Re: YVR and the Free Market
In short order, the Cougar roared down the road to the UBC checkpoint on Marine Dr. From there, they crossed over the Fraser to Richmond, then across the canal from Richmond to YVR. The Troll checkpoint guards admired the muscle car as Tyler identified himself.
"Hey, that used to belong to Gene. I heard the Stickmen took it from him when they ambushed his convoy in Stanley Park. I see you took it back."
Tyler looked at Koldan, then back at the guard. The securing of Stanley Park had been an epic undertaking, involving several communities, the government, the UBC enclave, and even independent groups. "Yeah, well, my dad took it from them. When the Stickies got taken down by the government, we got ourselves a piece." He didn't offer to return the booty.
"Too bad what happened to Gene. He kinda asked for it, and hey, the Stickies got what was comin' to them, I guess. You with the Survivalists then, eh?"
"Yeah. That's me. Hey, you gonna let us in or not? We're independent contractors."
The guard looked down at his clipboard. "Sure, you're on the list. Drive on through."
Once through the checkpoint they crossed the bridge from Lulu Island (Richmond) to Sea Island (YVR). Tyler had some points of interest to cover, and he did so. The first was on the outskirts of the sole residential neighborhood to check out the M113 track mounting a 20mm M61 Vulcan air defence cannon. This was something the team had been concerned about in the planning for an assault on YVR. This stop didn't take too much time. There was no 20mm ammunition remaining, and the track wasn't running but could probably be repaired or have the engine replaced. This was a vain worry, it appeared.
The second stop was in front of the main terminal, where Tyler examined the ACAV that was parked there under the high overhang where passengers once fought for taxis. He chatted with the crew to put them at ease, then eventually found out that the minigun in the cupola was a rare XM214 "Six-Pack" in 5.56x45mm calibre, not the M134 7.62x51mm minigun as originally thought. They had several 500-round cartridges but didn't seem inclined to trade or sell their weapon. This situation might change in time (and indeed probably would) but while the Trolls would allow salvage of were not yet ready to be disarmed.
Over the next hour they examined the tarmac and hangars. There were few large military or civil jet or turboprop-driven transports left, but those that remained were had been grounded due to EMP and/or deliberately sabotaged by retreating USAF and CF personnel using thermite charges in their engines and cockpits. Likewise for the handful of smaller commuter aircraft and two helicopters. It would be difficult to repair any of these airframes and engines, and take a lot of scarce resources. However, there were several smaller prop aircraft that were more intact. A few days with a machine shop and Koldan felt he could make at least one airworthy.