We need some way to make one of them friends, we want to rebuild, not fight a war.  Do you think the Soviets can be reasoned with?

It is the same strategy as in Central Europe; they will like to trade space for whatever they can get in the negotiating table. The military power is there, plenty of it! Probably they got a hold of part of the units that became rebels to push the offensive.

I wonder what capacity they have in Vancouver Island to contain them. The Red Army is at the tail end of their own logistics. In that case the attack must be short and in strength to ensure quick victory. As far as I remember they stopped at the road towards Comox as this military based was nuked... Clearly, taking advantage of the lack of radiation they could deploy a reduced Motor Rifle Division to take over two thirds of the island. From there is easy to access the Sunshine Coast and eventually get to Vancouver. But that will require a good size Navy...

Probably they are trying to negotiate over a settlement or maybe the war is going too well for them and we don't know it!

A message was coming through on the long range net.

It was Cdr. Clarke-Sullivan at the HQ out in UBC. The gist was that there didn't seem to be a point in recalling the recce team as there wasn't much they could do to influence the situation on the Island, and even if there was transport couldn't be arranged for a couple days. In the mean time, Taras was to conduct a patrol down to the border area and determine the status of the Truck and Peace Arch crossings. As well, any US forces on Canadian soil were to be located and escorted across the border. Until the situation with the Soviets was resolved conflict with the US military forces was to be avoided. Any goods and supplies looted on Canadian soil were to be confiscated if possibe, and Taras was being given the authority and leeway to press charges as he saw fit although it would be doubtful that any Americans would go peacefully.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 155):

Relaying the message to Taras, Tyler asked, "what's the plan, Sergeant? How we gonna track those guys down?

"It's funny, I haven't been back to the USA for over a year now. I guess the US military would consider me a deserter. Or turncoat. Although I am working for an allied force under the auspices of the US federal government, it's not a government they recognise."

Well, the orders are to move towards the border. Make sense. On the other hand we have those bandits around. I think we should raid the Hell Angels clubhouse now that they are defeated and then follow orders and go for the border. Seems like there are two crossings that we have to cover. I will need more information. Le3ts get the team together!

Andrew's gave Tremblay a hand moving the heavy MG across from the tank. He also took the opportunity to look inside and see the damage the Carl Gustav had done to the tank. Not envying the crew even if they were not under attack with anti-tank weapons he took a moment on top of the turret to survey their surrounding before returning to the task at hand.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 158):

It looked like the 2 hits from the Carl Gustav didn't do major damage. Obviously, or the tank wouldn't be drivable! The holes caused by the 84mm HEDP shells were easy to tell from the 76mm HESH rounds. The former left little holes from the HEAT warheads while the latter didn't leave any holes at all but had sloughed off a quantity of interior armour as spall.

One 84mm round had penetrated the engine compartment on the rear left. It hadn't done enough damage to stop the tank but it had affected the engine. Two of the Russians from Bezhov's SAM carrier had the access hatches open and were trying to see if they could repair the engine. The other 84mm penetration was through the gun mantlet. It too hadn't done a lot of noticeable damage but the shockwave inside the turret had knocked the gunner out. That left only the driver active at that point, and he'd decided to bail out.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 157):

"Or at least get the band back together. The MG is mounted on the Humvee. The M240 has been dismounted. Please let us know who's doing what, and where? And where we're going?"

Tremblay indicated the Humvee, which now had the massive Dushka mounted in its cupola.

Very well. I think the border crossings are close to the coast? In that case we should go back to our base in New Westminster. But I still thinking that we should pay a visit to the Hell's Angels clubhouse. What do you think?

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 161):

"If we are going to pay a calling card now would be the best time. I don't even think they will be expecting it." Andrews ran his hand over the stubble on his chin.

That's what I think. With their leaders arrested and beaten after the fight we should take advantage and see what we can find there. Hey Polski! Gear up, we are leaving then. Folks, get ready with your humvee.

Andrew's gave a nod "Sounds good lets get some eyes on the place at least." and made his way to the Humvee. He does a quick visual check of his gear and then a function check of his rifle before stowing the Carl Gustav on the back seat while everyone walked over

The Cougar vehicle was ready to roll with the original crew: Wayne Lo at the wheel, Darek as gunner and Taras next to him. The previous shotout had left a dent in the ammo levels but after a little bit of TLC the interior was somehow more welcoming. Once again the Maple Leaf was fluttering in the air.

And onwards to the starrrsss!!!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 165):

"All right, holdon you Russian bastard. I'm coming!" He grabbed his AKSU, tools and gear from the parked T-54 to transfer them back to the Cougar.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 165):

Keith looked at Taras, then at the other vehicles.

"Fine, that's the Cougar. Who else are we taking? Where are people going?"

Anybody else goes in the humvee. Destination: The Hells Angels Clubhouse.

"Do you want me to come, or to stay here?" asked Mac, who had been attending to farm chores.

There is room for you if you want to come along. I'm not expecting much resistance if any. I don't have a special plan for this. I just think is just a good oportunity!

"Thank you," said Mac. "I was kinda reverting to my farmboy youth, there!"

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 170):

"I can stay here at the fort, then.

"Who all's going and who's staying?"

In reply to Keith Michael Tremblay (msg # 172):

"I'll go.  From the sound of it, this trash has been a problem for too long.", Corporal Abbot said from the back of the group.

In reply to Stanley Alistair Abbot (msg # 173):

"If they go, I go.  One of them might fall down and need a band-aid," said Hawke, joking.

In reply to William Hawke (msg # 174):

There is a call from HQ on the radio asking how the recce of Abbottsford is going.

As well, the loyalist Soviet units on Vancouver Island appear to be in the middle of a big push, and there were a series of commando attacks up and down the Lower Mainland, accompanied by jamming, to sow confusion and cause a distraction.

Kel will make sure that Taras is aware of the message.

"Want to talk to them, or pass on.. something?"

Oh, just give them a quick SITREP. We are on our way...