A couple of athletic young men stepped forward, smiling nervously and trying to keep up their bravado at volunteering for this punishment.

"I guess we, uh, just run for it? Along the grass, of course, don't wanna take a header on the pavement!" Kamal spoke, a slim well-kept Indian man in a turban and scraggly beard. Eddie loosened his muscles a bit. "Yeah, let's do this, eh?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:17, Tue 29 Sept 2009.

Andy set himself up in a good position overlooking Cyrus' anticipated direction of travel. He found a heavy table and placed it a few feet behind the window he would be using to observe from.

He intended to be back from the window in order to avoid being spotted whilst still being able to cover his angles. Andy checked his rear security carefully and then checked his kit once more. He was wearing his combat uniform and his webbing was arranged to allow him to lie down comfortably. His ammunition pouches carried six magazines for his carbine and a second pouch on either side carried two frag grenades, a couple of flash bangs and a smoke grenade. He carried a couple of canteens on his web belt and his radio nestled in a pouch on his suspenders.

The top left pocket of his BDU jacket held two spare clips for the Parker Hale and his NVGs were clipped to the opposite suspender.

Andy rested his carbine by the side of the table and laid his sniper rifle on it. He got behind the big rifle and checked out his zones of fire. He checked ranges and memorised landmarks at different distances.

Happy that he was prepared for the rehearsal he used his radio, "Radio check."

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #52):

Mac joined Andy, also kitted out for the mission, although at this point they were still on-campus and just practicing.

He also has his FN plus six mags in his webbing, his Hi-Power with 2 spare mags in his CF-issue Combats' pockets, a four C13 frag grenades, and a couple smoke grenades plus a tear gas canister.

If any bugger tried to run past him, he planned on simply walloping them with the heavy wooden stock of the C1A1 battle rifle. Couldn't do THAT with a friggin' plastic M16/C7! Nothing fancy, although he also took some pepper spray and got some zap-strap flex-cuffs from Cpl. Lee.

As he wasn't planning on running too much, he had his heavy Kevlar vest (heavier than the US PASGT version and protection against rifle fire). His helmet was attached to his webbing was wearing his green beret instead. As well, he brought his binocular, gas mask, NVGs, and filled both his canteens.

They were in the rez building down the block from the intersection, and they had a good view of the "simulated" Cyrus' approach.

"You know, at some point we should both go down and practice being on the snatch team... just in case we need to switch things up?"

When Andy did his radio check he did his as well, also checking his flashlight. Andy noticed Mac had shaved, but still kept the neat moustache and goatee he'd grown while staying with the First Nations Muqueam band.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:59, Tue 29 Sept 2009.

After returning to the campus, Fox kitted himself up.

He was going to be the gunner-commander of the LAV III, so he didn't need to gear up too much. Aside from his Kevlar vest and helmet, he took his C7A1 and slipped 6 magazines into the webbing pouches. Along with 4 C13 grenades he took an M7A1 HC smoke and M13 WP grenades. He took his Hi-Power plus a couple mags. Although the LAV hjad NBC filtration and night-vision, he took his NVGs and gas mask, just in case, and filled his canteens. When acting as commander he would wear the CVC helmet or his maroon Ariborne beret instead of the infantry helmet. The rifle and extra gear (along with a tactical radio) he stowed in the turret bustle.

"Well guys, I gotta see the LAV's in top condition. I'll join you when we get to the run-throughs. Don't want my driver running everyone over 'cause they don't know how to handle this beast!"

Once in the LAV at the afternoon's practice, he went through the vehicle's passenger bay and made sure it was cleaned out, with no weapons or anything else that might hurt or assist the detainees that would be put in the back. Satisfied, he spent time making sure the RCMP auxiliary was familiar with the big wheeled APC's controls. He himself checked that the 25mm autocannon, 7.62mm coaxial MG and commander's C5 GPMG were fully loaded and functioning (to the extent that he didn't fire them). Next was the check of the comms gear, NBC filtration units. The only thing he didn't check was to see if the hull was still water-tight and amphibious, and of course the night vision (thermal and IR).

Lastly, he made sure he was familiar with the Claymores that had been mounted in their wooden boxes along the hulls sides, with the electircal leads leading to the Driver's hatch. (Putting them up into the turret would of course restrict the turret's traverse). Fox debated whether or not to instruct the volunteer Mountie on their operation, but finally decided that was a little too risky in a situation where they would be operating with several dismounted elements, and it was unlikely that anyone would charge the LAV en masse.

"Okay, that's it! Too easy."

Satisfied, he had the driver roll the LAV over to where the others were practicing for the night's op.

Andy packed his kit up and said, "OK, Mac, let's go down there."

He headed down with his friend to where the snatch squad were rehearsing.

Training was hard. Good coordination was necessary at many levels. Mostly at the personal one. The interaction of the members of the team was the secret to a smooth move. Taras didn't have a part to play so active as the snatch team and after a few rehearsals he did have some time to share some thoughts with the head of the RCMP Mr. Belanger. Seems like the old veteran wouldn't miss the oportunity to check in scene some good old training as in the glory days of the now defunct Airborne.

Belanger, while this operation is going on I would like to keep a close eye on the airport. I've been checking the maps and seems like there a few bridges that connects the island with the North, East and South. If possible I want to have a discreet recon on those bridges and see what's their status, if they are defended or not, etc. Recollection of intel is a time consuming task and we cannot afford to lose the momentum.

Alain was surely making mental notes on this comments...

We have some other means that we can exploit to our advantage. I hear that the youngsters are working on a remoted piloted vehicle that can be equipped with a camera. Aerial surveillance would be great!

OOC: It would be great if we can get an Intel tab on the airport on the Intel threat.

After exchanging some formalities with his boss he inquired to Fox:

Sgt. Fox? Is the LAV-III an amphibious machine? Could it cross the North Arm of the Fraser river?

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #55):

Chris slung his medical bag over his shoulder. Although he was working with Andy as a spotter, he was also the team's nominal medic. He'd managed to somehow avoid the combat that the team had engaged in, but he wanted to be prepared.

"I agree, it's good to keep our focus on the Airport."

"I'll detail some of our Musqueam contacts to recce the airport a little. Keep an eye on them, and report if all the bridges are guarded. I seem to recall they are, with at least a pair of sentries on all the bridges other than the Arthur Lang."

He made some notes.

"I'll have to check my files, make some calls. Get back to you after dinner."

1601-2000 Turn

After practicing the manoeuvers over and over again for a couple hours, they were satisfied that everyone knew their parts. To a degree they were also cross-trained, so that they could switch personnel if need be.

At 1730 they broke for some dinner. Around them, the other units and personnel prepared for the general assault on the Park, scheduled for whenever Cysrus was safely in their grasp. Cmdr. Clarke-Sullivan was in charge of that aspect, and she seemed to have the situation well in hand.

Dark would come at 1900, and soon after Cyrus would be on his way. Once the surveillance team reported he was at Brandie's the snatch team could move into place.

Field security is all about the concealment of own's strenghts and most particularly the intentions. Hammer time was about to come but it was also time to lower the curtains of military security over the operation. Analisys of threats showed to Lt. Shevchenko that a primitive but effective form of surveillance was casting a shadow of doubt. The localized radio emissions and the occasional spotter reported over the Beach-to-Hornby line translated into Taras mind as an early warning screen that will broadcast the arrival of a substantial force to downtown including a large armoured vehicle and several others that forming a convoy would ring alarm bells in an undetermined yet HQ.

Taras transmitted his concern to the team:

...So therefore, I decided to change the route for tonight. We will avoid the bridges not to set or trigger any alarm about our arrival...

Nopt happy with that, the ukrainian called the attention of Belanger and Kelsey and commented to them the possibility of establishing a serious and concerted effort of counter-surveillance over this issue:

For tonight, the absence of movement over that area will suffice to move around the enemy's intelligence cycle. In the future we may consider active measures and always consider camouflage and concealment for every operation.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #60):

"Taras, if you think the bridges are under surveillance, we'll take that very seriously. Do you want us to send in patrols to check it out? So far, our patrols have been staying on the south side of False Creek and east of Granville in the downtown core."

He thought for a bit.

"Andy would be perfect for this kind of situation."

"Are we about ready to go?

It was after dinner, they were all as practiced as they could reasonably be.

Belanger, we need to have a detailed intelligence on the people controlling thae Airport and its approaches. Being an island itself, from a military point of view is quite easy to defend. That's what makes me think that they have all the bridges covered. We already have some concerning news about some bunkers and automatic weapons and the APC in the middle of the main bridge.

Obviously Sea Island, the geographic accident that contained the airport and fuel storage was a target of extreme importance. So far it was under control of an armed gang that was making use of extorsion and preventing the free access to other areas like the city of Richmond in the South. Regaining control was paramount.

They seem to be well organized. I calculate a strength of a company with strong command and control and surveillance as well as response elements. They are in the lookout and that's why the UBC party looking for scrap got into trouble.

Taras was making reference to a previous incident well known in the community. It appeared that a group of residents where summarily evicted from the surroundings of the airport by the heavily armed group in control of those shores.

I recommend to start our recce missions as soon as possible. I'd like to start with a quiet watch over the situation on the bridges and also the along the South Shore along the South Fraser Arm. Again, I will like to have the cooperation of the Musqueam Indian Reserve. They are our closest allies physically and... spiritually!
We have a clear advantage: In this situation the enemy is holding a well defined defensive position but it's exactly this lack of dispersion what will make the takeover easier. Unlike the Hell's Angels that are wildly spread, those guys will be easier and quicker to bring down. But lets focus for now on tonight's operation...

Operation "SCREWDRIVER" was about to unfold. Specific instructions were given to special purpose team taking care of the snatch as well as key individuals in charge of comms, overwatch, etc.

The patrol order format was ready including the situation and specifically stating related to the enemy forces their location (basically their approach avenue), strength, identification and terrain and weather as well. The previous recon of the area being an excellent preparatory exercise.

Regarding the friendly forces, the team was briefed about the nature of the mission one more time, the location of one and each individual and that was highlighted in the previous training including cross training. For security reasons, an additional force will be available as a reserve force if needed being located in the old Police Station in downtown.

Then came time for the coordinating instructions. Particular actions over the objective, movement techniques and routes were included. As a result of the previous intelligence on the radio emissions and activity on the South area of the downtown peninsula an alternate route was decided for the team. The approach will be conducted not through the compromising bridges but driving all the way East and turning North on Main St. towards Chinatown and from there to the heart of the West End, the final area of operations (AO). The return route was unchanged as the mission would not be compromised after the capture was effective and the Burrard Bridge was the shortest route out of the AO.

Due to the joint nature of the team, military and civilian, special care was taken in stating the exact method of handling prisoners, wounded or dead. A final review of frequencies and call signs and chain of command was also reported.

Time schedule still up to be decided. The mission was not time related exclusevly. The target will provide much of the timing of the operation. Departure time will be choose right after the final inspection of weapons, other equipment and vehicles was done.

The team gathered together in the motor pool next to the vehicles that will take part in the mission. They were ready for a final inspection. Darkness was almost upon the city now.

Andy stood by the motor pool with his gear ready for inspection and any final instructions befor ethe operation.

1900

Dark had arrived. The HAZMAT van, keeping to previously established routine, headed back to UBC via the roundabout route. It would be out of character to have it out after dark.

The vehicles available for the snatch team were the LAV III, a Suburban and UAZ-469 Jeep, 2 ATVs and an ambulance (with 2 paramedics). The reaction team was in 2 vans.

1. Command (Taras/Kelsey) ECHO
2. Backstop (2 Militia) GOLF
3. Lookout (Andy, Mac) VICTOR
4. ATV Chasers (Tyler + RCMP) CHARLIE
5. LAV-III (Fox + 1 Militia) UNIFORM
6. Snatch Team (Lee + 2 RCMP) ROMEO
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:36, Fri 23 Oct 2009.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #65):

Kelsey looks over the available vehicles, she'll decide what command is taking if no one else will.

"Got me driving too, Commander Taras?"

She readied a radio to place.. temp.. in the vehicle they were taking.. maybe that jeep for mobility  "Or shall we inhabit the Hazmat?"

Go ahead and take the wheel!

At this point Taras will supervise the formation of the convoy and will go the order to march as soon as everyboby is ready.

Andy looked over at Mac and said, "OK, looks like we're good to go."

He got into the vehicle that would take them to their OP.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #66):

Pausing as she was about to mount the LAV, Rachel looked over at the HAZMAT van and looked doubtful.

"We already got 2 SUVs, 2 ATVs, a LAV-III and an ambulance. Adding the HAZMAT would make this into even more of a circus. Plus, it's never out this late and so this would be really out of character. Also, it's a valuable asset to risk and it's not crucial to the mission; if anything goes wrong we could lose it and that would really hurt our general intelligence-gathering."

"On the plus side, if someone has us under counter-surveillance, this would be the best chance we have of intercepting their signals, bar none."

"Taras, what do you think?" She looked over at the mission commander.

Hmmm...the HAZMAT van eh... We will use it and we will not use it.

The pause was intended as an invitation to resolve a mental riddle not unlike a chess problem. There was an apparent conflict between making use of a valuable asset and risking it.

Deception! We are going to use the van to trigger the interception of possible signals but we will not include it in tonight's area of operation. The van together with the regular police cruiser escort will be taking the place of our original route. They will be crossing the Burrard bridge instead of us.

A slower speech helped to convey Shevchenko's idea. He produced a city map from his side pocket:

Look, we were aware that the southern areas of downtown, along Beach Av. and the North end of Burrard and Granville bridges may be "hot". Faint transmissions and possible overwatch. That's why I decided to switch the route to avoid possible detection.

He was drawing with his finger the route to be taken along the Broadway corridor towards Main St., Chinatown and finally the heart of the West End using an elliptical detour.

The van will fill our route but once they cross the Burrard bridge they will quickly turn right and will return using the Granville bridge. With this rather strange move, if there is any surveillance at all, will surely trigger an alarm that will be registered.

It was a feint, a provocation. Basically an unorthodox move intended to call their attention and help to gather the elusive Intel that could compromise further operations.

The van has a limited escort but by the time they will be executing their dance our convoy will be not far if some serious threat arises. Once the van has executed this maneuver we will be free to move forward and the HAZMAT can return safely.

The planning was a direct application of Maskirovka. Including "Imitation" (A "HAZMAT" van), "Simulation" (a HAZMAT mission), "Demonstrative Action" (mislead the enemy regarding plans and operations) everything shrouded in a veil of disinformation. Implicit were the four main characteristics of this art of war: Activity: giving the enemy a false idea cause then to dtermine incorrect estimates. Plausibility: make it to look real. Variety: avoiding the pattern, substituting the snatch element by the HAZMAT team and finally Continuity: Maskirovka must be part of all plans and must be continued throughout an operation. This was no different.

I will give the instructions to the people at the van and request their escort. We will have a rally point in the intersection of Burrard St. and West 4th while the HAZMAT team conduct their loop.

Alan whistled.

"Nice... provoking a response, and then using the same asset to detect and measure the response from close up. Well done! I guess you're ready to go, then. Best of luck!"

He looked impressed with the idea, but he was already obsorbed in planning the bigger operation that would occur later on in the early morning.

Fox cranked the LAV-III's engine, and the diesel fired up with no problem. The machine really liked the bio-diesel, and there was no cloud of dark smoke spewed out like it would with a petroleum-based fuel.

"Wagons ho!"

He waited for the rest of the personnel he was transporting to mount, and while he did he moved the turret and weapons, just to make sure they were functioning correctly.

Rachel mounted the LAV, making sure her team was situated.

She called up, "Sergeant, we're ready to go."

The rear ramp raised up behind her with a hydraulic whine.

"All right, time to rock!"

This pace of furious action followed by stretches of down time were frustrating. Still, it was far more exciting than hanging around that Goddamn little island, trapped by the water on one side and the Stickmen freaks on the other. He felt energised, alive, even though he understood that most of the night would be spent waiting for Cyrus to pass by in the morning.

"Let's get it on!"

He got into the Jeep with Andy and closed the door.

Mac got climbed into the rear of the civilian jeep, letting Andy drive.

"Okay man, let's go!"