Taking her "Go Bar", Rachel forced open a door into the office building where the LAV, vehicles and snatch team were located.

"Okay team, let's make sure it's still clear." The building was clear earlier, but she wanted to make sure it remained so.


Rachel Lee
Remington 870 (5 rubber bullets loaded) + 40 00 Buck, S&W 5960 (15/15) 2 spare magazines
2 Flash-Bang, 2 Tear Gas grenades, Pepper Spray
Clearing the building
This message was last edited by the player at 10:36, Tue 03 Nov 2009.

Fox took out the camouflage netting and concealing the LAV. It was parked behind some overgrown trees that had seen a few years between pruning. It wouldn't fool someone walking by, but from a distance in the dark it would be hard to tell anything was parked in the drive between the sidewalk and the building.

The ambulance, SUV, Taras' Jeep and the ATVs were parked in the building's parkade, between the LAV and the ambush site.

He reported on the radio, "Echo One, this is Uniform One. We're set up. Over."


SGT Fox
C7A1 (30/30) + 6 magazines, Hi-Power (13/13) + 6 magazines
4 C13 Grenades, 1 Smoke, 1 WP grenade.
Concealing the LAV-III, keeping watch
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Wed 04 Nov 2009.

"Good man," Andy agreed as he carefully set up his rifle, "I'll focus on the route but I doubt that we'll be needed."

He settled down and checked that everything was in order.

Andy
Sniper rifle
HP-35
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Tue 03 Nov 2009.

Lt. Shevchenko acknowledge the radio message stating the readiness of the team. Some concerns crossed his mind. The Undergrounders could detect their presence and spoil the mission. Moving such a large entourage into the downtown area was like the probervial visit of the elephant to the china shop. But sometimes you just have to follow your gut instinct.

Granted, they know that we are here...this is their terrain but...Yeah, the Undergrounders have a debt of gratitude towards us...

Torturing those thoughts the time was passing by. The occasional sweep of the surroundings with the NVG produced an array of shadowy green figures as a result of broken glass, overgrown vegetation and the shift of the moon and its reflection. Luckily the batteries were common AA type but they would wear out through the night. Kelsey was nearby, probably scanning other sectors or just munching some other thoughts of her own.

Is everything OK, Kelsey? Let me know if you need to go for a pee or something.

0338 Lima

After the various elements secured their area, they settled in to wait. There were a few radio checks from other units in the city (although the units assigned to OP SCREWDRIVER kept radio silence). The surveillance team reported people coming and going from Brandie's, a little more heavy than normal. Cyrus was still inside, or at least he and his entourage of five hadn't come out the front. By 0300 there were still at least a dozen other patrons still inside the establishment, including staff.

It was fairly dark out, but not pitch black. Although the moon hadn't yet risen it was clear and there were a million stars. The weather had turned cool, with a breeze blowing off the nearby water. The streets were deserted, there were no lights from the surrounding towers that seemingly empty.

In the middle of the night, there was a radio call from Golf, the "backstop" team. They were also the ones closest to the park.

"Echo, this is Golf. Uh, we have have something, over."

Go ahead, Golf.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #106):

The militia continued,

"Ahhh... I thought I saw someone, about 2 blocks down to the west, on Pender. I was conserving battery power for the NVGs, and by the time I got eyes-on they were gone. One person, on foot. Maybe at Nicola, traveling from north to south. Sorry, I got nothing more than that. Over.

Although it would be nice to have night-vision on all the time, equipment and batteries were limited. Measure to preserve equipment and battery power were being taken to extend equipment use.

Good job, thank you!

A quick brain check on the streets and directions provided gave Taras some peace of mind. Foot traffic was not to be overlooked but this time it didn't seem to represent a direct threat.

Keep a low profile and maintain watch. We are getting closer now.

Taras V. Shevchenko
Team Leader. Echo One-One
AKS-74U (45/45) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
6 RGO hand grenades
Demo charge (250 gr. TNT)
Talking on the radio.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Thu 05 Nov 2009.

0403 Hours Lima

Almost on the dot at 0400, there was a small burst of radio traffic from the downtown.

As there was only one station intercepting the signals (the outpost on top of Harbour Centre) it was impossible to determine the exact locations of sender and receivers, but there was at least four stations on the radio net for about five minutes. "Stations" in this case probably meant hand-held or tactical radios, not full transmitters.

Fortunately, none seemed close to the ambush point, which was in the northern part of the West End. Likely points of signals activity seemed to be somewhere around Brandi's, in the southern part of the West End, Yaletown, and in the south side of the False Creek area, even possibly around VGH.

The cryptic exchange on the open frequency seemed to last about five minutes, then all stations went quiet. Because of the low power and the intervening buildings, it was difficult to get an idea of what was being said. Two of the stations were positively identified as "Charlie" and "Bravo" (the other two call-signs were garbled and unconfirmed).

0420

There was no immediate reaction from the government regarding the intercepted signals. In about 15 minutes, there were reports from mobile patrols of unidentified vehicles on the move.

Initial reports were confused and contradictory, but it soon became clear there was more than one. One vehicle of an unidentified type was spotted moving east along Pacific by BC Place/GM Place, the other along Broadway. Ground units gave chase but were unable to intercept. They types of vehicles were still undetermined, other than they may have been civilian in nature, and not large enough to be armed military vehicles (like armoured vehicles or Humvees).

Great, so long for the surprise!

The thought came after all the flurry and radio activity. He knew that the downtown area was a hotbed of irregular activity. From the well organized bikers all the way down to professional survivalists growing up pot in the Canada Post central of just chasing the racoons away.

We better start assesing the situation here. Told to Kelsey.

Taras looked at his wristwatch. It was late. Almost morning light. He cross his hands behind the neck and arched the back while exhaling hard.

Out there there are active elements looking us. There are still far but we don't have time to activate our reserves neither is our intention to start a streetfight with whoever wants to join. That's it. we wait up to 20 minutes. After that we'll go home. Please Kelsey, rely the orders. Get a hold of our comrades at the old police station and tell them to monitor the viaduct for any incoming.

Kelsey relayed the orders.

After 20 minutes the OPs at the Police station and Harbour Centre did not report any incoming movement, there was no movement at all.

The observation team at the club didn't report anyone going in or out, no unusual movement. As well, there were no signals from the club indicating a state of alert.

As they were getting ready to move, the OP by Brandis sent the "go code" to indicate Cyrus was on the move, and headed their way.

Kelsey, signal for ready!

Taras V. Shevchenko
Team Leader. Echo One-One
AKS-74U (45/45) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
6 RGO hand grenades
Demo charge (250 gr. TNT)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #113):

The signal alerting all elements was sent out, and the various teams got ready. Engines weren't started due to noise control protocols, but everyone got prepared to move. The personnel in reserve stretched and got ready to rush the "grab zone", while the various lookouts settled down and made sure they weren't exposed or going to move at some crucial point and give up the element of surprise.

Cyrus and his escort, five riders in total, wobbled down West Pender and into view of Mac and Andy. A few of the bikes had front lamps powered by the wheels, and they provided enough light to navigate the few remaining abandoned vehicles in the street.

Looking through the eyepieces of his tripod-mounted x10 night-vision binoculars, Chris easily spotted the approaching figures. The tiny flickering lights showed up like spotlights in the light-intensifier scope. He checked the range, and then started to report the windage.

"Ahhh.... Master McRae, I got five tangos on approach, four hundred metres. Just outside Oceanic Plaza. They'll be here in a few. Windage is... wait, we're not shooting them. Uh, still, wind from 350 degrees, 10-12 KpH."

The flickering lights in the distance were easily picked up from Taras and Kelsey location. The darkness of night presented a dire need to the riders to bunch up together and that would facilitate the task. The explosive charge was tailored for a concussion blast that will knock down the Stickmen therefore providing a momentary advantage to proceed to their capture.

The idea was to let them approach the intersection unmolested and set off the charge. The use of explosives, and more so in military applications, always falls somewhere between the art and the science. Original numbers usually go out of the window when further input regarding the placement, surroundings, wind, temperature, etc is computed into the equation. Taras placed the charge at the ground level, not as deadly as an aerial location would be but certainly more capable than a partially or totally buried emplacement. The Combat Engineer also considered the proximity of a wall that would deflect forward the blast and the lateral buildings that would channel it. The amount of explosive was low, barely the same as in a couple of hand grenades but dynamite was also very noisy. Again, the urban landscape will certainly multiply the effect. Probably some glass will be shattered as well causing even further stupor.

Planning for the unexpected was also integral part of good combat enginnering. Many things can go wrong in the job: A bad wiring, a faulty detonator, even "life expired" explosive can ruin your day.  A couple of RGO grenades were left handy. The only aspect that didn't like much it was the fact that those were defensive and not offensive munitions.  A double layered aluminium pre-fragmented body would send some extra shrapnel down the way. Somehow it would compensate for the limited explosive carried, 90 grs. of trusty RDX.



Taras V. Shevchenko
Team Leader. Echo One-One
AKS-74U (45/45) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
6 RGO hand grenades
Demo charge (250 gr. TNT)


Taras will detonate at 20 meters aprox. from first "tango". If charge fails then will proceed to release 2 RGOs.

"Good spot, Mac," Andy replied as he followed the little convoy with his scope, "they've probably seen them but call it in anyway."

Kelsey sits in the drivers seat, if she is nervous it is showing probably in her current state of chain smoking Players 100's butt to butt, her left sleeve pulled up as she examines a rather bold tribal tattoo on her left arm in the dim light, her kevlar helmet hung on the barrel of her C8, the buckle on the chinstrap making a light 'ping' 'ping' against the metal of the barrel as it swings idly, visible in the dim light of the dial of the PRC-77.

Cpl Kelsey Champlain
Radio Central, Net Controller
Taras' Driver
C-8 Carbine - 6 spare Mags (5.56 NATO)
6 C-13 Frag Grenades
2 Smoke grenades (Green/white)
PRC-77 (w/scr)

Rachel was heating up some water for tea using an electric kettle sitting on a platform that folded down from the rear side of the LAV. It was plugged into a socket made for that purpose. Alongside was a hotplate. She unplugged both appliances and stowed them, after draining the kettle of steaming water. Her muscles protested after hours waiting in the damp Vancouver chill.

"Okay people, you ready?"

Rachel got the people around her moving, loading them up. Inside the passenger bay, she called up to Fox, "Sergeant, this beast going to crank up when we need it?"

As she waited for a reply, she made sure others' vests was on properly and gear secured, and someone else did that for her.


Rachel Lee
12 ga. Remington 870 (5 rubber bullets loaded) + 30x 00 Buck, 9mm S&W 5960 (15/15) 2s spare magazines
2 Flash-Bang, 2 Tear Gas grenades, Pepper Spray
Loading the snatch team into the LAV
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Sun 22 Nov 2009.

Seeing this was his cue from Rachel, Andy and his partner jogged up the sidewalk and ducked into the Royal Bank's parking lot where their ATVs, the SUV and Taras' jeep, and the ambulance was hidden.

"Let's get moving! Fuck, I'm cold. This will probably be the first time since the start of the war I've not gotten into a fight with the express purpose of killing the enemy and destroying property! I'll stay behind you."

He sat on the saddle of the 4-wheel ATV, playing with the ignition key, hoping it would start when needed. In his underarm rig was the taser. He hoped the CO2 cartridge worked and took down the target. If not, he'd run the fucker down.


Tyler Hope
Taser, 3 spare cartridges
CAR-15 (30/30) 6 spare magazines, M1911 (8/80 2 spare magazines
4 M67 Grenades, 1 CS grenade, 1 smoke grenade, 1 Flash-Bang
Waiting for action to start.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:21, Sun 22 Nov 2009.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #117):

"Thanks, Andy. Come on, you bastards... come to papa!"

He felt more awake now. His body had stiffened, waiting in the cold. Their job would be to hot-foot it down the stairs and seal off the street once Cyrus was past and the trap was tripped.

Mac flipped down his NVGs as the cyclists got close and tracked them via those, now they were close enough. He stowed the image intensifiers in their case so he could move quicker when needed. Noting the slight swaying and recognising it he commented,

"That's it... man, those guys look three sheets to the wind."


Chris "Mac" MacDonald
FN C1A1 (20/20) 6 spare magazines, Hi-Power (13/13) 2 spare mags
4 C13 grenades, 2 HC Smoke, 1 CS, bear spray, Medical kit
Keeping watch on approaching targets.

While everyone was getting ready, SGT Fox made a point of not being distracted and instead kept up a watch of the surrounding area. Sitting in the LAV's command seat he swept the thermal-equipped periscope back and forth, checking for heat signatures.

If someone was  waiting for a diversion to draw attention so they could strike from the flank, this was the time for it to happen.

Fox answered Lee, "Rache, let's hope she starts. Few hours, it's not even freezing out, shouldn't be a problem. Wish we could crank it up now or leave her running, but that's the problem with assholes on bikes, they can fuckin' hear us a mile away. Let me know when to close the rear hatch."

He alerted the driver to prepare to move out, then continued scanning methodically.


SGT Fox
C7A1 (30/30) + 6 magazines, Hi-Power (13/13) + 6 magazines
4 C13 Grenades, 1 Smoke, 1 WP grenade.
On alert in the LAV

Kelsey turns and gives Taras a tight smile and a thumbs up, her other hand engaged a moment to hold her earpiece to her head for a clearer signal from the radio, thinking she might have heard something.



Cpl Kelsey Champlain, CF
Radio Central, Taras' Driver
C-8 Carbine - 6 spare Mags (5.56 NATO)
6 C-13 Frag Grenades
2 Smoke grenades (Green/white)
PRC-77 (w/scr)

Waiting on 'go', engine off in Jeep, sitting in driver seat keeping Radio Watch.

This message was last edited by the GM at 07:50, Mon 23 Nov 2009.

The command element followed the group of cyclists as they approached the ambush zone where the concussive device was planted. There was a flash with some sparks, accompanied by a loud "Bang!" that echoed off the buildings.

All the cyclists were knocked down, rolling along the pavement in a crash of bicycles and painful cries. The LAV driver was able to start it smoothly and the APC rolled out. The Mountie "chaser" started his ATV, but Tyler had some trouble getting his started. Andy and Mac ran down to the street and out the door, sealing off their end of West Pender, while the "backstop" sealed off their end of the block.

By the time the LAV arrived in a roar of turbocharged diesel, two of the riders had struggled to their feet. The rest were still lying in the street, stunned. Lee positively identified Cyrus from the descriptions they'd been given and apprehended him. Tyler finally got his ATV started, and rolled out of the parkade to the adjacent intersection, in time to see two of the cyclists getting away, heading south up Jervis.

One was brought down immediately by a Taser shot from the other ATV chaser, while the other seemed to be making good his getaway. He was passing under Taras' and Kelsey's position, and they had time to get down to the street and intercept him.

Cyrus was in Lee's grip, being led protesting into the back of the LAV. "Get your hands off me, you fucking nazi fascist pig! I want a lawyer, I have rights!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:09, Mon 23 Nov 2009.

The ATV didn't start, the only answer to a turn of the key a whine of the starter engine. Tylet tried it again, afraid of stalling

"Goddamn it! Start, you motherfucking... yes!"

Tyler managed to start the ATV, then take off after his partner. He avoided the tangle of bodies being hauled to their feet and the waiting LAV, then tried to make some ground. He readied his Taser in order to bring the fleeing cyclist down, if Taras didn't beat him to it.


Tyler Hope
Taser, 3 spare cartridges
CAR-15 (30/30) 6 spare magazines, M1911 (8/80 2 spare magazines
4 M67 Grenades, 1 CS grenade, 1 smoke grenade, 1 Flash-Bang
Chasing down a cyclist, getting ready to tase him (bro).