In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #138):

As if cued by Kelsey's question, Belanger entered the lounge.

"I heard from Mac, he's all right. Mind if I...?"

He sat down, poured himself a tea from the pot that had been brought in.

"I could have called, but, I felt I should deliver the news in person.

"On their way back down Southeast Marine, some robbers tried to stop them. They took a shot at them and wounded a driver. He's okay, and in hospital.

"Mac's out at the Rez, he will be by shortly. He's got pictures as well, they are being developed.

"First, the group of people from the Musqueam nation he was traveling with met with the "Bridge Trolls" who control the traffic on the main river mouth of Fraser River. They were reasonable traders. He saw an M113 at the bridge checkpoint, probably American, and assault rifles. Plus a .50-cal machine gun and some bunkers."

"Second, the Hells Angels do seem to run the Free Market on Annacis Island. They have armed guards, even an armoured car of some kind.

"Mac said he saw Colt M16A2 assault rifles for sale, 5.56mm NATO ammunition, AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikovs and ammunition for them, machineguns, at least some LAW rockets. He was promised if he could afford it, they could get him anti-tank missile launchers, artillery, C4, M113s or LAV-25s or even an Abrams tank. But these items would take time.

"Three guesses where the heavy equipment is coming from.

"Last but not least, Mac said that there appears to be a functioning civil government in New Westminster. They have police, and he heard that there are Militia as well, in the old Westies' ("Royal Westminster Regiment") armoury by city hall.

"He also said he saw..."

Belanger paused to sip his drink, and make sure he had Clarke's attention.

"Well, he said he saw a submarine docked at the Quay in New Westminster. A very large submarine. Not American. He doesn't know subs that well but it didn't have the horizontal fins on the sail.

"He didn't get close, but the sailors guarding it looked Russian. Blue-striped shirts, navy caps, or blue berets, carrying Kalashnikovs. He said the markings didn't looks Soviet... A big kind of double-headed eagle painted on the front of the sail, and a red-white-and-blue tricolour style flag, plus a british-style flage but mostly red with blue and red sripes."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:31, Tue 16 Sept 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #1):

"I want to look at the photos, but the reports of the hardware sound bad.  That kind of stock making its way into the country across the border would make it very difficult for us to control the area.  The sub sounds almost like it's British.  Perhaps the Russians captured it?"

Kelsey sips her beer thoughtfully, then sighs.

"Sounds like the Angels are a bit more than we can chew"

The news about the submarine greatly surprised Taras. The signs were pretty obvious to him. The symbols displayed in the boat, as described, could only belong to a "rebel" submarine. The double headed eagle and the Naval Jack of Russia were iconic representations of pre-Soviet times, Czarist times to be more exact. Even though Shevchenko was a combat engineer, the fact that he was born and raised in Odessa made him at least a tad knowlegeable of the different types of vessels operated by the Soviet Navy. Not far from his home city it was Crimea, the seat of the Black Sea Fleet.

Making quick calculations Taras came to the conclussion that the origin of such machine could only be from the Pacific Fleet. It was extremely difficult to believe, but not impossible, that it could be the case of a diesel electric boat. They could have the range but operations were mainly coastal.

Is going to be a nuclear one...

And three were the options for Taras to weigh in. The first and most unlikely it was that of a "boomer". The size would prevent an upstream river sailing. Then there was the possibility of having an Oscar II, a guided missile boat (SSGN)or an Akula attack type (SSN).

The border must be sealed as soon as possible.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #2):

"I think that the border is becoming a priority. One of many, I'm afraid.

"Until in the 80's it wasn't out of the question for OMGs ("Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs") like the Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos and Pagans to get their hands on military equipment until those conduits were shut down. The Outlaws and Angels were shooting LAW rockets at each others' clubhouses in several disputes!

"Before the war, M60 machineguns, LAW rockets, submachineguns, assault rifles and grenades were all seized at one point or another in the US from bikers.

"In Canada, police recovered ex-military Hi-Powers, even WWII-era Stens and even Bren guns that were sold for scrap but were actually reassembled. And of course there have always been gun runners willing to channel weapons to customers up here.

"As for the sub, our intelligence indicated that the last Pacific Fleet boats were destroyed back in 2000.

"A British sub is possible, I'm not aware of what their current disposition is, if any."

Clarke knew that both facts were believed true: there were supposed to be no Soviet subs left in the Pacific, indeed anywhere. Be they boomers, attack boats or diesel-electrics.

However, if it was nuclear, the coolant discharge from the twin reactors would certainly cause a rise in river temperature detectable here at the mouth of the Fraser!

"If they want that border secured, I think we'll need a wee bit of reenforcement

The proliferation of weapons in the Lower Mainland can only be controlled while securing the border in an effective manner. But at this point we have a more pressing problem in Stanley Park and downtown area. It will not go away regardless of what happens down South. We shall establish our priorities. I will explain:

The stickmen is a criminal entity that can be disbanded in a single day. We have the allies, weapons, vehicles and strategic advantage to do so. This will work in our benefit in many ways. The Park will be secured and the roads open for ground traffic and freedom of movement, the locals will be liberated from the tyranny of a madman and it will send a message about the seriousness of the task that the Government is bent to conduct.

Once this mission is achieved, our troops will be free to be deployed elsewhere. As I said it is our duty to secure the territory through access denial. The amount of land that its been incorporated to our sovereignty without real combat is huge and we have to take this to our advantage. As a result our ranks are growing rapidly and with it the Block Watch program and allegiance of the citizens. So far, up to 12,000 are in our census. Clearing the current problem will also open the door for democratic elections in the city of Vancouver.

The operation's plan against the enemy in the Park calls for an all assault from 4 directions: North, South, East and West. The stickmen will be surprised, overwhelmed and defeated merciless. This is why we are working to hard lately deploying an informer, strengthening our alliance with the people in the North Shore as well as the survivalists and conducting recce of the approaching routes to that area.

Our personal combat experience has no question but as a combined team we have none. We don't have any idea how good we can be against anybody. Sure we pack a good punch with all our gear but until we assure ourselves that we can fight and win it is a useless idea to think that we can prevail over the Hell Angel's, Bridget Roll's or Popeye's nuclear fleet...

The time is up. There is so much we can do in a peaceful manner to enforce the rule of law and restore civil society. Sooner or later we will have to face the armed, unwilling opponent. The Stanley Park will offer the perfect test to measure our readiness. If this fail we can kiss goodbye our expectations of moving forward too fast. If we are succesful, this presentation card in Vancouver Island HQ will give us enough leverage to request military troops to secure the border and continue further missions sweeping to the South. Once our foes are boxed in and without the hope for reinforcements of men and material, we will have better chances to win. And we will.

Andy nodded at the Russian's assessment, "The border is a headache for the bigwigs, not us, we need to gather inteland send it up the line. The Stickmen we can deal with, I'd suggest preparing our action there and encouraging Mac to get more info on the Sub. It sounds like Russians to me, the icons they're using are pre-Revolution so they might not necessarily be antagonistic. We can check that out later, for now, we stick with what we can achieve."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #8):

"Glad to see that even with our new intel, you are all still focused on our first priority - the Stickmen.  As Taras points out, this is a chance to show what we can do and clear out a pest at the same time.  It will also leave the local HA chapter surrounded on all sides by area controlled by us.  There are other chapters in the area.  They may choose to move on to easier pickings.

If Cyrus remains true to form he will be visiting Brandie's tomorrow.  We've scouted the route.  It's time to lay out where and how we will observe him as he makes his way back and forth.  I'd suggest undercover, take position by blending in and creeping into position rather than entry with vehicles.  Suggestions?"

"Agreed.. Tyler seemed to have the right idea with his ATV, get close then go to foot.  I recommend well armed too, radios, didn't seem to have transmission problems, but I would like a retrans down there for their transmissions.

"Sounds like a very good idea, Kelsey.  Can you have some retransmitters ready to deploy tomorrow evening when we go on the recce?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Thu 18 Sept 2008.

"You betcha, boss"  She smirks at Clarke

Tyler looked over his new found comrades.  In his buzzed state, he brought up a finger before leaning back in his booth.

"Make sure though," he began", your gear is squared away.  Make sure you have only the necessary stuff for a quick hit and run.  Beans, bullets, and band-aids.  If there is anything else specific I have to bring, someone let me know...because I am not going to be running up in there with a rucksack on unless I have to."

Tyler let his hand come down to his side.  He noticed in the main part of the bar the girls he had met earlier that day, and the look on his face catered to say that his mind was not all in the current discussion of operational affairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Sat 20 Sept 2008.

"Hey, did I miss anything?"

Chris MacDonald had entered the SUB pub and made his way over to the table, grinning and shaking hands all around.

He nodded and introduced himself to the American. Chris was a short but well-built native guy in civilian clothes, longish black hair with a scraggly beard and moustache.

"I'm Private Chris MacDonald, usually I'm Andy's partner. Sorry I've not been around, mostly hanging out at the Rez, and tonight had to take a friend to hospital*. Doing some traveling around the city. Gonna head back there tonight, I guess."

He carried a folder and laid out some photos.

"Here's an M113 out at the airport. At least one that was at the roadblock on the bridge, and another I saw moving around the airport. An ACAV-style one. Got a picture of one, not the other."



"I saw some Angels at the Free Market. There wasn't mountains of stuff there, but I was told I could get almost anything up to a tank if I asked."

"Here's one of them in the scout car. There were about a dozen, keeping watch over things. At least a few of them, the younger ones, looked like they'd been in the military. Couldn't tell if it was US or Canadian."

The scout car looked like a Vietnam-era V-100 Commando. Some of these relics had been used for airfield security in the US, with many more being built during the war to beef up security in case of Spetsnaz attack. of them had been used





"Now... the sub."

He spread out some more pictures, smelling strongly of developing fluid.

"Here, I couldn't take a picture from too close or else the sailors probably would have minded. It looked fucking huge. I got a fairly good look, and it looked like the bow had been damaged and then repaired. The hull was patched with steel plates of a different colour than the rest of the sub. Also, looked like the propeller was damaged because they were working on it. Arc-welding equipment, a crane, work sheds  and so on."

Looking at the picture there was no doubt in Andrea's mind this was a Soviet Oscar-II class nuclear attack submarine. The class was something of a hybrid with paired launch tubes for 24 anti-ship or anti-shore cruise-missiles. This meant the sub had a very wide beam, but it was not a "boomer", or ICBM-carrying vessel.

"I asked what her name was. The sailors on the dock said it was K-141, the Kursk."

Andrea started. The last she'd heard of the Oscar II-class vessel named K-141, it had been sunk seven or eight months earlier in the Barents Sea off the Kola Peninsula, on the other side of the Arctic, probably the last sub to be sank in combat. Apparently, reports of its demise proved to be premature.





(Note: the above pictures are of a real Russian-built Soviet-era Foxtrot-class Diesel-electric boat moored in New Westminster. However, the vessel in the game is tied up in the same physical location but is roughly double the size, and the sail is a lot longer.)

"Holy Christ," Tyler said, taking in the brutal truth that there really was a submarine nearby, with a fully working crew and everything", so these Hell's Angels?  Are they in cahoots with these sub guys?  Or am I missing a key piece in this puzzle?"

Clearly, Tyler was a bit offish now that he had been drinking a bit too much, and had his attention drawn to his little lady friends at the bar just a few minutes prior to now.

"Ah...I got this...t...too easy," he continued, forgetting where he was momentarily", I say we get 1st and 2nd Squads on line with this MSR..."

Tyler pointed at nothing in particular at the table, clearly having some sort of flashback of his times in the war.

"...get the SAWs to cover us while we shoot and scoot to the waypoint...pop smoke, and extract outta there with the Hawks."

Tyler's head bobbed a few times, and he nearly spilled his glass of beer.  After four beers, Tyler was child's play for the alcohol.  He wasn't nearly as massive as when he was eating at least three square meals a day, and hitting the gym and pt'ing at least twice a day; thus, the alcohol took its toll quicker now.

"Wait," he snapped out of his flashback, the tunnel vision now just a shaky, drunken view of his new friends", what I jus...s..say?"

Kelsey shakes her head, not a one of them had an easy going of the war, some worse than other she was sure.  She'd only rarely had flashbacks, despite the horrors she had seen, maybe it was because the entire time she had remained domestic, rather than overseas, maybe less intense overall.

"Hey Tyler, you are here with us, I think you've had enough to drink buddy"

She looks over the photographs with a grim look

"It kinda pisses me off that people like the Hell's Angels have taken over the government of the area.  It's like having the rats in charge of the ship"

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #15):

The old paratrooper, Belanger, answered Tyler, "you know, that's not a bad question. Considering you don't know some of the things we've picked up."

"Thankfully, we don't think there's a connection between the HAs (Hells Angels) and the city of New Westminster. We heard that "New West" has a functioning police force and militia, and from what we know they've remained independent of the HAs' influence.

"We haven't heard of the sub before from any of our sources, it's kind of a wild card, really. God only knows what it's doing there!

"If they're involved with the New West's city government in some capacity, either as allies or (God forbid) have taken over, that'll complicate things somewhat. For one thing, if the city has their own navy we can't take for granted they'll simply fall into line if we drive down the street."

Belanger sighed and shrugged to convey their ignorance, then sipped his tea.

"For tomorrow, our friend Tyler is correct. We'll have keep things simple. Have the reaction element deployed forward. I can suggest that now you've checked out the Dunsmuir viaduct and the Burrard St. Bridge, having a look at the Cambie Bridge and Georgia Viaduct will be a good idea. I've not really been across the bridges when visiting Shepherd downtown, to keep my direction of travel confidential."

"We'll have an idea how to take down Cyrus after tomorrow, but we should think of something that might delay his attack on us for a little while, to buy us some time."

He smiled over at Tyler.

"Mr Hope, if you are more in the mood to talk to other people, by all means. This is kind of boring, anyways, and I certainly wouldn't hold it against you."

The annoying previews before "our feauture presentation" already started rolling under a vicious spasm of tracking self-adjustment. "Pretty Woman" was next.
This unconventional Cinderella story is one of the most open-hearted romantic fairy tales of the pre-nuclear generation. Julia Roberts, in the role that made her a star, is a street-smart hooker who falls for rich businessman(Richard Gere), and although it’s as realistic as the supposedly summer offensive of NATO forces against Poland and the Baltic, it protects its glittery romance even amidst a world of pessimism and compromise. The chemistry between Gere and Roberts is palpable, and when Edward climbs a fire escape to rescue his princess at the film’s end, you'll wonder why you ever started doubting romance in the first place.

Clarke. I wonder if you have any contact in the island that could help me to deliver a message to Bella Coola. In that place remains a "stay behind" unit. A part of the 62nd. I know an Officer in charge of one Air Defense unit. We are, or were...good friends. I'm aware that he decided to stay over there with most of his men and equipment.

Taras was already planning ahead a new item for the inventory of the government forces. He knew that the request could sound ridiculous at first so he didn't want to go much into details.

My plan is to contact this Officer and make him an offer to purchase one of his vehicles. It could be transported here with the GB Church. The very same ship that brought me here and our team as well...

Lieutenent, Sargent,...Shevchenko was above all a man of arms. He was trained in a decent academy and understood the value of the intelligence provided by his people. The photocopies obtained from the shots taken by his special envoy, far from resting in some dusty folder, where spread on the table. The M-113 was a good one. It seemed to be in excellent shape. The man was able to take that shot of the V-100 pretty close...Next to that the mandatory topographic map, an staple in the combat engineer diet:

Damn...damn...Richmond is flat...just flat...

Then a quick look at the calendar followed:

Summer was coming. Good weather, calm waters. Will they be as calm as back home by the Black Sea? Probably not...it was the Pacific...In any case the Straight of Fuca offered a more relaxed sailing environment between the island and the continental mass.

Calm waters...is a small ship with a precious and deadly cargo... The thoughts kept on wandering his mind.

I hope there is a chance to communicate with somebody in Bella Coola through the HQ in the Island and arrange the business. Can we do that in the morning?

Before sitting down to watch the show, Taras added:

And a last thing...I'm going to need our boy to pin-point in the map where are located the vehicles. Specially the ones of the Bridget Roll's

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #18):

Clarke listened to Taras and looked through the pictures while the previews played in the background.  She absently sipped the tea he offered, finding it supurb.
"That is an excellent idea, Taras.  In the morning I will see about the contact you request.  Another vehicle in the future would be a real asset against what we face." She sipped her tea again.

"I appreciate that you didn't let the revelation of new threats throw you off the need to prosecute our goals against the Stickmen.  The problems were there before, we were merely ignorant of them.  We still need to finish what we started before we move on to a new challenge.  I agree with you.  Cleaning up the Stickmen is a chance to prove ourselves, show our resolve.  We should not be distracted from this opportunity."

Having had her say, she settled back in the couch, getting comfy.  She wrapped her hands around the cup and took another sip.  "This really is good tea, Taras.  Thanks for having me over."

You are most welcome!

Shevchenko was pleased to hear that his humble efforts as host for Clarke were well received. Even though they were a man and a woman, both of them born and raised in different countries and cultures there was a sense of communion between them. Some will call it the officer complex . They both sensed and shared a responsability towards their boys.

Tomorrow we should start briefing our guys about the impending move on the Stickmen . We have exactly one week to be prepared. This time frame may be tight but it also will keep some pressure on us and keep some secrecy.

Taras piled up the documents, maps and pictures into a neat stack on a corner of the table. The methodical senior Lt. mentality at work, again. He noticed the looks on Clarke:

...Away from spillings...you know... Said in a dissimulated tone.

I'm planning to make a visit to Bulat and coordinate the efforts. His people started already with the recce of the bridge detachment. Before I go there we shall get ready the comms frequecies and radio calls.

Back on the screen Julia Roberts was working hard in her incoming Golden Globe Award and nomination for best actress...

Clarke offered that she knew the Commander in charge of Maritime Forces, Western Area, and would get in touch to see if there was some aid she could be in effecting a defection of more Soviet troops.

The rest of the evening was spent socialising.

Tyler eventually wandered off and got into a discussion with some people of various ages. They were polite, open, and curios about him. Careful not to seem like they were prying, they asked where he was from, what he was doing in town, if he was in the US Army, how did he think the war was going, and so on.

Unfortunately, the people had to leave before 9pm. They were up with the dawn, as farming didn't leave a lot of opportunity for late nights.

The others either hung out together or went back to their rooms.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #20):

Clarke listened to Taras talk about his plans.  "Coordinating with Bulat is a good plan.  Make sure we are all on the same page, as they say.  With only a week to plan, we have to keep it tight.  Going in person rather than communicating via radio lessens the chance that the information could be tapped into.  She paused and sipped her tea again.

She looked at Taras and smiled.  "It also gives you a chance to visit with your friend, doesn't it?  You talked tough before we went there, but I heard his men singing after you talked to them, saw you sit down with Bulat to talk.  That wasn't 'tough talking', that was camaraderie.  You're lonely, aren't you?"

I am lonely...yes.

Taras wasn't used to talk about himself. This caught him was surprise. Many years in the Army and most of the time under the "official" mask. That is, unable to "mingle" with the troops or being too open towards the lesser ranks. A closed, repressive society didn't help much either. Even worst, the stigma of a past of open defiance of the Russian rule over Ukraine in his family was ever present. Thankfully his last name was too common to ring a bell but the shadow of the zampolit or political commisar never was too far.

Is difficult for a man like me to integrate here. My country invaded this country. Many people were killed and many places destroyed. This remains engraved in the mind easily. I can see the faces and eyes of people looking at me with contempt. I don't blame them. But it doesn't help...believe me

Taras stood up to slightly open a window. The fresh air of the night after the rain came in. He lit a cigarette. A vortex of smoke quickly dissapeared between the venetian blinds.

There are many decent men and women living here. This is a University after all...But this is not my culture after all. I don't have real friends to trust. Their politeness may be boundless but...

The scene of the bathtub with Richard Gere rubbing the feet of Julia Roberts awoke some sudden interest in the ex Lieutenant. He twisted his neck with a wide smile.

Bulat is a good man. But he is not alone. He has a wife and soon he will become a father. He still has some of his troops with himt and one day they will have their own families and eventually will form a nice communtiy. Good for them.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #23):

Clarke nodded, understanding. "So it is good to spend time with Bulat and his men, they at least share your culture.  You would feel less lonely if these friends of yours, come here, no?  There would be people here at UBC who share your culture as well.  I will be more than happy to help you bring your friends here, for your well-being as well as to beef up our forces.

She sighed and looked at her cup.  "It's lonely for me as well.  Officers should not fraternize with enlisted personnel, so there is no hanging out with the rest of the team.  Normally there would be some relief from camaraderie with officers and my own family, but this is a small command and my own family has not arrived yet.  This is a lonely place for me as well.

Tyler excused himself from the booth, and moved along the aisle of chairs and tables.  He headed into the main atrium of the bar, and slid into a chair near two of the female friends he had met earlier in the day.

"Hi there," he said, placing his beret upon his leg.  It was the old adage that a gentlemanly soldier never placed his head gear on the table.  He smiled as he watched his beer being poured from the draft.

"So did you two miss me?" he asked Paula and Michelle playfully.

Andy sat at the bar sipping a beer slowly, this would be his last for the night as nobody knew what tomorrow would bring. It was always best to face the unknown on a clear head, he'd found.

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #25):

They giggled and sipped what looked like tea.

"I don't know," said Paula, the more adventuresome one. "We just met!"

"So tell us, who are you? What are you doing here? Are you a deserter or refugee? Draft dodger?"

With Paula asking most of the questions, they asked him about who he was and what he was doing around there.

Kelsey puts an arm around Andrew's shoulders and squeezes
"Hey Mac, not so low, have another beer and a smoke?"

Andy smiled and pulled out his cigarette pack, "A smoke'll be fine, Kel, but I'm at my limit for beer. Never know what tomorrow'll bring. Anyway, if you're having another, I'll get a lemonade, or whatever's passing for soft drinks in the bar."

She hugs him like that again, damn the woman has some strength, and she sits at the stool by him and smiles
"Damn, bud, ok, nurse the beer and don't you owe me a smoke?"

He pointed to the packet he'd pulled out, "There you are, help yourself." he knocked the packet gently to expose some butts.

Kelsey grabs the pack and shakes out one, glancing at the brand and hoping it is Canadian, American smokes suck.  She lights up with her zippo and offer that to him as well.
"Sounds like a world of shit out there"

Pulling up another chair, Chris sat down.

"Which "Mac" are you talking about? He's a "Mick"! I, however, come from pure Scottish blood."

He pulled out some Craven "A" Menthols and lit one up.

"Ah, menthol, just like a breath of fresh air!"

He found a saucer to use as an ashtray, as the lounge was (or at least had been) no-smoking.

"So, tell me about the downtown."

Once he had been filled in he gave his own opinion of what was going on elsewhere.

"Sounds pretty bad, allright."

"Things aren't that bad out there in most places (except maybe Surrey) although it's not like before the war. It's not like people are eating each other or killing each other for no reason, and as far as I can tell trade and commerce are happening peacefully. Problem is, if you get ripped off, what can you do about it? Go to the cops? The Angels? No medical care, no community leaders to hold accountable."

"There's even businesses that are surviving outside the few kind of "safe" areas. I was thinking of getting some new ink done at a place I saw that was open on Kingsway by New Westminster. "Van Meer's Tattoos"."

Kelsey started. She'd gotten most of her own ink done at that place before the war, what seemed ages ago. Some stoner Ducth guy from Amsterdam ran the place, she wondered if he was still around?

"Well, I guess we should drink up and hit the rack. We got stuff to do tomorrow. I'm off to the Rez and I hear you're going back downtown. Continue your survey, set up some repeaters, and have a boo at Cyrus' route. Good luck."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Sun 28 Sept 2008.

Kelsey goes over and punches the 'real' Mac on the arm.  It hurts.
"Anger at having your nickname ursurped?"  She laughs
"It's ok baby, you are still my favorite, especially when I want a menthol"

He pulled out some Craven "A" Menthols and lit one up.



"You get a look at the tattoo artist?" She rubs one arm, thinking of the heavy tribal tats she had done at the very place.

Tyler smirked before taking a sip of his Becks beer.

"Nope...if I were a draft dodger, I wouldn't be wearing the uniform proudly...same for the deserter."

He adjusted the way he was sitting before continuing on with them.

"My unit was disbanded in Europe.  This was nearly a year ago.  I managed to make it back here...to see my dad.  He and I are living up north a ways at our home away from home."

He took a longer swig of his drink, and gave the two girls a weird look.

"The orders...they were simple...unit got disbanded 'until further notice,' and we were on our own...they simply wished us luck.  After months of poking, prodding, begging, pleading...hell, even stealing, we managed to get back to the states.  Some of us went our separate ways, but most of us agreed on the idea of making it up to my old man's predestined hole-up home here in Canada."

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #35):

They seemed to think that was pretty cool.

It was kind of strange, being part of a normal conversation. Back home in uniform he would have either been the subject of adoration or perhaps some (muted) derision, depending on the social inclination of those he was interacting with. Here, despite the generally left-wing vibe, he felt like he was more an object of curiosity, impressive but still foreign.

"So, where are you from? You sound like maybe you're from... Texas? New York? American accents are so hard to figure out!"

Michelle's companion, Paula, thought for a second and said, "you sound like you're from Washington. I can tell, I had a boyfriend who went to WSU, and you sound just like him. I'm right, eh?"

Chris grinned.

"Ah, one day I'm "Mac", the next day the Master Sniper is. You white people are crazy! No consistency."

He thought a moment about the tattoo artists' studio.

"Nah, we just drove by, never went in. There was a woman outside having a smoke, she had long red hair, really bright. She had lots of ink done, sleeves and something across her back, didn't get a chance to see."

She remembered that sounded like Van Meer's girlfriend, Katya. She had different tattoos up and down her arms and a dragon across her back.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Mon 29 Sept 2008.

"Hey, you are still my best bud, Mac number one."
She laughs, still absently rubbing her arm
"Katya.. sounds like Katya.  I know those folks buddy, know em good.  Partied with them, got ink done there."

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #23):

Clarke enjoyed the rest of the movie with Taras, then excused herself and returned to her own quarters.  She settled in for the night with an early wake up to attend to business at headquarters.

Her first action in the morning was to contact the head of DRI in Vancouver to request arrangements for contact with possible defectors at Bela Coola.  She mentioned Taras by name as someone who would be known to the people there.  She also relayed that he felt they could bring material resources as well as personnel.  Both would be of use in the situation at British Columbia.

She also inquired about her family, and how soon they would be able to be moved to the island.

She reported on what they had found in their recent activities in the downtown area and the continued preparations to contain the Stickmen.

After making the report, Clarke signed off and went to speak with Belanger about prepping the team for the operation that evening.  It seemed unwise to send a large team with vehicles into the area for this one.  It seemed more a sneak and peak than something for a large group.  Perhaps a couple of small units staged on the route to observe would work best.

They could use vehicles to get fairly close, perhaps just on the other side of the bridges, then travel the rest of the way in on foot.  Dress in civilian attire to blend in with locals and avoid being seen at all where possible.

They would also plant several of Kelsey's re-transmitters in the area to pick up chatter from the HAs.

Once the mission was complete, travel back out to the vehicles on foot and evacuate.  Since the downtown police station had been recently inspected, perhaps that could be used as a command center.  Then if anything went wrong they'd have a closer point from which to make a response.

The rest of the night, those of the team socialised if they wanted to.

Kelsey and Andy related to Fox and Mac what the downtown was like. Spooky as hell, with the HAs at Brandie's downtown and the Stickmen in the park, and the Undergrounders stuck without a prayer in the desolate middle, more-or-less.

Tyler talked and flirted with the girls, but although they were friendly he didn't get any action. Well, it was only Thursday night, and there was always the weekend!

In the morning, Clarke sent off her reports. She got some personal news from her family. Her husband and kids were fine, and were looking forward to the move.

There was a personal communication from Major Anderson, the CO of the DRI's section in Vancouver Island, and a personal friend.

"That is astounding news! We need sources of intelligenc in the 62 MRD that possess timely informaation. We have made effecting this a top priority. Have Sergeant Shevchenko prepare a brief, including the name, rank, unit, location, a method of communicating with the prospective defector, and so on. We'll take it from there. Good work!"

The report from Josh was that Cyrus was planning on his weekly trip next evening to the whorehouse downtown, returning some time after dark. In the mean time, preparation for a night attack by the police continued, and more progress had been made with Ed to trade for a dozen gas masks.

Bulat reported that his personal night recce from the bridge of the northern end of the park seemed to be a success. The bridge was barricaded and completely blocked off near the park end, although it seemed possible for heavy equipment to remove the blockage of logs and abandoned cars. The thermal showed that there was a night watch of a few people. The nearby lookout restaurant showed a thermal signature, indicating that's where the sentries stayed. As far as he could tell he and his partner were undetected.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:26, Tue 30 Sept 2008.

He thought for a second.

"There are 3 police stations. There is the RCMP command post out at Oakridge. It's kind of a ways out, but intact.

"There is the "new" Vancouver Police Department (VPD) police station is across the Cambie Street bridge from the downtown. It's just down the street from city hall (neither are really in the downtown), but it looks like there is fire damage.

"The "old" VPD police station seems intact, and is on the outskirts of the downtown but closer than the new police station. That might be our best bet, but it's in the heart of "skid row" and likely to be looted."

Belanger agreed a noticeable presence wasn't desirable for the observation of Cyrus.

"However, that's going to be in the late afternoon, before sundown. Before then we can get some recce work done.

"Have Taras work up a plan for your objectives. You want to recce the area, place repeaters, and then observe Cyrus' "assignation" at Brandie's. You need a plan for comms, unit assignments, infiltration and exfiltration routes, and so on.

"Also, we could get some C4 to Ed on Deadman's island, to use for booby-traps of the gas masks he's trading to the Stickmen."

He sipped his tea and looked at the map.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:52, Wed 01 Oct 2008.

Taras received from Clarke the communication from DRI. He would we working in the request as soon as possible.

Well, I'm glad that there is a common interest here. The 62nd is being stuck up there for quite a long time and to get some information will help the overall effort in the province.

Then looking at Belanger he added:

I also agree. A small and discreet team should suffice to do the job. I will also send the original Haz-Mat team as a distraction. They will be more likely to call the attention of the bikers and other population. In the mean time our radio operator, Mr Tyler and probably one more escort can conduct the recce on Cyrus. Let's see what our new friend from America has to say. I do have some variety of explosive substances to offer to him as well...

*Kelsey perks her brow at being called the 'radio operator' it was a wee tad more than demeaning.*
"I suppose this puts me in command of the recce since the third element is unnamed and thus an afterthought, and Mr Tyler is certainly not one of our troops?"  She didn't look too thrilled about it, though  "Even if I am just a Radio Operator  She mimics twisting dials for a moment.

*The looks around then her smile settles on Chris 'mac'*
"If I get to pick, I'd like to take Mac number one there."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #43):

Though normally quite formal, Clarke couldn't resist this opportunity.  "So, the Queen of Informality takes offense at being 'just the radio operator', eh?  Well, don't get your kilt in a bunch, Kelsey, I'm sure Taras thinks of you as quite a bit more than an afterthought.  You had some good ideas for the recce and you've recently been promoted, so you get to be in charge.  Congratulations."

"Sure, Chris can be your third.  Just prepare to travel light and go in civies this time."

"Taras, if we use the Haz-Mat decoy again we'd better have back-up staged for them if the HA get frisky.  To be honest after the HAs last response I'm not sure using them as a decoy is a good idea at all.  Mr. Belanger, let's see if we can open the old Police Department and have some people on stand-by there."

"We might also use this as a chance to check the other bridges into downtown."

The rather doctrinary and totalitarian aspect of the Soviet armed institutions left little room for field Officers in terms of job description of mostly conscript troops. Formal operational meetings still kept first names out of the ex Lieutenent's mind. Shevchenko could never understand what the two women were talking about.

I guess we have a decent recce element and we can put our trust in... Kelsey. My idea of keeping sending the HazMat team is based in the fact that we need to keep the intel coming. We have to make our "official" presence be felt in the downtown. In this manner we show the flag to the people living there and also contain at some point the Hell Angels. The activation of a nearby Police Station will help us to closely locate a quick reaction force to support not only the HazMat team but also the undercover unit if necessity arises.

Taras also addressed the other concern exposed:

I understand your concerns regarding Mr. Tyler. Looking at the big picture we have to understand that without the co-operation not only of the survivalists but also of the North Shore community we cannot effectively defeat the stickmen . Those bastards operate in their terrain, are well trained and deployed and only a well concerted operation using a surprise, speed, initiative, simultaneous attack in depth and firm and continuous command and control we can be victorious.

Almost without noticing, Taras, was making a verbal enumeration of the soviet adoption of the principles of war. A well hammered down lesson back in the Officer's School days.

I believe that we have an opportunity to work along the survivalists for a common benefit as much as we can do it with Bulat. I think Mr. Tyler should have a vote of confidence. They have a better understanding of the psychology of the enemy since they trade often and also of the geography of the Park. They are combat veterans after all. Maybe from different fronts or maybe from different wars but I strongly feel that we are together in this one.

Kelsey broke into a huge grin and Clarke's comment
"Go easy on the new stripes, sheesh.  Ok, you got me.  What I meant was.. I am a hell of a mechanic too"
She laughs and then gets far more serious looking.
"I like the idea of additional eyes out there, I am worried the bikers won't fall for it again, so I would have a ready reaction force prepared to back them up."

She mmmmms  "As far as Tyler, I want to talk to him seriously about following orders if he is in on this, with a 3 man team we need to not be hot dogging or anything.  I've never worked with these American snake eaters before, and I don't know what I can trust.  Or better... one of you two should talk to him.

The first part of the day went well.

Taras relayed his information to Major Anderson at DRI Headquarters, who promised that there would be an answer soon. Then Taras departed for the North Shore.

Kelsey, Tyler, Andy and Mac departed for the Downtown in the HazMat vehicles. Tyler seemed to be clear about following orders and the chain-of-command, which was Andy for this component of the mission. A small group of comms techs accompanied them.

While still in the newly "secured" area of Vancouver, they spotted a small group on foot in the street carrying bags and with packs, towing a hand-cart piled high with possessions. It was a family from further east in Burnaby, who'd heard that there were some kind of services being restored in Vancouver and decided to move. They were met by Block Watch and were directed to one of the new community centres that were being set up, where ID would be issued and they would be allocated a housing assignment and ration card for food.

Coming into the downtown they first surveyed the bridges into the downtown (Burrard, Granville and Cambie), and found that they were structurally sound and had at least a lane or two cleared in the middle.

This time they did meet some 31 refugees in total over the course of the morning (all ages and sexes, mostly white). They came for basic medical attention, but weren't interested in leaving anything but their first names and wouldn't talk about anything (including where they lived or what they thought of the Angels or Undergrounders).

Still, it was a promising start! The comms techs managed to place the repeaters on the roofs of some high buildings, as hidden as possible, then they departed.

With Clarke in charge (with Kyoko along), Lee took the reaction element and a work party to the old Police Station at the heart of the Downtown East Side, the former skid row and poorest part of the city. They passed a UBC-based militia patrol on the way out, securing the streets of the newly-surveyed part of the city. It looked like the area had been hit hard by looting and arson, and the cop shop was no exception. The 4-story old building still looked good for their purposes, although a few scavengers scattered out the back door as they approached.

It looked like squatters had lived there for a little while at least, and the interior had been thoroughly gutted of any valuables or salvage (like copper wiring or light fixtures). However, aside from a ton of ripped-out drywall, broken furniture and trash that needed to be cleared out, the building was structurally sound and there were plenty of useful rooms. There was, aside from storage rooms and offices, a large underground garage with workshop accessed from the back alley (all looted of course) and an underground shooting range.

Fox took another work party to the local military HQ, the abandoned Jericho Garrison building. It had been the command post for the Canadian Forces in BC up until the early 90's. Then after severe cutbacks, land and buildings were sold off and it became a smaller administration centre for the Reserve (Militia) Regiments in the Lower Mainland. When the war started it became the administrative centre for Canadian troops being readied for Korea out at CFB Chilliwack and over on the Island at CFB Comox.

The building, adjacent to UBC, was in great shape. More to the point, there were still intact underground storerooms with tons of full uniforms ("combats") and assorted kit, although there were no modern weapons, ammunition, food or electronics. There were a few dozen worn-out C1A1 rifles and a half-dozen C2A1 automatic rifles, and around 20 Sterling submachineguns.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:47, Sat 04 Oct 2008.

Tyler had awoke a bit late in the morning.  His eyes slowly opened, immediately letting in the mild pain of light as his hangover was still gripping his head.  He rolled over a few times before finally rising from bed to greet the day.  His head sat beneath the shower head, his hands supporting him upright by leaning against the wall.  It was a rough night, and Tyler regretted what he had tried to do.

As he dried off, thoughts of his Jenny crossed along his mind.  A knock at the door, his uniform on, and Tyler quickly found himself at the cafeteria eating morning chow.  After a large breakfast, Tyler was brought into a briefing for the day's festivities.  He would be going back into the city.

After being issued a white HAZMAT jumpsuit, and a few other odds and ends, Tyler got ready to go, grabbing his gear, and then stepping over to his weapons.  He stood there for a moment, deciding finally on the CAR 15, considering that it fired NATO 5.56 rounds like much of the Canadian weapons.

Kelsey got up and got ready that morning, briefed and ready she went over her gear again, going with the standard selection she normally fielded for once they got free of the Hazmat team.

Out in the field she supervised and checked retransmitter placement, smiling inside the bunny suit as she did.  It might be a few days of observation or more before this really netted valuable things, but she is sure it would, especially if the Angels were using walkie talkies or CBs.

She checked the radio watch schedule before she went out, to ensure they had at least two at a time there, to double check their own radio checks, and to have the minimum for proper surveilance.

Andy got himself ready for another day of recce. He tooled up and headed over to Kelsey.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #50):

Clarke was glad to see the group of recce personnel ready to go.  Once they were in the area they would be separating from the HAZMAT team to continue the mission on their own.  The HAZMAT crew was, after all, a distraction to get them into the area.

Considering the reaction to the last HAZMAT imitation in the area, back the police station Clarke had RCMP communications personnel (since all of hers were in the field) set up to test the new retransmitters. Once shown to be good, they were to monitor the radio chatter coming in from the HA's for any trouble brewing. That way, they would know if the teams needed to get out or would require assistance from the reaction units.

Clarke had one last thing to add for the recce team.  "See if you can re-establish contact with the undergrounders Tyler met before.  They may know things that can help you.  They may also be good allies for our operations.  We shouldn't miss an opportunity to make contact."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Mon 06 Oct 2008.

The weather started out overcast and began to get worse as the day progressed.

An overcast sky turned to a light drizzle.

Over on the north shore Taras met up with Bulat and went over a map locating the positions of the Stickmen on the north side of Stanley Park. They were speaking Russian, Bulat had a terrible accent but at least they were mutually able to communicate.

"My friend, they seem to have 4 guards on the bridge where they can see north along the bridge and to the east along the Seawall, and another here on the lookout looking west along the other way on the Seawall."

"That means any vehicles approaching will be obstructed from view until the reach the centre of the span. They will have to dodge some stalled vehicles but most of the way is clear. Most vehicles, it seems they were able to roll off the bridge either way. Of course as mentioned it is solidly barricaded by cars, trucks, and logs at the park end."

With the teams in the city, the morning had been taken up by emplacing the repeaters and the interaction with the fair number of remaining city-dwellers that showed up for some basic medical attention.

There was little radio traffic from the HA's, they didn't seem to be stirring much, preferring to hang around the club. No one seemed to comment on the HAZMAT team.

The best location for a transmitter and OP of Brandie's would be the 35-story skyscraper across the street, Park Place. But, they hadn't yet gone by there, keeping well clear of the club for the moment.

As their current instructions were to make some kind of contact with the Undergrounders, the team moved instead towards the underground shopping mall stretching from West Pender all the way to the Etons' building on Robson, just over from the Law Courts and the Art Gallery (the former Law Court).

The meeting in North Vancouver was very productive. Showing rank helped a lot to keep the air professional and the old loyalties of yesteryear remained somehow in the misty air of the mountain side. Everybody noticed the sudden change of weather through the windows. The choppy waters will not help a calm crossing afterwards. Usually the evenings wouldn't improve the meteorological conditions in Vancouver. A sense of rush was also floating in the boardroom.

As a Combat Engineer, Taras knew well that some obstacles were laying ahead in the road and wanted to be prepared. The initial takedown will be fast and furious but the continuation of the mission will be surely slowed down by the inconveniences exposed by the intelligence gathered by the North Shore troops and also the useful descriptions obtained by Josh, the team insider.

The original idea proposed by the ex Lieutenant appeared to be taken into full consideration by Bulat and his militia. Not having enough time to check in person the current status of the vehicles, Shevchenko trusted a verbal description of the works performed in the BTR-70. Using welding equipment located in one of the numerous repair shiyards along the shore a snow plow from one of the munincipality fleet was fitted to the front of the vehicle. Due to the harsh exposition to weather conditions the cities of West and North Vancouver were veterans of many snowy winters compared to the milder rest of the Lower Mainland where endless soaking rain was the staple of the season. Therefore the snow implement became almost readily available. The width seems to fit almost perfectly, only a few inches short of the laterals.

For the side and wheel protection against coktail molotovs the russian troupe did have to go the extra mile and stir their brains. Finally, one of the corporals, a fitness enthusiast, came up with the idea of stripping the rubber floor of a nearby gym. Long and wide strips of rubber were procured, fastened and bolted to the side of the chassis. The unpredicted advertising of the fitness facility stenciled in one of the sides probably would pay for the cardinal sin of a reckless dismantling of the flooring.

Maybe the stickmen will think that they are invaded by the Army of "Just Ladies Fitness" thougth Corporal Andrei Zivko.

The BTR-70 will become their combat engineering or "breach" vehicle. Powerful enough and with a remarkable inertial weight to throw some kinetics around if needed. But this was not going to be enough. Shevchenko advised the militia to prepare a good deal of sandbags to initially fill any possible trench or dangerous gap in the roads but also to be used as a fire extinguising element and to erect defensive positions right after the takeover. Specially if considerable damage was going to be inflicted to any structure. A short list of explosives and associated elements quickly made it to his folders as well. Large and cumbersome logs could be difficult to deal with. Well placed explosive charges could resolve the problem in a expeditive manner. Plastique was the very best on his list. Easy to work with and give the required shape it was the ideal element to breach any solid barricade without the needs of large and unnecessary quantities of TNT that could endanger his own team members. An extra load of various grenade types and flares will complete his kit.

It was the intention of Taras to be part of this operation. As a veteran Combat Engineer he will offer his skill for the mission. He decided to be Commander of the BTR-70 if Clarke will approve it, that is. Bulat will be the Commander of the lead assault vehicle the BMP-2. Shevchenko will follow behind and will direct the Heavy Machinegun fire and once reached the Park and secure the bridge head, the BTR-70 with a dismounted infantry escort will "pioneer" the route and clear the access. From there and after maintaining radio contact, the armored column will further advance to meet the rest of the team at the stickmen main compound. In this manner they will act also as a reserve force that could be redirected to any hot spot. A contundent force to recon with.

Special care will be put in the readiness of each of the vehicles. Fuel, ammo, etc. will selected and prepared before the operation. With a final row of instructions for the militia and West Van Police representatives the meeting came to an end.

Without much delay the boat left the North Shore under a cold shower and gusts of wind. Like a wild horse, the prow will lift up and bow down at the mercy of the waves. The expert hands at the wheel kept the revs slow for a long return trip. The yellow raincoat didn't help much. The uniform, soaking wet, will need a good deal of a drier back at the Uni.

Keeping to shadows and moving fast when in the open, after bailing from the cover team the recon team moves like any well trained and experienced such team might in this situation.  They head for the underground mall.  Packed light for maneuverability, mostly ammo, some lighting, and some ration packs to pass out to the denizens, each team member equiped with a small radio and earpiece, likely prc-70's, and ready for a firefight they hope to avoid.  The Hazmat team and her own people are set up on the same Freq, scanning the others, hopefully to be able to pass on warning to them as soon as possible.  Hopefully the BMP is ready to extract them, as well.  Just in case.

"Keep a sharp eye and ear out for the Angels, and our real targets, the civilian populace"

Duckwalking behind a burned out car, Kelsey carefully surveys a parking garage opening before moving into it, guns always kept slightly down.

"Time to make friends"

Back at the RCMP office, Clarke was keeping track of Kelsey and the others.  "Keep in mind we suspect there may be informants for the HA and Stickmen in the Undergrounders.  Be friendly, but don't push.

Clouds started gathering overhead, forming an overcast layer that Kelsey was quite used to.

The small convoy stopped by the entrance that Tyler had exited before. Dismounting, they found the door locked, perhaps barred from the inside.

No one answered the door opening onto Granville, and no one also seemed to be watching them as Andy and Tyler scanned the dark windows of the office building above them and across the street.

Bearing in mind that the main objective for the day was to drop off a covert observation element to survey Cyrus' route from Stanley Park to Brandie's and back again, it probably would be a good idea to not push the envelope. There were days, perhaps a week before the raid on Stanley Park. There would be other opportunities to contact the Undergrounders. Taras had been careful to stress that they should be concentrating on one task at a time where possible.

Back in the van, Chris looked at the street map. He was unarmed, like the others in the white HAZMAT "bunny-suit" coveralls pretending to be a technician.

"Master Sniper," he addressed Andy, "I think that as the route of our target (Cyrus) comes East down West Georgia, bears left (northeast) down West Pender, then turns right (South) on Hornby, we should have at least two OPs. One watching from the northern corner of West Pender, and another watching Brandie's directly."

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg #57):

"Right, Chris, you with me on West Pender.  Mac number two and Tyler take the OP across from Brandies.  Let's mount up."

"Affirmative," agreed Andy, "lets' get in place."

Kelsey grins and winks at Andy.

"You snipers are in charge of this bit, I think.  Not my area of expertise.  Or, if you want me in charge, I will take your advice extremely seriously."

Tyler nudged McRae on the arm.  He nodded, and prepared to move, CAR 15 in hand.  Up to this point, he hadn't expected much in the way of anything exciting, so now that things were getting interesting, Tyler's combat senses kicked in.

"Rodge...let's get this done.  Good thing I brought the trusty binos to watch the winos...no?"

As the afternoon wore on, the group at the old police station (including Clarke and Lee) saw only 1 person. A man riding an old 12-speed bike with a bundle of scrap tied to the back and another in a bulging bag slung over his shoulder rode West down E. Hastings past the cop shop at the corner of Main. He didn't stop, and he gave no notice of the work party (who had parked their vehicles in the garage and back alley, and remained out of sight).

The recce team split off from the HAZMAT and other vehicles, 2x 2-person elements ghosting into the growing shadows. Rain started to spit, not a drizzle, not yet.

Kelsey and Mac hid in a 4-story office-commercial building on the corner of West Pender, Cardero and West Georgia. With the 10x image intensifiers and the scope of the sniper rifle, they could see west all the way to the Park. By moving over the rooftop to the edge of the building next door they could see all the way down West Pender to the corner of Hornby.

From the corner of Hornby and W. Pender Cyrus would pass out of their sight, to be visually picked up by Tyler and Andy, parked in the 14-story office building kitty-corner from Brandie's (on the corner of Dunsmuir and Hornby).

The teams settled in. Tyler and Andy were looking down on Brandie's roof, a much small 4-story building from across the intersection. It had what looked like a covered M2HB in a sandbagged position on the corner of the roof overlooking the intersection, but the position wasn't really ship-shape. The ammo was probably locked in a wooden bin nearby, there was trash and food containers littering the MG nest, which looked like it was used mostly as a lookout position, but it was empty now. A dozen Harleys were parked out front on Hornby, as well as a black late-model SUV and a Churchill Armoured Car. There was no one on the roof, and 3 bikers out front (apparently unarmed) under cover.

As darkness fell, a party of a half-dozen people towing 2 hand-carts piled with scavenged goods scuttled past Mac and Kelsey's position, heading for somewhere in the apartment blocks of the West End across the street.

Like Josh had said, 4 men on mountain bikes rode out of Stanley Park, heading towards them in the gathering twilight down West Georgia.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Sun 12 Oct 2008.

Kelsey shuffled carefully from her lookout point towards the park, she tries to keep excitement out of her voice.
"This is Green two three.  Subject acquired visual, as expected, four bogies.  Standing by.  Out."  She broadcasts fast, milcom secure.

"Green two-three this is green six.  I copy.  Charlie Mike. Green six, out.

The could see it was Cyrus (from Josh's description) and 3 bodyguards riding down West Georgia, on mountain bikes. They didn't seem too concerned, keeping a poor look out as they rode. Confident, thinking of the night's pleasures ahead of them.

They rode past them and turned onto West Pender, then a while later in the distance turned onto Hornby. They could see a couple had crossbows slung across their backs, the others with machetes and knives. Cyrus had a large black athletic-style nylon bag around his shoulder, the trade goods for the Angels.

Already warned, Andy and Tyler picked up the 4 riders easily as they wove in and out of the abandoned vehicles, all over the place. If this were an ambush they'd be dead long before they knew what hit them.

They carelessly parked their bicycles outside Brandie's, not bothering to secure them. No one was foolish enough to mess with the customers of the Angels! Tyler and Andy got a good look at the 3 door bouncers dressed in baggy black fatigue-like clothes. One had what looked to be an M4 Carbine slung across his chest, another a shotgun and the last an Uzi SMG. All had sidearms either on their belt or in underarm rigs, and all wore tac-vests and tactical radios. (The repeaters had already picked up and relayed some of their chatter like call-signs, names, and so on.)

There was little other signs of life. As Cyrus and his homies were checked in 2 other (presumed) customers wandered down Dunsmuir from the west, heading towards the club. No guards were visible on the roof or other buildings.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #65):

I so wish we could just take that bastard out now.  Bet it might bring us real hell with the Angels.  If we do, has to wait a week, plan and calculate, figure out escape routes, support, diversion...

Shevchenko made it safe to UBC grounds only to find that most of the men and women of the CF, RCMP and militia were out in the field conducting their designated tasks either their routine assignments or special recce patrols. Upon arrival to the HQ the radio shack and adjacent command room, he was informed that even Lt. Cmdr. was outside the wire and around the some old Police station in the city.

It all appeared to be working well. An additional source of information could be gathered as the efficiency of Kelsey and her gadgets demonstrated. Taras will like to have an "in depth" investigation of the call signs, names, etc. of the HA. Once we have them "labelled" will be easy to broadcast to them by surname, name and nickname. The fastest way to communicate with them will be intercepting their comms. This way we exploit this to our advantage. Not only that, they could easily get their channels "jammed" and avoid any well orchestrated response from their part.

The burly ukrainian was in good spirits and patting the shoulder of the RCMP operator in the room and picking up a "talkie" to keep tabs wished farewell.

I'll be around checking some items in the basement...

Taras felt that he did have time enough until all the parties will return and went to his quarters. Walking down the stairs he opened a not too big storage room where he kept his "arsenal". Wrapped in an old towel the AKS-74U was resting over a small table. Dangling from an decrepit office chair was his lifchik or assault vest containing the prominent banana clips and hand grenades. No other weapons were visible. Only large wooden crates tagged with triangular red signs and lenghty cyrillic characters stencilled all along. It all stood as it arrived there almost six months ago. He approached one of the boxes and lifted the lid with the help of a nearby metal tool. 2 rocket launchers came out. Taras secured the rest of the contents and shouldering the launchers went upstairs to his room. At 12 kg each it would be necessary a few more trips to the basement to complete his combat load...

Around when Cyrus arrived at 1900, night fell and it began to rain. A cold light drizzle. The watchers on the roof continued their surveillance.

Over the next hour some 31 other patrons arrived, some walking from the West End, some riding bikes. A few riding motorcycles and even an open-topped Willys jeep, a rustly Ford Bronco and a 58' Buick Riviera in pristine factory condition. Weapons seemed to be knives, a few crossbows, some handguns and shotguns.

As the rain intensified the bodyguards retreated under the sidewalk awning, and no one manned the position on the roof.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #68):

Clarke jotted notes as the reports came in, transcribed the chatter.  She asked that the recce team identify who was speaking when if they could so she could match handles to descriptions the people who were talking.  If nothing else they should take notes.  Pictures with descriptions would be better.

In short bursts she asked several questions.  "See if you can identify this 'Bear' character, or the people we heard talking before.  Did you happen to get a look at the trash on the roof?  How long has that stuff been there?  Does it look like they are actively using the sniper nest now or it hasn't been used in a while?"

The queries were spaced out to maintain ComSec.

Using low light methods and photography, Kelsey does her best to collect data to look over when they return.  She adjusts her raingear to keep it from draining water right in and supresses a shiver, hoping her immune system can keep up with this lousy weather.

Andy reported that the garbage looked more like litter that had accumulated over time, not bulging garbage bags the club was too lazy to haul down to the water, splitting from being gnawed at by rats. There was no real way to tell without examining it up close.

"Bear" was mentioned once on the radio, along with other names. It was hard to establish context, and they didn't see the bikers they had observed the day before riding in the streets of the city.

A few more customers arrived over the evening, some left. All told, a careful count was kept of some 37 individuals, mostly white and all-male, of different ages.

Andy kept watching the bar carefully from his OP and made notes that could be used for a subsequent assault. As he realised they needed more info on the inside of the bar he remembered that he'd been invited there for a drink. He'd speak to the Brass when they got back to see if they wanted him to make good on his welcome.

After a long night's observation of the area, the Kelsey would have made sure they observed a proper route to track back out, still some hours before the sun comes up, near 4 am, they will slowly move out, sloshing in the rain, taking a nervous and careful walk back to where it is safe for them to ride the remainder of the way.

Patrons started to drift away after midnight.

Careful count was kept, and it didn't seem like anyone was staying the night. The bouncers had a shift change some time after midnight and took a break at 0200.

When the rain let up a little at 0345 hours, Cyrus and company left, weaving uncertainly. The bag Cyrus was carrying seemed not as full as when he went in but not empty, indicating a trade had been made that was of goods of unequal value, size or both.

After collecting themselves they picked up their bikes and rode through the rain-slicked streets, taking the same route in reverse. It took them 12 minutes to ride there, and 24 minutes to ride back.

At this point the mission was complete.

The teams had 2 possible destinations they could reach on foot: head east towards Clarke and Lee and the work party waiting at the old VPD police station across the downtown. That was closer but required traversing the (somewhat) inhabited section of the downtown. Or they could make for UBC and the neighborhoods south across the Burrard, Granville or Cambie St. Bridges (from west to east, Burrard being the closest).

Kelsey suggests going to the police substation.  Moving carefully of course, and in the open as little as possible.

Andy listened to what Kelsey had to say and agreed with her, the VPD Substation would be a good place to head.

After the heavy hauling of the thermobaric rockets, the ukrainian went for a second trip to his personal armory. This time he brought up 2 wooden boxes the size of an old VCR each and containing six RGD-2Kh hand grenades the first and 5 RDG-5 the second (the one that completed the half dozen was spent in the fateful Stanley Park patrol). The peculiarity of the first batch of ammunition derived of the original smoke RGD-2 version being that this were ready to release irritant gas instead. On top of the box he put the trusty Makarov in its holster flap containing also a couple extra magazines.

Once upstairs again, Taras, removed and placed the half a dozen of irritant gas plus 3 fragmentation hand grenades inside a common travel bag that was willing to slung across his shouldersand under his left armpit. This will serve as his hand grenade "combat bag". From his backpack he took the common UZRGM fuzes and filled the wells of the fragmentation grenades. The lifchik or chest rig was ready with the 4 large mags and side pockets and 2 RDG-5.

Once in the heat of the action it will be easy to identify them by tact. A couple of HC smoke sticks will go into the right leg pocket just under the Makarov. Compensating on the left was the trusty AKM bayonet that sometimes served also as a wire cutter. The original Red Army issue flak jacket still half roasted in the lower back so he decided to exchange that for the RCMP standard.

It was getting late and he decided to go to sleep. In the morning he will be cleaning the Makarov.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Mon 20 Oct 2008.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #77):

The recce team RVed formed into 2 pairs (one on either side of the street) to transit on foot the 2 kilometres through the downtown to the old VPD Police Station at Main and E. Hastings.

It was still raining lightly. Although it was completely dark, the buildings showed up clearly in the green monochrome of the night-vision goggles. It was eerie, knowing that hundreds or more people lived in the downtown, yet were hidden, with no light or smoke to betray them. A city ruled by fear and suspicion.

By 0400 they made it safely to the old cop shop. Observers on the roof didn't even see them until they were knocking on the door.

Vancouver had 2 police stations: the old one on the edge of downtown, where Clarke and company were repairing, and the new one that was closer to City Hall across the Cambie Bridge, but had obvious fire damage. There were community substations, but these were literally store-front offices where the patrol officers could take breaks, use the telephone and interact with the public, but not actual stations with any facilities.

The teams could bed down for the night, having brought camping gear to make the stay comfortable until more permanent quarters could be fashioned in the stripped building.

Still, it was up to Clarke whether they would leave or stay the old police station.

Back at UBC the community was asleep, and Taras finished his preparations for the night. Patrols from Block Watch still kept watch on the neighborhood, hampered by the darkness.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:10, Tue 21 Oct 2008.

Clarke decided it was best to take the team back to UBC.  Drivers had rested that evening to be ready to take them.  After a long, cold night on recce it seemed unnecessarily cruel to have Kelsey, Andy and Tyler sleep on the floor.

A watch would be left in the building to keep it secure while an element of the response team transported the recce team, Kyoko and herself back to UBC.  "Good job, people.  We'll convene at 1400 later today to debrief and continue making plans from what we've learned.  We'll meet back here.  Might as well get used to this being a center of operations.

Clarke left orders for the watch to be relieved in the morning with another cleanup crew.  She asked that the re-transmitters be monitored, though she didn't expect to have anything new come in between now and when the HA's were active again sometime early in the afternoon.

The morning lights came through the curtains. The austere room looking a bit more crowded with the equipment prepared last night. Taras got the news of the operations in the cafeteria. He knew that the team will be resting until late and decided to take some extra time before heading towards the RCMP operations centre. A fresh breeze started caressing the blossoming arrangements over the well kept gardens of the University. Activity was all over around.

After returning to his room, Taras, removed the Makarov from its holster and proceeded to do some cleaning. The gun appeared to be brand new issue or at least few rounds were ever fired. He removed the magazine first. The mag release at the base of the grip revealed the aged design. This pistol was the brainchild of Nikolai Makarov. Just how much inspiration he took from the captured Walther plant at Zella-Mehlis in the Eastern Zone of occupied Germany is uncertain. He would be surely influenced by its products but his pistol was not a copy. The propietary cartridge in 9x18 shows its originality.

The chamber was inspected and found empty. Pulling the trigger-guard downwards allowed the slide to be pulled all the way back. Raising the rear of the slide to the top and then off the frame of the rails came next. Then, carefully, the slide was eased forward and off the fixed barrel. The sturdy, wraparound return spring was also removed from the barrel. This completed the field strip. A few minutes, lube and patches later the handy pistol returned to its original form.

Taras pointed the gun towards an empty wall. Sight picture was great for a mini auto standard. Shevchenko got a roomy, squared off sight picture and did some dry firing for practice. Trigger-cocking ignition stroke was good, as good as with the Smith & Wesson Mod. 5946, the standard sidearm in the RCMP. Comparing both double actions, the american made pistol did have a shorter trigger stroke but in return a long overtravel that did not pleased much the ex Lieutenant. In any case Taras wanted to carry the lighter Makarov, he calculated a half a kilo saving counting the mags, ammo and pouches. After all, he would only use it as a last ditch.

"Roger, Clarke, will do."  She took a look around at the old police building with a few thoughts as to where her life has gone to be playing cop.

Appreciative of the chance to go back and sleep in the bed Kelsey half dozes back to UBC, then after drying off and if available, taking a hot shower, she wastes little time tumbling into bed, the rain keeping it dark and giving that white noise so appreciated to those wishing to slumber, the thought that others were getting up and having to deal with this putting a slight smile on her face as she goes to sleep.

At least six hours of uninterupted sleep hopefully find Kelsey waking and getting ready for a new day, she gets ready to leave her room and stares at the empty bed a few long moments before making it without much further comment or thought.  She'd gotten used to empty beds again since the world went to hell.

She grabs some food at the cafeteria, then heads to main commo to check in on the new equipment and monitoring.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #81):

Over a Japanese-style breakfast with Kyoko, Clarke reviewed her notes from the day before on her laptop and made a few updates.  She sipped the broth of tofu-miso soup and then scooped out the bits with a pair of chopsticks.  This was consumed with brown rice, steamed vegetables and green tea.

She discussed a few points with her assistant as she updated and made plans.  After breakfast, she helped clear the dishes and straightened up a bit.  Kyoko called for a car while she packed the laptop and other things she'd need for the day.  Then Clarke and Kyoko were out the door and on their way to the RCMP station to meet with the rest of the team.

Following Kelsey's example, if not the woman herself, Andy grabbed a shower and a sleep. He rose and got himself some hot chow before preparing his notes in advance of the scheduled meeting.

Shevchenko was first to arrive in the meeting room. The rest of the team was pouring in a slow stream after a busy night. The obvious lack of stern soviet discipline in the amalgamation of characters that were part of the Government effort was no longer a problem for the ex Officer. Grabbing a shoe-box sized Encyclopedia Britannica, he suffled the pages back and forth to kill sometime. The cyrilic alphabet has a different arrengement to that of the latin and even though there were several months of passionate immersion in the language of Shakespeare some minor complications still remained playing tricks with him to find the right order for the letters.

The entry on "Cyrus the Great" was defenitely...great. A large, steady flow of biographic data, maps, charts, etc. Flipping almost the entire arrangement of pages and under the misterious and brief "X" chapter he found what he was looking for: An exceptional witness of that time, Xenophon:

Xenophon (Ancient Greek Ξενοφῶν, Modern Greek "Ξενοφών", "Ξενοφώντας"; ca. 431 – 355 BC), son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, was a soldier, mercenary and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, preserving the sayings of Socrates, and the life of ancient Greece.

Taras knew that Xenophon's writings, especially the Anabasis, are often read by beginning students of the Greek language.

In the Anabasis is told that Xenophon accompanied the Ten Thousand, a large army of Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger, who intended to seize the throne of Persia from his brother, Artaxerxes II. Though Cyrus's army was victorious at Cunaxa in Babylon (401 BC), Cyrus himself was killed in the battle, rendering the victory irrelevant and the expedition a failure.

Stranded deep in enemy territory, the Spartan general Clearchus and the other Greek senior officers were subsequently killed or captured by treachery on the part of the Persian satrap Tissaphernes. Xenophon played an instrumental role in encouraging the Greek army of 10,000 to march north to the Black Sea. Now abandoned in Mesopotamia, without supplies other than what they could obtain by force, the 10,000 had to fight their way northwards through Kurdistan and Armenia, making ad hoc decisions about their leadership, tactics, and destiny.

Some similarities that Taras found in the "history" narrated and the "story" ahead called his attention. There was something that was somehow missing in the plan...What if after the defeat of the stickmen the team is chased down by the Hell's Angels?

There was a slim but possible chance that the Hell's Angels could mount a counter-attack at some point and there was nothing planned against that. The last thing that he wanted to see was a harassing "army" of Cyrus allies chasing them and having the team scrambling for safety. Looking for Hellas . Historically Greece was considered as a cultural cradle, not unlike the University, against the barbarians from the East. Or Stanley Park for that matter.

Something was already brewing in Shevchenko's mind.

Curiously enough, at the end of the article's entry, there was a reference of Xenophon in modern culture:

* The 1979 cult classic film The Warriors is loosely based on Xenophon's Anabasis. In it a gang (The Warriors) has to fight its way home through hostile territory after fleeing a meeting called by a prominent gang leader, Cyrus, whose subsequent murder is blamed on them.

* In the 1976 novel Spock, Messiah!, James Kirk is re-reading Xenophon's Anabasis with evident pleasure as a diversion from the ongoing pressures of being a Starship Captain.

Shevchenko rose up as Lt. Cmdr. Clarke entered the room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:47, Wed 22 Oct 2008.

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

When Commander Clarke entered the room, SGT Fox stood up as well, bracing himself at attention.

He said, "section, attention!"

Fox was shaved, showered and in clean combats, beret at a perfect angle.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:53, Wed 22 Oct 2008.

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

Seeing Fox and Taras standing, Chris realised this would be a good time for him to follow suit.

Making sure his beret was at the proper rakish tilt, he stood at attention.

Putting on her Mountie hat, Lee also stood at attention.

Kelsey is startled by the sudden military bearing and spills some hot tea on her hands in surprise.

"Shit Fox... the hell.."

She wipes some tea off a commo report with distaste as she stands, shaking her hand off.  Beret tucked in pocket, hair pulled back in a tight pinned up ponytail, she locks up into attention a bit slower than a lot of the rest.  She doesn't wear hats inside, against regulations.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:08, Wed 22 Oct 2008.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #88):

Clarke returned the salutes to her people.  "At ease, glad to see you all here.  Let's start with a report from what you observed in the field.  Kelsey, let's hear from you first."

Kelsey takes her seat and looks over the paperwork again.

"The report here will give you exact times, but the subject was observed, normal behaviour noted, and security as well.  Four in a group by bicycle, and as if they have not a worry in the world.  The security was very lax in the evening in particular, and I think if we did a snatch operation while they were on the way home, that would probably be the optimal time.  The Angels are very confident, overconfident, I think.  Radios retrans stations have been set up, so I hope we can gather a nice fat week of intel before performing this snatch operation."

She smiles, and not so nicely.

"His entire group was trashed, it should be easy pickings, but I want a lid on the whole thing, just in case he has an inside contact, keep it all in this room until we act."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #90):

"So even with our intel that they are preparing for some kind of attack, it's business as usual as far as going about pleasure seeking and trading.  Pretty cocky bunch, aren't they?  Something we can use to our advantage.  I had thought it would be best to snatch them in on the return trip; thanks for confirming that.  Even if the Angels are overconfident, we can't rule out a response.  We will need a good location to hit them.  Too far for either group to respond quickly, and close enough to an exit route for us to get out clean."

She turned to Andy.  "Your thoughts, Andy?"

"There are a few likely spots to hit the HAs, the problem is, the further out we want to hit them, the less likely we are to pick the right route. their approach narrows down to one or two the closer they get, but you're right, a link up is too risky." he thought for a moment, "I'd suggest an ambush set up near Brandies. Several snipers, a heavy machinegun if we have one and a few grenade launchers or rocket launchers. If they look to be mustering for a fight, we open up and concentrate on taking out their heavy vehicles and motorcycles. It's a bloody strategy and opens up a two front war when we don't have the manpower so we could set up OPs at Brandies and each of the routes and then have a mobile strike force ready to hit them from the side, we could rig up some SUVs as technicals. Once the heavy vehicles are down, we should be able to pin the bikers no problem as they'll need to dismount to fight. The last option would be to sow all routes with caltrops, a big job but it would be manpeoer intensive before the fight, I'm not sure that the HAs would risk their Heavies without the bike screen."
He cleared his throat, "There's another potential angle Ma'am, the lead biker I encountered invited me to Brandies for a drink, I could head up there and try to get some HUMINT out of them. The HAs may be scum but I'm pretty sure they consider the Stickmen as lower lifeforms, I might be able to guage wheter they'd come to the Park's aid or not. I know it's a risky tack, but I'm willing to volunteer if you think it will help."

Kelsey looks at Andy dumbfounded, and showing it, her jaw simply dropping open in astonishment, this was by no means what she had been suggesting.

"Ah... "  she looks to Clarke  "Can I.. speak?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #93):

Clarke held up a finger."One moment, Kelsey," she said.  She then turned to Andy.  "I take it your strategy assumes a contengency that we need to be ready for a response from the Angels.  Before we make those preparations, I think your idea for HUMINT with a friendly beer has merit.  Take Tyler to cover your back, though.  I'd much rather deal with the Angels later, AFTER we deal with the park.  One fight at a time."

*Kelsey sits back and bites her lower lip, looking between them*

"I'll work on that, Ma'am, but if Kel has an idea that would avoid violence altogether, it would be good to hear it," he paused a second, "can I put the beer on our expenses? I might have to buy other people some?"

He smiled wistfully for a second and said, "I apologise Ma'am, that was unprofessional of me."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #96):

Clarke laughed.  "Wanting to expense a few beers?  I think we can deal with that.  Just don't overdo it.  You don't want to look suspicious.  Besides, why should they be trying to recruit you for a job if you obviously already have money?"

"Point taken Ma'am," Andy replied. He'd always hated pork barrel politics back in the day and he was pleased to see that whilst his commanders were human, the had integrity.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #98):

After taking off her hat and sitting down, Lee listened.

"Taras' idea was to have use some kind of explosive device to distract and disorient them while other units converge."

"Uh Kelsey, you had something to add?"

Kelsey looks askance to Clarke a moment before answering.

"I was thinking we could do a snatch and grab arrest, the less muss and fuss, the better.  Get them while they are drunk, roll em, and run them out.  Have some folks on standby in case things go down bad, and a ready distraction of sufficient loudness as well.. in another direction.  Not neccessarily an explosion, that might tip them off, maybe emergency vehicles rolling through the streets with sirens blazing?"

She gets a flat grim expression

"I thought the idea was to be the law, not act like we are military warlords, smashing and grabbing, killing.  We try to take a peaceful route when we can, and that plan is not even trying."

She blushes faintly

"Sorry Leftenant, but it's just not right.  This isn't some war torn land, this is my HOME   Where I want to live, where I did before the war, understand?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #100):

"I appreciate what you are saying."

"Maybe we can grab them without anything fancy, and I promise no one is talking about killing anyone if we can possibily help it!"

However, I've dealt with drunks and stoners and they can be unpredictable. If they're sober enough to ride they are sober enough to react. If they understand they are under attack they can run, they can fight and fight hard. Hurt someone, hurt themselves."

"Using explosions and distraction devices are not only military elements. They are also an accepted part of police work, especially in apprehending high-risk suspects and don't need to cause damage."

Lee thought for a second.

"Taras could probably rig a couple flares and/or stun grenades to go off at the right time. Although stun grenades aren't too effective in the open, in the dark they would be effective in blinding and disorienting the target. His idea was that police and emergency services would just happen to be in a position to offer immediate aid and assistance... whether Cyrus wanted it or not!"

"Personally? I would like to stack the deck in our favour. That's the whole point of this exercise, to take Cyrus without a fight so that we can roll over the Park."

"Which reminds me, if we do this in the middle of the night, that means we would be conducting a night operation to secure the park, very difficult. Josh said most of the time Cyrus stays until dawn, let's hope this is an exception. If they do stay until dawn they will have sobered up some by that point unless they drink and fuck all night."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Fri 24 Oct 2008.

The thing about your flash bangs and stuns are that it will draw attention we don't want in the wrong part of town.  Either you commit a significant force, or you try it my way.  I pretty much guarantee there will be deaths your way."

"Even if we try a quick snatch and grab, which is a valid and reasonable option," Andy agreed, "we still have to take the Park and deal with the Stickmen. Sure, we're hoping to roll them over without their leader, but we can't rely on that. If you want Cyrus' arrest to be a near simultaneows operation with the taking of the park, we need to plan it as a military operation and figure in what will happen if the HAs intervene. If we want to pinch Cyrus as a stand-alone, Police Opreation, the parameters are different. However, once we commit to making a show of force in order to try to get the Stickmen to surrender, we have to be prepared to follow that through and that will mean a military style operation, at least in the planning, if not the final execution, and that means we have to put a plan in place to deal with the HAs using extreme prejudice should they decide to intervene. I'm not talking a pre-eptive strike, although that would be our best bet in some ways, but we need to hit them hard and take them down if they do decide to back up the Stickmen."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #102):

"This is also when we round up the rest of the Stickmen in the park, so I believe there will be significant friendly forces located in the downtown to help us secure a perimeter around the area."

"If we stun Cyrus and company, in my experience they can be taken without casualties on either side. Not stunning them leaves them able to react, to fight or try and run, which is obviously what we want to avoid."

She conceded, "if someone somewhere has a heavily-armed reaction team nearby ready to roll, then they could be warned and interfere. No one can guarantee what will happen if that's the case."

"That said, our intelligence is that no one has such a capability in the downtown, with the possible exception of the Angels. We can rule this out as a possibility with additional recce, because it's something we need to know anyways for when we raid the park."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #103):

Belanger, the former professor of Criminology, reminded them of the basis of this plan. "We're modeling this operation on the FBI's successful apprehension of Dwight York in the 90's. The cult leader was nabbed off-site, while separate elements sealed off and secured the compound."

"The good Sergeant is right and so is Corporal Lee, that was a police operation with paramilitary elements. We just seem to have more militia and military personnel than police, so we're forced to do a little more of one than the other."

"Although I too am in favour of using distraction elements like stun grenades, we shall be careful not to turn our city into a war zone, as Corporal Champlain reminds us. Not that anyone in my opinion has suggested this, of course."

"I see.. as a combined effort.  I just hope we don't tip our hand."

Gentlemen!...

Taras always seemed to forget the mandatory female caption:

...and ladies!

He felt like joining in the fray. Some items need some minor clarification.

I've been thinking about the security paramenters for this operation. Putting things into perspective I came to the conclussion that the major risk element here is to deal with the Hell's Angels if they react in a hostile matter to the capture of the stickmen's leader.

Shevchenko paused an extra second to reassure his thought.

Once the Hell's Angels elements are out of the picture there should be no problem conducting a "SWAT" capture of a high risk target as Cyrus. Every precaution for the safety of the team needs to be underscored over that of the suspect and his bodyguards. Cyrus is the "King" and without effective apprehension of this figure the entire plan will be compromised. This is no common criminal.

Taras tried to memorized the worried comments about the possibility of a night attack on the Park.

The snatching of Cyrus will signal the implementation of the mission to control the Park from different avenues and dismantle their response capability. This will take time. Don't forget that we are mobilizing a large number of people, vehicles and material for this matter. The convergence over the Park will be initiated at dawn. This is when we consider that their mental clock is at its worst and ours at its best. Springtime will bring an early morning rise to our advantage.

Then a bright smile illuminated the face of the ex Soviet Officer.

But the most important thing is to get the Hell's Angels out of the equation.  Win without unnecessary fighting would say Sun Tzu.

Taras stood up to make his point.

There is only a few things that a Hell Angel will value beyond his motorbike...And that is his manhood.

Shevchenko ceremoniously grab his crotch in front of the audience. An unnecessary but obvious reference that caught some by surprise.

Since we have a medical team in town and already a proposed invitation for a beer I suggest to make contact with the "Bear" and bring some concern to him. Knowing what kind of business the Hell's Angels are conducting it shouldn't be a surprise that some sort of sexual transmitted desease is around. Our contact will report to him that there are several cases of whatever the condition out there: syphillis, gonorrhea, hepatitis... We can provide fake pictures to scare the shit out of him. We have a knowledgeable medical team that can make credible "victims".

Then we strike the offer: The morning of the attack a STD clinic will be set up at a place along Cambie St corridor in far South and well away from Downtown. like the old St. John's Ambulance. The timing will coincide with the regular departure of the clients plus the amount of time of time to get there. Since the Goverment is more concern about Public Health than the Hell's Angels this will show a good gesture towards them: Free medical care. Your willy survives, big boy. To add realism we will throw in some indians from the reservation as "volunteers" also and people from UBC. I thought about Josh making a casual approach to them, as well.

Since we offer this to their leader it should be credible that he will involve his better friends and able leader members to go with him and effectively removing them from scene.

We have time to come to friendly terms with the Hell's Angels. If they are willing, and I'll bet they will after watching some rotting wangs, we will set an appointment for them. They can bring all the weapons and technicals that they want. We don't care. The more they bring the less will be in downtown...

Getting into good relationship with the Hell's Angels from the medical point of view will bring us an enormous amount of information. We shall discover not only  their sexual behaviour but also diet, blood type, medical history and we can even put them under drug treatments...We can also take a closer look at their weaponry.

After a deep breath Taras concluded:

The whole idea is to have the hardcore members of the Hell's Angels far from downtown, caught with their pants down and with our personel, literally, touching their balls.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #107):

"I like your thinking, Taras, though I think it would work better for the attack on the park than picking up Cyrus.  Our capture of Cyrus would be about 4am; not a good time for a clinic.  The wrap up of the park could occur to coincide with when the HA's are just waking up for the day and the Stickmen are racking out.  Rather than first thing in the morning, that would push things back to about noon or so.

Clarke paused for a moment.  "Still, the tactic is good.  Have the HA's occupied and far away when the attack goes down.  They would be more likely to react to an attack on the island to a quick and quiet snatch of Cyrus and his men.  We will be hitting both when they are at a low ebb, using the clock against them."

I concur with you Commander. The timing may not work for the early capture of Cyrus but it will certainly do so for the Park mission. There will be lots of noise and we need to keep the HA away from the AO.

Suddenly everything started to make more sense in Taras head regarding the timing issue. For a moment he realised how women can have a better spatial thinking rather than the more masculine linear approach.

This lady never stops surprising me...

Kelsey watches Taras talk and somewhere in there starts laughing, hand over her mouth and turning red, about the time he touches himself, but as she realizes what he means and understanding dawns, she wants to die on the spot it's so funny to her.

"I love it"  Course, go figure she would...

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #110):

"I think we have a good overall plan, but we still need to nail down the timing.  We need to be sure that our assumptions about Cyrus and the HA's schedules are correct.  If we are wrong then we could have some real problems on our hands when push comes to shove."

She addressed the different members of the team.

"Kelsey, leave a message drop for Josh.  See if you can find out why Cyrus left earlier than usual from the club this time and if that is a permanent change.  See if there is a time they'd get antsy in the park if he didn't show."

"That tattoo artist you know up in Kingsway has done work for the HA's. Have him introduce Andy at Brandie's, give them his bonafides.  Maybe they will try to impress him, show him around the club.  It will give us a chance to gather some intel.  Let your friend know we will make it worth his while.  Tyler should go as well."

"Andy and Tyler, once you are inside find out what the HA's attitude towards the Stickmen is.  Could be they would defend them.  Could be they consider them something they'd just as soon scrape off the bottom of their boots if the heat is coming down.  Find out all you can about their internal scheduling."

"Taras, you're doing a good job so far with bringing together the weaponry and other elements we will need for the attack on the Stickmen, so just keep doing what you're doing."

"We may be working out the timing, but the over all plan will be to take Cyrus as he is leaving Brandie's.  Once he is in custody, we will go after the Stickmen as well.  We will need some kind of diversion, distraction, or other method to keep the HA's out of the AO while the Stanley Park action occurs."

"We need to make sure that the Stickmen do not have the chance to realize Cyrus is out and organize a resistance.  Therefore, we need good intelligence on what the window of his expected return is and at what point they would decide he's not coming back."

Belanger went over the reports of ongoing activity.

"Fox is still working with the militia, training not only the soldiers but the command cadre. He's got a work party at Jericho Garrison HQ, fixing it up. Also, there are over a thousand uniforms there, combats, plus kits. These are being issued to the local militia."

"Lee is also assigned to train the RCMP on campus and train up new recruits."

"We have a work party of 30 with a half-dozen armed guards at the old VPD police station at the east end of the downtown. So far no one from the community has contacted them, although they have seen a few people up and about."

"Radio traffic via the repeaters suggests that the Angels are not really up yet at Brandi's, maybe they don't do mornings. There was some sporadic routine local traffic downtown last night until 0400 hours. We shouldn't expect to see them really awake until 1200 hours. "Bear" does seem to be the call-sign of the leader downtown, "Brownstone" is the name of someone outside the downtown, perhaps another higher upper-echelon leader. Other than that, we have little other information on the Angels downtown or elsewhere."

"Ongoing projects: the LAV-III is still being worked on, the mechanics say they could really use Kelsey to help with getting the electronics back on-line. Prognosis is at least a couple more days. Sometime before then they'll need her help if they want to do it right. It'll also be running on the bio-diesel, which will help with the build-up from that raw hootch it was running on before!"

"Then there's, ah, Sebastian, the other sentry, is still going through withdrawal, even thought its been several days since he went cold-turkey. Doctor Chandra decided against methadone and has him on, ah, diazapam (Valium). Could take a couple more days. She is against interrogating him at the moment, although she can be overridden."

"Oh yes, river levels are still rising. Slow, but steady. If it continues like this for the next week without subsiding, it could mean long-term problems for low-lying areas."

He looked at his clipboard.

"What do we have on the slate for today? There's the work party out at the old VPD station."

"We should run the HAZMAT team in again. Maybe once people are used to us, they will come out of hiding?"

"Also, establish contact with Kelsey's friend. That doesn't have to happen today."

"Is Chris going back to the rez? The Musqueam reservation?"

"Further, we have what sounds like dozens of people arriving in the safe parts of Vancouver from other parts of the city, we could get up to a hundred today."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:48, Mon 27 Oct 2008.

Excellent news, Belanger. The militia will be in position to be disbanded and turned into the new Vancouver Police Department. This will bring a more professional force and will bring more proximity to the citizens as well. We will have to expand their role and start opening offices in the community centres. The new recruits for the RCMP will help to formalize this process and bring it up to speed. The veterans should be in charge to increase the quality level of the militia personnel and transform them in a true Law Enforcement unit. The large cache of weapons and uniforms should serve well.

Taras was looking at his scribbles to give some feedback to Alain:

The old Police Station in downtown is an excellent point to base any effort towards the East End. The working party seems to be appropiate and I feel that we can base the HazMat team over there for our convenience. Accomodations should be prepared for a reserve force with vehicles the day of operations against the stickmen . Lets try again to make contact with the locals and become familiar faces.

Seems like our Hell's Angels are quiet. That is a good thing. I don't expect much intel coming from SIGINT. We have to expand the spider web and try to approach some contacts. Kelsey's friend is a go. So is the invitation of the "Bear" and we will have to ask Josh if he is willing to start "changing sides". To infiltrate an organisation like the HA will take time and effort and will not be free of real danger. But this is necessary. I hope the STD clinic idea will bring a good deal of intelligence as I said before.

I suggest to start planning the rest of the elements involved in the assault of the Park. The LAV III is needed as soon as possible. Kelsey: is your call. Since Lt. Jagelis is gone I don't know who is the commander of that vehicle but it should be properly crewed and equipped for the task. Remember the modification that I recomemded. I'll be willing to help myself as well.

The prisoner will be taken care of by our excellent medical personel. At this point there is nothing he can provide us as information, etc. After the operation in the Park is over we will take action. Probably sent over Vancouver Island.

We will need Chris back to the reservation. There is only little information that we have on the airport. As far as we know there is a couple of APCs on the bridge. Same as per Anacis Island and New Westminster. I suggest to try to contact the local authorities there. We will prepare some letter for the Mayor and they can be delivered by Chris. Let's see what is their initial reaction. A formal diplomatic approach never hurts...

And looks like our job is getting done!

We have people returning to the city, which is our mission. We have to take advantage of this situation as soon as possible. Since we have a comprehensive approach towards the neighborhoods with the Community Centers and Block Watch programs we should re-inforce this policy with the already mentioned Police/militia presence and take care of the returning people. It is of the most importance to implement the IRON program for them. It is a matter of Law Enforcement to determine who they are, where they lived and guarantee a fluid integration in the new city landscape. For this task we are going to create a comittee for the returned. Social workers will direct them and the extra manpower will help to clean up the neighborhoods filling up with returnees. I believe a vibrant city will keep the criminal elements away if the government is there to help this happen.

We shall increment the security patrols in the possible routes of access for the stickmen if they decide to strike. Since we don't have real time intel on them it is very important to keep watch. In any case I'm going to order to secure our small fleet and we are going to display fake, makeshifts boats instead.

After this briefing is over I'll be over the garage checking the LAV III. Personnel assigned please come over. Thank you.

The good news were reflecting on Shevchenko. There was a current dynamic approach to reconstruction that was working accordingly. The grip over the city territory was closing. The new/old Police station was a landmark that reflected the positive results. The incresing numbers in population and participation in government institutions started giving the form of a new weapon.

Taras didn't make a reference to the increasing level of the waters but gave it a long thought after all. It was Spring and the snow melting process surely was affecting the river levels. If this situation will deteriorate it could end up in a catasprophe. The topographic maps were showing an ultra flat Richmond. Prone to be easily flooded. Since this was "enemy" area it wasn't bad news at all. The Government will be having the manpower and tools to come to help...at a cost. The toll will be taken on the "trolls". In any case more info was needed and hopefully Chris will be around to check the situation.

"Right, I will get that done on the sly right after the meeting"



She looks a little surprised that came to light, she eyes Andy a moment, then shrugs.

"If he's still there, I haven't verified it.  Guess I need to take a little trip, when do you want me to do this?"
She blinks and looks to Tyler, shrugs again
"Sure, Me and Tyler.... will talk it over."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:25, Wed 29 Oct 2008.

Belanger seemed intrigued at the idea of converting the militia into RCMP and VPD.

"That's not a bad idea. Something that will need to happen eventually, to provide for policing. As well, there is no Canadian equivalent to Posse Comitatus, so there is no legal or Constitutional objection to using federal Militia in a police role.

"120 relatively well-trained Militia plus another 100 volunteers being trained up. There are 20 professional RCMP and an additional 50 RCMP Auxiliaries that are being trained up to support the Regular officers."

"At this point, we still need a city administration before we can form an actual Vancouver Police Department. I'm leaning towards using RCMP Auxiliaries for the mean time, like in Coquitlam before the war."

Taras was familiar with the idea of police that crossed the line to paramiliary troops. In most communist countries "police" were called "militia", because police in post-Revolutionary Russia were seen as guard dogs and reactionary tools of the deposed capitalist bosses.

Alain looked again at the clipboard.

"So far, Kelsey needs to get word to Josh to find out what was up with Cyrus last night. Also, to contact her friend when convenient and see if he (or she) will assist us. Then, successful or not, Andy and Tyler will have a beer at Brandie's and pick up some info on the HA's operations in the city, or at least in the club. After all, Bikers traditionally feel a lot of kinship to soldiers, and we can play on that."

"Lee and Fox are on training. Obviously, their jobs will start to diverge a little. Fox is technically the vehicle commander at this point, although McRae is also a Sergeant now so he could be VC if we want."

"Mac, you're back out to the Rez."

"Taras and Clarke, I have something to say to you both when we're done, so stay around."

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #115):

"Sounds good, Alain. The plans you have should keep us busy a day or so.  After that we'll take another look at where we stand.  Kelsey, I know we are asking a lot of you but after the immediate needs are met you will need to take a look at the LAV.  Since everyone has their assignments, I'd say the meeting is adjourned."

As Belanger had asked, Clarke stayed at the office a while longer.  She killed a few minutes getting herself a fresh cup of coffee and having a quick look at what had been done so far to spruce up the old RCMP office.

"I hope I can pull through.  What can I use for transport there?  AndyMac?  How did you make it there?"

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #111):

Tyler perked up when Clarke mentioned his name.

"Hell, whenever you want me to have a beer, I'm all for that."

Earlier he'd called his dad and let him know that the locals seemed to be on the up-and-up. Things seemed to be going well, on the whole.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind lookin' up your friend. Sounds like fun."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:21, Sat 01 Nov 2008.

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

Although different vehicles were available, the team had a Jeep YJ and Suburban available, along with Taras' UAZ-469. With some effort they could get offroad bikes or even quad ATVs.

"Okay, back to the rez."

Chris nodded.

"They're not planning any more trade missions for a week, but they fish all the time."

"I can go out with one of the fishing boats going up-river. The Bridge Trolls let them pass without charge by now. I can get a good look at them, maybe talk, whatever."

"Remember, if I'm not out in a boat I'm just a phone call away!"

"One last thing. A couple, really."

"We've determined where most of the temperature increase in the Fraser is coming from, that sub's twin reactors, although it still seems a little high unless they're running both at full power. The foundry on Annacis Island may contribute if someone's got it running. More intel needed there."

"However, we've been keeping an eye on the water level for the last few days, and it's not peaked or slowed down, but still rising and increasing in flow."

"This could cause problems because so many survivors live along the river. We'll continue keeping an eye on things, but if it's like this for a week or more then we could see the river top or breach the dykes along the river."

He spread out a flood map of the city.

http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/geomap9_e.php

"Most of Vancouver is okay. These areas along the river are all "reclaimed" and could flood. That includes parts of Surrey, the south Delta farmland (all reclaimed from the river's mouth), Lulu Island (Richmond), Sea Island (Vancouver International Airport) and the farmlands in south Burnaby. Maybe thousands of people are living in the possibly affected areas."

"Now, when we're done here, may I have a word with Taras and Clarke?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:03, Sun 02 Nov 2008.

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #121):

Clarke is waiting to speak with Alain.

Taras is waiting to talk with Alain...

Andy headed off to the office, he looked over at Tyler and Kel and said, "I'm going to look over some suitable personnel for the up-coming missions. If you want me for anything, you'll find me there."

Kelsey leaves, talking to Andy/Mac
Ok, so we are going in with the native fishing boats?  What should I wear?

Chris answered, "no need, I'll be going on the boat because I won't be with you. If you're going down Kingsway, then I suggest some kind of 4-wheeled transport. I know you have access to a Jeep and an SUV, either should work."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Mon 03 Nov 2008.

Belanger met with Clarke and Taras after the meeting broke up.

"Taras, I wanted to pass along from HQ that a recce has been diverted en route to Bella Coola to make contact with your friend. That should happen tomorrow. Depending on the situation, it's possible they may exfiltrate via water, or go overland."

"If they end up going overland, do you think you can have your friend on the North shore, the one with the train, MacArthur, rendez-vous with him in Lillooet in 3 days time? One day to get there, and they could be loaded on and back in a day. Vancouver Island will supply coal to fuel the locomotive."

"I also recall Chris is from Lillooet, so he would be a definite asset."

"Bear in mind this is a contingency. It's possible that they might have the fuel to drive all the way here, but from what we know of their fuel consumption it will take a lot, like over a thousand litres of methanol, to driver here overland."

Several options can be contemplated. Since we are in the middle of the planning of a big operation I'm not in hurry to bring them down here too fast. I do not want to take away people and resources away nor put them in danger. The train is a good idea if we can get assurance that there is a safe way to bring them here. If not, I would prefer the GB "Church" bringing them down to Horseshoe Bay.

If the ship is not available we will go for the train but I wouldn't dispatch any valuable member. Chris is much needed to gather intel now than away in Lilloet."

Belanger nodded.

"I'm not sure what the exact timing is, if the GB Church will be available, and so on."

"I have a feeling there is some flexibility. I will pass along that recommendation to wait for the moment and not send Chris along. If you concur, Clarke?"

At this point things kind of broke up.

Chris mounted up the horse(!) he borrowed from the Musqueam band, then got ready to trot off.

Kelsey still had to decide how she would meet up with her friend on Kingsway. Tyler was willing to go with her, the only necessary choice was transport (Jeep CJ, Suburban, or something else like an ATV or normal car.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:00, Thu 06 Nov 2008.

Kelsey turns to Tyler.

"I am thinking taking a jeep and dressing in civvies, but might dirt bikes or ATVs be a bit more maneuverable?  You've seen the terrain more recently than me, if either is fine, I think the Jeep.. always nice to have a spare hand that can shoot."

"Sounds good to me.  I'm with Taras the the GB Church would be good if available, though if supplies are available for the train that is a good way to go as well.  His friend could go to the north shore where Bulat is and we could re-group with all our new allies at the same time."

The information was passed on to HQ. The reply was that the GB Church was tasked for other duties in the mean time and could not transport the vehicle(s) itself for quite a while. The good news was they could easily get enough coal from the Island to fuel a train to Lillooet and back. Any consultation with Rod MacArthur about his train would of course best be in person and not over the radio, so that would have to wait for the next time Taras or someone visited the North Shore.

Kelsey and whoever she wanted for company donned plain clothes and took the '89 jeep YJ (with the "surf" graphics) up Kingsway. This was actually in the area of Vancouver they had already surveyed and were patrolling, although near the border with yet-unsecured Burnaby.

A light rain was falling as they left the university campus.

Kingsway was one of the oldest throughfares in the city. It was once a muddy dirt track known as "the Westminster Road" hacked through the deep forest separating the then-provincial capital of New Westminster on the Fraser River and "Granville" (located in the Gastown area of downtown Vancouver) on Burrard Inlet. Now it was lined with shops, businesses and restaurants, mostly empty.

They passed through a part of Kingsway that was once a Vietnamese neighborhood. Many stores and restaurants had Vietnamese characters, including the "Pho Btch Nga", a pre-war Vancouver institution. Along the way was a tiny park with several flagpoles, where once Kelsey had seen yellow flags with red stripes (of the former Republic of South Vietnam) flying instead of the Maple Leaf. The flagpoles were now bare.

There few people out and around in the rain, but they weren't met with hostile stares. Heading up Kingsway near their destination, they came upon a militia section on patrol in a couple of civilian cars. They were escorting more survey-takers that were following-up on the initial survey by gathering more details. The militia were in the newly-recovered O.D. CF combats and rain ponchos, still indifferently armed.

Van Dutch's tattoo parlour was on the outskirts of what was considered "safe" territory, just across Boundary Rd. from then unpacified suburb of Burnaby. Further down Kingsway, between this area and where it ended in New Westminster, was a lawless area that rumour said was inhabited by gangs of thieves who were bold enough to stop and jack passing traffic. Hopefully, the rapidly-expanding RCMP and militia patrol presence would keep pushing them back.

It looked like it was open for business, with a pair of Harley motorcycles parked outside.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:33, Fri 07 Nov 2008.

Kelsey will take the American then along with, dressed in civvies, jeans, hiking boots, a sleeveless flannel shirt, and a windbreaker.  She pauses to talk to the militia and get the scoop from them, anything that might be going down, setting up with Tyler a system where he keeps an eye on the shop from outside, and her going in.
Both will carry civvie style "walkie talkies" On a hand tweaked channel by kelsey not normally in a civilian radio.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #134):

"Gotcha, I'll be across the street and down the block."

Before she entered the tattoo parlour, he performed a radio check. Both radios were tuned to the correct channel, plus the separate channel that would connect them to the UBC's 911 line.

He then inserted a clip into the Garand, closing the chambered.

The militia greeted them, and the leader passed along the word on the street, which was a gang of between 10 and 100 operating out of the gigantic Metrotown mall, about 3-4 km southeast down Kingsway. They usually didn't travel but preferred to stop and rob or carjack travelers on Kingsway and the surrounding streets. Fortunately they were far enough they weren't seen around here much.

Entering the tattoo parlour, Kelsey saw that Katya was sitting in a chair reading a magazine that was years old. Van Meers, or "Van Dutch" as he was known, was a middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache and thinning grey hair. He came in from the back, carrying a red plastic gas can. Both were wearing t-shirts that showed off the intricate tattoos on their arms.

He recognised her as he looked up. "Kelsey, hello my dear, how are you?" He pushed up the thick glasses up his nose.

Kelsey smirks at Katya a moment Katya, haven't you read that a thousand times already?
She pulls off her coat, dropping it somewhere and showing her sleeveless flannel, and her own full arm tribals, moving to Dutch and giving him a hug.  I survived, glad to see you did too, Dutch.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #137):

It was good to talk to some people she knew from before the war.

They had struggled to make it as best they could after the city was abandoned, but it had been hard. There was evident relief when someone had come by to survey them, and it was hard to believe that at some point they could even call the police, if they got into trouble. Kelsey sensed that they were a little uncomfortable with dealing with criminals to survive. Before the war they could pretend that the bikers were only on the fringe of the law. When society collapsed it was hard to ignore that even though bikers like the Angels seemed to relish their role as a kind of default authority, they were also unrestrained in preying on the work.

"So, what brings you here, Kelsey? You want to get some ink done?" There were questions unasked behind his round John Lennon style glasses.

Katya added, "and, uh, what about us? You still in the Army? Are the cops going to come down on us for dealing with the Angels? We had to buy stuff off them, you know, the black market. Fuel, food, that kind of stuff. The Los Diablos out at Metrotown, they knew not to come around and fuck with us. We were protected."

She motions around, as if to ask if there was anyone listening before continuing, then she grins and winks.

I'm still in the Army, stationed here.  Part of the reclamation force.  When I heard you guys were still here from a friend, I had to come.  To be honest though, partly to get information, and maybe a favor.  In return, I am willing to give a lot though.  For one, no, no-one will be coming down on you for dealing with the bikers, trust me on that.  You did what you had to, to survive.

She pulls a couple ration packs out of the inner pockets of her jacket and passes them to them, one each, and takes a seat

You guys been eating ok?  I can help with that, even get you relocated to a more secure part of town, if you want, for now.  We are planning to take the town completely back, and as bloodless as possible, so the more we know, the better chance we have of avoiding a lot of deaths.  Information on who is good and bad helps a lot.  Information on who we might be able to deal with.. information period.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #139):

He explained what they needed in the way of necessities. Mostly fuel and food, the two commodities that never go out of style.

Van Meer sighed. "It's dangerous to go against the bikers, you know that. You know, there was a homeless guy named Gus that used to trade salvage to me when I had some spare food. Back near the start of winter he came around, selling some watches he'd found. Good quality, old, windup and not battery powered. Said he found them in some house out in Kerrisdale. Well, I didn't really need one but I traded him anyways, he really needed the food."

"He disappeared after that. A few months after I saw him last, someone found a body, killed execution-style, back of the head. people said it was him because of the clothes."

"A month or so some bikers from downtown stopped in, Bear and his crew. They paid for some ink they had done with watches... the same ones that Gus had tried to sell me. At first I thought Gus had traded to them, and I was curious, so I asked where they got them. They said they made a "great trade" for them, paid some junkie off in dope. But Gus was a wino, he wasn't a skin-popper. Then I understood what might have happened and I felt sick. They warned me that some things were better left buried."

Katya nodded in agreement.

"It has been a long and hard time. You were always a good friend to me, and I think we can trust you."

"What do you need?

"Food and fuel I can arrange"  She looks out to the jeep, then sighs.  "My commander wants you to introduce one of my people in at Brandie's.  I am not convinced it is a good idea, for him, for you.  I'd rather just get everything you know about the Angels, and not link you to anything we are doing."  She looks away a moment, when she looks back her normally open expression is clouded, angry, hurt.  "I've seen their <b>fun>/b>.  There is no way those bastards will keep operating, no way all the battles I have fought for this country will result in leaving those sons of bitches in charge of anything.  I didn't fight so that they could oppress rape and kill.  Oh.. fuck no.  She wipes away her eyes and then looks at Dutch intently  "What can you do to help me?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #141):

He patted her shoulder as Katya gave her a hug. As he talked his dutch accent came through more, although he immigrated to Cananda over 30 years earlier.

"I don't much like being a rat for de coppers... but ve heard things 'bout vat dey are doing to people. And maybe before de war not all of dem were criminals, just a few, maybe, but dey sure all act like gangsters now."

"Sure, I vill help you out. If dese people you vant me to introduce to de Angels are soldiers like you, vell, de Angels always like de soldiers, dey vant people to tell dem to come down to de club so dey can ask dem to come vork for dem. Lotsa soldiers, some Yank, some Canuck, dey work for 'em now, you know. Could be I just introduce some friends of yours, say I know dem for de last mont' or so, dey won't tink anyt'ing suspicious about it."

"I been down to de club lotsa times. Dere's other clubhouses too dat I never been to. Vun in Coquitlam down in Maillardville, 'nudder in Vite Rock and in Langley, and dey open a new vun in Surrey. Call it the Pig Farm cause dey grow pigs too."

Kelsey sighs and leans into them a moment
"So they have been collecting all the bad eggs.  OK, but be ready to run if we are uncovered.  I have someone for you to insert, since it won't seem so unusual.  Anything else you can give me, or I can give you?  The real government is rebuilding."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #143):

There wasn't more information to impart without an extensive debriefing. Other than he heard there were couple hundred Angels, including their mercenaries, spread out among the chapters in the Lower Mainland. He himself had worked on dozens of them. They had their own tattoo artist by came to "van Dutch" if they wanted something really elaborate done.

He also mentioned the local gang, the ones at  Metrotown Mall, just beyond the secure area.

"Vell, dose boys in dat gang out at Metrotown (Los Diabols), dey got a truck vit a gun on de back. I doon where dey keep it or if it vorks, but I seen it one day."

Van Meer agreed that he would be ready to introduce any of Kelsey's friends when the time came, which could even be that night if she wanted.

Kelsey runs out to the Jeep and gives them what supplies she had loaded up on it (some food, likely a jerrycan of fuel, various useful whatnots and promises them more in return for the help introducing her friend.  She seems relieved at the news, overall.

A couple hundred, god, I thought it was a lot worse than that.  Thanks Dutch, I'll be back with my friend, and then again for some more work soon.

She hugs them both again and mounts up, radioing Tyler to do so as well, unless there was a problem, then presses a radio and sets the frequency to a special one for monitoring in HQ, giving it to Dutch.

In case there is an emergency, or you have some special info to pass on that is hot.  Your callsign is Redleg.  She writes that down, in case  Just radio in Redleg, Redleg, over.  I'll instruct my people how to handle your call.

She smirks a bit, since the callsign she gave him was a classic one for American Artillery, and should confuse the mercs if there are any snoops.

Kelsey Finished up, and said her goodbyes. She knew that once phone service was restored communications would be a lot easier.

Outside Tyler was undisturbed, keeping watch on the shop and the surrounding area in the rain.

Kelsey joined him, and they got ready to head back to the campus.

Kelsey heads it back and reports her findings, promises, and measures.

At around noon, the Angels downtown began waking up and local message traffic picked up, such as it was. There was no long-range radio traffic to speak of.

Josh was notified to ask why Cyrus' routine had changed.

The HAZMAT team prepared to go out again, and the reaction force stationed at the old VPD police station on the edge of downtown put on alert.

A former graphics design student came up with a prototype ID card. It used a high-quality industrial colour "laser" printer of a kind that had been becoming common before the war. There was one on campus and as the inks, toner and paper for it weren't valued as salvage, there were plenty of supplies available, enough for hundreds of thousands of ID cards. With some effort the entire surveyed population of Vancouver could be issued cards by the end of the week.

The work on the LAV progressed. Kelsey had to decide if she was going to lend a hand or not that day, in order to make use of her expertise with the vehicle and systems.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:15, Sat 15 Nov 2008.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #148):

Kelsey will, of course, lend a hand to the recovery of the apc, if needed.

Taras went for a walk in the middle of the drizzle towards the garage where the LAV III was being repaired. Upon arrival he found a frantic crew immersed in the tasks ordained to bring back to life the infantry combat vehicle. One of the first things that called the attention of the former soviet officer was the presence of the dettached GKB-816 trailer of russian origin. Now a respected member of the community and highly placed in the RCMP force, Shevchenko couldn't help but take a look at the contents of the trailer that was parked there since the first arrival of the military team from the island in the GB "Church".

One clipboard resting upon a sturdy NATO compliant ammo box facilitated the count:

Item	                              Units
Duct Tape                                3
Barbed Wire, Concertina, metre          30
Barbed Wire (Straight), metre          200
Bucket, Metal                            1
Cord, 15M                                5
Jerry can, 20L                           5
Rope, 11mm milspec, 50m                  2
Snorkel Gear                             2
Wetsuit                                  2
Tarp, 2x3m                               1
Grapple                                  1
Antenna, 500km                           1
Individual Tactical Radio                1
TA4044B Power Amplifier                  1
Field Medical Assortment #2              1
Blood, whole                             4
Battery Charger                          1
Bolt Cutters                             1
Basic Tool Kit                           1
Entrenching tool                         1
Excavating tools                         1
Small Arms Tools                         1
Heavy Ordnance tools                     1
Wheeled Vehicle Tools                    1
Ethanol                                520
FLEXCEL Liquid Container, 250 litres     2
Medium Still                             1
Domestic food                          200
Water purification Kit                   1
Can Opener                               1
Mess Kit                                 6
Mounted Water Ration Heater              1
NMT                                      1
NHT                                      1
C6 GPMG                                  1
Mk-19 Mod 3                              1
40mm HVHEDP, 50 belted                   4
M18A1 Claymore, case, 6                  2
7.62mmN, case 600, belted                2
40mm HEDP, case, 75                      1
40mm Illum, individual                   2
M67 Frag Grenade, individual             8
M2 Carl Gustav                           1
FFV-551 HEAT, 84mm                       8
FFV-545 ILLUM, 84mm                      4
M203A1 grenade launcher                  1
Refrigerator, small                      1
Freezer, small                           1
1.5 Kilowatt generator                   1

Quite an impressive array of items to help the reconstructions plans for the city he thought.

Taras will be contacting the vehicle commander and discuss the possibility to add some external modifications to the LAV III as it was almost repaired internally. As he already did with the BTR-70 in the North Shore, the ukrainian was having in mind to add some extra firepower in the form of side mounted directional mines and also the possibility to come up with a couple of "technicals" to be equipped with the MG and automatic grenade launcher. There was a portable rocket launcher too (Carl Gustav).
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:49, Sat 29 Nov 2008.

As Sgt. Fox was sort of overseeing the repairs to the LAV, he met Taras and Kelsey at the garage.

"Kelsey, glad to see you! We're most of the way done. Unfortunately we've really only done the easiest parts. Overhauled the suspension, rebuilt the engine, and so on."

"With your help we could get the electronics and weapons systems tickety-boo in, oh, about a day at the most."

He shook Taras' hand. "Good to see you, buddy." Over the last few days he had grown more relaxed and confident, compared to right after the night ambush.

While doing a walk-around of the vehicle they noticed that while the turret had been off, they had freshly repainted it in CF O.D. green, no camouflage. on the rear left door was a sticker for 99.3 CFOX FM, a popular local rock station from before the war. There was a stylised orange cartoon fox head and the station motto: "The Fox ROCKS!"

Andy had settled uncomfortably into his seat and desck. He hated this kind of work, but knew that it had to be done. He continued to look through the list of volunteer personnel to try to form some scout teams, they didn't need to be crack shots, but they needed to be steady, sensible and with enough skill to stay hidden and enough sense to report and interpret what they saw.

There would be many avenues to cover and he wnted people that could do it. The operations they were planning were tricky and unwanted surprises could turn a delicate plan into a screw up with casualties on your side. Andy was determined to do all he could to prevent that.

Kelsey arrives in coveralls and looks over the work to be done, taking a moment at the rock station sticker and stroking it a moment before breaking into a chuckle.

Well, of course you saved the hardest bits for me, sure, keep the caffeine and calories coming and we'll get all this knocked out, eh boys?

She gets out her multimeter and test equipment and gets to work sounding out and connecting circuits, in a fairly good mood.

Alain joined Clarke for lunch.

"Clarke, are you going to send out the HAZMAT team today?"

"If so, you should get your people organised for the afternoon. That is, if you want Corporal Champlain and Sergeant McRae along. Kelsey's at the garage, and McRae's vetting the new sniper team members."

Kelsey is in her coveralls, sitting indian style on the back deck of the apc, hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, a bundle of wires between her teeth and a multimeter in her hands, testing another bundle caught in her fist, a look of concentration and determination on her face.

Clarke and Belanger conferred and sent the recce team back to the downtown. Lacking any real need at the present time, the HAZMAT van stayed behind. Aside from intelligence-gathering, it was important to carry out the other missions: "showing the flag" and of course treating people for various ailments.

As Kelsey and Andy were otherwise busy, the HAZMAT van was left behind.

There were no recruits for the sniper section, so Andy concentrated on training the ones he had, along with Rachel.

Taras, Kelsey and Robert (Sgt. Fox) worked on the LAV. Taras finally got a good look inside the vehicle. He was impressed by the sophistication, although thought it was far too complicated for a glorified transport. Still, the extra weapons and sensors would serve them well under the circumstances.

Nothing Earth-shattering occurred in the afternoon, and everyone had a productive day. Kelsey thought that if she pushed it the LAV could be done by that evening or night, tomorrow at the latest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:32, Tue 25 Nov 2008.

Once Andy had finished his paperwork, he gathered his recruits together and began to instruct them in small unit tactics and the missions they would be undertaking in the not-to-distant future.

Kelsey talks a junior that gets to near to fetch meals, and prepares to burn the midnight oil to finally get the LAV into shape.

"Perhaps we should give the trainees a crack at playing HAZMAT this afternoon.  We need to get that APC up to snuff soonest and McRae can spend the time with his snipers.  Ping Lee for some of the more advanced recruits and have them give it a go.  Send the other team personnel who went out with Kelsey and McRae the last time so there are some folks who know the routine along as well."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #159):

"Okay then, Kelsey's electronics techs go out in the HAZMAT van for practice."

"If we're going to be ready to go in the next few days, let's get the LAV up and running, then get at least a few days rehearsal on what's going to happen with everyone that's involved."

"Forgive me for mentioning this, but once we know a little more about the Angel's club downtown, and why Cyrus changed his routing, it will be time to sit down,, maybe with Taras, and make a plan."

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #160):

"Absolutely.  That's the point of getting the LAV fixed and our auxiliaries as prepared as possible.  Once we know what we are up against and why, we'll be ready to make our final preparations for the action.  One other thing we need to ask of Kelsey.  She needs to check the drop for any updates Josh has dropped off.

How is Sebastian, now that he's on Methadone and dried out a bit from the Heroine?  Any more cooperative than he was before?"

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #161):

"Good question."

"He's not particularly cooperative, doesn't want to be here and wants to be released."

"Not that he was in any danger, Doctor Chandra said his condition is improving and he's in no danger from detox-related or unrelated ailments."

"But... it could take time until he's "normal". Days? Week? No way to tell with withdrawal."

"He's detained, legally. I think Doctor Chandra will fight it if we try to aggressively question him. He won't be in the best of shape."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #157):

Having little better to do as the quasi-farming community (and nascent political centre) worked away in the rainy afternoon, Tyler wandered over to where Andy was going through the paces with his recruits. He was wearing clean US-style BDUs and red paratrooper beret. After saying hello, he waited for a pause to shoot the breeze a little.

Being neither fish nor fowl with regards to his status in the secure area, he decided to go about unarmed for the first time. It seemed unusual, after weapons being such a part of his life for so long!

"Hi Andy, mind if I sit in? Not much goin' on around here. Folks all working and all. Good to see. Getting things going again. Wish we could be doing this back home. Hell, I like it here, you seem like good people."

This was an important admission, as they knew Tyler was there not just so they had a personal liaison. As his son, he would be Ed the Survivalist's eyes and ears, to see if they could earn enough trust to tie his fate to theirs, at least temporarily.

"We got people with guns and all, you know that. I have a few friends that were, are, like me. From the "Herd", the 82nd. I don't know what you have in plan for my people, but once this little operation is put away and we won't have to watch our backs and families all the time from those Stickmen freaks, we might be willing to help out in a wider role. You know... security contractors, cadre, whatever."

Andy knew that for the clearing of the Park the Survivalists were going to be tasked with staying in their own group at first, assigned specific tasks in the upcoming operation. Afterwards it was more open. A suggestion had been made that instead of just hiring the many American deserters filtering into Canada as ad-hoc mercenaries, an actual unit could be formed under the authority of the US Federal Government, perhaps with an eye towards reconnaissance of political and social conditions in the Pacific Northwest and towards switching the support of US troops there away from the military junta.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:20, Fri 28 Nov 2008.

Meanwhile, in the motor pool, Taras was satisfying his natural curiosity about the weaponry of the former enemy after the cache from the island stored nearby was revealed. He couldn;t help but lay his hands on the Claymore case.

The M18A1 Claymore, not unlike the russian counterpart MON-50, was a directional mine and this was not a novelty for the experienced combat engineer. What surprised him most was the quality of manufacture and the nice kit that was contained in a tightly packed bandoleer.

The M7 bandoleer not only packed the M-18A1 munition itself but also all the elements required to fire it like M57 firing device, firing wire and M4 blasting cap and even a M40 test set. Not only that, the whole set came complete with a detailed instructions package that put a smile in Taras face.

Shevchenko flipped to the informative sheets to confirm the similarities between models and the chuckled at the innocent lay out suggested in the pamphlet. A flash of memories rushed to his mind. Old times in the Caucasus, long nights sharing experiences with veterans of Chechnya by the gentle shores of the Black Sea in Sukhumi taught him to place directional mines up on trees for a better "killing spree", how to rig them to anti-personnel mines like the PMN "Black widows" using det cord and not to fire them too far away as the length of the wire compromises the effectiveness of the electric charge needed to initiate them.

There were 6 Claymores perfectly stacked in a wooden crate. Not far away, under the flooding lights above, the sheer presence of the LAV III was felt. Surrounded by overalls clad mechanics, Taras started to walk around the vehicle inspecting the intricacies of this powerful machine.

Andy smiled at Tyler, "All help is gratefully accepted. I've got my hands full here with a mix of hunters, target shooters and ex-scouters. They're all enthusiastic and between them, they've got the skills they need tomake succesful scout/sniper binomes, but we need to get 'em to cross train really quick and to get over that they're many times more useful as our eyes and ears than they are as snipers who get themselve noticed and dead real quick."

"This afternoon I'd like to get a handle on each person and pair them off into binomes that complement each other. Then we'll run through SOP and the basics. Later on today, I'd like to run them through some stalks, I could really use you to help me with selection, training and, later OPFOR. As for your people, I'm sure there'll be plenty of use for them, especially as training cadre, knowledge and skill is probably the most valuable skill we have left."

He looked at the American again, "So, what do you say, you in? I'll let you do the secure communications protocols if you want."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Sat 29 Nov 2008.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #158):

Seeing that Kelsey was getting ready to take over and run the shop properly, Fox smiled. Making a note to emphasise her promotion, Fox wiped his hands on an oil rag and sipped some coffee from a ceramic MOHAWK mug.

"Hey Corporal, I should get out of your way here. Clarke wants to run the HAZMAT team now, with some of your comms techs along so they learn the ropes. I'm thinking of going along to keep an eye on your "chicks", and I haven't really seen the downtown, which I really want to. Sounds good? Anything I should know?"

In a way this checking-in was a courtesy, as making this kind of choice was his prerogative. Still, no need to run roughshod over someone he was working closely with, avoiding the appearance of in effect taking over "her" people without tactic permission no matter their ranks.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:22, Sat 29 Nov 2008.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #165):

Tyler grinned at his fellow airborne soldier.

"Am I in? Yippie skippy! Let's go over commo later, get to know these boys and girls now. Also, we'll see about introducing you to some fellers who also jump out of perfectly good airplanes "

This wasn't the usual dragging on a perceived deficit in the manliness or sexuality of recruits once common in the military; the US had finally caught up to Canada and started putting women in direct combat roles once the draft was started.

McRae reflected that once women and gays were fully integrated into the CF in the early 90's, all the drill instructors' (mostly Master Corporals) favourite psychological "pressure points" were removed, not to mention picking on racial and ethnic stereotypes. That left intelligence and regional Canadian origin, which seemed to be enough.

Tyler continued.

"Me an' Kelse, we went out to meet that Van Dutch guy that's a friend of hers. Seems like it went okay. I get the impression that we're supposed to grab a beer at this Brandie's and have a look around. Maybe tonight? We should get a story together. Like, today we're not on that recon team so we're chillin' out and dropped by for a cold one? Or we're not with the military at all (don't think they seen my face), or you're still in the Army and thinkin' of quittin' and I'm just a Yankee deserter looking for work?"

Clarke nodded.  "Probably best to keep him on ice then.  He won't be a help to us and if we detain him he can't cause a problem.  We could drop the hint that a little cooperation could go a long way to improving his circumstance.  If he doesn't bite, his loss.  I'm going to go over the debrief of Kelsey's trip to see Van Dutch and then touch base with the personnel.  I need a grounding of where we are now to make further plans.  Thank-you for the update, Alain."

"That sounds good to me, Tyler," Andy agreed, "let's start getting these people into shape and then later we can go stick our head in the lion's mouth and grab a beer." he smiled, "Sounds like the most fun I've had in years."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #169):

"Cool, cool. I'd like that." I hung around bikers back in Wenatchee, you know, talk the language. Know how to ride. Wonder if there's a hawg around here, huh? Be nice to, you know, to..."

He grabbed some imaginary handlebars and made few "vrooming" sounds with a grin.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #168):

Belanger checked his watch.

"Good, let's get the team together for a quick meeting at... 1600, before dinner. See what's happening."

"You know, Angela's really impressed. Shes glad how things are progressing. Taras has been a Godsend for our operations here."

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #171):

Clarke grinned at the old paratrooper.  "Why do you think I made him Second-in-Command?  Talent like that shouldn't be wasted, not when it's a resource we are so badly in need of.  Really, I knew he was someone I wanted to promote very soon after I met him.  Only a matter of having boots on the ground here long enough to win some trust myself before going ahead with it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:41, Sun 30 Nov 2008.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #172):

"That's your call."

He seemed to think it was a good idea.

"He's technically part of the RCMP detachment under Inspector Khandola. He could be officially cross-attached to your unit, not a problem. It would give him more authority, and be a useful liaison with the police. I like it."

"Just make sure he's up for it!"

"Also, Sergeant Fox passed along he wants to take the recce team out for the afternoon, get a feel for the downtown. He's getting antsy, wants to see things for himself, not sit on his ass. It's Kelsey's team, we'll see if he's gained some tact in dealing with her."

Upon first arrival, there was a lot of uncertainty within the team about the approach to take with the locals. Kelsey and Chris, being more experienced DRI operatives, had been more vocal than the elite paratroopers were used to in "sharing their expertise" and some friction had resulted. After the command shake-up Fox had immersed himself more in community affairs training the militia, relaxing a little as he adjusted to a less harrowing existence compared to life outside the wire. With a few days of soft living (for him) under his belt to regain his equilibrium and become a little restless for different scenery.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:54, Sun 30 Nov 2008.

After a comprehensive view of the instructions regarding the M18A1 Claymore mine Taras felt confident that they could work on that and bring some "perimetral defensive shield" to the vehicle.

Mr. Fox! Do you think we can manage to install the Claymores in the LAV? If you are willing to do so I'm gonna need to get ready some metal boxes for them to be affixed to the hull and get ready the wiring. It should be ready for tomorrow.

The mighty beast should suffice to take any possible stickmen out there but Taras didn't want to take any chances. Armored vehicles become easy targets in urban environments, from cocktails molotov to RPGs and more the city landscape closes in dangerously without much room for maneouvre. An extra lateral protection will come in handy in case of a swarming attack from bikers or whoever dares to come close.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #174):

Fox agreed that was a good idea.

"For the moment I guess I'm in charge of this beast, and I think that's a good idea."

"Yeah, I can see some Claymores would help if we're going to be in close-in with the city or the woods. All we need is some jackass to climb up on top and throw a grenade or molotov in a hatch!"

"Get one of the mechanics here to do it if you need, or maybe Kelsey knows something about how to mount something like that."

"Like your thinking!"

He grinned.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #169):

"Well yippie ki-yay, let's get these doggies moving! I can taste that cold bud right now."

"I hope you don't mind, I'll kind of hang, see how you run your team."

He nodded as they got ready to continue with the afternoon's activities.

In reply to Robert Duncan Fox (msg #175):

It is a very staright forward task. The only problem I see is that I'm going to have trouble to locate the firing units inside the turret or rear compartment as the cupola has to traverse and we don't have firing portholes either. Instead I can run the wires to the driver compartment. The vehicle's Commander can order him to fire them if necessary.

Two Claymores per side will suffice. To get a good arc of fire I'm thinking about locating them in the middle and between the two rear axles. I don't want to get them too close to the driver hatch. In any case the Commander will have the discretion to order their firing after all the crew is not exposed. The shock wave and noise could endanger our people.

Shevchenko made some mental notes about the equipment that he will need while checking the instructions sheets one more time. Then he talk to one of the senior mechanics that appears to be in charge:

We are going to need 4 welded boxes for the Claymores. Get the basic dimensions and get them fabricated and welded to the hull. They shall have an opening on the top for the connexion of the blasting caps in the detonators wells.

Taras removed from the bandoleer and handed out one of the Claymores to the mechanic. He inserted one of the blasting caps without the firing mechanism to show him what will be the final appearance of the munition:

Frame it nicely!

The idea behind the metal boxes to frame the Claymores was twofold: First they will support the mines against the hull and also give an extra layer to the LAV III.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #177):

The mechanic took the unarmed mine and held it in a matter of fact way, but still a little gingerly due to the unfamiliar and deadly purpose.

He listened intently, understanding the theory and design idea.

"Okay, I think I can do something like that. Kind of like speaker boxes, with holes for the leads. Four boxes, got it."

Likely spots were pointed out, clear of equipment and where they might interfere with vehicle operation. A few other mechanics momentarily unoccupied wandered over, curious about the modifications. This was something unfamiliar, not just simple repair but a pure combat upgrade beyond the body work and maintenance they may have once practiced in their former lives.

A kettle of tea steeping on a stove provided refreshment for the workers, in place of the traditional stale pot of coffee common to most workshops.

Kelsey wipes her hands with a somewhat clean rag and moves to pour herself a cup of whatever passes for coffee these days, something warm, possibly caffeinated, certainly burned.  She takes a seat by Fox and marks a whiteboard with a grease pencil.

"Mmmmm, no problem there, be good to hear how they work with others and if anyone can translate their geekspeek.  Got an eye on anyone in particular, or you want my pick of team?" She makes a face after taking a sip from her mug  "Is this where we are storing the used motor oil?"

Kelsey grins over the mechanic's shoulder as he gingerly takes the mine  "Boom"  a bit of a laugh.  "It's a shaped plastique charge with ball bearings, without the cap it is safe.  Just don't weld around it.  I recommend a curved bell facing the hull."  She looks to bellanger and fox  "You ok with exposed wiring, or you want us to find a way to thread it inside the hull?"

"Oh.. and the curve goes to the rear, we want to see the word FRONT on these babies.  Or the headache is much much worse when the bell is rung."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #179):

"Hey, whoever you think you can trust, by all means. Okay, thanks Corporal, take it easy. It'll sure be nice to get this back on the road. Good luck!"

Looking satisfied at the obviously improved relationship between the two, he left her to work on the LAV with Taras.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Tue 02 Dec 2008.

"I'll Put a good team together for you"
She got on the radio and gave her people assignments, picking some of her best.  Civvies =)

The rest of the afternoon went quickly.

Fox left with the recce team for the downtown, Lee and the UBC RCMP reaction team was put on alert.

The mechanics rigged up concave-backed metal boxes for Claymores, angling them downwards a little so most of the shot would not travel too far. While parts of the city were still lawless enough, accidents were strictly undesirable and the ball bearings should only travel so far.

Andy and Tyler trained the sniper section, putting them though their paces. They seemed to be adapting well enough for novices to the art of sniping/recce, having had some basic instruction over the last few days by the RCMP ERT members.

There was a few nuggets of intelligence that Clarke found interesting. Van Dutch had confirmed that the Angels seemed to have a heavy hitter called "Brownstone" who even the Angels respected, even feared. Not being a centrally organised gang, this was nevertheless someone that all the Angels listened to. It was unclear who he was, no pre-war files matched the name to known criminals inside or allied to the HAs.

By 1600 things had progressed. Fox had returned alive, a productive afternoon had been had by all. The team reconvened for a short meeting. One element that was on the agenda was whether Tyler and Andy should try to infiltrate Brandi's that night or not.

Andy finished up with the scouts, pleased by their response to the training. None of them were outstanding yet, but they were on their way to being competent and no one was displaying any "Rambo" tendencies. It was more than he'd hoped for.

He and Tyler went to the conference room and sat down in readiness for the meeting.

"Well, Clarke, what do you think about sending Andy and Tyler into Brandis undercover tonight? We can just drop Van Dutch's name as he's steered mercenaries (mostly American and Canadian deserters) to the Angels, he doesn't need to be there in person."

Belanger chaired the short meeting, moving things along. They all had things they wanted to do, but if their people were going in undercover then there should be some planning.

Kelsey breaks from the motor pool in time to get into a fresh uniform and report to the meeting ready to take notes and looking alert and happy.

"That would be optimal.  The sooner we have the intelligence we need the better. Lots of questions hanging; maybe we can get some answers.  The first thing is to decide how to safely get Andy and Tyler in and out as safely as possible.  Maybe a couple of motorcycles?  Quick in, quick out, and they wouldn't look out of place at Brandi's."

"I'm happy to go with whatever method of transport you're happy with, Ma'am," Andy said, "what sort of stuff would you like us to ask and do you want us to start spreading the STD rumour? If you do, we'll need breifing from someone with medical knowledge to make us sound on the up and up, the HAs are probably well acquainted with various nether region based diseases."

Kelsey raises her hands
"Won't be me"

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #190):

"I think the Doc Schlock is still valid.  The doctor who has been taking care of Sebastian can probably fill you in on a good layman's description of an STD that would get them running to the Nuts and Butts line post haste.  We can get a legitimate med team set up to see them so they really WILL be getting medical care when they show up.  As Taras was saying, that will keep them busy and out of the way."

"Questions are a little harder.  Ask the wrong thing of the wrong person and you give yourself away.  That can be far more dangerous than saying your buddy Joe just caught a mean case of the clap."

"I'd suggest starting with something most people in the area would have heard about, like the destruction of the truck convoy a few months ago. Mention the Stickmen are a bunch of mean SOBs.  Let them start to fill in the blanks.  That will give you intel on how the Angels REALLY feel about the Stickmen without asking questions that will look suspicious."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #192):

"Ive done some undercover work, not a lot but some. It's great that they approached you, and you have an "in". Now, we need to explain why you are or were working for the government, but want to hang around them now."

"Bikers are always on the lookout for soldiers. Mainly as recruits to take advantage of their skill sets, but hopefully as sources of information or weapons. In an FBI operation to infiltrate the Anchorage chapter of the Hells Angels, it was revealed by an informant that friendships had been struck with local law enforcement and military personnel, and they had "associates" who worked in menial or clerical jobs within the police department who tipped them off and stole information, including the federal database."

"Let them try and impress you. Unless someone can think of another approach?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Fri 05 Dec 2008.

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #192):

Fox looked a lot more relaxed after his recce downtown, like getting out beyond the secure perimeter rejuvinated him. He felt that at this point of the discussion, something more concrete was needed to go forward.

"Commander, it sounds like we need an actual plan."

"I suggest Master Sergeant McRae lay out what he thinks is a good plan for his recce tonight, we can go over it, then put it into action."

"Sounds good?"

"I think that keeping it simple will have to be the way." Andy replied, "I don't know about Tyler, but I'm not trained in undercover work and I only ever open my mouth to change feet. If it was up to me I'd stick with what I know, go up there and talk to them about life now whilst maintaining operational security. I'd rather not try sewing rumours, the elaboration they might need just ain't my style."

He looked around, "I'd say we go there, keep our eyes open, see what the guys have to say for themselves and don't ask any questions we wouldn't if we were interested in joining up I know that limiting our objectives is frustrating, but it's the best way to ensure that we come back alive."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #195):

"Sounds good. Stick to what you know is true, and don't make promises you can't keep. If they do try and recruit you play hard-to-get, don't give them a firm answer. Remember, we want to get a look at their security setup and while they might not show you the security room, keep your eyes open for a garage, ready room, armoury, and so on. As for the story of an STD, mention the planned mobile clinics because that's true enough, but you don't have to pass on any false rumours of a specific STD. There's probably enough going around as it is."

Lee looked approving.

"Other than that do you have an idea when you want to go in? A schedule so I can have the reaction team put on alert. Also a route in, out, fallback. There is always the police station downtown, which we have manned at the moment and you can reach on foot if it all goes south. It's about a klick to the East."

"Well, its gone four now," Andy said, "what do you think Tyler, about nine o'clock sound good?"

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #197):

"Hell yeah, we can stop in for a beer. Not after work if we've "got the day off". Just lookin' for a place to chill out. Are we gonna say we're staying here at the University or some place else? What if they ask about the government and police?"

He was in general agreement, but had a few questions of his own.

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #198):

"Okay, how about this for a plan."

"This is to be a covert recce. Avoid all conflict, if possible."

"The routes will be from here East down Broadway, North up Main, then back West down the Dunsmuir Viaduct to approach Brandies. You should travel by bicycle or other transport not known to be in use here at UBC. Exfiltration will be by the same route."

"We are aware of HAs in Brandies and the Stickmen in Stanley Park. No other known hostile or opposing forces nearby."

"You will pass through the perimeter checkpoint, then a new militia checkpoint established at Main and Broadway, and not too far away from the reaction team, which will be not too far away at Main and Hastings, although you'll turn off Main before you get to Hastings."

"There is a light rain out and the sun will have gone down, so there will be poor visibility and road conditions might be affected a little. Otherwise it's all urban area, uncontrolled in the downtown."

"At that time there will be an RCMP patrol going up and down Kingsway, one Militia patrol along SE Marine Dr. and another sweeping through the southern parts of East Vancouver and Vancouver south of the downtown (Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, and so on). These are all security patrols."

"You depart at 2000 hours, arrive at Brandie's around 2100 hours, then back by 0100 or 0300 at the latest."

"Let's have Kelsey rig up a wire for 1-way communications, as well as making sure you have a walkie-talkie for 2-way. Even a small transmitter will be picked up by the repeaters we placed in the downtown and be relayed."

He outlined challenges and passwords, so that they could identify themselves to friendlies they met, like Militia or RCMP patrols.

"Special instructions are: the reaction team will be stationed at the VPD police on the east side of the downtown on Main and Hastings. If you have to bug out, go east along Hastings, we will be coming to meet you. Hide somewhere along that route if you need to, and worse comes to worse if pinned down pop a smoke grenade and we'll know where you are."

"We want to know numbers, as well as how ready and willing the HAs are to react to disturbances in their area. Find out how close the relationship is between them and the Stickmen are, if you can. We'd like to know more about this "Brownstone" as well."

He thought for a moment.

"Kelsey, you can set them up with a wire, right? Please set up overall comms too, channels, call signs, pass-codes, and so on. As well, you've got to meet with Josh after the meeting but before Andy and Tyler head out, to pass on any information about Cyrus' change in patterns."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:37, Tue 09 Dec 2008.

"Roger that chief, and with the relays we have set up, it need not be very powerful."  She nods a little and takes a few notes  "Check, I will have it all in place.  Will Comply."  She smirks a moment

"Sounds like that covers it.  It will be a late night.  If you want to take the remainder of the afternoon off and rest up for the evening, feel free.  Better for you to be sharp for this than over tired."

She thought for a moment.  "It's interesting, don't you think?  We have had patrols in the area of downtown for the last few days and other than the initial group of riders, the HA's haven't really responded.  When they did, it was pretty much to rev their engines and ask our guys to come down and have a beer."

"It's almost as if they aren't much concerned with our presence.  I wonder why?  It would seem to me that either they feel we are no threat to their position, or if we cause them too much grief they can simply move to somewhere else."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:45, Wed 10 Dec 2008.

"That all sounds fine to me," Andy replied, "once the meeting's over I'll get some shut-eye in readiness for the OP."

The team dispersed to their different tasks.

After briefing them, Lee took the reaction team out to the VDP station.

Andy and Tyler caught up on some sleep.

Kelsey rigged up concealed transmitters for the "plainclothes" recce. As well, she met up with Josh:

"Yeah, Cyrus seemed... dissatisfied. Seems something or someone he was expecting to see wasn't there, so he didn't party hard and came early, which is unusual. Sounds like he might be going back mid-week, maybe Wednesday night. He's also been hinting that after that is when the revenge against you will happen, say, late Thursday night or early Friday morning. He still thinks you're at the Marina, doesn't seem to know about here at UBC."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:03, Fri 12 Dec 2008.

Kelsey shakes her head a little.  "He really thinks society has completely gone, doesn't he?  Thanks for the information, I will pass it on.  I do wonder who he expected to meet at the bar... "

When she passes it on to Clarke she adds her own thoughts.

"Not sure who he was planning on meeting, maybe a mole of our own that didn't dare show because they knew we had an eye on that meeting.  In that case we want to keep an eye on this next one too.  As far as his revenge attack, maybe we can set up a defense of the marina that will catch him with his pants down.  Hard."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:03, Fri 12 Dec 2008.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #204):
"Taras would love that - catching the guy making a 'surprise attack' with a little surprise of his own.  We'll see what we pick up tonight.  But it looks like it would be a safe bet to make the Marina look like it is occupied by a small force for the remainder of the week and have a force ready to put the hammer down on stand-by.  It would be better if we knew for sure they were going to hit on Friday."

"Maybe this person he was supposed to meet is a hook-up for weapons.  Something he doesn't have now and wants to give him an extra edge when he makes the attack.  Molotov cocktails and crossbows only get you so far.  I wonder why he doesn't deal with the HA for it if that is the case."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Fri 12 Dec 2008.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #204):

Before she left Josh clarified, "The Angels always say fuck society and the "citizens". As for what Cyrus wanted to see or meet, I heard people saying some kind of "special delivery" was supposed to come in, but didn't. Drugs? Guns? A girl? Boy? Dunno. Well, see you later."

She passed on this information as well.

"Well, if what he is waiting for are improved munitions, then it would be best to either take him down before he can take delivery, or before he can deploy the items to his troops.  Either would work for our purposes.  Thanks, and good work, Kelsey.

2000 hours

A few hours later, more work had been done, and Kelsey rigged up the required electronics.

Tyler and Andy got up and were ready to depart.

Belanger met them with a couple off-road dirt bikes. They were battered and indifferently painted, but ran well.

"If you have to vacate Brandi's and the HA's are on motorcycles and you're not, then that could be a problem. These shouldn't cause suspicion."

"Also, as a suggestion you need a cover story, so you're not caught flat-footed."

"The exact one is up to you, but here's something that might work. Tyler, well, your story is pretty self-explanatory, you came up from the USA after leaving the army. Andy, you moved down last month from North Van and after hooking up are both now living on Kingsway, where you met Van Dutch, who lives nearby. Some government people met you both when you were trading at UBC and asked if you wanted work, and there you are. You know the government's out at UBC, that's it."

"Sound good?"

He turned to Kelsey. She had checked the equipment and made sure that both transmitters and recorders were working properly.

"Can you give us some call signs? Just for them, the reaction team at the VPD station downtown, and UBC. Plus some kind of code word they can use when they're in trouble."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Fri 12 Dec 2008.

Tyler, dropping his usual laid back facade, nodded his head.

"Yeah, I got it. Like Andy says, don't make any promises we can't keep, try not to say too much. Find out about their security setup, and how much they care about the Stickmen losers."

He was wearing his more faded and patched set of BDUs, .45 in a shoulder holster. No rifle. His .38 was in a clamshell holster in the small of his back. He was leaving his rifles behind, no easy way to employ it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:55, Fri 12 Dec 2008.

"That all sounds good, Sir." Andy replied, "I'll make my preparations now."

Andy returned to his room and got ready for the evening mission. He returned, ready to go. He stood by the bikes with Tyler and said, "OK, I'm good to go, what are the Callsigns and protocols?"

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #210):

Come 2000, Kelsey assigned call signs and a "stress" word to communicate they needed help.

The two set out on the borrowed dirt bikes at 2015, managing to make it to Brandi's at 2100. Their backup was ready 10 blocks away, waiting for the signal to go in. They could be there in minutes, and they already had an ERT sniper team posted in the building kitty-corner across the intersection with night-vision gear and a radio, doing real-time surveillance.

It was still drizzling when the pair drew close to the club's entrance near the corner of Dunsmuir and Howe. Inside was an elevator lobby, as access to the upstairs club was strictly regulated. There were 3 elevators in the lobby, plus TV cameras and monitors showing the upstairs lobby.

Two bored-looking bouncers stood under the overhang, out of the rain. There was one car parked there, plus four motorcycles, some bicycles and an armoured bank car.

They were post-apocalypse bouncers, beefy steriod-enhanced body-builders in crew cuts, tattoos, dressed  in black fatigues and tac-vests, radio earpieces. One carried a Benelli puump-shogun, the other had an MP5K slung around his neck. Both were smoking.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Sun 14 Dec 2008.

Andy pulled the bike up into the parking lot, cut the engine and deployed the kickstand. As he dismounted the bike, he paused to pull down the back of his coat which had ridden up. He could feel the reassuring weight of his Browning Hi-Power riding in a holster in the small of his back.

He looked over at Tyler and waited for him to dismount.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Sun 14 Dec 2008.

"Thank you Ma'm.  It would be sweet reward to drop the hammer on them while they think they have us, though."

Kelsey briefs everyone on new callsigns and the stress word.

"Ok boys, you are Bluebirds one and two, I'm sparrow one, the base sparrow nest, Clarke is Sparrow Mama, and XO is Sparrow Papa.  Your safe word is mealworm.  Any relief team is BlueJay, relief vehicles are BlueJay nest.  Am I missing anything?"

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #212):

Tyler looked over at Andy and nodded, kicking the stand down and swinging his leg over. He was chilled by the night ride, his worn BDUs damp. Walking over to the bouncers he shook out the stiffness in his legs, and shot them a cocky grin.

"Hey dudes, where does a feller go around here to get a beer?"

He pulled off his thin leather gloves, pulling down the black-and-white Arab kheffiyeh he wore wrapped around his neck as a "drive on" rag.

The bouncers looked at each other without expression.

"Tweedle-Dee" (short black hair, goatee) stepped back, shotgun pointing at nothing but covering his partner.

"Tweedle-Dum" (shaved head, red goatee) moved up.

"Hey, Brandie's is the only place you wanna be. finest girls in the city, and we don't water the drinks. Why don't you step inside, but let me take your weapons first. You'll get 'em back, don't worry."

Andy noticed that he had a "Hells Angels" skull earring, and his buddy behind him had a longsleeved cotton shirt with the logo on the sleeve: "AFFA". He guessed this was somehow significant, but didn't know exactly what it signified.

The beefy man continued, "I don't recognise you guys... someone send you, tell ya about this place?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:43, Tue 16 Dec 2008.

"You, know, word of mouth is a wonderful thing," Andy said, "we got reccomended this place by two seperate sources, so you must be good." he looked at the two heavies and said, "An old tattooist caled Van Dutch said this was the place if we were looking for opportunity in this town, and I met a guy who headed up a cycle posse called "Bear". He told me to come to Brandies for a drink."

He smiled, "That was good enough for me, Bear seemed like a straight up kind of guy, I guess the question is though, is that good enough to let us in? I sure hope so because I have a terrible thirst on me."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #216):

Clarke was on site at the Downtown Police Station.  She was close enough to respond in person but in a good location to command overall operation.  If things went as planned she'd have a long, boring night.

While she listened to the radio traffic, she took out a pack of cards, shuffled, and offered Kyoko the cut.  She asked the younger woman what was her game, then dealt and prayed for boredom.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #216):

Baldy grinned and nodded.

"Hey, any friend of Bear's is a friend of mine, and Van Dutch sends us guys all the time. Head on up and don't worry, we'll keep hour guns safe."

Slinging his MP5K, he held out his hand. Andy could see elaborate tattoos peeking out from the neck of his shirt.

His friend, goatee, spoke into his radio. "It's the door, 2 to come up. Friends of Bear and Van Dutch. It's okay."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #217):

"Sure thing, mang. I can almost taste that beer!"

He opened his jacket and unholstered his Colt .45, handing it over butt-first.

Andy smiled back, "Bear ain't really a friend, yet, I met him the once and he invited me over. I hope to make him a friend, but I'm not claimibg over familiarity, you know, I'd hate to use a guy's name in vain."

He handed his pistol over and followed the bouncers' instructions.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #220):

Looking a little puzzled, like this was a lot for him to compute, he finally nodded his head.

"Yeah, sure, whatever. Just go on up, ask for Bear at the bar, he'll want to speak to you anyways."

Goatee moved in to possibly pat them down but Baldy waved him off.

"I said it's allright! Just go up, guys."

He pushed the elevator call button, then gave the guns to his partner, who knocked on an armoured window at the back of the small lobby. There was an armoured door beside it.

As the elevator arrived a thick access port beneath the mirrored window slid open and Goatee pushed their guns inside the slot on the counter. The gap was big enough to admit full-sized longarms. This seemed like a bit of a weak spot in the setup, there was no carousel or other barrier, so someone could stick the barrel of a weapon inside and both jam the slot open and fire on the room inside, although it would be hard to see anything through the mirrored glass.

Andy and Tyler stepped inside and the door closed. They could see a camera inside the elevator car. It was a somewhat jerky ride, a little longer than usual for a 2-story trip. The car jerked hard when it stopped, then the doors opened into the dimly lit smoky room.

The lobby of the club where they were was also the bar. The stage with the girls was through a curtain in the back. Loud pulsing techno music and the deejay's voice travelled through without impediment.

"AAAHHHH HELL YEAHHHH... GUYS... PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR MISS JADE.... HERE SHE IS AGAIN ON STAGE... AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE...."

The music changed to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me".

A couple more armed biker/bouncers eyed them, as did the bartenders. There were a few men at the bar, more at a booth. Some had fatigues and were unshaven, some were dressed more normally, a few had expensive-looking suits and slicked back hair. The lush room smelled like beer and cigar smoke. Another open entrance led off to where there were some pool tables, and of course washrooms off the elevator foyer where they stood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:04, Thu 18 Dec 2008.

Andy walked up to the bar and waited for a barman's attention, he looked at the guy and said, "Hi, we're new here, came to at Bear's invitation. I'm afraid I'm not sure what you use for cash here, I've got silver and a little gold," he'd been given a dozen old time silver dollars and two troy ounce krugerands from the Uni's funds, "or I've a dozen sedatives and ten broad spectrum anti-biotics I could trade. What would I get as a tab for either of those?"

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #222):

Some catcalls, wolf-whistles and music drifted through the curtain to the stage.

"....POUR SOME SUGAR ON MEEE.... IN THE NAME OF LOVE!"

The bartender nodded.

"No problem, man. Hear you're a friend of Van Dutch's too. Gold, silver's fine, and I'll give you $4 each for the meds."

"It's ten bucks for a beer or a shot, double for mixer. Double that for pre-war liquor (no beer). We got Granville Island Lager, English Bay Pale Ale, Cyprus Honey Lager and Gastown Amber Ale on tap, locally-made bathtub gin, whiskey, rum and vodka. Smokes are four buck each, four hun for a carton."

Andy was shocked. Canadian alcohol and tobacco prices before the war were generally twice (or more) the US price for comparable goods, simply because of hidden provincial and federal taxes, added to the PST and the universal GST on top of that. Still, these prices were highway robbery! Especially as he was obviously not paying for taxes. The offer on meds seemed to be not much more than half what they were worth, indicating that they either didn't care for them or already had a good supply.

"Guys, if you're friends of Van Dutch here to see the Bear, then it's on the house. What'll it be? Just to let you know, the Bear's not going to be down for a half hour. So relax, see the show."

Tyler looked around the room, noting entrances and exits, then back at the bartender when the offer of free booze came up.

"Well hell, gimmie a Rye and Seven and a deck of smokes. You got any Marlboros?"

He grinned and leaned back on the bar, trading hard-eyed stares with the other occupants. The grimy looking guys in shabby fatigues and street clothes broke looks first, followed by the HA bouncers and the pimps/dealers in the suits.

Andy smiled, free booze was a soldier's wet dream, still, the other trick was not to abuse anyone's hospitality too much, "I could really go for a Gastown Amber Ale, it sounds fantastic, real beer is going to be a treat."

Andy thought he'd done well not to balk at the prices. The night was going to be an expensive one, he was glad that Tyler was along to back up the bill, he didn't think the HAs would take kindly to providing him with a receipt.

He nodded over to the curtain and the music that thumped through it, "I'll tell you man, I don't know whether to be more impressed by the fact that you're running a strip joint after World War Three or that you've got electricity. You guys really have your acts together."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #225):

The bartender smiled as he poured a perfect beer from the tap, placed it in front of Andy. As he worked he chatted, introducing himself as Randy.

"Hell yeah. Someone had to do it. The "authorities" fucked off after the bombs hit and haven't really been around since. Man, the cops and Crown Counsel (provincial and federal prosecutors) are great at hassling us when things are going their way, but where are they now?"

"Nah, people call us bikers thugs and criminals. Truth is, it's only a true minority that are bad apples, like one percent, and the rest of us we got families, we live in the community, we're just ordinary folks that like to ride, don't take bullshit from anyone and can take care of ourselves. People trust us more than they trust the cops, truth is people maybe realise that it's because of us things aren't as bad as they could be around here. One day we're going to get things going again, rebuild the city. No one's going to get rid of us."

He then mixed Tyler's Rye and Seven using a pre-war can of pop (soda) and bottle of Crown Royal, plus ice cubes and a plastic straw.

"So how about you? What are you doin' with your life? We're looking for guys that are good in a fight, help us clean out the real criminals around here, gang-bangers like the Los Diablos, Viet Ching, Independent Soldiers and UN Gang."

Looking the pair over he decided they weren't junkies or crackheads.

"Say, you fellers want to smoke up? Do some caps? Not many guys can say they done rails off a stripper's ass these days!"

Laughing, he winked at them.

At the VPD station, Lee told Clarke that Granville Island Brewery had been a successful micro-brewery (the first in Canada) before the war and they had received information is was still in business.

"A cap is methamphetamine powder taken orally in capsule form, mixed with water it's injected. The crystal form is smoked or taken as a suppository. A real drug supermarket for sure." She smirked. "If only one percent of Hells Angels are criminals, that's a better rate than ordinary citizens. They did seem to have a far lower rate of conviction than other "suspected" criminals before the war, so maybe!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:38, Sat 20 Dec 2008.

Andy took a long, appreciative draw of the beer and smacked his lips, "Damn, that's good," he said, he listened to the man speak, and nodded and smiled, "I'm glad someone's thinking in the long term, too many people just trying to survive or rebuild things the old way. Me, I did a lot of just surviving, fought against the Soviets, held off bandidts so communities could get their harvests in, but I want more. Somewhere to settle down, to build a life instead of just living day to day."

He took another drink, "That's why I headed here, rumour was that things were getting better here. I signed on with the UBC, they have a fairly secure enclave, they tasked me with security for their bio-hazard teams, that's where I met Bear. The thing is, I'm not sure if they're methods are right, they seem to want to get things back to normal, back to the old days, you know what I mean? They're well-meaning enough, but the old ways got us into this crap, we need to try something new in my opinion."

He thought about the offer of harder drugs, "Man, it's been so long since I took anything harder than alcohol and nicotine, I'd probably be off my head for days. I can't afford to lose the edge for that long. Still, I appreciate the offer. Though, I don't see why a man would want any more with such fine beer as this on offer."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #228):

Randy laughed, lighting a cigarette. "Yeah, soon as you know it, we'll be paying taxes and getting screwed by politicians and busted by cops before you know it. Don't get me wrong, we need people to lock the bad guys away, pick up the garbage and sweep the streets. Way we look at it, we need to make sure we have a hand in how things are run, get in on the ground floor. I'll let Bear fill you in."

Thinking about this comment, Andy knew that while corruption wasn't unknown in Canadian cities, especially back east, it wasn't nearly widespread as it had become in some small and large American cities and even states in the 90's. However, if the new city government was to be built on a rotten foundation, that could change how things were run for generations.

Randy explained the generator. "We run the genny on methane, plus we got solar panels on the roof for off-peak hours, hooked up to batteries."

He addressed Tyler. "So friend, you got a name? What'cha you doing here?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:22, Sat 20 Dec 2008.

Tyler gulped his Rye and Seven, crunching on the ice. Putting down the half-empty drink he lit up a Marlboro with his vintage Zippo, engraved with his unit's logo and nickname, "The Herd". "Ahhh, man, that's good!"

Realising that he could easily let himself get hammered if he didn't watch himself, he finished his drink, then asked for a pint of whatever Andy was having.

"Name? Uh, yeah, it's Tyler. I got me a million-dollar wound in Iran, and me and some other vets from the 82nd were shipped to the Seattle VA Medical Center where we were supposed to be discharged. Then we heard they were going to put a stop-loss on us, cancel our papers, pull us back in. We decided we didn't want to go to war no more, skipped the border, and here we are."

Clarke chuckled.  "I have a feeling his statistics are a bit skewed.  They are probably trying to paint as good a picture of themselves as possible to sell Andy and Tyler on their organization.  Let's just listen in and see what else he has to say."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #231):

"The Hells line about 1% being bad is pure hogwash of course, but in a funny way there is some truth-in-advertising there. The hard-core proven criminal bikers, the core group, they call themselves the "one-percenters", they even have a patch. Like a merit badge of evil. Fighting cops, committing murder or assault or rape, anything that makes you a trusted member of the gang. That's how you earn it."

Upon invitation of the bartender, the pair took their beers into the stage area.

Jade was leaving the stage after her set. Brittany was coming on next, serenaded by The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary".

"AH HELL YEAH, COME ON GUYS, PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR JADE... SHE SURE WAS A HANDFUL WASN'T SHE... NOW WE GOT BRITTANY UP NEXT, READY TO PARTY! ARE YOU READY TO PARTY, GUYS? YOU WANNA GET HIGH? AH HELL YEAH!!!"

Brittany was a hard-eyed blonde with fake tits. Whitney, a short haired brunette with lots of tattoos and piercing was up next, then Tasha, who looked and moved stoned.

They passed an hour nursing beers, then another. It was coming on 2300 when Bear deigned to show his face, accompanied by a couple of unnamed bodyguards with pistols under their leather vests. He introduced himself but not his freinds.

"Come on guys, let's talk business."

He motioned to a doorway in the back by the stage by the DJ booth. One of the bodyguards opened the reinforced door, and inside was a hallway leading to some stairs.

"Sure thing, Bear," Andy replied and followed the big man to wherever he was leading them.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #234):

"You got it, man!" Swallowing the rest of his mug of beer Tyler belched, then followed Andy.

2300 Hour Local

They noted on the way to the door that the half-empty room had filled to at lease 30-40 men, from "Gynecology Row" to the dimly-glimpsed rear tables and booths. The men were wearing a mix of US BDUs and Canadian combats, as well as more civilian street wear from dusters and cowboy hats to rain coats, leather jackets and baseball caps.

At least a couple dozen women, some in their teens, one or two in their early teens, were present as well. Some circulated among the tables carrying drinks, others sat with the men, a couple naked ones doing lewd lap-dances, grinding down in a way that barely qualified as erotic. The dancer on stage was now in the nude while she performed the traditional pole-dance, and most of the women on the floor didn't have much more on. This really all that much different from before the war, fully-nude erotic dancing being legal in Canada (lap-dancing excepted).

What wasn't like before the war was the strong smell of pot, mixed with cigarette and cigar smoke.

They entered the narrow hallway, then climbed some stairs up to the top. They passed through an armoured door with eyeport and entered an office.

Bear sat in the plush leather chair. Several monitors showed angles from inside and outside the building. The outside monitors covered the immediate front and back alley of the club building. Inside showed glimpses of the bar, lobby, stage, backstage, and a garage.

"Drink? Coffee? Blow? Joint?" He motioned to a well-stocked wet bar. His beefy bodyguards made themselves comfortable, eyes hidden behind sunglasses.

After they helped themselves, he asked them how they were doing, and where they were living.

Once they repeated the cover stories they were given, he made his pitch. If they had made a mistake, it didn't seem to register.

"Boys, there's a lot of chaos and anarchy here. The so-called authorities abandoned the city. We moved in, and we got a good thing going here. Now, I don't mind a little anarchy, but business is business. We need good guys, guys who can handle themselves. We got gang-bangers, deserters, small-time bozos, all moving in, claiming territory. They need to learn respect, and we got to teach it to them. The cops and the government, it'll take years for them to get organised, and when they do they'll be looking for people to contract out different services. Transportation, construction, utilities. Fire. Police. Security."

He looked at them. "Sure, we got a lot of hell-raisers. Brawlers. Long-hairs like me, born to ride, ones the cops know to hassle. But we're looking to upgrade our image, and we're taking people in who look more clean-cut, ex-military guys like you. Guys that won't raise suspicions, don't have records. We already got a bunch together, got military-grade firepower. Guys who can pass as security contractors, who already got the training and experience."

"When the hiring starts, these people will be the first in line, getting in on the ground floor. We're working on building relationships with politicians and other community leaders, working it from the top down."

"Once it all comes together we'll have this city by the balls."

"Guys like you can get in while the getting is good. Are you interested? We're businessmen, you'll be fuckin' rich, believe me. Well paid, anything you want. Booze, drugs, guns, girls, cars, property..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:51, Tue 23 Dec 2008.

"That sounds interesting, and I agree that we need to get things organisedquickly and that the local authorities seem to have things arse backward, I mean, they should be taking out the street scum that you say is muscling in here, instead they're focusing on health issues, free clap clinics and shit like that." Andy said thoughtfully, "I was a soldier, still am in many ways, if you want things done you gotta make it happen, if people get hurt on the way, that's the price of doing buisness these days. I mean, having your balls rotted off by some sort of super clap that the medicos say is going on is one thing, but prioritising that over the human disease? Short sighted in my opinion." he looked at Bear, "I'm interested in signing on, you lot seem to have the right focus, but I need to just get things clear. If we worked for you and became sub-contractors for the local authorities, what would you be wanting us to do in return for what you're offering?"

In reply to Zhang Rachel Lee (msg #232):

"Sounds like the boys are getting pitched.  Let's listen and find out what's going down."

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #238):

Tyler, looking a little lost but not wanting to seem like an idiot, kept his mouth shut except to say, "sure, man, tell me more."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #237):

"Want from you? Nothing illegal, oh no! Just, you know, keep us up to date on what's goin' on. Ongoing investigations, how many cops there are, what operations they are planning. Who they're gonna bust."

"There's different punks that are running around, causing trouble. They're bad for business. Bangers, pimps, dealers, and so on. We let you know who they are, you take care of them as part of your job. Problem solved for us and you get the credit, which is good for you. We'll also let you know who's protected, who's cool and shouldn't be touched."

"As for a clinic, that sounds like a good idea. Sick girls are also bad for business. Let me know more about that, I want to get my people checked out, guys and girls."

As he talked he poured a powder on the glass coffee table in front of the security monitors. Methodically sorting it into neat parallel lines with a razor, he looked up and asked, "anyone for a toot? To seal the deal?"

"I am game...pity we can't get into anything more exciting," he said abruptly, a bit nervous of the drugs before him", though I think I will pass on the rail...I...my..."

Tyler thought fast before sputtering out another sentence.

"...My nose is already pissing from earlier," he said finally, hoping he would believe Tyler had already snorted a bit earlier with someone else, at some other locale.  Tyler kept his game face, keeping in time with his paratrooper wits.

Andy looked down at the little lines of white powder and then up at Bear. He deliberately avoided looking at the security camera although he was willing to bet that the video tape was running.

"Listen, Bear, I ain't ever done anything like this before, up to now, booze and tobacco have been my drugs of choice." he looked at him, "This ain't about scratching a habit though, is it? It's about sealing the deal. It's necessary, so I'll do it, but I want your hand on it afterward."

He bent down to the table and said, "OK, Bear, you've got a deal, show me how you do this shit."

He looked at the big man and waited, hoping that the leads that he brought back from this meeting were worth the shit he was going to get into for all of this, still, he thought, if I don't do this, we'll probably both be floating face down in the harbour before morning.

"Do you sniff or blow?"

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #242):

"I hope there's nothing in that will get them poisoned or hooked," Clarke said.  "One time shouldn't force a habit, though with methamphetamine you can never tell, eh?"

In reply to Andrea Clarke-Sullivan (msg #243):

Lee looked up at her, still listening through the headphones.

"I'm no expert, but if they're doing a line of cocaine then no, they won't form a habit. Crystal meth has a high rate of addiction, freebasing and smoking crack cocaine a little less. Heroin and morphine have low addiction rates, but people don't know that."

She tried not to look worried.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Fri 26 Dec 2008.

Bear looked at them, not knowing what the hesitation was. He looked like he didn't believe Tyler, but didn't look suspicious.

"Shit, are you fucking pussies? You shitting me? I bet both of you are virgins, too."

He shook his head in disbelief.

"Ah, fuck it. We can do shots of Jack, it's all the same. Well, no need to let this go to waste..."

He did a rail, then the bodyguards each did the ones laid out for Tyler and Andy.

After pouring some shots he asked, "you want some pussy? We got girls. Old, young... really young. You into boys? Something can be arranged."

Tyler simply stayed put, not giving any reaction to that comment about boys.  He chuckled at the notion of getting laid at a time like this, and simply shook his head.

"I think I will have to keep that one on hold for now," he said.

Tyler gave Mac a glance before continuing.

"Definitely later though...depending on the quality, that is."

Tyler grabbed a shot glass of Jack, and smiled warmly.  He hadn't had good whiskey in ages.

Andy took the proffered drink and said, "I'm good with booze at the moment."

He looked at Bear, "To a long and fruitful relationship."

The shots of prewar Jack Daniels went down smooth, lighting a fire in their bellies.

Bear laughed, poured them another round.

"All right, that's more like it! You guys are in. Let me show you around the place. Later, I'll introduce you to the guy who'll be your boss. His name is Brownstone. Used to be a sniper up in Alaska, before and during the war. Now he's down here."

They rememebered the name from the briefing. Not a known Angel, but a shadowy presence that was involved with them. This made more sense, if he was a soldier, a killer, that would be the kind of person the Angels would respect, perhaps even fear.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #248):

"I remember the comment that Brownstone wouldn't like cops in the area," Clarke said.  "This should be interesting."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:59, Tue 30 Dec 2008.

After downing a couple shots of Kentucky's finest, Bear took the two on a tour of the building. Not the full tour, but at least enough to impress them.

They left the office by a door different than the one they came through. It led to a corridor into the rear of the building and a service elevator. Up to the roof, they looked over the machine-gun position, although they didn't stay too long in the cold drizzle.

Andy saw the building across the street where he and Tyler had set up an OP of the club, and knew that there was an unseen police sniper element somewhere there now.

"The gun works, we just don't keep 'er loaded. Not much call."

The top fourth floor were living quarters for the Angels and the girls, not to mention the office. The club only occupied the corner of the building above the intersection. It would be possible to climb up onto the roof from the building next door or somehow come in from the abandoned part of the same building. Third floor were rooms for the brothel, second was the club and bar. Ground level was a restaurant that was closed and used for storage. The rear of the ground floor was a secured area, as was the 4th floor, connected by the rear stairs and the service elevator (also in the rear). It was intended to impress upon the men how affluent the bikers were and it was impressive.

They headed back up to the bar. "Okay. You guys wait here. Brownstone will be by in an hour."

It was coming up on midnight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:02, Tue 30 Dec 2008.

"Mmmm nice.  If we can put a face on their number one and neutralize, that would be quite a coup."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #251):

Lee nodded in agreement.

"That was one of the problems with busting the Angels before the war. They were extremely individualistic and loosely organised on a local and regional basis. There were few recognised leaders."

"Basically, HA chapters are, or were, structured more along the lines of cells than other gangs. No one really knows or controls what goes on in a given area, having no bosses makes them hard to predict, hard to take out their top echelon leaders."

"I would be surprised if this "Brownstone" character has taken over, like a Mafia boss, especially if he's an outsider. But then again maybe things have changed?"

She sipped her coffee, thinking of the implications.

Andy made himself comfortable and waited for "Brownstone" to come. It would be good to put a name to a face and he might even be able to talk sniping with the guy, hell, if he was Canadian he might know him. Chances were however, the guy was another off-comer from the US.

At the HAZMAT (electronic intelligence) van parked outside the "forward base" at the VPD's old downtown police station, Kelsey picked up a long-range radio transmission from Brandie's.

Bear was trying to get ahold of Brownstone (located parts unknown) and not having any luck. He managed to raise 4 other stations (manned by HAs) who reported Brownstone was not around and they didn't know where he was. Kelsey determined that one signal seemed to be coming out of Coquitlam, one from Surrey/White Rock by the US border, another from central Surrey (identifed as the "Pig Farm") and the fourth from east, up in the Fraser Valley. This was important information, they already knew of the Coquitlam and White Rock HA chapters, but the second Surrey location and the chapter located in the valley were largely unknown to them, if only suspected.

Kelsey suspected from the way he was calling, that while Brownstone might be found at any one of the other locations Bear was calling, he probably also had another undetermined location that Bear was expecting him to be at, that not responding at all. Probably a separate location not at one of the club houses.

In the downtown club, Andy and Tyler waited. And waited. After a couple hours and a couple beers later, around 0100, Bear came by their table looking disappointed.

"Aw, sorry guys. Can't get him. Must be out having fun. Tell you what, come by tomorrow night and ask again. For that matter, you want to work here we can use you right away, come by any time. You know how to ride? We'll get you some real hogs underneath you!"

"So, you want to stay around for the show? Some of the chicks get it on with others or with dudes, and we also got live animals in here later, it'll fuckin' blow your mind!"

Tyler tried not to make his glances all that obvious, nor suspicious, but he knew he and his companion were starting to get very deep into this rabbit hole of deceit.  He cleared his throat, and looked at Andy, hoping the sniper would get the message, and look over at him.

If anything, he would have to give his buddy the signal that they should play it safe with these drugs, whores, and what have you being offered.

"What's this Brownstone's deal anyway?" he asked his HA host.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #254):

Kelsey digs deep into the intercepted communications, passing the intel on to Clarke as soon as she has it verified, and with thought given to better receive and track this band.  She makes sure her people know what channel/freq it is on and to spend extra attention to it.

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #255):

"Brownstone? Hell, I heard stuff. He must have been a Ranger or Special Forces. Fought the Sovs up in Alaska, they say he got over 150 confirmed kills, but the real number was double or more. He was too hard-core about wasting Ivan and anyone else that got in his way. He was accused of "unlawful killings" but shit! He got results! Finally he went AWOL, took out his CO. So they say."

Bear shrugged, it didn't matter to him. A dead pig was a dead pig, be it a cop or a military officer.

"Crazy sonofabitch, wierd fucking tribal tattoos all over his body, an Anarchy symbol on the back of his neck and a skull on his face... one freaky dude. Carries one of them .50 Barrett sniper rifles, kill you a mile away. All I know is don't piss him off!"

Looking like he maybe said too much, he continued, "well, ah, you want another drink? We got shit coming up on stage that'll blow your fuicking mind. We got Kandy and the snake, plus we got a real live bear... I don't want to spoil the surprise, but man, that's fucking something else!"

He winked conspiritorially.

"I hope they pull out soon.  Whoever this 'Brownstone' is, we have enough of a description to recognize him.  He seems to be a no-show and they need to get out of there."

"Well," Andy said, "if he ain't likely to show tonight, I guess it's time for us to be geting back. We'll be around again soon, so no doubt we'll see him sometime. You ready to go Tyler?"

Tyler's eyes widened at the thought of a guy rolling out with a Barret Fifty.  He smiled at the man's exploits, and gave one of those impressed frowns, complete with raised eyebrows, and an accompanying 'hmmmm' sound.

Tyler nodded to his comrade, and drummed on the table a few times.

"I sure am, buddy," he said lazily, feeling a tiny bit offish from the shot of whiskey.  "Let's make like a tree, and get the fuck outta here."

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #260):

Politely declining more booze and the opportunity to witness an exotic "floor show", the pair made their excuses and called it a night. They hadn't been everywhere in the building, but their trained eyes had picked up many useful details, and the wires recorded much crucial information.

As per plan, they mounted up and headed 10 blocks east to the old VPD station on the edge of the downtown, where Clarke, Lee and Kelsey were waiting with the UBC ERT/reaction team.

It was time to decide whether they would go home that night or stay in the building and go in the morning.