"Roger that ma'm, I will be right on it"  And introduce myself as the leader, this time... she doesn't add that though.

She will head back to the commo HQ and gently light fires, setting up shifts and getting gear in order.  Not ranking to really be in charge, she just comes across as 'hey, the OIC asked me to get this all done, bear with me ok?'

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #45):

"Oh, Kelsey, we have new information on Sebastian's addiction.  Looks like he was keeping it on the down low, so it should be OK if Josh doesn't mention it.  He kept his works hidden and also the injection sites.  Pass that on to Josh, please."  She did want to find out where he was getting his supply and what he was using to trade for it.  That would be some interesting information.

She got ready for the meeting with Belanger.  "OK, Mr. Belanger.  How many of my personnel do you wish to bring along for the meeting?  McRae and Champlain are both working on projects, but I can have them wrap up what they are doing and rendezvous with us."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #46):

"This was Taras' idea! I would like his input. I don't see him, but he should be here any moment."

"We'll see what he has to say. My gut feeling is the less the better. You, me, Taras. In my Land Rover, it's familiar enough."

"Lee and possibly McRae to provide security."

Taras was well aware of the level of confidence that Shepherd inspired in Belanger. He was a "connector" or a "fixer". A delicate profession but  one that provided with good contacts and opportunities to get things done and lay your hands in hard to find stuff, good currency mostly.

If so, Sheperd wouldn't risk his reputation trying to set up anybody. He was a wise guy. Canada Place was neutral ground. Close enough to Deadman's Island since the survivalists were few but not so close as to suggest an ambush.

A corresponding move in the fine art of diplomacy will be a vote of confidence. It was late and gather an escort will take time and will show a distasteful, conspicuous move. After all, if thing were going to heat up, the three of them were well versed in the handling of firearms and in the unlikely event of an emergency to run away will be the fastest way out.

Lets go the three of us. Is getting late and we have to go down to business. Seems that this Shepherd has been in touch with you, Belanger, for a while. Allow me to get my bag and then we can go over there ASAP.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #48):

Clarke nodded her ascent.  Sometimes simplest was best.  "Works for me.  The three of us, with McRae and Lee at a distance for support.  Gentlemen, shall we?"

Within a few minutes, the team was assembled.

Belanger had his Land Rover for Clarke and himself, and they worked out comms and freqs.

"I always approach the downtown from the east. I head out to Commercial by way of 12th and Grandview Highway, then up to East Hastings. then take that into the downtown."

Their escort, Lee and Andy, pulled up in the black Suburban. Lee was still in plainclothes with her sidearm in an underarm rig under her light jacket, MP5A3 and tactical vest in the back of the truck.

They made sure everyone knew where they were going, even the passengers, in case the drivers were incapacitated. Lee was quite familiar with the route.

"Let's get going!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Tue 22 July 2008.

Andy got himself into his "plain clothes" and put his pistol into the band of his pants. He picked up the C8 carbine for use when undercover and put his heavier gear, including his vest and sniper rifle into the truck.

Lee drove the black Suburban SUV with Andy riding shotgun. Belanger drove his Land-Rover with Clarke and Taras, and at the last minute he decided Kelsey should come along too to provide them with signals capability with a PRC-77 radio.

The two vehicles headed out as the sun was setting. They drove down the deserted streets, heading east down 12th.

They passed the commercial buildings around Granville, the dark and forbidding Vancouver General Hospital complex and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

When the crossed Cambie still going East, they could see City Hall down the hill, neon trim dark.

North up Clarke they passed under the raised concrete Skytrain tracks. At the northen industrial end of Clarke was the Port of Vancouver entrance (an overpass over the CN Rail tracks) but they turned left before it onto Hastings. They were forced to slow because of the more numerous stalled vehicles closer to Chinatown, a couple blocks away. In the near distance a thin streamer of smoke indicated there were squatters camping in the old abandoned Woodwards building with it's distinctive "W" on a roof tower. It had been abandoned even before the war and was a popular "squat" then as now.

They turned right again at Main and Hastings. Suspended cables that once powered the electrical "trolley" buses drooped into the streets, no longer held aloft in many places.

Hastings and Main, sandwiched between the downtown to the west and industrial district to the east, had once been the city's skid row, an epicentre of poverty, drug use and misery. It was formerly known as the "poorest area code in the country". There was trash and broken glass covering the street from the looted stores. Half-burned mattresses and rickty furniture from the notorious flop houses and hotels littered the street, even a burned out police car was flipped on its side by the old police station. (Although the VPD moved its HQ to a newer building at Clarke and 2nd, they kept the old police station by Main and Hastings for certain departments.)

They navigated down Main past the former "open-air drug supermarket" of Oppenheimer Park, then down Waterfront Road towards Canada Place and the Pan Pacific Hotel.

On the immediate left was the rail yard, behind that the buildings and skyscrapers of downtown.

On the right they passed the Seabus terminal, the water-borne transit component to the Skytrain and buses. Between the Seabus terminal and Canada Place was a couple small wharfs and the terminal's parking lot. Belanger pulled in there.

Lee pulled up beside him and got out, grabbing her subgun. Security would be a little difficult, what with Canada Place and the hotel across from them, the Seabus terminal behind, and a rail yard and skyscraper with parkade in front with the downtown behind. There wasn't any trash in the water.

http://tinyurl.com/5gb98p

They waited as it grew dark, listening to the quiet slap of the small waves echoing off the concrete. Within a half-hour a small boat pulled around the far end of Canada Place. With an exchange of recognition signals, it putted towards them.

The man inside got out and introduced himself as "Ed Putnam". He had a bodyguard, not introduced. They both wore surplus US camouflage and webbing; Ed carried a CAR-15 and his bodyguard had an AK-47.

After some introductions, Ed got down to business.

"Shepherd says you want mto eet me. Well, here I am."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:34, Wed 23 July 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #52):

Clarke stepped up and offered her hand.  Lt. Cmd. Andrea Clarke-Sullivan, at your service.  Cmd. Belanger of the RCMP, and Lt. Taras Schevchenko of the same.  We've come to speak with you about the Stickmen.  We believe it is time something was done about the situation in Stanley Park.  Would you be interested in discussing plans with us?

Ed shook hands. He had short salt-and-pepper crew-cut hair, and a weathered face, probably in his mid-50's, muscle going to fat under his patched fatigues and surplus kit. His accent was west-coast American, probably Washington or Oregon.

He looked like he was considering playing dumb or not. Evidently, he decided against it.

"We get along with the people there. If they're breaking the law, then that's no concern of ours. Are you representing the federal government? Provincial? Local?"

Belanger answered, "we represent all three levels. I'm an official of the provisional city government. Taras is technically Provincial and federal. Leftenant Commander Clarke represents the federal government."

Ed mulled that over.

"They don't bother us, we don't bother them. Ain't got no quarrel with them."

In the parking lot behind them, Andy, Lee and Kelsey kept watch on the surrounding buildings in the twilight.

East of them, Canada Place was a convention centre, cruise ship dock and shopping centre. It jutted out into the water of Burrard Inlet like a land-bound ship. It once had a fabric roof designed to look like sails and backlit by couloured spots. The fabric was ripped and sagging now, a little scorched by the nuclear fireball of a few years ago, revealing metal latticework and guy cables that once kept the "sails" in place.

To the south south-west the Pan Pacific Hotel was a gleaming glass edifice planted the land side of Canada Place. Many windows on the side facing them, facing east towards where the bombs went off, were missing, but most remained. Next to that was the Pacific Press Building, with the letters "THE VANCOUVER SUN" near the top. Beneath these were open floors of parkades, at least a level or two between "street level" above and the water and access roads below, on their current level.

There was the CN train yard separating the water from the downtown buildings, some rolling stock still remaining rusting on rusting rails. To their immediate east was the Seabus terminal (in whose parking lot they were standing). The terminal was connected to the Waterfront Skytrain Station with a walkway over the rail yard.

Further east past the Seabus terminal was the Port of Vancouver. There were several immense cranes that once loaded and unloaded containers from Asia, the US and further abroad, now silent sentinels.

From the parkade, Andy heard some soft scraping noises. It could be an animal or one of the many birds that nested there now, or something else.

Clarke had a "there's something wrong with this picutre" feeling all of a sudden. Ed didn't sound like he had come here to talk about helping them, so suddenly the situation just screamed "trap."  "These are your neighbors and you've lived along side them a long time.  I can understand your position."  She shrugged and started to back up.

"Perhaps we haven't much to discuss after all.  Just keep in mind we make a distinction between murderers and those just trying to survive.  We hoped you could do the same."

Subtly, Andy shifted to face the sound he had heard, his carbine held loosely and unthreateningly, but ready to be brought to bear should things go south. He breathed easily and evenly, focusing on the moment and the ability to react immediately should the situation call for it...

Clarke and Taras remembered what Belanger briefed them about what Shepherd had said about the Survivalists:

"They showed up in mid-2000, long after the city was abandoned, numbering around 20. Shepherd started visiting them not to long after. Shepherd estimated there are around 30 now on Deadman's Island (with a dozen children and a half-dozen women), and some local people have joined them over the last couple years.

"The leader, Ed, doesn't like to make idle talk and when Shepherd gets out to the island he's not allowed to wander around. He thinks that they came up from Washington State. They have fortified the Naval Cadet Station and are heavily armed, mostly small arms but a couple machineguns, some LAW rockets and maybe a mortar. They don't seem to grow anything but have an amazing supply of rations. American MREs and Canadian IMPs, canned food (vegetables, fruit, etc.).

"They mostly trade for fresh food and luxuries like alcohol, and pay with ammunition, 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO, military calibres."

For the meeting, as this was "official", Taras, Kelsey and Clarke were in uniform. (Being security, Lee and Andy wore plainclothes.)

For his part, Andy couldn't see anyone approaching or hear more movement. Still, the Pacific Press building and Canada Place were less than 100m away. Someone emplaced there would be able to get them into a crossfire easily enough.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:53, Sun 27 July 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #57):

"We understand from Shepherd you trade NATO caliber munitions for fresh foodstuffs and other items.  Those are things we could provide as well."

Kelsey will be glad to lend a hand, LAV's being something she should be experienced with.

"Consider it done, boss"

Kelsey would suggest bringing along the 'hazmat van', in order to be able to do remote surveilance on the meeting, and have contact readily available.  She will capture images of the faces and try to access databases to match if she can, same with names, anything she can tap into.  If you insist she stand around with a rifle, she has some small portable sniffers she can be monitoring things with as well.

Unfortunately, the Hazmat van was still undergoing a tune-up and wasn't ready to roll that evening. Some mechanics volunteered to stay up finishing the job, promising it would be done by the morning. The Geiger counter didn't pick up any radiation, and the electronic meter didn't pick up any broadcasts in the immediate area.

In the growing darkness, Ed's bodyguard put on some surplus NVGs, checking out Canada Place and Pan Pacific Hotel buildings behind them. Lee followed suit, looking at the Seabus terminal and railyard, and the walkway connecting the terminal to Waterfront station on the far side of the yard. That left the Pacific Press building and open parkade under it.

Ed heeded Clarke's implied warning without changing expression, as well as her offer to trade for NATO ammunition.

"Whatever Cyrus' done, we ain't been a part of it or know nothing about it. If he's broken the law, then bringing him down is your job, not mine, way I see it."

"Trading for ammo? What kind of government you running there? You don't have enough on your own? Well, sorry, we're running low ourselves."

"So, that's it? You don't want our help or cooperation? You gonna arrest us?"

He looked like he was getting ready to leave, not in a rude manner but like he was expecting something more substantial to happen.

"Ty, looks like we're done here."

Andy put on his NVGs to scan the area and check out the Pacific Press Building. He was confused by all this diplomatic talk, everyone seemed to be speaking at right angles to thisngs the way he saw it. He had thought that Clarke had offered to replace the survivalists as a source of ammunition and supplies for Ed's people, but Ed seemed to think that she was asking for ammo.

Strange, he tought as he moved to check the Pacific Press Building more closely. Still, he hoped the bigwigs would sort it out soon, or the second attempt to extend the influence of the government would end more ignominiously than the first.

Andy frowned and decided that some straight talking was needed, he activated his throat mic and hoped that Clarke had micked up herself, "Boss, this is Andy, if you're reading me, we're losing this one, the guy is nervous about something and isn't hearing what you're saying. He wants a lifeline and we're not getting over that we are it. I'd suggest the tack that everyone had to make compromises to survive in this state of emergency. The Government couldn't keep people safe and doing what you had to to keep yourself and your people alive is no crime, and not viewed as such. Some people have crossed that line and been willfully evil. Thye are the perps, not those who bent or broke only the rules they had to to survive. He's short on ammo, offer him some now as a gesture of good will, give it away like a sailor gives away his pay on a three day drunk. Conspicuous consumption now can pay dividends later. Let him know we want him in the fold and that he'll be better off inside because we can help keep his people safe, we can make things better together. After all, Cyrus and the Bikers are irrelevant if we can gather the law-abiding, or those who will become law-abiding again together. It's fish or cut bait time, Boss, go for it."

He finished muttering and hoped to God Clarke could hear him, otherwise he'd wasted perfectly good breath.

Clarke smiled.  "Ed, I wouldn't consider us 'done' quite yet.  Ammo is what you use to trade for fresh food supplies and luxuries.  If you are running low yourselves, then let's try to help each other.  It was more an opening bid, a way to find common ground we could work from, than an expression of need."  She paused for a moment to let that sink in.

"We didn't come out here to arrest you.  We are working to rebuild civil order here, and we are looking for those who are willing to help us.  We can offer you aid, in some cases employment.  Wouldn't it be better to trade your skills for what you need, rather than depleting supplies?"

Clarke leveled her gaze at Ed.  "You've mentioned Cyrus a couple of times.  It sounds like you consider him a minor issue.  He's more a concern to law enforcement.  You want to know about the big picture, where you can help and fit in there.  Do I read that right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Sat 26 July 2008.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #63):

Clarke keyed her mike a couple of times out of Ed's view, to let Andy know she read him loud and clear.

*Kelsey whistles low and smoothes her kilt a moment*
"Whoa... you think I went regimental in order arrest folks?  Trust me, I don't.  Now settle down and talk about what's eating you, like the good lady says.  We want the bad guys not the folks that are doing no harm.  From what I hear, you folks have been just lovely neighbors and good people."
She puts on her best disarming smile
"Think I been ironing out this kilt when I was short on bullets?  I assure you, every magazine I have is full, and stays that way.  My belly ain't never empty, and I sleep in a clean warm bed."  *she laughs*  "When the commander lets me, at least."
*She offers her shooting hand for a shake*
"Kelsey Champlain, I'm local, and been reassigned recently back home.  A belated welcome to the area, neighbor"
*She takes a moment, holding up one hand, digging in her jacket, and pulls out a Hershey's bar with almonds, holding it out with a wide honest smile to the men*
"How about some chocolate, huh?  Everyone loves chocolate."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:03, Sun 27 July 2008.

Ed listened to Clarke and Kelsey. Taras and Belanger held back, not wanting to muddy the water with their input.

He smiled. The mention of not being arrested seemed to relax him somewhat, not to mention the offer of chocolate (which he accepted).

The bodyguard, Ty, didn't seem too keyed-up, he was of heightened but "normal" awareness, still mostly paying attention to the buildings around them. Ty seemed professional, like perhaps a former US soldier or even a combat veteran.

"Ty, hang tough a minute there, son."

"I thought you said we didn't have much to discuss after all?"

"Look, we moved up here to get away from things that are happening down in the States. When my boy here got back from the war in Europe, we decided we weren't going to be a part of it."

Belanger clarified for Clarke, "the military government faction in the USA, it's unconstitutional and illegal, some would say nothing more than a coup and military dictatorship."

Nodding, Ed looked like he agreed with that.

"Right. If there was gonna be a civil war, we don't want no part of it. Then the army came looking for my boy after he was home, maybe to fight again over in the Gulf, so we decided it was time to get outta there."

[Correction: the Survivalists arrived some time in mid-2000, still before the Stickmen.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:23, Sun 27 July 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #67):

Clarke shook her head.  "No, no civil war here." She smiled at Ed.  "I can understand how you feel about your son.  I came here for my kids, for a place where they have schools, where people want to get back to normal.  Some place my family, like yours, could settle and have a home again.

She indicated the tall, red-haired man beside her.  "I mentioned Mr. Shevchenko before.  He is a former Soviet compatant who has joined us to help restore civil order.  He's helped us negotiate bringing other former combatants under our banner."

She put her hands on her hips and looked evenly at Ed.  "There are criminals and there are law-abiding citizens.  Because of the civil unrest, there are many who would like to be honest, decent folk but the chance has been taken away from them.  We want to give them back that chance.

There are others who enjoy the chaos, who find joy in the suffering of others.  We want to bring them to justice.  Where they control those who would be decent folk otherwise, put a stop to it.

Ours is a duly elected, Constituional government.  Not a dictatorship or military coup.  We are asking you to assist us in our goals.  Are you willing to help?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:46, Sun 27 July 2008.

*Kelsey waits for Clarke to finish before adding to it*
"See everyone loves chocolate."
*She shakes her head a little at what the men say too*
"Well.. Canada looks out for Canada first, you know?  We wouldn't put up with Martial Law like that.  Too unCanadian.  Sides, if we don't get the hockey going again soon, there will be massive civil unrest"  She starts humming the theme to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
So, not to pry.. so don't answer if you don't want.. but you folks have your families and all with you, right?  They doing ok, are you all doing ok?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:10, Sun 27 July 2008.