask Josh to find out what Cyurus' future plans for the Survivalists are."

"Boat recce, optics from across English Bay, sounds good."

"You would like Bulat to do a recce of the north shore of the park? Physically go there, or observe from afar using optics like that thermal viewer they have? I think that's feasible."

"At some point we will indeed come into direct conflict with Cyrus. Preferably it would involve a snatch when he's off-site and then a quick takeover of the park, but if he chooses to come to us we will still be dealing with him on our terms. If he attacks the Marina then he will be with the raiders and then he'll be ours!"

"I was surprised at the number of people living in the area as well. We thought there was only 1000-2000, not over 5000. A good number, and we shall find more."

There was a high-rise residence building on University Hill. An antenna on top would have better reception, but still not higher than the high ground of Burnaby between UBC and New Westminster.

When the city was evacuated, much of the physical city records and documents (including building plans for zoning and permit purposes) was shipped off, but much was stored at UBC, as this was designated as a "recovery node" by the government. A team of librarians vowed to go through and sort the many thousands or even millions of documents abandoned on the UBC campus and see if they could find the relevant plans for the restaurant (and other buildings) in the park.

The UBC RCMP detachment had accepted 100 new recruits and were moderately well-armed. The 120-member UBC Militia had swelled to over 400 volunteers, although still poorly-armed. The army of census-takers now numbered over 500, and Belanger and other Uni staff were organising them and making sure the information they gathered was collected and sorted properly.

The undercover recce team was ready to leave, and the CBC media team joined them to video the proceedings.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #132):

Hmmmm, so no old radio or celphone towers have managed to survive?
How about on the high ground?
Kelsey will dispatch others to look into that, and scout for any radio or television broadcasting locations, especially AM independents.

Taras was listening to Belanger's voice. Lots of good news and improvements. The progress in the reconstruction was impressive. Even more important that taking any "military" action against the stickmen .

Regarding the North Shore troops...I was thinking about reconning the area with the thermal unit to pick up the exact numbers and possibly to infiltrate a patrol disguised as a refugee family to get a better appreciation of the surroundings, get a first impression of the warriors and have a good detailed look at the bridge and roads accessibility in general. Anything but betraying our intentions with unnecessary fiascos like the one we suffered before.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #134):

Clarke gathered her notes on the report she had from Lee and Champlain and went to track down Belanger.  She found him discussing plans with Shevchenko.  She brought them both up to speed on the information she had and asked to be briefed on what they were discussing.

"So what is our timetable for dealing dealing with the Stanley Park issue?  If we plan on snatching Cyrus when he goes to Brandie's, then either we move tomorrow or we observe with a plan of moving at a later date.  What do you gentlemen think we should do?"

Belanger reminded Taras that according to witnesses, Cyrus made a point of killing anyone who dared infiltrate the park. The bodies hung from the bridge trestle. Travellers, refugees. No traders had dared enter the park after the convoy was ambushed.

When Clarke came in, Belander responded by standing up, then waiting for her to sit.

"Andrea! Good morning. Nice to see you."

He sat down.

"I am loathe to move too quickly where Cyrus is concerned. Time works for us. The more time that passes, the more we learn about him, his weaknesses, and the terrain. I'm curious as to what Cyrus' plans for the Survivalists are. He tolerates them for now, but they're not with his progrma and at some point he's going to want to correct that."

"Speaking specifically, we should wait a week this Friday. We will have a good idea of the situation by then, his routine. The rain has kept things wet, while it seems his M.O. is to use fire, He's a patient man, he'll wait and train. Eventually, when he thinks our guard is down, he will strike. As well, his own people will tire of constantly being on alert."

"I still think we should send Andy on a recce of the park, plant some sensors and other surveillance devices."

"And you, Alain, Taras.  Good to catch up with you both and bring all the pieces together.  It's amazing how things are falling into place, now that we have people who can work to organize them.  Taras, your IRON program was a wonderful instrument."

"Yes, in spite of Ed's stated objectives he's sending his own son to meet with us.  He's doing it now, not some vacuous date in the future.  He may well see he's between a rock and a hard place, and we are far more stable allies.  Then again, McRae reached out to Tyler.  Could be the young man has his own ideas of what he wants and put some pressure on his father to let him go. I say we pair Tyler off with McRae for the time being and see how that goes.

A recce is in order, yes.  We also need to shadow Cyrus' visit to Brandie's tomorrow evening.  Note route, timing, when they go, when they return,  how heavily laden, description of the kind of containers they are carrying and how they transport them.

I know this is a little off the subject, but I was thinking of our outreach centers.  We should get some sketches of our Jane Doe, what she would have looked like in life.  Get those posted at the outreach centers and see if anyone knows anything about her.  Maybe an anonymous tip line people can call if they don't want to be know.  Someone must know who she is and something about why this may have happened to her.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #133):

By making use of the cell-tower on top of the residence high-rise, they could reach a good part of Vancouver. Also, UBC had several antennas and a Co-op FM radio station (CITR), although it hadn't been used in the war and the transmitter had been damaged by the EMP. There was currently some functioning low-power AM and TV transmitters on the campus.

However, the city was so uneven that to reach the suburbs like Burnaby and New Westminster (and the valley beyond) they would need to be on the high ground near Queen Elizabeth Park at the boundary of Vancouver and Burnaby. Not coincidentally, that was where BC Tel had it's HQ in a distinctive boot-shaped building, with extensive microwave repeaters across the street.

On the main, most high-power transmitters used for the lower mainland were commonly located across Burrard Inlet on the North Shore mountains. From that high ground, the entire city and the valley could be reached. Generally, the most tranmitters were on top of the ski hill and recreation area known as "Grouse Mountain".

Kelsey was well-familiar with Grouse, having done the infamous "Grouse Grind" trail many times for fun and exercise (rain or shine) when she lived in the city. It was a grueling high-vertical climb trail up the rear of the mountain, kind of a rite of passage for anyone who fancied themselves as "outdoors enthusiasts". Despite being literally a few kilometers from the urban area of North Vancouver, at least once a year some poorly-equipped hiker (perhaps a tourist or exchange student) got stranded halfway up the trail or lost in the rugged wilderness area behind the mountain. (As mentioned,there were only 2 paved roads separating those mountains from the North Pole!)

The prize for conquering the Grouse Grind was a spectacular view that covered the entire city of Vancouver and surrounding suburbs, all the way to far-off snow cap of Mt. Baker down in the USA. Plus bragging rights.

With the recent snow there was still a few white patches on Grouse. The disputed and strategically vital Lion's Gate bridge from Stanley Park basically debouched at the foot of Grouse.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #138):

Ok, sounds like Grouse Mountain is out of reach until we get Cyrus cleaned out, but can set up retrans from UBC and that high rise.  Kelsey will have her plethora of people to work on that, and check in with the main group to see what she can do.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:47, Sat 16 Aug 2008.

There were about 100 volunteers at the team's disposal, and 20 militia as armed guards (with civilian weapons like a few hunting rifles and pistols, and mostly shotguns).

One work party from the comms section went to see if they could rig retransmission from the top of the Uni res.

A second party is working on the shoot house under Lee's nominal direction, although she's begun training the ready element of the RCMP detachment in ERT tactics and practices. Fox continued getting the UBC militia organised, breaking out some of the copious ammunition Clarke brought to practice marksmanship.

McRae organised his little section into 2 pairs of snipers. In the field they would operate as a foursome, although Andy would soon depart on the recce downtown and of course Mac was visiting the Airport, Free Market and New Westminster. So for now Andy trained the pair of volunteers (Chad and Stacy) until it was time to leave on said recce with Kelsey, although the UBC RCMP detachment's police sharpshooter would be glad to take over and continue their instruction.

A party of volunteers asked to see if they could visit city hall (under guard) to see if there were useful records to salvage. Also, another party was willing to head to the "boot", the uniquely-shaped BC Tel building just over the border in Burnaby at the corner of Boundary Rd. and Kingsway, to see if it could be used for retrans to the suburbs. One problem with the BC Tel building was that the East Van clubhouse of the Hells Angels was about a klick or two north up Broadway.

The morning was progressing. They'd had a late night but they still had to work to pay the bills, so to speak.

The liaison from the Survivalists hadn't arrived yet, although he said he would be there by noon. He would show up wherever directed by boat.

The little convoy of RCMP police car (with Constables Markus and Deshanty inside), then ambulance (Paramedic Burns and Doctor Pang) and finally "HAZMAT van" (Champlain and McLean) left UBC for the downtown. They traveled down 41st Street, as that was a Municipal Disaster Response Route cleared some time after the attack.

Once at Cambie, they turned left. On their right was the abandoned Oakridge Shopping Centre, and behind it out of sight was the abandoned RCMP command centre Clarke had visited the day before. They traveled north down Cambie weaving around stalled vehicles, as 41st had run along the spine of high ground in the city and they were heading to the downtown, close to the water.

At the foot of the Cambie Bridge the Mounties slowed down and radioed the van. Ah, where do you guys want to go? Cross the bridge here into the downtown or go around and see if the Georgia Viaduct is open?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:46, Sun 17 Aug 2008.

Andy looked over at Kelsey as she drove. Rank hath its privileges and he normally would have drove (being a Master Sniper and all). Being laid-back, he didn't push his nominal advantage over the new Corporal.

"Well Kel, I don't think this is the closest bridge into the downtown. But we could hide our tracks even more by circling around to the east. What do you say?"


OOC: Posted on McRae's behalf.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:28, Sun 17 Aug 2008.

As they slow Kelsey ashes a cigarette out the window and glances Andrew's way, then grins, cig filter clenched between her teeth

"Well Mac, I think it is a damn fine morning for a drive, why don't you make use of that radio, bud, and tell the Red and the Black that plan?"

"Sure thing," Andy replied, he got onto the radio and explained the change in plans to the others, "OK, Kel, hit it."

*She chuckles a little and shakes her head*

"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses."

*Kelsey chuckles at the famous quote, then moves to peel off to the farthest bridge, and enjoy the ride*