Koldan didn't think to much about it. Answering Tyler's unspoken question with a nod. Picking up the radio he answered
"Sure, we´re on our way."

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #11):

They were still on the island airport, so this detour was a minor one and perhaps important.

After Tyler pulled over at the fire hall where the Vulcan-armed M113 was stored, Gunny Conklin met then and leaned into the window. He was minus his Ghillie suit but still had his sniper rifle slung across his back.

"There's been a lot of traffic in Richmond today. Lots of bad-looking characters. Some bikers, some I don't recognise but are armed, which is unusual. They seem to be heading towards the Free Market. You're probably safe there, it's neutral ground, but just be careful about your route and don't stop for strangers!

"Also, Clarke-Sullivan asks if you can look for a mortar and ammunition of some kind, that would really help a lot! Plus, the Major's got that M67 recoilless that needs 90mm ammunition. See if they got any? Ah, I think it takes 90mm M371A1 HEAT."

YVR was on a smaller island at the western part of the mouth of the Fraser, Richmond was on a larger island slightly upriver to the east. The Free Market was on another island, reached by through Richmond, or bypassing most of Richmond to the north, then looping south at the eastern end of the island.

As Gunny Conklin leaned into the window Koldan offered him a smoke, Listening to what he had to say he nodded now and again. The advice about taking the shortest rout made sense of course, but it made Koldan nonetheless fell a bit sorry.




"Thanks for the heads up, we keep an eye out and make it fast, so I don't think it´s going to be a problem." Koldan smiled as Conklin continued his eyes narrowed a bit concentrating on taking it all in.




"Sure I can do that, What calibre is the mortar? And I guess it´s mainly large calibre ammo we´re looking for? Anything else while we´re at it? And could you ask someone what kind of heavy tools there are around here? I would like to start asap when we are back."
Turning to Tyler Koldan asked. "Anything You can think of? And lets go around Richmond, I think we gain both speed and time by doing that." As he talked to Tyler Koldan produced his Makarov and and placed it in his lap as a safety percussion.

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #13):

"It doesn't really matter what kind of mortar, generally you'll find either a 60mm or 81mm mortar from our side, 82mm or 120mm from yours. A 120mm would be nice, either/or whichever you can get the most ammo for, I guess!"

"Most of the tools were taken but this is a big airport, quite a few remain. Plus they got more at UBC. If you want to work on fixing a plane, I think you'll have the means to do so. I'll look into it today."

"I think taking Marine Way, the secured route we recce'd, is a smart idea. You guys take care of yourself."

Thanking Conklin, then drove off in the rain, heading across the bridge north across the river to south Vancouver instead of the bridge to Richmond.

Later in the afternoon (1400-ish) they arrived at Annacis Island, in the Fraser. The drive was uneventful but Tyler showed some brains and drove cautiously due to the poor visibility. The route was mainly secure and they were waved through two checkpoints and passed a patrol (although it was always possible for someone to infiltrate the route at several places).

They went over the Queensborough Bridge to Queensborough, at the tail end of Richmond (and Lulu Island), just north of Annacis Island. From there they would traverse another bridge to get to Annacis and the Free Market.

As they drove, Tyler observed the wide road bordered by abandoned housing at the foot of the bridge they just passed over, "this is good place to ambush a force coming from north if you got the weapons and training. There are some abandoned cars and a truck we passed you could use to quickly block the lanes, maybe set some IEDs. Take a couple minutes tops for someone who knows their shit. Set up in the houses already, hit a mobile force with AT rockets, stop them with no place to hide out here on the road, it would be ugly. If you got a mortar, it would be a real slaughter."

Annacis Island was basically an industrial park/island in the middle of the river. It was connected by two bridges, one from Richmond to the north and another massive bridge (the Alex Fraser) to Delta in the south. There were abandoned foundaries, factories, warehouses, shops, empty lots once meant for cars unloaded from Asia before the war, plus an inactive sewage plant.

View south from Annacis Island (bottom) to Delta (top):





The turnoff to the Free Market was to to the left. The massive bridge was in front of them. At the turnoff was some kind of security checkpoint made from sandbags, manned by several men who looked like mercenaries, about a dozen total. They were dressed in surplus US and German camouflage rain gear and webbing, carrying HK91 rifles. With them were what appeared to be two Hells Angels, the bikers looking uncomfortable in the downpour and driving rain. Young men, both clean shaved, not the stereotype of overweight middle-aged bikers with big beards and copious tattoos. One was carrying a hand radio, both had sidearms in holsters at their waists. They seemed to be in command of the security force.

Tyler clucked as he looked at the miserable-looking mercs and the pair of bikers.

"Well, we got three options. Turn around, which is suspicious. Go in (turn left), what we came to do. Or go straight past them, cross that bridge south, but I never been down there and don't know that area."

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #16):

"Go in Tyler, I don't think we have anything to worry about." He recognised one of the young bikers, Koldan felt sure of himself, yet he picked his Tokarev and cocked before putting it under his thigh. He then rolled down the passenger window.

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #17):

"Shee-it, you brought that damn hockey bag fulla weed, let's see if we can get something for it!"



Tyler pulled up in front of the bikers who were obviously in charge. The mercs let them pass because whoever wanted to cause trouble wasn't going to do it in a restored '68 Cougar.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:59, Wed 13 Apr 2011.

One biker was wearing a ball cap with the word "POLICE" in white, the other was wearing a cowboy hat. Both were soaking we and looked miserable. The one wearing the ball cap stepped forward, looking at a list of names on a piece of paper under a plastic slip-cover on a clipboard.

"You guys here for the Free Market?"

Kind of a redundant question, as today (Saturday) was when the weekly Free Market was held for 12 hours (0800-2000 hours).
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:25, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #19):

Koldan looks at Tyler's expression and chuckles " I told you not to worry." As the biker steps forward Koldan lights up a cigarette and offers one.



"Yes that we are. Lots of folks down there today? " Koldan smiles and ignores the list. Hoping that the muscle car and and his wining smile is enough to get em through.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:25, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #20):

"Yeah, lots of folks in for the meeting. Everyone's worried about the river level rising and all, people are looking to unload stock so there's good deals happening. Don't worry, we'll still be open until 8pm, the meeting is afterwards. So, no guns inside, no fighting."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:26, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #21):


"Haha. Well maybe we should have taken a truck instead." Koldan smiled at both the biker and Tyler "Witch one do the best businesses around here, And if you want something.. special where would yo go then? "Waiting for the biker to answer he then contionues
"What do you think is going to happen then, what have you heard?"As he spoke he took up yet another cigarette and offered to the biker and then leaning a little bit out of the window Koldan reached out a little bit.  "You wouldn't mind me checking that list, would you?"

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #22):

The biker looked thoughtful as he took the gift.

"You want to buy something for... home defence? Then talk to a guy named "LaSalle". Ask around with the guys at the gate, tell them Velez sent you.

"Sorry, man, can't say what the meetin's about. Pretty important, all the chapter presidents are here with their Sergeants-at-Arms." He didn't show the list. "Are you lookin' for someone in particular? A friend of yours?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:26, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #23):

Taking time to Analyse Velez answer before answering it Koldan nodded. "Yes, that would be what I might be looking for, thanks."

Nodding a second time Koldan tugged his lip before answering. "No, no one in particular, Are the meeting open to all, or is it invitations only?"

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #24):

"Naw, man. It's a closed meeting, members-only. It's "church", if you know what I mean."

He was telling the truth about the arms-seller. Koldan also understood that "members only" meant full-patch members of the Hells Angels were welcome to the meeting. The biker explained the rules, about buying and selling, and no firearms in the market and no fighting in the parking lot. Buyers don't pay anything, sellers pay a percentage.

"If that's it, then drive on through. Follow the signs, you can't miss the market."

In reply to helbent4 (msg #25):

"Yeah, I know what that means" Koldan had been sure it was for members only, but to hear what they planned and thought about the river would be sweet indeed.
Listening to the rules he nodded. "Well that sounds good" stooping for a moment he then asked.
"Is Crash around here? Last I heard from him he was heading this way."

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #26):

"Crash? You a friend of his? Yeah, he's here. Go to the "Howling Dog", the bar. He'll be there until the meeting. Tell him I said he owes me for taking his fucking shift! Bastard."

The tattooed biker looked past them as a beat-up rusty truck pulled up.

"All right, fuckin' beat it. Get going."

He waved them through, already forgetting them. As they drove through the checkpoint, Koldan noted that some of the tattoos naturally looked criminal in nature. Russian criminals had extensive tattoos, and as he occasionally traveled in those circles he had a few himself (although not nearly as many as the career criminals gangsters).

Tyler drove slowly and carefully, not wanting to peel out in the rain.

"Man, did you see those tats? Not on the bikers, but on the mercs? I recognised some white supremist ink there, neo-nazi shit. Interesting to know."

After a few seconds, when he thought they were out of sight of the roadblock, he handed Koldan the hand radio (keeping it out of sight) and said, "duck down so they can't see you, and do a radio check. Our call sign is "Rider", we're contacting "Granite" in New West."

In reply to Tyler Gabriel Hope (msg #28):

"I certainly did, I wonder what kind of arrangement they have..." replied Koldan, with a thoughtful tone in his voice. That could be interesting to know indeed.

Keeping out of sight Koldan takes the radio and attempts to perform a radio check with the contact in New Westminster, as previously arranged.

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #29):

"Whiskey this is tango, radio check over "

"Tango this is whiskey, we read you lima charlie* over"

"Tango out"

The radio check came back with a fair amount of static. They were a few kilometres away from New West but mostly across water. So it was likely that their backup in New West was on some kind of boat.

Driving through the partly-abandoned industrial park, they followed the signs to a large 3-warehouse complex. They passed by at least a few concealed positions hidden in the buildings, covering the approach.

The factory and warehouse buildings holding the market itself were formed in a "U" around an open courtyard, with some of the market in the middle and parking in the open end. Several civilian vehicles were parked in the lot, mostly pickup trucks and SUVs, some with trailers, plus a couple 2 and 5-ton U-Haul vans. More armed mercenaries patrolled the area in the rain. There were a few motorcycles parked there, but not more than a dozen. It was likely that if there were more bikes, they would be parked out of the rain in a warehouse nearby.

Tyler parked where the security indicated. Before getting out, he checked his concealed Detective Special and Colt .45; he was leaving his Garand inside the car.

"Well, what's the plan? Want me to stay here? Back you up inside?"

"Belanger says we're looking for an 81mm mortar and ammunition. Major von Stahl also wants some shells for the recoilless, if we see any."

"Nah, you better come with me, I don´t think anyone would be stupid enough to steal from here." Koldan smiled, taking out a bag and closed the car door gently, then he searched his pockets for a smoke and lit it. "We take a look around first, see what's available, we also need to see Crash, but first things first, We look mortar ammo first, if we find some for the recoilless then it´s a bonus. Well Tyler ready to make some business?"

With a smile Koldan strolled against the free market, looking any form of checkpoint, he wouldn't part from his weapons unless he had to.

In reply to Koldan Arkadyevitch Dzhamgerchinov (msg #32):

They found a couple of kids who were eager to watch the Cougar for a couple of decks of smokes. "Cool! We'll watch your car!" The armed guards (mercenaries with shaved heads) insisted they leave their firearms in their vehicle, assuring them that no one was going to start trouble in "their place". If the HAs were running things, then it was certain anyone would be crazy to!

Once inside, they passed by an open warehouse door. Over a hundred motorcycles were parked inside, and a couple more ridden by Hells Angels rumbled by to join them. It was obvious that there was some kind of important meeting or gathering going on, and the armed guards weren't mercs but armed HA bikers (prospects/probationary members), one armed with a MAC-10 and the other with an Uzi slung over their shoulders.

They walked on, Koldan's hocky bag full of weed slung over his shoulder. They came to the main area and despite the rain there were throngs of people wandering about, several hundred at least. Stalls sold various dried goods and fresh food, carts sold fried and cold food like drinks. Finding the Howling Dog, the bar where Crash was supposed to be waiting, they were about to decide to go in Koldan's friend came stumbling out, almost bumping into him.

"Koldan! You Russkie son of-a-bitch! Shit, I gotta meeting to go to... we should get together some time and have a beer!"

Crash was middle-aged with a beer belly, balding but with a grey beard. He was trying to keep the rain off his head by pulling up his leather jacket. Under his armpit was the butt of a pistol, probably a Colt .45.

"I will tell you my new address, you can come by tomorrow? I'm thinking of getting into the weapons trade with some friends."

He gave his friend the address that he'd been given for the "safe house" in Burnaby that would be his home. From there, in the kind of "no man's land" between New West and Vancouver, he would pretend to run an arms dealing business.

"Crash" went along his way, after getting Koldan's information. Also, he would be around the next day, so if they visited the market they could contact him there.

For the rest of their stay at the Free Market, Tyler and Koldan arranged to trade the weed for an 81mm mortar and two dozen HE shells, plus a 57mm rocket for Nicolaus' recoilless rifle. Unfortunately, they would have to pick up the ordnance the next day (none of it was kept on hand). They spent a lot of time talking, trading, getting hammered.

As well, Koldan was able to gain information (rumours) on subjects like the mercenaries (they were white power fanatics, possibily New America, hired by the HAs to provide security at the market). As for the market, there was discussion about moving the market to some place in Surrey. Others joked they were going to ride out the high water on one of the two riverboat/paddle-wheelers based out of New West.

As for the HAs, there was some kind of leadership meeting going on at the market. This was worrisome to UBC leadership, as the HAs had the numbers and armaments to be a threat but so far didn't have the unity.

Later, they left safely and reported in. Then, Tyler and Koldan made it to the safe house in Burnaby. The next day they would complete their arms deal and meet with Crash, so they wouldn't be able to go on the reconnaissance.