In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #311):

"Can be washing wehicles in the field."

"Enough to being safe. Extensive decontamination will be taking place back at forward base."

In reply to Vitaly Mikhailovitch Bezhov (msg #312):

"That was my plan, just wanted to have the place in mind just in case".
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:04, Fri 08 Apr 2011.

Taras didn't mind who was going to use each weapon system as long as the operator was knowledgeable and proficient enough. After arriving in the Marina and before enlisting the whale-watcher the Ukrainian ordered the troops to suit-up the NBC coveralls. Moving, breathing, adjusting at the novelty was difficult. It was long time ago that any memeber of the team did any practice with the protective garments. Fire weapons drills, transport of the munitions and even operating the comms was challenging.

Early training paid off immediately. Something rained on Taras:

My friends, not a chance to use night vision properly with these masks. Better find some good proyector and flashlights. And there will be no cover and concealment over the water so we will have to stock up some smoke canisters.

After the initial training was completed and each one of the troops was confident in his or her skills under the bunny suits, Shevchenko contacted Belanger in order to proceed with further training after lunch. He was planning to sail to North Vancouver, near Horseshoe Bay to train on safe boating, navigation and real fire training from the zodiac before the real mission.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #314):

"Cool, I'll handle the "Carlo", then." Sheeler nodded. It had been a few years since his AT training but he'd fired a practice round not too long ago and so he was moderately familiar with the weapon.

Taras' personnel, Droz, Sheeler, Bajorek and Chau, got themselves sorted out at the Marina. They were trained on using the bunny suits and basic decontamination. Droz was armed with a Sterling (C1 SMG), Sheeler an FN (FN C1A1), Bajorek a shotgun and Chau an MP5.

Taras received the green flag from Belanger to preceed with further training. He radioed the North Shore to communicate his intentions of conducting a short but sound live fire exercise in the waters of Horseshoe Bay, the former ferry terminal.

The weather didn't help a bit. Heavy rain and generous swells promised no fun in the park. Enlisting the full complement of personnel, weapons and ammunition took time and after some musical chair moments trying to find out the better positions on board, the team sailed North. Under the current conditions the use of the weapon systems with success was almost impossible. Shevchenko expected that the calmer waters of the training area would better reflect the actual conditions to be found at the end of the Burrard Inlet. Once arrived they performed their fire drills including feeding, aiming and clearing malfunctions before the real fire took place.

Everybody got to play after a rocky spot over the shore was selected as target: Sheeler fired the Carl Gustav and the rest took turns with the collective weapons. A grand total of 48 rounds for the Mk-19 were spent as well as 100 rounds for the PKM released in short bursts. After this each memebr of the crew could have a chance to refresh his or her skills with personal weapons. For that matter, Taras moved closer to shore. By the time the quick reaction force team returned to baserd everybody felt more confident in the aspects of the mission regarding boating and firing. For most of them it was the first time this was accomplished from a "floating" platform and for everybody this was the first time altogether to do so in full NBC posture.

Some sort of special bond was also a result of this experience. The ex Lieutenent thought about it for a while but soon he forgot as he was trying to enlist the rest of the equipment needed for the operation.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #316):

The permission to conduct live fire at Horseshoe Bay near the BC Ferries terminal was denied by West Vancouver. It was the home of their fishing fleet and home to most of the population. Although they wouldn't be firing directly at the fleet it didn't seem like a good idea to be lighting off practice rounds basically on the town's doorstep.

Instead, they were directed 8km NW across the Strait of Georgia to Gambier Island. There were also people on Gambier Island, but there were several relatively sheltered bays that would be isolated and perfect for their use. The open water wasn't actual open ocean and still relatively sheltered. Still, the 15 minute trip from Horseshoe Bay to Gambier wasn't very pleasant but they ultimately weren't in any danger.

Troy Defazio, the young Signals personnel on loan and former naval cadet, was of great assistance. He made sure they were safe as they traveled, and no personnel, weapons or equipment went overboard. At the "target range", Sheeler fired a rocket from the Carl Gustav at the target, a boulder. The projectile struck the target with a loud "BANG!", amid lots of subsequent cheering. "Damn! Looks like I haven't lost my touch!"

Once they returned to Canada Place, they were tired and wet. The facilities were rather primitive where the boat was actually docked next door at the Seabus terminal. It was like camping, although at least they had a solid roof over their heads for the night.

After, Taras and his personnel traveled back to UBC from the downtown, leaving a section of militia to guard their temporary base of operations.

Later that afternoon, everyone (except Koldan and Tyler, who were still away) met at UBC for dinner, prior to leaving for New West, per the plan.

This was a chance to bring up any issues of importance or changes to the plan.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:32, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

"Major, I have another suggestion."

"The route I outlined has an obvious flaw. The final route to and from Ioco is along the same narrow road along the water's edge. It would be much better, I think, to vary the route there, too. I suggest we scan the route along the water, then take that one first, then return further inland using this road, here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:22, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

As Commander of the support element in the water I'd like to suggest the idea of coordinating signals for fire support.

You see... we have an explendid gunboat ready. What kind of stuff do you have to mark targets? It is easier to locate a target with some visual signal like a flare or tracers. Then there is the possibility to use the grenade launcher, rockets or machine gun fire. Depending on the signal that can be worked out too. Radio comms are going to be difficult once the shooting begins!

In reply to Robert Duncan Fox (msg #319):

"That would be why the boss wants dismount in the area, to provide physical security.  This is sticky no matter how you look at it.  I'm thinking of dismounting myself or be ready to, from the BTR.  Certainly I will have optics out and seeking."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #321):

Nic was listening very carefully to all the details.

"Marching order is ok. I will lead the patrol from the commanders's seat of the LAV. Crew and dismounts is ok. Schedule is ok."

He looked onto the map.

"Marching routes are ok. Do we have alternative routes? Just in case one route is blocked. And do we have some information about hostilities? Gangs or something similar?"

Then he turned to Bezhov.

"Mr Bezhov. You and our men will dismount in safe distance and will walk to the site where the nuke is. You will do your examinations and then leave the site.
I think it's clear -to everyone- that the dismounts can not easily embark the vehicles. At first we have to pull off the NBC suits and must place them in a save box to clean them later."

"Well, I think the mission is claer. Let's start with drills and preparing our equipment."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Sat 16 Apr 2011.

"We have a different exfiltration route planned, along ASR Austin and then ASR Mariner Way (as you suggested). We could move switch to that if the primary route along MSR Lougheed is blocked."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:53, Sun 17 Apr 2011.

Rachel began next, with her threat assessment.

"As for possible threats, we have the following:

- The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (aka HAMC, HAs, Angels, etc.). Including allied clubs, potentially hundreds of members, known to possess one V-100 armoured car. Smalls arms are confirmed, possibly heavy weapons (unconfirmed) from clandestine suppliers in what's left of the US Army. Clubhouse in Coquitlam by MSR Lougheed. Typical "chapter" is ten-twenty "full-patch" members under a President/leader and Sergeant-at-Arms. Training is believed to be limited to some former military personnel.

- A mercenary force under a rogue US Army sniper who goes by "Mr. Brownstone". Numbers unknown, equipment unknown. Based on known recruitment methods, personnel are likely military-trained (former US, Canadian, Soviet soldier) and well-equipped. Brownstone himself is reputed to favour a Barrett M82 .50 calibre sniper rifle. He's not just a deserter but a suspected war criminal and mutineer who has alleged to have not only engaged in unlawful killings of civilians and US military personnel. Location unknown.

- Los Diablos: A street gang that's been around for decades.
Formerly located in Burnaby around Metrotown, now somewhere in Coquitlam. Primary membership before the war was Hispanic, once allied to the Lotus, an Asian gang. Numbers, exact location and capabilities unknown. Thought to be small in size (around 20) and defensive in nature, poorly-armed, non-confrontational with regards to a well-armed force. Thanks to Koldan for this information!

- New America: intel suggests that remnants of the neo-Nazis kicked out of Alberta and central BC might be migrating to the city. Numbers and locations unknown, cells are well trained and highly motivated, plentiful small arms and some anti-tank weapons."

"Yes, Major."

"Decontamination is not necessary at the site itself. Contaminated articles can easily be safely stored until we rendez-vous back at the park. Both vehicles will carry a quantity of liquid detergent and water for cleaning. If we do not have the time to decontaminate in the field, it can be done at the forward base."

In reply to Robert Duncan Fox (msg #323):

"Regarding alternate routes, I'm relatively familiar with the whole area, at least before the war. I visited the RCMP detachment there a few times and of course been down Lougheed highway hundreds of times.

"Koldan and the Major went down Lougheed Highway a few days ago and it was clear, but things could have changed."

In reply to Zhang Rachel Lee (msg #324):

He listened to Zhang's explanations.

"Thanks for the short intel briefing Ms Lee. Due to your explanation it seems not likely that we might run into a roadblock or get into trouble by crossing there -let's say- territory"

"Taras, my idea to coordinate fire support is using flare guns to point targets and to uss smoke to mark our own position if necessary. In darkness we can use light sticks. We'll fix one at the end of a small cord and then someone will turn it in front of his body. You can see a illuminated circle. And this is our position."

Excellent, Major. We'll be ready to provide fire support from the zodiac then. My crew and the little Potemkin is ready to be deployed!

Taras couldn't help to show some enthusiasm. It was his first mission in a maritime element and even though it was not devoid of dangers it was a clear departure from the usual operations.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #328):

"I'm raring to go, too!"

"Major, for the record, what are your suggestion for drills or procedures for the following situations?

1) Road obstruction (abandoned vehicles, flooding, tree fall, etc.).

2) IED or mine.

3) Ambush while we're mounted.

4) Armed Roadblock by possible hostiles.

5) Contact while dismounted (at the refinery or at the RV point in the park).
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:08, Fri 22 Apr 2011.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #328):

Nic looked surprised to Taras.

"Little Potemkin? I hope we don't need to be afraid of mutiny."

Nic smilled.

"Mr Fox, give me e few minutes and I will give you the battle drills."

OOC: Which means I will post it this evening or tomorrow.

"Now is a good time then to go over our protection measures, yes?"

For the mean time, Bezhov instructed the team on decontamination and hazardous materials handling. They practiced putting on or taking off their "bunny suits" (NBC suits). Although of course most had experience in such an environment, it was years since anyone had put on a bunny suit in earnest!




Those assigned to monitor the Geiger counters were instructed in their use and how to keep a log of the readings.

No rotten meat on this one, Sir!

Taras gave the crew the marching orders to prepare the mission.

After the instruction about the NBC-suits - which was a little bit funny seeing everbody trying to handle the suits - Nic took a small note pad from his jacket.

"Mr Fox, battle drills and procedere arethe following:

1. Road obstacles: BTR with shield is the first vehicle. If possible the BTR clears the way. LAV will provide covering fire if needed. If we are faced with an obstacle we should keep in mind that might be an ambush. If we can not clear the road. We have to look for an alternative route.

2. IED / mine: Depends on situation. Rule no.1: away from the explosion site. Either break through or stop and go backwards. If one vehicle is it and immobilized the second on has to do a so called crash rescue. Grab the guys and then away. Always be aware of an ambush.

3/4. Armed roadblock. We are not here to fight battles. Therefor we should avoid every gunfight. If we are hit (e.g. ambush) then it depends on the situation if we break through or evade and try another way.

5. Contact while dismounted: Avoid firefights. Especially in NBC-suits. Back to the vehicles. LAV and BTR will provide covering fire."

He closed his small writing pad.

"Questions lady and gentlemen?"

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #333):

"Not really. Separation while traveling is about 10-30m, closer together where thr road becomes narrow and winding, basically depending on visibility? My route-finding was based on about 40 km/h speed on the road, on average. We can speed up or slow down, as necessary."

"Major, one thing... are we getting a patrol order?"

"Yes, you will get a patrol order."

"My intention is to give a short order for our march to the forward operating base. There will be a briefing for our mission and patrol order just before we leave."

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #335):

"Yes sir. I added and fleshed out the return/alternative routes to the map, in light blue. Also, the Rendez-Vous points are marked with purple circles. The northern RV point is Coquitlam Centre mall, you and Koldan drove by there. The other is Centennial High School off Austin Ave (for some reason it's marked as "Medical Centre" on the map, but whaterever)."


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:48, Sat 30 Apr 2011.