The tender, juicy steaks were devoured fairly quickly. The animated BBQ gave a new dimension to the social scene. The locally brewed beer helped to break the ice. Taras learnt about Seth and his search for a new home:

I guess we all are trying to find a new place where we can carry on with life the best we can. I'm far, far away from Ukraine and sometimes it breaks my heart. Probably I will never see the land that my old dedushka loved so much

[See Taras bio for details]

A wave of nostalgic thoughts invaded his mind:

Oh shit! Here it comes...Excuse me folks, I'm getting a little bit soft here....
This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Wed 19 May 2010.

While the evening was winding down (early), the dinner was finished and some of the militia and RCMP Auxiliaries brought in a cake baked by the kitchen staff to celebrate the earlier capture of Cyrus and clearing the park.

While the members of the team involved in the next mission were getting ready to get some extra rest Taras walked towards the building of an old acquaintace. Mrs. Kwan was a long time friend since his arrival to the University grounds. Even though they appeared to be a world apart their common love for music and tea keep them coming back for occasional encounters.

Good evening, Mrs Kwan! I thought I'd drop by and have a little conversation if you wish...

While Seth joined in the BBQ with the others and was friendly with everyone, making a point of meeting all the other members of the DRI, he became a little quiet as the evening progressed.

The food was delicious but he couldn't help thinking about what his kids would be eating that night.  He felt guilty that he was eating so well when they probably weren't and it prompted him to approach Lt. Cdr. Clarke-Sullivan about organising an offer to his ex wife and her family to move to UBC.  She seemed to be happy to take on that discussion but Seth wondered how Lt. Cdr. Clarke-Sullivan would get on with his former father in law Patrick Adams.  Patrick was a man who liked to be in charge and so Seth didn't envy Lt. Cdr. Clarke-Sullivan trying to fit him into the organisation at UBC.  Patrick could either turn out to be a useful asset or a total pain in the ass!

After his conversation with Lt. Cdr. Clarke-Sullivan Seth didn't stay late at the BBQ, instead choosing to make an early night of it.  He was really looking forward to being able to sleep on a secure base and he suspected that he would sleep deeper than he had for a long time.

After a hot shower, a few of the local brews, and the BBQ steaks, Keith will relax some in a chair and just listen in on the conversations of his new comrades before they go out on patrol the next morning together.

"It is good to see you again Seth.  I thought I would've had some more luck finding my folks but, if these friends of your are any good, I may not have to look too far."

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #198):

She smiled as she helped herself to a piece of cake on a paper plate and plastic fork. God knows where they found those, disposable anything was getting pretty rare these days!

"I thought I'd find you here. I also wanted to see if you enjoyed the barbeque and the cake. Glad to see you did!"

Glad to see you as well!

The party was great. We are making some good progress here. We have a solid team that will go forward to negotiate with the New Westminster authorities. It is essential to get along with them before we move in the airport. I don't think they will need me there. I believe we have some more pressing concerns. Tomorrow I will meet with the Hydrogeology departement of the University.

Before the apocalypsis Hydrogeology courses at UBC were offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Courses integrated a variety of teaching styles  from lectures, labs, and computer modelling projects to site visits as well as a week long field school. The remaining teachers and alumni were conducting research on the Fraser river and the misterious raising of her waters.

I need to gather information about the shores. We need an intimate knowledge of the terrain. After that I'll be ready to dispatch some recce patrols.

Increasing emphasis is put on what the Red Army denominate "engineer reconnaissance": surveying routes in advance of columns, identifying mined or potentially mined areas, assessing portions of the route that could impede movement, and locating potential by-passes. Depending on the circumstances and composition of the reconnaissance party, at least an initial clearance of mines and obstacles along the route could be carried out. Usually, an engineer reconnaissance patrol for a conventional road could comprise a combat engineer section, a vehicle-mounted induction mine detector, a tank-mounted mine clearer and dozer blade, and a heavy mechanical bridge element. However, Soviet experience in Canada has modified this typical, largely vehicle-based composition for several reasons. The terrain just would not support such traffic. In the Lower Mainland he will perform a good part of their job on foot.

I decided also to expand our RCMP detachment. I want to start a K-9 section to support our operations.

The Soviet military has had formal dog breeding and training programs since the 1920's and dogs were trained to find mines (and to perform other functions) widely in World War II by sappers and other units. In Afghanistan, mine-sniffing dogs have been integral to movement support and became more important as the war progressed. German shepherds are the breed of choice and much has been written about their mine-clearing duties.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #202):

Belanger came over.

"Taras, I'm a little surprised you aren't going along to New West. If you remember, there is a Russian submarine there. There's not much chance of knowing anyone aboard, but I'd think that you'd be the best person to talk to your countrymen!"

He looked up from his beer.

"If you don't go, I expect you're going to lead part of the reaction force? Gunny Conklin will have command of the sniper team, but I'm going to put the ERT, Bulat's BMP-2 and BTR-70 plus two sections of our best Militia and the mortar team on alert, too. You'll have operational command of the reinforcements. We don't want another Black Hawk Down, so this is the best we can offer."

A couple months previous, Belanger had lent him a copy of a series of articles written in 1997 by Mark Bowden in the Philadelphia Enquirer. They were collectively called "Black Hawk Down: a Story of Modern War" so Taras was familiar with the folly of not having a viable "Plan B".
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Mon 24 May 2010.

Kwan nodded in agreement with Belanger.

"The river situation is important." She didn't realise he meant he wasn't so much concerned with the rising waters as how to move across them, laterally.

"Also, this trip to New West is important, too. If we gain their trust and cooperation, that will be crucial when we negotiate with the Billy Goats, as they are upstream and we're down. We can choke off their trade, and if we guard their bridges they'll wither on the vine. A good offensive plan will be in place if taking fails."

"I believe we could call this not unlike the "Powell Doctrine"." Ever the political scientist, she had obviously read up on the correct terminology. Unfortunately, the term wasn't familiar to Taras. "It means try non-violent options, and if they don't work then go in with overwhelming force with a clear objective and exit plan, and make sure there is a broad consensus. Sure, it's not quite the same thing, but many principles are the same."

She looked a little doubtful. "One problem... we don't have a lot of time to build a coalition and pressure them through what amounts to sanctions, assuming the people in New West and the Russian sailors will play ball."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:55, Thu 27 May 2010.

Well, I am not familiar with the "Powell doctrine" but I am with the "Sinatra doctrine" and that didn't worked well with the KGB...Anyways, I am well aware of the presence of that submarine but I do not want to rush things. Too many surprises at the same time may not sit well for the apparently peaceful New Westminster. Let the boys deal with them tomorrow. If everything goes fine I'm more than willing to jump in and continue the negotiations. If they are not so willing to come along it would be unwise to show all of our cards. It seems like they are Russian ultra-nationalists and Bulat, myself and a large majority of ex servicemen here come from other republics. I know is hard to understand Soviet politics but, believe me, perspective is everything.

The troika was getting along. Communication was an imperative for fluid progress. Military, civilian and Law Enforcement were the three points of this triangle.


I'm being patient on this one...Patience is a vital in the game of chess. Patience helps consider all possibilities, and most importantly, double-check your moves and allows you the time to ask questions. Are my pieces in danger if I move here? Am I leaving a piece unprotected? Am I weakening my pawn structure? And possibly the most important: Could I make a better move? Usually you can, and you have to make that better move.

Reaction force? Of course. It is unusual in chess to make a quick start with the Queen. It seems that our best piece will be moving forward tomorrow.  Used properly, an “early Queen’s attack” can be devastating! However, you should bear in mind that any early use of the Queen exposes her to risk. I will have ready a reaction force just in case. Wheels seems to me better option.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #205):

"Wheels only? You want to leave the BMP behind? That might be a good idea. There is little 30mm ammunition left, and Bulat is doubtful the one remaining guided anti-tank rocket is operational. The BTR-70 has nearly a thousand rounds of 14.5mm ammunition."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Mon 24 May 2010.

Yes, the pekhota will make only 60 kph, the BTR can speed up more than that and is more quiet. In the end we want to have a quick reaction force

Seth's face darkened with concern for his friend at the mention of Keith's missing family.

"I reckon that you're right," he replied.  "We might have landed on our feet here as this set up is much better than we've been used to.  I've been talking to the boss lady over there about bring my ex and her dad over to UBC."  He indicated Lt. Cmdr Clarke-Sullivan as he spoke.  "I reckon that this could be the best place for my kids at the moment."

He glanced around at the other people at the BBQ, introducing Keith to anyone who was involved in the following day's mission.  He was particularly looking for McRae and Fox and proceeded to tell Keith about his time in the PPCLI (mostly before the war) with both of them.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #207):

"Fine then, makes sense. Do you want to put the ERT in the BTR? Or have them in SUVs and a militia section in the carrier?"

Keith takes another sip on his beer and puts it down by his feet.  "That'd be great if you can get your family in here.  Maybe if I can find mine and pull my weight with this crew, I'll be able to get my folks in here too, once I find out where the hell they are."

Keith will happily meet anyone that Seth introduces to him.

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #209):

Will do otherwise. The ERT will travel under armor. They are more valuable after all. Red Army habits die hard sometimes. Militia will be mounted on a couple of jeeps The term SUV wasn't pretty much ingrained in Taras mind.They need more mobility to protect flanks or secure perimeters.

I'm thinking also of putting a forward base for the quick reaction force. I do not exactly know where but it seems to me that the University is quite far from New Westminster for any emergency. We should be able to get to any hot spot in 15 minutes or less. I'll take a look at the maps. MacRae will be instructed to ready his team and get the militia folks under his command.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #211):

"Any hot spot in 15 minutes? Taras, you don't know how tough it was to get around this city before the bombs, it can't be any better now!"

"At any rate, you wanted to talk to some hydrologists? Not so much about the river overflowing its banks as crossing it, right?"

It is precisely the lack of good road infrastructure what can ruin any rescue. Thats why we need to be relatively close. The blocked roads also play in our favor somehow...We can get a quiet place and quickly bolt out. If the BTR still having its plow attached as prepared for the Stanley Park operation, then, it shouldn't be a problem to clear obstacles like abandoned cars, etc. Get my word of Combat Engineer for that!

I need as much information as I can get from the hydrologists to plan for the crossing and have a clear picture of what's in store for the future. The nature of the river banks is paramount to prepare landing sites.

They had to wrap it up early due to the equally early start the next day.

Kwan arranged to have Taras talk to some hydrologists the next day about the river, and some beachcombers from the Musqueam were also there to add their views on proposed landing sites (of which they were all familiar) and how to remove logs and other obstructions. Indeed, they'd seen the BTR still had the "cow-catcher" mounted on the front, perfect for moving aside obstructions.

Clarke-Sullivan talked to Keith and assured him that once his family was located, they would be allowed to live within the UBC perimeter if they wished. Further, Seth introduced him to Master McRae and Sergeant Fox, and they agreed to have a beer some time and share stories, generally catch up.

Rachel and Kelsey seemed to be getting along as well as usual, and welcomed Chris (Mac) who came over to hang out with them.

Ed showed up, having completed his business, and he hung around with his son and Gunny Conklin for a while, drinking beer and snagging a hamburger to eat.

They were done and ready for bed at 2100, everyone having left for their own quarters.

A few beers down, and a steak, and Kelsey got a bit rowdy, challenging Mac to arm wrestling.  The canned scot baring a well cut bicep for a female and propping her elbow up on the table.
"Think you can beat me this time Mac?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #215):

"All right girl, you're on."

They cleared a table and got down to it.

"Best two out of three!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Thu 27 May 2010.

Mac won the first round, but it wasn't easy.

It was best two out of three, so they went again.

The next round, Kelsey gave it her all and prevailed.

It was time for the third and final round, to decide who gained control of postwar BC, the natives or White people.

Kelsey laughs and takes a seat, bringing the beers but at a respectful distance from flying hands, she sits at the ready and offers a bare hand to Mac, a challenging grin on her face.

"Remember the last time, when you were trying to impress that girl?  Who went home with her that night, huh Mac?"  Already taunting, truth was.. noone went home with that girl she mentioned, though Mac might have gotten the impression Kelsey did, she'd blown enough smoke that she has him half convinced that she might have....





Kelsey immediately regretted the taunting when Mac shocked her with a hard fought first pin.  She insisted on two out of three, and with serious determination pressed him for a win the second time, the table itself creaking.
"I see it comes down to this, Mac."  She finishes her beer and wipes her mouth with the back of her arm, then offers that hand, flexing it, people gathering around closer, and takes firm of his grip, setting into it.. but as they lock up her gaze wanders to the side, Mac starts to gain advantage and Kelsey barely maintains up with a wrist lock.  Her other hand snakes out and snags Mac's beer, downing it as he gapes, and losing concentration, Kelsey rising slightly and pinning him with a sudden dirty move.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Fri 28 May 2010.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #218):

Laughing, Mac pounded the table.

"Damn, woman! Again, we get the short end of the stick, through trickery and deceit! Fine, you win this time, Devil Woman, but it's not over!"

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg #219):

Kelsey polishes off Mac's beer and bangs the empty on the table

"Another rematch?  A glutton for punishment you are, my fine friend.  Then.. at the next party!"  She reaches over with a handshake and slaps his back with her other hand.  "Practice then, lift weights.. about a half litre at a time, eh?"  she laughs and gets them both another round of potent homebrew, three if Rachel looks up to it.

Later on, after more off color humor, loud talking, bragging, and various other soldierly duties she stretches and looks at her watch "Morning will be awful early.  I vote the next party goes down when I can sleep in, like.. til six AM or something."  She grins over at Rachel  "Anyone want in on the Five AM fun run?  Miss slave driver here sets the pace."