In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #260):

"I'll ask Tyler if he wants to go with you, Koldan Arkedyevitch. He's been chafing to visit there again, and he's also been dying to take that Cougar his father gave him someplace. He's already had offers to talk from the Hells Angels, so maybe you can follow up on that angle.

"You can go to the airport first to pick Tyler up, then visit the Free Market later."

Koldan had seen the cherry red muscle car parked in the street in front of the billet and wondered who it belonged to. It would certainly make a splash at the Free Market!




"Taras, your input would be welcome, I bet. You've probably been throughout the GVRD (the metro Vancouver area plus suburbs) more than anyone else so your help with route planning is probably invaluable."

"You know the destination: Ioco and Anmore, which is heavily forested and otherwise undeveloped. I'd like you to look a the fire hall on Sperling by Deer Lake, that seems like a good spot for a forward base. Be aware the Burnaby Mountain area got hit with a couple nukes, so Lougheed Highway, North Road and probably the freeway are blocked or unusable, but we don't know for sure."

As the others talked, Belanger drew Koldan aside. (See PM.)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Fri 25 Mar 2011.

Nic looked to the Master Corporal.
"Well, Miss Champlain," he hesitated for a second, "Kelsey Champlain, Candaian Scottish Regiment, expert in electronics. Am I right? And thanks for your welcome. Good to see you alive," he said with a smile

He put the empty mug beside.

"Miss Champlain please continue. I think you're the expert and therfore it's your job. In addition to that, I want you to be my second in command for the mission. As far as I remember you, you can handle it,"

Nic lookes a little bit sad in his empty mug.
"No coffee, only memories." he said to himself.

"Well, lady and gentlemen. We have to plan a mission. Please, show me your command post and we can start with fine staff work."

No doubt, he is a real staff officer and it seems that he likes his (German?) staff work.

"Good, That would make for a good entry indeed."
A boyish smile appeared on Koldans face as he imagined how fast the car would go. His hands moved to his pockets again, almost instantly producing a cigarette and lighter, drawing a deep inhale Koldan stepped away from the others and begun to talk to Belagner in low voices.

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #262):

When Von Stahl last saw Kelsey, likely she was a bit more lowly than she is now.. things change.

"Sir, I'm pretty good with a rifle too, had to be, and fair with a wrench and a few more things.  Things that training don't teach, too.  Thanks for the vote of confidence sir."  She gets a refill for him and motions to the others on the mission.  "Ok, this is tentative on our expert, but we have all worked in hot zones I am sure.  Keep your load simple, only carry what you are willing to clean thoroughly.  If you don't mind washing it in hot soapy, then you can bring it.  We will operate as if we expect trouble, and hope for the best.  We might want to bring some hammocks or something in case we run into more people that are exposed.  Can one of you boys talk to a medic about the best things to bring in that case?"

She watches Von Stahl a moment "Sir, would you like me to show you our LAV first?  I am thinking since this is critical, we move out as soon as we are situated with the nuke specialist.  One hour should be sufficient."

Andy nooded at the command structure, "This makes a lot of sense," he said, "with Kel as TwoIC I can work on a more roving role if it's needed rather than being stuck with the main group."

He looked over at Kelsey and said, "If you need any scouting done, Kel, I'm your man, though I'll do whatever you feel best."

Andy was very happy that not only were people willing to step forward, but that the command were willing to back such 'mustangs'. With any luck, Kelsey's brevet might become something more permenant.

In reply to Andrew Montgomery McRae (msg #265):

Kelsey gives Andy a toothy grin  "Awesome, Andy, thanks.  Unless you have input go get ready and meet us in the motor pool in six zero mikes, ok?"

"Affirmative," Andy replied, "I'll see you there."

He left the office to gather his gear ready for another mission.

Nic took the mug of coffee and listened to her explanations.
"Very good Ms Champlain. And I don't mean only the coffee." He said with a smile.

"Well, then show me your LAV. And on the way to the motor pool you can tell me something about our teammates."

Still holding the mug in his hand, he opened the door and gestured Kel to go first.

Taras was happy and not really too surprise to find the "german efficiency" machine working right in front his eyes:

...a Command Post...that's definitely a good start!. He thought.

As a Combat Engineer Officer is my duty to report to the Commander about the status of the terrain, mobility, etc. I'd like to interview our patient. He should be familiar with the site. We need exact location to point in a map. he should know also about the situation with the roads since there is scavenging in the area.

There are several problems here. First is the long distance to the refinery. The roads would be blocked in several places and that may need engineer support to clear the avenue of approach. For that I can recruit the BTR-70 with the plow. The vehicle is NBC protected and it can also provide fire support if necessary.

Major von Stahl probably wasn't aware that a limited fleet of a BMP-2 and a modified BTR-70 was available to the team.

I've been looking at the map trying to find out the Fire Department Kaserne but the only reference that I got is the "Deer Lake". It looks good on paper but there is Burnaby Mountain blocking any radio comms with the refinery. There is a University on the top.</Red>

Taras pointed in the map at the location of SFU or Simon Fraser University:



I do know that you are a fine Armor Officer but if you ask me the best avenue of approach and the best way to operate long distance comms is through the water. No obstacles other than the fallen iron bridge which is easy to negotiate and no persistant contamination as they are tidal waters. Our best forward operation base right now is "Harbour Centre". Is a tall tower with excellent commanding views and comms oportunities for the mission.

Regardless of the ground plan I'd like to set up a reaction force with the whale watcher to provide fire support with the grenade launcher, Medevac and radio relay. It could be launched from the ferry docks at Canada Place at the feet of Harbour Centre itself. In case of a medical emergency it would be faster to cross the Burrard Inlet that take the roads. I suspect that the best approach could be from the South, from South Marine Dr. and New West and up the Hwy 7 to Coquitlam.

In my experience with NBC recce, thank God that was only in training, the attached NBC unit was using at least two vehicles to scout a contaminated area. As in radio direction finding, the trick is in triangulate the origen of the radiation and for that you need at least two vehicles with the right equipment.

I will insist one more in the problem with long range communications. Kelsey should update us with the current capabilities that we have...

Shevchenko kept running his fingers along the map. He fumbled for a ruler to get some distances on the paper.

Nic was just leaving the room heading to the motor pool and having an informal chat with Keley to get some informations but he stopped when Taras brought some good ideas to the floor.

"Ah, Mr Shevchenko, good remarks. But not uncommon for a combat engineer officer."

Nic listened very carefully. Then he nodded and agreed.

"Ok, that sounds very good."

The German efficency started to work.

"Mr. Shevchenko, I need a command post to plan the recce. I please you to prepare a room for it, if you have got no OP available. In this room I need two big boards. On one of them I need a map, plaese no road map. I prefer a military map if available, if not than a geographical one. Then I need some transparencies for the map. Number 1 is for our recce, route, assembly areas, alternatives and so on. Number 2 for the possible contaminated areas, take the worst case scenario. Number 3 for weather condition. On the other board I need a list of personal and material, involved in the mission. Plus a short estimation of possible unfriendly forces and of course our own. Plus a time table, frequncies, call-sign and codes. Plus all information, in short, we have about the nuke."

Then he stopped and thought if he might missed something

"If I forgot something which is crucial then please add it on your own."

Then, still keeping the door open, he gestured once more to Kelsey to go first.

Very well, Sir!

The RCMP main HQ has a room to plan operations. We can use it. We don't have any military grade map. Probably Lt. Jagelis did have one but he's gone now. We do have access to topographic maps courtesy of the Hydrologic Survey. The rest of materiel can be provided by the University authority, no problem with that.

An estimate of the contaminated areas is not difficult to make, is local knowledge for the citizens. Not so much for the possible threats beyond our current Area of Operations in Burnaby. As I said, our patient could be of help if he still alive! Kelsey is our expert in communications and she can provide all the call signs once we figure out all the elements to take part in the operation. My main concern is the long distance to cover. I'll go an prepare the room. Probably Belanger can mobilize the RCMP and Militia commanders for any briefing.

Kelsey clears her throat from the door "Lieutenant Taras, the patient died this morning, I'm afraid all interviews will be a bit one sided."
She frowns a moment.
"Can all this intel be ready in Three Zero Mikes, then?  We have a schedule to meet, and shall not tarry.  I think quick action is called for.  I'll supervise the mechanics check the filters on the vehicles, and get my own kit together, if we can do any further intel in the motor pool?  Also, can I request a medic for the mission?  MacDonald is recon and medic."

She'll lead Von Stahl to the motor pool, where the LAV and others are kept, trying to take them by the dryest route... but unfortunately they will likely be soaked anyway.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Sat 26 Mar 2011.

"What a mess. I think one source of information fade away."

In the motor pool, Nic tokk a look onto the LAV doing a quick visual check up.

"Good shape," he said more to the LAV than to himself or Kelsey.

"Ms Champlain, it seems to me that you have a good reputation among the others. I am new here and I'd like to here something about the men. Are there a lot of defectors from the Soviets or former Canadian Forces Personal?"

Meanwhile Nic and also Kelsey where soaked.

"Well, I think we are pretty wet, wet enough for today. Let's go back. There is a lot of work to do."

Rest in peace the poor soul...

Taras crossed himself a couple of times. The thought made him nervous. He lit a cigarette.

I was thinking about forward basing in New Westminster. You can avoid most of the contaminated area going in a roundabout and drive up the Hwy. 7 up to the area of operations. It should be faster driving all the way Marine Dr. We just cleared that route. Is a valid option.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #274):

"Thanks Eltee, saves us work, since you know the layout the best"

She commiserates with Von Stahl about being so wet "The wet is to our advantage with contamination though, so that is the bright side of it.  See you back here in 30 mikes and we'll do checkdown for the trip"  She pats the side of the LAV where it is garishly painted Lovin' Spoonful and grins.  "Thanks, this was my baby for a long time, I'm also a mechanic, apprentice machinist, and originally just good plain poor bloody infantry"  She moves to get her kit together "Go get dry before we get wet again, and see you back her in thirty sir"

Nic came back to the briefing room, pretty wet because of the rain.

"Alright gentlemen, let's start our planning process. First of all, what our fixed times? Because this would be the essential condition for our recce.
The idea using a boat sounds nice, but ist the boat NBC-sealed? However, I prefer two NBC-sealed vehicles, minimum two geiger-counter onboard per vehicle."

He folded one's arms behind his back and started walking through the room.

"At first, we have to organise ourself. Ms Champlain will take care of our comms, right? Who are the other specialist for our work? We need somebody who prepares the vehicles, even the boat, checking equipment and so on. I think we Mr Shevchenko will start planning or is there another one?"

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #276):

Note: this happens when convenient. If needed, after the briefing?

When possible, the Major was shown the team's pride and joy, the LAV-III Kodiak "Lovin' Spoonful".

It wasn't a real panzer like the Leo 2s he'd been training CF tankers to use, but it was the closest he was likely to get this side of the Rockies without climbing into a T-72.

The Spoonful was restored to cherry condition by the University mechanics over the week, and quite surprisingly, all the sensors (thermal and IR periscopes) functioned, as did the radios. It had some extras: on each side was fastened a wooden box containing a Claymore mine that could be detonated electrically from inside. A rotating gunshield/cupola had been added to the commander's position, so the vehicle was even taller and a little more top-heavy but making it a lot safer to sit up top. In the cupola at the commander's station was installed a C6 GPMG (MAG-58). A Canadian flag flew from the aerial.

When they started the engine, it bellowed and ran cleanly. Instead of the stink of burned alcohol or diesel was the smell of... fried food? The LAV was running on something cooked up in the chemistry labs called "bio-diesel" using community waste. It was a lot better for the engine than regular petroleum products. Although they had close to 2000 litres manufactured, it was slow to distill.

Belanger made some calls and within the half-hour a somewhat decrepit BTR-70 showed up. It had been painted blue and was marked "West Vancouver Police Department" with prominent Canadian flags, including one flying from the aerial. This beast was a lot more stripped down as Russian vehicles typically were, but at least the 2 radios worked and the KPVT had a full load of ammunition.





(Note: the team's BTR is like this with front bullet-proofed windows for visibility but the water cannon, plow blade and skirts have been removed as not currently needed. They can be re-attached if needed.)

Mechanics swarmed over the APCs double-checking they were NBC proof, primarily by installing filtered air compressors on the BTR (the LAV was already good to go. Both vehicle hulls had already been sealed as well as possible due to the possibility of using tear gas in earlier operations and/or the need to travel through the water.

Taras V. Shevchenko introduced Major von Stahl to the odd looking vehicle. He explained the raison d'etre of the machine: The group of mercenaries lead by Bulat Izhmailovitch was the original owner together with a BMP-2. The BTR-70 was put back into service with the newly reinforced West Vancouver Police and helped mostly to protect the Northern approaches to the city.

One of the first, and probably most succesful missions, for the recce team arrived from the island and willing to return the Lower Mainland to normal life, was the contact established with the authorities through this soviet struggler. Once relations between both sides were reestablished Bulat and his men and women were able to cooperate with the new Government. This was due in part to the will of Bulat to settle in Vancouver and take full advantage of the medical facilities for his heavily pregnant wife that UBC, as part of the reconstruction process, could offer.

One of this missions was the takeover of Stanley Park. For this matter Taras did modify the vehicle in order to conduct road clearing operations adding a snow plow as well as skirting the sides with rubber to protect the vehicle against one of the favorites weapons of the former propietors of the park: Cocktails Molotov. The BTR-70 would be used again as quick reaction force platform during the hunt for the technical along Marine Dr. again with positive results.

Taras explained that it was his intention to recruit this APC with basic tripulation complement to provide the same services regarding mobility support taking advantage of its current modification. The heavy machine gun added extra firepower for the team while the crew was positively pressured inside against NBC agents. He also insisted that the BTR would provide an extra element to triangulate the radiation and speed up location of dangerous materials.

Finally, the ukrainian offered a quick tour of the spartan interior of the vehicle demonstrating the manual operation of the turret:



Regarding the boat element, Taras was unable to physically showing the zodiac but with the help of one of the locals a throughout description was provided:

A high-speed Zodiac, 30 ft. rigid hull inflatable boat, powered by twin Verado Mercury 4 stroke outboard engines. Used to belong to a whale-watching and marine tours company.



Taras explained that this RIB was also previously used in the very first adventure  and "saved the ass" of the team while using a pintle mounted 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and conducting extraction of the team from this ill fated mission. He pointed out that being an open vessel the crew would wear NBC overalls. He estimated the distance between Canada Place and Port Moody as roughly 10 miles that could be easily be covered in less than 30 minutes. A "Roentgen" counter, in Soviet parlance, would help to calibrate the level of radioactivity along the Burrard Inlet.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Mon 28 Mar 2011.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #278):

The RIB was stationed at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, it was easy to make it ready to travel.

Duel Geiger/Roentgen counters were each added to the LAV and the BTR.

New Westminster was contacted and they offered a site for a forward base for the team. It was a high school (Cariboo Hill Secondary School) located just across the border in Burnaby, at more or less the NE corner of New West territory. It was actually outside New West's security perimeter, but it had been used as a forward command post for operations to contain the many fires resulting from the nuclear strikes so the firestorm didn't spread south enough to overwhelm New West. The buildings facing Burnaby mountain were damaged but the large gymnasium was intact and could quickly be reconnected to the electrical grid. A nearby reservoir uphill from there provided ample running water for internal plumbing. They reported that they believed the school (or at least the one building) could be made functional and cleaned within an hour or so.

Major, I'll be happy to work on the planning with you. I will get Bulat to prepare the BTR for your mobility and firepower support. He can offer a basic crew but not dismounts I believe. I can take care of the quick reaction force element. We will set base at Harbour Centre. This tower was previously cleared and is the best radio spot around. The zodiac will be close by the ferry terminal at Canada Place. I'll bring with me an ambulance for any MEDEVAC. We just need a call sign and we can be from the QRF base to Port Moody in 20 to 30 minutes.
Any other help you may need I'm here at your orders.

As requested, a planning location was prepared.

It was a briefing room in the RCMP detachment HQ on campus, a few blocks away. It was not unlike the briefing room at their billet, but was closer to the communications link to the militia HQ at Jericho, the 911 system and the RCMP Auxiliary force.

The team moved there to continue the planning after the vehicles were examined. Mac joined them.

When the reached their destination, Nic forced everybody to build up their small -but hopefully effective- command post.
Two maps where hanging at the wall and big cork board was removed from his Land Rover which was a mobile command post in war-time.
In addition to that, they took a chest with them containing pencils, markers, transparencies and other writing utilities, ready to be used for planning.

"Ok lady and gentlemen. Let's start our work.
At first we need a grouping of our mission.
We will use the LAV and the BTR. Mobility is granted. But how many dismounts do we have?

Then we need a route, better two or three.
With a look on the map I would say Clarke Road - Murray Street - Loco Road. But we need alternatives. If either the radiation is too high or we run into unfriendly people.
Both could happen, couldn't it?

Then we need some rally points. One to link with our QRF.

Do we have some information about the area we are going to? I am new here. Who is living there and who is the local authority?

Do we have an idea of the radiation and contamined zones here? For example in Port Moody?"

Nic paused for a moment looking in the faces staring at him.

"Taras, can you provide us information about the area? People, radiation and so on?
Ms Champlain, can you do a radio check with everybody, pealse? Main focus is among the two vehicles and the QRF. Then make a suggestion for grouping. I think the LAV is good as a commanding vehicle.
And I need a vehicle status. Fuel, oil, ammo and so on."

"Well, that's it. Let's go."

Nic took his tactical folder on a desk nearby. A lot of paper and maps were it. Some in German, some in English.
Then he walked to the map and started to plan several routes.
______________________________________________________
Do I forgot somebody?
I assume that Nic took the LR to go to their new base.

"Course she is sir, I take her as my responsibility"




"We have some soviets, some CAF, and a fair bit of Americans.  All seem a pretty good lot, the soviets seems fiercy loyal and competent.  The Canadians we have are all excellent.  I do worry some about the loyalties of the Yanks, though.  We do have a fair number of Canadian citizens that were not prior forces, the often lack in training but their hearts are in the right places."



"Comms, primary, I also double as a mechanic, fabricator, and a few other things sir.  I'm also a pretty good rifle, not to toot my horn.  What duties do you want me to perform as XO?  Command a spare vehicle, or run the net on the main?"




She'd have tied in whatever antenna were installed on the school and set up one of her mobile units, probably slaving off her bigger vehicle mounted unit.

Kelsey stops outside the gym with a few of the others and looks at the pictures.  She points and laughs at one in particular.

"Check out this dork in a pink shirt and a black leather tie!"



"I'll do you one better sir, and I'll have a new set of call signs assigned and radio check each one prior to roll out.  I start at the end of the meeting.  Any particular duties for me other than commo?"  (in other words in a fresh post)

Sir, the BTR is in good shape and full units of fire for the main gun, 500 rounds and the co-axial with 1,000. Bulat is technically the owner of the APC, well, actually the West Vancouver Police but is leasing it with the crew of commander, driver and gunner.

Regarding the routes I have to say that I never been over there. Near the nuclear explosions was a big no for the locals and I spent most of my time in Vancouver East Side. Since we are tied to the nuke recce I'd go for the faster route along Lougheed Highway and use as alternates Gatensbury or Cape Horn Av and Mariner Way...

Taras was reading the names of the roads that were somehow running a similar and Northernly route towards the Area of Operations. The status of these roads were certainly unknown.

I'd use the Coquitlam Centre or the railway station as a rally point and from there move to Port Moody and set a second RP at Rocky Point Park were the QRF can be met as well. From there run a search Northwards using the vehicles from ground and the zodiac from the water.

By the way the zodiac is operated by the militia and they have a Mk-19. If you authorize more armamanet they can get also a machine gun or something else from the store like rocket launchers, etc. They are issued OZK protective suits.



and gloves, of course...

"I understand that there is a full crew of Russians, but this is a joint operation, and I am the Executive Officer.  Might it be reasonable for me to be commander of the BTR, instead?  That will also give us a native English speaker on board it for ops.