Friday, 17 June 2001
Game Time 0910 Lima
Partially Cloudy
Wind from the North, 8Kph


The small column wended its way down Glover Rd. from Ft. Langley towards the Hells Angels clubhouse in Langley. This was a major residence and fortified location for the gang from before the war, it's possible it gained in importance once the HAs and other bike gangs in the Lower Mainland were consolidated under central control of the new President.

However, the new President (identity unknown) seemed to have vanished after his attempted ambush of government forces moving through the Fraser Valley failed spectacularly. His main muscle, a renegade US Army sniper nicknamed "Mr. Brownstone" (aka SSGT Carter Blackman Finch, former Alaska National Guardsman) had disappeared with him, along with Brownstone's personal mercenary team. The HAs themselves hadn't participated in the attack en masse, preferring to let a large and well-equipped mercenary force (including a tank and armoured vehicles) do their dirty work for them. This force had been smashed, but other anomalies were discovered.

American forces using elephants had been moving across the border. Perhaps to aid Canadian communities, and/or engage in unauthorised salvage (looting). They had in effect stolen a pair of elephants from Ft. Langley and the caretaker (Old Willie) had been assaulted.

The current aim was to recce the HA clubhouse in Langley, then see if the Americans troops could be intercepted before the crossed the US border. It was suspected they were laagering in the friendly community of Abbotsford, to the southeast.

In the mean time, the vehicles leapfrogged for security reasons. Up ahead the sniper detachment in the Iltis spotted a smoke column rising from direction of the farm complex that had been converted into the HA's fortified clubhouse at 1500m range. They were travelling south on 216 street. Once they turned left on 61 ave the clubhouse would be 175m down on the right, a high-walled compound.

Mac drove steadily, leaving his partner to signal the other vehicle. He was still worrying about the elephants!

Very well, we are going to approach and then deploy to get inside the compound. We are going to set up a perimeter of sorts and then move in. Keep your eyes open for booby traps!

The vehicles continue to rumble down the road. Over the radio, the Ukrainian relied more instructions for the next move.

We are going to use the vehicles, one driver one - one gunner, to cover the Noth East and South West of the building. I want a sniper element to cover the main entrance as well and the rest we'll make a stick and do the entry.

Andrews gave himself a quick touch and visual check counting off things in his head as he made sure everything was where it should be. He then readied himself to leave the Humvee and stack up with the others for the entry.

He watched the windows and doorways as they made their way to the drop off point, making sure no one wanted to be a hero and stop their advance.

The cost of a single RGD-5 clicked around $5 US, making it highly affordable during a major conflict when many grenades would be required. "Not a problem", Taras thought, the whole economy of the Soviet Union was already geared up for war too long ago. Many millions of RGD-5s and its clones have been manufactured over the years. Now, he was checking them as a part of his loadout. All six were there, properly seated and fuzed, egg-shaped with no external ribbing, except for a lateral ridge where the two halves of the grenade joined. The surface had a few small dimples on it with an olive drab paint-scheme.

A quick check of the sidearm revealed the yet unused condition of the Smith & Wesson Mod. 5946. Apparently S&W had also a another huge player in its Northern footprint with the Alaska State Troopers, firstly with the .357 Magnum revolvers and then moving to the 4006 model. Eventually they will go for Glocks. Canadian law enforcement officers, most notably from the RCMP often attended special training courses and firearms competitions in Alaska so an official "friendship" with the AST and long and historic ties in working with Troopers developed over time.

The AKS-74U rested across the chest. Over the shoulder and down the hatch, a couple of wooden crates stencilled in slavic lettering completed the arsenal.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
Cougar's turret.
C-6 GPMG (100/100)
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x8)

This message was last edited by the player at 05:18, Sun 24 May 2015.

Stanley kept a wary eye out as they approached the compound.  Taras had issued his orders and Stanley keyed his intercom.

"Looks like I'm stuck here on the gun.  Do you guys want the SAW for the dismount?"

-----------

C9A1 w/Elcan scope, 200/200rd soft feed bag, sling, bipod
Sig Sauer P226 9mm (pistol belt)
Kevlar helmet (CADPAT cover, scrim)
Kevlar vest, w/Lvl 3 plate (Front)
Web Gear (200rds 5.56mm, 1 P226 mags, 1 frag, 1 smoke)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Sun 24 May 2015.

Darek, I'll be going to the ground for the entry. You take care of the machine gun and you'll cover the approaches on our corner. If we need reinforcements you'll be called and our driver will man the MG.I want you here just in case you have to use the main gun. Have it ready just in case. It could be use as a distraction firing it against one of the walls, etc.

When new explosives, featuring thermal effects, were developed in the 1980s, designers were able to come up with a man-portable recoilless weapon firing multi-effect munitions. The RPO  was the first such weapon, developed in the USSR. Later on it was succeeded by the RPO Shmel disposable flame-thrower entering service in 1988. This weapon was intended to boost combat capabilities of Army units and designed to kill enemy manpower inside various protective shelters, destroy fortifications, render transportation and lightly armoured vehicles ineffective, as well as produce on-target incendiary effects and create smoke screens. The RPO-A thermobaric warhead featured high combat capabilities, a simple design, and an outstanding reliability that Taras was willing to carry along for the mission.

Furthermore, the ukrainian will be looking at the terrain in order to implement an enhance security perimeter around the target using the tripwire mines stored at the back of the Cougar.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
Cougar's turret.
C-6 GPMG (100/100)
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x8)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 7):

"Got it, boss. We stopping right outside the gate or a little ways down the road?"

Darek made sure an HE shell was loaded into the gun's breech and the co-ax 7.62mm was fully loaded.

The column was at the intersection of 216st St, the HA clubhouse was east on 61st Ave.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:09, Tue 26 May 2015.

By looking at the map (slightly outdated) and the terrain, a few things were apparent:

1) The HA clubhouse was a walled compound with at least 3 house-sized structures.

2) It was located 200-250m east of their current position (at the intersection of 216 and 61st ave) on the south side of 61st Ave.

3) The compound was surrounded by fields, now overgrown with grass and small trees. There was plenty of concealment for dismounts to advance on foot but vehicles would be easily spotted if they approached across the fields.

4) The front gate area had several trees but the street wasn't tree-lined overall.

5) A possible route for infiltration was the property immediately east of the HA compound, which featured a large luxury dwelling.

The size of the compound was bigger than Taras thought to be. Rather than a single clubhouse it was a complex that could complicate the search. The wall around was atestament of the biker's intent. Well worth to take a look inside.

Very well. A quiet approach is in order. I need a sniper element to move up close to that burgoise house. Up to rooftop and get a visual inside of the compund before we move in. I want you to report to me with what you got.

"Sniper element? I suppose that would be us," said Mac.

"I am best with a bit of cover, woodcraft you know."

Kelsey quickly dismounts and takes a knee, her carbine up and ready.  She takes a fairly minimum kit with her, and not all that much ammo for something like this with automatics.  Those that know her in combat, though, appreciate that she rarely uses more than single fire.  Very accurate single fire.

Closer to the clubhouse the convoy came to a halt and Taras dismounted. He opened the rear door shouldered the RPO-A and took a Russian-made, stake-mounted, anti-personnel fragmentation mine.

Hello, people!


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

The Cougar and Humvee waited for the Iltis to reverse course and go around to come up on the house next to the HA compound from the East.

GM Note: The house next door is huge. There is a 2-story house in front and a similar garage in back (ie: freakin' huge). The garage is closer to the fence and probably has a better view of the compound. Are you going in the house or garage? Enter inside or try to climb up the outside of the structure?

When the Iltis arrived, the other 2 vehicles rolled up from the west. The compound was surrounded by a chain-link fence topped by barbed wire. In front and partway along the sides the fence was masked by a hedge and the main gate looked to be sheets of steel. (Before the war, the gate was open ironwork.)

Smoke drifted up into the morning sky from behind the compound, out by the fields. Otherwise there was no sound from inside the compound. A dog barked nearby.

Mac drove the Iltis round to the house next door, eyes scanning for any signs of habitation or use.

"I reckon the upper floor of the garage would make a good perch," he commented.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 15):

The garage was 2-stories high, but somehow looked like it internally only had 1 story. In other words, it could store very large vehicles? Quite puzzling-looking. Either way, getting onto the roof would require a lot of effort and possibly entry inside.

As a farm boy, Mac could guess the structure was so large to accommodate oversize vehicles like RVs and campers. As well, horse trailers or other farm equipment. It wasn't barn-sized but close! (The main house had 2 garage doors, that's where the family vehicles would be stored.)

They pulled up to the right of the house. The HA compound fence was on their left, the garage directly ahead.

The two main garage doors facing the road were closed. There looked to be a side door, also closed.

https://goo.gl/maps/CrUUc
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:52, Mon 01 June 2015.

"Soft entry" folks. We go in quietly and we "detain" for questioning. We are looking for weapons, etc. Rules Of Engagement as usual. If things get too hairy I'm calling the artillery and we get out of here soon!


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 17):

"Right."

Hawke (Bishop-3)
L119A1 (30/30 + 6 spare mags)
M203A1 (1/1 40mm fragmentation)
Pistol in vest w/magazines
First aid kit on back
Helmet on
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Sun 07 June 2015.

Before getting more detailed info from the snipers, Taras took a good look at the walled compound to gage the structural resistance, height, etc.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 19):

There was really no way to gain more information from the front gate area. The open ironwork gate was replaced by steel swing gates, and to either side were hedges in front of a barbed-wire-topped chainlink fence.

He did know there were 2 1-story wood-frame buildings inside to the left. There was a 2-story barn near the rear on the right. The compound also had a rear gate.

Mac went over and tried the side door of the barn. If that wasn't open, he'd try climbing onto the roof instead.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 21):

The steel gate and chainlink fence made this a difficult proposition.

As well, Mac was actually next door. He and Andy were deciding to either go up on the roof of the mansion-like house or the stand-alone garage to observe the HA compound one lot over. The garage was closer to the fence with a better view but it could be tricky getting onto the roof. It would probably be easier going inside the house and through an upper window.

The side door of the barn-like garage was open.

Inside was cavernous. One door could easily admit an oversized vehicle like an RV or horse trailer. The other door had a "car elevator" where vehicles up to SUV size could be stacked three high on hydraulically raised platforms. The building was empty now with only trash on the floor and a smell of lubricants and gasoline remaining behind.

Unfortunately there was no upper story to the structure, but by climbing on the empty car lift a window could be reached that led outside and onto the roof. It looked a little risky as some jumping and shimmying up a drainpipe might be required.

Mac started scrambling up the car elevator...

After Champlain dismounted, Abbot assumed command of the vehicle and ordered the driver to tuck it away out of sight of the HA compound.

Paradoxically, due to the trees and hedges lining the front of the HA compound fencing pretty much all of 261 street was out of direct LOS. However, there was a 1-story structure, some kind of business or condo, perhaps a nursery, directly across the street.

Mac and Andy quickly climbed up the car lift. They were at the window, which could not be opened (as it could not be reached) but could be broken. Mac could climb out and, using the drain for support, swing out onto the roof with Andy holding and supporting him. OOC: Make a Climbing check, 2d20 take lowest, compare to TN9. Include in an in-character post.

The climb up the car lift was the easy bit. When Mac got to the top he scrambled out the window and tried to get up onto the roof... easier said than done, and he ended up hanging onto a drainpipe for dear life, not quite sure how to either continue or get back down again.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 27):

First, the window needed to be broken as it was not designed for opening. While the breaking of the double-glazed panes (using a gun butt wrapped in a jacket) was quiet enough there was a degree of crashing as the fragments hit the concrete below.

Now was time for acrobatics. Fear surged through Mac as he dangled from the drain pipe. With a surge of effort he pulled himself up, with an assist from Andy pushing on his ass as hard as he could. Rolling onto the side roof he sweated in the morning sunshine, panting with effort.

It looked like he had made it safely onto the roof. Andy looked up at him from the window, seeing if he was ok, ready to pass up weapons and equipment.

Taras was able to figure out from afar than some sort of acrobatics were taking place in the nearby. He kept the the eyes open for possible reactions.

Once Mac had got his breath back, he asked Andy to pass up his rifle, then got settled in to start observing their target.

There was no reaction from in the compound to what was going on next door.

Once the sniper detachment was in place, they radioed that they could see into the compound. The main building, just inside to the left of the gate (looking from the front) was a split-level, 1 story in front and 2 in the back. There was a rear deck with covered BBQ equipment. Behind that was a stand-alone workshop. The barn-like garage was in the rear. No one was visible.

They could see someone had lit a fire just outside the rear gate. Lots of trash had been dumped just outside the rear gate, up to and including stripped vehicles. Smoke rose lazily up into the sky.

What do you think about that smoke? Burning evidence, maybe?


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 32):

"As good of an excuse as any. Probably got a couple of bodies to dispose of as well or they missed rubbish collection day."

From where they were, Mac and Andy could see that documents were definitely scattered around the burn pit. It was difficult to make out if there were bodies but larger items were in the fire as well.

"Can you make out what those lumps in the fire are?" asked Mac.

"I cannot make them out clearly. Not even through my scope."

So far there was no response aside from birdsong in the morning air.

Able Seaman Lo drove the Cougar off into the the field to the west of the compound, making for the southwest corner. Per instructions he and Darek on the main gun could cover that sector of the perimeter.

Looking over the shoulder at the rest of the team Taras enquired:
Seems like no one is in there. Shall we crash the door?

Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

Thomas taps the face of his watch with his hand to indicate he is ready to breach. He is happy to be the point man as they stack up ready to make a move on the front door. Rifle at his shoulder he intends to fire on anyone with a weapon or making a threatening move towards the team as they clear the house.

Thomas Matthew Andrews
Entry Team
C1A1D SLR [30/30]
Staking ready for entry
Firing on all threats as they clear the building
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Mon 13 July 2015.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 38):

The lock on the steel-sided gate looked very solid. Probably C4 would be needed to breach! Or a round from the Carl Gustav.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 39):

"Can the APC take the gate down and provide cover while we breach the house?" If it is a no he would look to those in his team for a breaching charge or he will use his thermite grenade as a last resort.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Wed 15 July 2015.

Rock solid, gentlemen! This place is a fortress. We are going to breach through the main gate. Darek will put a round of 76mm high explosive and our driver will do the rest with a "little" push from the Cougar. Lets get the entry team ready.

Kelsey chimes in, over the radio "Feet, form up on Bishop One and quietly sound off, I need to know what I have to work with.  Our plan is to let the big truck boys make us a nice distraction and slip in to do the real work.  Ready your blades, in case we need to be sneaky."



Bishop-1.
observing, prone, awaiting orders
*C-8 Carbine - 4 spare Mags (5.56 NATO) - round chambered, safe off. - 0/30 rounds spent.
*3 C-13 Frag Grenades  (Attached to webgear)
*2 Smoke grenades (Green/white) (pockets)
*Kevlar body armor.
*Kevlar helmet
*AN/PRC-152 Radio
*Sidearm:  Browning Hi-Power, 2 spare mags
*Blade:  C7A2 Bayonet

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 42):

Having traversed a field to get there the Cougar was now at the southwest corner of the compound. From there, along with the sniper detachment on the roof of the garage to the southeast of the compound, they could form a perimeter of sorts.

Hearing the new instructions, Darek had Wayne reverse the Cougar and made his way back through the field towards the front of the compound. There was a moment where it seemed the ungainly LAV would get stuck, but soon they crashed through the roadside growth, eased back over the deep roadside ditch and onto 60th ave.

Wayne drove them to where the entry team waited. Once they stopped, Darek made sure a 76mm HE was loaded in the gun's breech.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 43):

Sticking his head out the turret, Darek said to Taras, "Explosive up, I suggest you take cover?"

Everybody gets behind the Cougar! Darek, get ready for my signal.

Kelsey shakes her head slightly, and checks her bayonet.  Sneaky was probably out.  She lined up with sufficient cover, waiting to follow in on entry, her aiming eye closed and the other not watching the door that was about to light up to preserve her shooting vision.  She be rifle up and ready to shoot or advance as soon as the "light pollution" cleared.


Bishop-1.
Ready for ops.
*C-8 Carbine - 4 spare Mags (5.56 NATO) - round chambered, safe off. - 0/30 rounds spent.
*3 C-13 Frag Grenades  (Attached to webgear)
*2 Smoke grenades (Green/white) (pockets)
*Kevlar body armor.
*Kevlar helmet
*AN/PRC-152 Radio
*Sidearm:  Browning Hi-Power, 2 spare mags
*Blade:  C7A2 Bayonet

Mac settled down in his perch and got ready to deliver supporting fire or report observations as was appropriate.

The entry team lined up behind the Cougar, using it as cover against the shell burst on the gate.

Darek began laying the gun, aiming at the gate.

He popped his head out of the turret. He looked back at the soldiers "stacked" behind the Cougar.

"Aim at the lock, Taras? Or hinges? I think the gate runs along a track."

The lock, Darko! Fire when ready!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 50):

"Everyone, cover your ears, this will be loud!"

Closing the hatch, Darek sank down into the commander's seat. Putting the crosshairs on the lock, he paused, then pushed down on the step-trigger.

"ON THE WAY!"

There was a tremendous crash-boom! and the cannon recoiled on its traverse, spitting out a smoking, empty shell casing. Darek reloaded another explosive round in case more was needed. Behind the Cougar the members of the stack heard and felt the explosion.

The snipers could see startled birds fly up from all around.

When the smoke cleared it looked like part of the steel gate was bent inwards in the middle and sagging a little.

At Darek's command, Wayne put the armoured vehicle in gear and it lurched forward. Striking the gate he began pushing through. Although the gate was designed for sliding to the side, the shock of the blast and the force of the Cougar was enough to collapse the left side. It fell back inwards with a loud clang!

There was no observable movement from inside the compound.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:08, Sun 26 July 2015.

Let's move!

The team will move behind the Cougar until coming to a halt and investigate the first building.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Sat 25 July 2015.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 52):

With a roar, the Cougar rolled over the bent-up sheet steel gate and into the compound. No rocket or gunfire met it.

Off to their left was the front door of the main building. Above it was the Hells Angels logo, a winged skull. The walls were wood but the trim was white and the roof was red, mimicking the Angels' colours. Wayne halted just past the door. Darek covered the other buildings, tracking the gun barrel between them.

Andrew lead the others to the main door of the clubhouse building, rifle at his shoulder. Once they had stacked up on either side of the door he reached over and tried the handle.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Sun 26 July 2015.

With the AKS-74U at the ready, round chambered and safety off the sight of Taras is set on the main building.

So far, so good. Seems quiet. Let's see what we can find.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

"Let's advance, slow and steady."


Bishop-1.
Ready for ops.
*C-8 Carbine - 4 spare Mags (5.56 NATO) - round chambered, safe off. - 0/30 rounds spent.
*3 C-13 Frag Grenades  (Attached to webgear)
*2 Smoke grenades (Green/white) (pockets)
*Kevlar body armor.
*Kevlar helmet
*AN/PRC-152 Radio
*Sidearm:  Browning Hi-Power, 2 spare mags
*Blade:  C7A2 Bayonet

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 06:26, Mon 27 July 2015.

The entry team stacked on both sides of the door, two and two.

As for the door, it remained closed and mute.

Taras tapped the shoulder of the point man:
Go for it when ready.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

Thomas tries the handle on the door to see if it is locked.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 59):

The door is locked. With very substantial locks! And a solid door. It seems these fellows valued their privacy!

Well, looks like we are going to need the master key again. Daaaareeeek!

Taras will motion the Polish gunner to maneouvre close to the building to place a Cougar round against the door.

And everybody behind the tank!


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 61):

Acknowledging the order, Darek had William reposition the Cougar so that the gun was oriented in the right direction. He aimed carefully and again yelled, "on the way!" as he pushed down on the pedal-trigger.

There was another crashing boom, and the door was completely blown in. As well as a metre or two of wall on either side. A plume of smoke rose into the sky.

Organizing the stack again, the Ukrainian prepared the team for the entry.

Let's go in!


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

Andrew was first through the breach rifle at his shoulder. He will fire on anyone still holding a weapon or he would be safe then sorry. He would clear the lower level first using stranded house clearing techniques, sticking to the walls, leading with the barrel of his weapons etc..

Thomas Andrews
C1A1D SLR [30/30]
Clearing lower level of club house
Entry team, point man

Taras follows his point man. Grateful that the AKS-74U comes in handy to clear corners and sweep across with the goodness associated to a "crew" gun. He flips de selector to auto. He feels sorry. Perhaps he could have got left the RPO-A somewhere...


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

Kelly follows methodically in their wake, moving surely and ready and Stealthily.  She is experienced and a crack shot, her job is to eliminate any threat from rear or side and she knows it well.  Hopefully she will pick up anyone that thinks they have the "Jump" on Taras and Andrews.




Bishop-1.
Cover #3
*C-8 Carbine - 4 spare Mags (5.56 NATO) - round chambered, safe off. - 0/30 rounds spent.
*3 C-13 Frag Grenades  (Attached to webgear)
*2 Smoke grenades (Green/white) (pockets)
*Kevlar body armor.
*Kevlar helmet
*AN/PRC-152 Radio
*Sidearm:  Browning Hi-Power, 2 spare mags
*Blade:  C7A2 Bayonet

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 66):

As the man on "drag", Hawke followed the rest of the stack in.

It looked like through a small foyer lined on both sides by coat-hooks, all empty, was a large room. Possibly used for meetings. There was a bar. Folding chairs were scattered around.

The room had an abandoned air about it. No one was present. Stairs led to a small overlooking balcony and a door above. Two other doors led out, one on the left and a larger passage on the right.

Outside, Mac and Andy did not see anyone emerging from the buildings or approaching the area.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:24, Mon 03 Aug 2015.

Looks like a ghost house. Let's go upstairs and see what we can see.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

Don't let down your guard men.

It's obvious that Kelsey is not.

Thomas held his rifle pointing up the stairs as he held up his hand to indicate for the team to remain silent. He listed for the tell tale sounds of people moving around up stairs.

Once he had spent a couple of minutes listening he began to climb the stairs, staying close to the wall so they did not squeak as he ascended them. He covered the landing as his head and shoulders emerged as they climbed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Mon 03 Aug 2015.

Taras followed his point man. So far, so good. It seemed that the place was empty but all the precaution was necessary. Once the upper floor was cleared they could focus on the most likely "dark" spots usually reserved for the basements.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 71):

Hawke decided to stay downstairs for the moment, to make sure no one rolled up on them from the ground level entrances.

Upstairs, no one emerged from the upstairs doors.

 Staying close to the walls Thomas begins to open the doors as they clear the upper level of the club house. He does not stand in front, but rather stays against the wall as he uses the door knobs to gain entry. He would usually FRAG each room but this was different so he held off.

Anything interesting, folks?

Taras will look around for any room with resemblance of an office.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

The upstairs door led to a hallway running the length of the building. Other doors opened off on either side. Some were open. It was hard to tell what was inside but one on the left might be an office. Others might be guest rooms.

Thomas continued to clear forward through the upper level. Once he had a handle on the layout he made sure that each room was devoid of occupants before moving onto the next.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 76):

The upstairs was basically one long corridor with rooms opening to either side. Mainly guest rooms, a couple bathrooms. The closer end also held an office. The corridor ended in a large lounge or rec room with a massive wet bar. That in turn opened onto a deck.

Hawke followed them up the stairs as they began clearing the upstairs, room by room. At the top of the stairs he turned around to cover their rear as they moved down the hall. The upstairs was clear.

Once he was satisfied Thomas held up his hand."We are clear." He lowered his rifle from his shoulder. "Right we still have part of this buildings that could be harboring gang members so lets get down and get to it. Any fossicking can wait until the compound is clear, these rooms are not going anywhere."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Wed 05 Aug 2015.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 78):

The upper floor was clear. There was also a ground floor that was not clear.

There was a second set of stairs down in the rear lounge/bar area.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:38, Thu 06 Aug 2015.

"Ready to clear ground floor?

Kelsey will start clearing ground floor with help.

Taras gave the all clear to go downstairs and work at the ground level. He wasnèt too impressed with the vodka selection at the wet bar.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 81):

It was a little odd that there were some liquor bottles still behind the bar. Evidently either the HAs could afford to leave valuable spirits behind, they left in a hurry, or both. And of course no one was going to loot this place! There was a large refrigerator and freezer near the door. There currently was no power to the building, so anything in the refrigerator would have gone bad by now.

Going down the stairs in the rec room at the end of the house, they cleared the downstairs rooms. The layout was a kitchen in the rear of the building, then an open room that could be a small banquet hall or large dining room, washrooms, then the bar (through a door at the end of a short passage. Soon, they were back at the front foyer. Flames were licking up the walls, as spot fires had been ignited by the 76mm high explosive and were starting to spread.

Outside, Andy and Mac did not see anything. Abbott, waiting across the road, continued being alert despite the peacefulness of the day.

Let's get this out.

The Sgt. grabbed a blanket from the inside and started to hit vigorously the small flames.

We have to check the rest of the buildings!

Thomas helped to deal with the small fires. Once they were out he asked: "Yes lets check everything and then we can go on from there. I don't think these gang types are ones to play fair and not shoot you in the back."

He then looked for the next likely building and prepared to continue the clearing process.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 84):

Beating out the flames, the group made their way down the ground floor corridor.

It was the same layout, a central corridor with rooms off to each side. Mainly bedrooms, another office. Midway down, a doorway to a set of basement stairs. At the far end was another lounge/kitchen.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 85):

"It ia like they cleared out in a bit of a hurry I think, stay with at least two man teams, minimum 5 minute check ins."

Let's do it. We may find something innteresting.

Thomas updated the sniper team by radio that they had finished clearing the main club house and were now turning their attention to the small buildings that made up the compound. Once everyone was ready they would continue to clear the rest of the buildings and secure the whole compound.

"Understood. Maintaining overwatch. All clear at present," responded Mac from his perch.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 89):

Taras searched upstairs, Hawke searched downstairs. They didn't find much. The bikers left a degree of clothing, weapons (knives, a sword, a 9mm and .45 pistol, some empty magazines) fresh food and liquor. But not a lot in terms of documents.

The office did yield something to Taras: a topographical map of the hydro dam up site around the head of Stave Falls. There were other, more usual maps, such as of the province, Washington State and Alberta.

Downstairs in the bedrooms Hawke found a trove of Nazi memorabilia. Flags, items of clothing (vintage WWII caps, a leather coat, army helmets), a pair of Luftwaffe binoculars and camera. As well, a lot of New America propaganda.

New America was a large, dangerous pre-war white supremicist group and revolutionary movement. They had been gaining power before, during and after the war until their leader had been captured and brought to trial by the US Federal government. Cells remained intact all across the US, somewhat more common in areas under renegade military control (aka "MILGOV"). They were not thought to be common in Canada until it was discovered they were behind the independence movement that resulted in the former Republic of Alberta. Canadian Forces troops had ended that would-be successor state, and many New American cells had been rooted out of the Albertan government and military forces. It was assumed most had fled south into the USA, but it seemed many had come west into the still mainly lawless lands of BC. Their ideology encapsulated all the diseased White Power and Christian Identity thought, mixed in with Naziism and racism. Their goal was to seize power in the USA and Canada (aka "White North America") in order to institute the rule of an apartheid state.

Keeping as much of his body behind the frame of the door he was using for cover Andrew's watched the compound and the unresearched buildings. He did not move about bit maintained his position with his rifle in a lowered stance.

He kept an ear out for anything additional from the sniper hide over the radio net.

Taras couldn't help but wonder upon the diversity and quality of the firearms, handguns in particular, that he came across during his adventures in the New World. The mighty Colt M-1911 was impressive when compared to the nimble Makarov. In the communist armed forces the sidearms where considered basically "badges of authority". As the troopers will gladly put it, only good for execution or "self execution". Even the occasional oldie Tokarev couldn't compare much with the modern and powerful array found in the hands of the criminals around the Lower Mainland.

Even more interesting from a professional point of view was the map. Being a Combat Engineer by trade, the Ukrainian was a natural for this kind of "reading material". A large source of water like a lake was presented in the well printed edition of a topo map in 1:25,000 scale. Upon closer examination the Southern tip presented a clear narrow, man made feature that appeared to be a bridge. The lettering over this area singled out the feature as a dam.

Why an organised criminal gang had this type of information? A dam, from a military point of view has a tremendous strategic importance. Announces the possibility of water that can be used for agricultural and farming purposes. Also purification could provide fresh supply for a large population. More so, it could be used as a source of power generation. The potential of using it a a threat existed. If blown up, it could flood the valley causing great destruction and even loss of life.

Definitely well worth taking a look at it.

Hey folks! There is something here. Is a map of a dam near..humm...Mission? Lets see if    we can find more information. Looks like it could be an objective.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Sun 13 Sept 2015.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 92):

The map of the dam was Soviet military issue and therefore of excellent quality and detail.

Nice prize they got here. This map comes from the Central Military Topographic Directorate of the General Staff. They were issued before the invasion. This kind of documents are treated like State secrets and they are not supposed to fall in enemy's hands.

Poring over the details, Taras was not only following the contours but also paying attention at the notes written in cyrillic alphabet.

There is the reservoir, 82 meters elevation. The dam, made of ferro-concrete, is 122 meters long with a crest width of 5 meters. There is a hydroelectric power station and is not small... 2 turbines, 45 MV each.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 94):

After about a half hour it seemed they'd gone through the main clubhouse. Aside from some liquor, perishable food, a few handguns and other civilian firearms (shotguns, hunting rifles) and some spilled loose ammunition of various calibres, the map documents were the only items of interest in the main clubhouse.

Andrew's continued his vigil at the doorway covering the compound. He could hear the others checking through the building, but he was focused on any threats from the unsearched buildings that ring the perimeter wall.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

There is a couple more places inside this compound. Let's check them out.

Mac maintained overwatch from his perch.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 97):

"I am good to go. Same stack as before ?"

Yes, lets move to the next structure.

With confirmation Andrew's let the sniper detachment know what was going on and once everyone else was ready. He moved to the first building and began to clear the structure.

Keep your eyes open for possible boobytraps. We don't want to come across a nasty surprise!

The next structure seemed to be a metal shop of some kind, at least looking through a side window. There were large roll-up doors in front, and a doors on the sides facing and away from the clubhouse.

All exterior doors were locked.

Taras looked for a padlock or any other locking mechanism.


Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (6)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

This message was last edited by the player at 06:01, Tue 29 Sept 2015.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 104):

The locks appeared to be good quality commercial locks, in the door-handle and a deadbolt in both side doors. It was difficult to tell how the roll-up doors were secured but each had a locked handle.

"I can check the kit on the vehicles and see if we have something that can pop this, I am sure with a little effort either a hydraulic jack, prybar, or attaching some chain to this mess will convince it to come open."


OOC:  While not a robber.. Kelsey is a skilled mechanic, and understands how to use tools, and would be familiar with what is in the kits.

Taras motioned to indicate everybody to move back to the previous building. Pulling a RG-5 hand grenade from his tactical vest was convincing enough. Explosive breaching can be the fastest method, though it is also the most dangerous, to both the breachers and the room occupants. Inside the shack all appeared quiet. The lock was not specifically reinforced and the handle offered a good place to locate the grenade effects against the locking mechanism or the frame around it.

The grenade was egg-shaped with no external ribbing, except for a lateral ridge where the two halves of the grenade were put together. The grenade contained a 110-gram (3.9 oz) charge of TNT with an internal fragmentation liner with a lethality radius of 25 metres (82 ft). The RGD-5 used the 4 second delay UZRGM fuze, a universal Russian type which is also used in other grenades. After Taras released the safety pin it was possible to hear a loud "pop" as the fuze ignited and begun to burn. The Ukrainian was already running away along the wall to minimize his exposure. Victims in the open caught within 3 metres (10 ft) of the detonation could be certain to be killed or severely wounded...

"Or.. there is that method"
Kelsey beats a retreat.

There was a sharp "BANG!" as the grenade went off, breaking all the windows nearby and rattling others further off. There was a flash and shower of sparks. When the smoke cleared the door had been blown into splinters that sprayed inwards.

After the echoes died away and the (again) disturbed birds flew off, quiet returned.

As the smoke clears Thomas enters with his rifle at the shoulder, the muzzle of the weapon following his head movements as he scanned for threats. Once he was sure there was no one in the building he shouted "CLEAR." and radios the snipers to let them know.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Sun 04 Oct 2015.

Abbot sat in the Humvee turret behind the big DShK.  Things were quiet outside the compound no traffic.  An explosion shattered the quiet and he turned his head to see what he could.

[radio]"Bishop One. Bishop 5.  We heard an explosion.  What's your status over?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Sun 04 Oct 2015.

Very well. Professional deformation. Got to blow things up. See what we can find around here: Intel, weapons, etc. We have one more place to check.

Staff Sargent Taras V. Shevchenko - Knight element
AKS-74U (30/30) +4 mags
S&W 5946 (15/15) +2 mags
Handgrenade RG-5 (5)
RPO-A (x1)
POMZ-2 (x1)

In reply to Stanley Alistair Abbot (msg # 111):

"Bishop 5 from 3. We were just making a door. No sign of hostiles."

Hawke followed Kel, Taras and Andrews inside, L119/AG-36 Grenade launcher at high-ready, scanning for targets.

The second building was clear, there was no one inside.

Inside was a workshop. There were all manners of metalworking tools plus copious parts for motorcycles. There was a detached generator that seemed like it had been recently used, like within the last few hours. The generator still had several litres of diesel fuel in the tank.

The last building was built like a barn but was obviously a garage. There was a side door and three rollup doors facing inwards to the parking lot, all locked. The locks looked sturdy, enough to deter a normal burglar but not explosives!

Let's finish this.

Taras repeated the drill in order to get the door blasted with another hand grenade.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 115):

The warning was given over the radio first, this time.

This time there was an answering, secondary explosion! Then another, and another! Clearly, this door had been booby-trapped, and this device's explosion had set off other detonations inside the barn-like garage.

As the team were under cover at the shop building no one was injured. The question was, did anyone feel brave enough to stick there head out to check what was actually happening?

Debris started falling around them, blown out from the garage.

Meanwhile, Andy, Mac and Abbott were startled despite the prior warning. Clearly, something had gone amiss! Debris from the building started to land near the next-door garage roof where they had set up their OP for overwatch. All Abbot could see was a mushroom cloud of smoke and debris lifting above the screen of trees on the perimeter of the Angels' compound amid a chain of secondary detonations.

Staying under cover until the detonations stopped Andrew's waited another couple of minutes until he radio the all clear to the rest of the unit."Looks like they may have had something they did not want us to see." Once he was sure that for the interim the explosions had ceased he look at the door they had tried to blow open.

Checking for additional traps or triggers Andrew's stuck his head in the bar if he was able.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 117):

Flaming debris rained down for what seemed like a very long time.

(As a note, whatever was burning just outside the rear gate seemed to still be burning, as evidenced by a grey pall of smoke by that wall.)

What remained of the barn itself was on fire. The entire front, including doors, had blown outwards into the parking lot. Half a mangled motorcycle burned there, obviously thrown from inside the building by the force of the explosion. As Andrews (and Mac/Andy) watched, the roof collapsed down in the front of the building in a shower of sparks and flame.

Small calibre rounds cooked off from the fire inside.

"Well if looks like we found their stash of ammunition and.... explosives. Nothing to see here you are going to get shit all out of that." Andrew's then clears the rest of the compound to the gate and risks a look outside. If no one takes a shot he will go have a look at the burning pile.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Fri 09 Oct 2015.

"They all left somewhere in a hurry, and took everyone with them.  Looks like they hope to come back.  Should we set an ambush for em, or just leave them wreckage?"

Kelsey had completely lost empathy with bikers over the last year, especially after seeing how they treat women.

Duck and cover!

A booby trap triggered a daisy chain. And all up in smoke. The works of someone in the know, thought the Combat Engineer. They have left and took everything valuable with them except for the old surprise. With a quiet prayer he thanked the Almighty for having preserved their lives. After a few minutes the inferno of secondary explosions appeared to come to a halt. The occasional flame and billowing smoke dancing over the ruins.

Anybody brought back ribs for the BBQ party? Holy Mother of Kazan!!!

After making sure that everybody in the team was safe and sound, the Ukrainian decided to call it a day.

I don't think we are going to get much more than this. We are going back to HQ. Watch where you go. Retrace your steps.

After contacting the sniper element with the radio, the team could now go back to rest. The visit, if extremely daangerous, in the end brought a wealth of INTEl on the enemy now on the run. Denied of another base the strategy of the Government troops was taking shape. Taras was relieved, a close call again. Clutching between his fingers a new piece of interesting information. Provincial reconstruction depended heavily on infrastructure. And apparently somebody had taking that very same thought into consideration before the good guys.

Anybody likes fishing?

Regrettably more than salmon, trout and steelhead could be in the menu...

"Great Maker!" breathed Mac, watching the show from his perch.

"Is everyone all right?"

When the order to withdraw was given he swung down, quite glad to be on the move again.

"Impressive Fireworks.  We may be wasting our time here... with permission I am going to add to the external overwatch."

Time to return to base.

Sgt. Shevchenko radioed HQ to signal the return of the team.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 119):

No one took a shot at Andrews as he peeked outside the gate.

There wasn't much to see of the burning rubbish pile. No bodies, but it looked like there might be documents based on the paper ash that was swirling around. Either the fire would need to be put out or let itself burn out before a closer examination could be made.

Thomas looked at the pile then around the surrounding area again looking for anyone who was taking an interest in what he was doing. he would use the water from his canteen to try and retrieve some of the papers from the fire, standing on those areas that were just smouldering.

He would make a small pile of those he is able to put out on one side as he works through the fire. he lets the other know where he was and what he is doing over the comms net.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 126):

This task was fairly useless, Thomas realised from the smell that a lot of precious fuel had been expended in burning the papers in the rusted oil drum. More ominous was his finding, at the bottom of the barrel, of partially-burned clothing. Most was unidentifiable, but some was definitely belonging to a child or infant.

Kel relayed the SITREP to HQ.

She was asked to stand by.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 128):

Their nominal OC, Lieut-Cmdr. Clarke-Sullivan, came on the secure channel.

"Let me speak to Knight 6, please."

Go for Knight 6!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 130):

"Good to hear from you. Good job on taking out those bandits. If they definitely were Hells Angels, we will move on them once the situation on the Island has stabilised. Over the last 24 hours, loyalist Soviet forces have been pushing south down the east side of Vancouver Island after breaking through our lines in the north. We are not sure what their objectives are, but we are trying to slow them down and stabilise the situation. We estimate they can keep going only for about a week at most if they are careful with their supplies, but they can do a lot of damage before then, even overrun the provincial capital at Duncan.

"Regarding today's operations in the Lower Mainland, you reported that a local man was assaulted and some surviving elephants(?!) were taken from Ft. Langley. It's suspected they were staying overnight in Abbotsford. I'd like you to check out the situation. Americans are our allies, although we are likely dealing with the mutineer "MILGOV" faction. Any unauthorised cross-border incursions where our citizens are assaulted and our property stolen should not be unanswered.

"I'm under a lot of pressure to send your team over to the Island as reinforcements. I'm of the opinion that we at least need to deal with the American incursion in some fashion. Alternatively, I think you have a desire to pursue the HAs further? Basically, we have those three options here."

Very well...Yes, there was an old gentleman in charge of Fort Langley that was assaulted. Apparently there is a group of heavily armed bandits using elephants and they may be in association with the Hell's Angels.

Sweeping through the HA abandoned compound we found INTEL regarding one of the river dams in Mission. This could be of interest for the Integrated Reconstruction Program.Since this may have an strategic value it would be interesting to see what are they up to. With the elephants we can deal too. We just need to regroup, refuel and rearm and send a hunting party.

Sorry to hear about the situation in the Island. I understand that if the current capital is in danger we could be needed there. It all depends on the size of the offensive. Since we are close to Ft. Langley we are going to return there. We'll wait for further instructions.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 132):

"I have a feeling it's not a coincidence those American troops showed up with elephants somewhere near Ft. Langley, then our elephants go missing. What are the odds? If they heard about these animals, they could be looking for replacement mounts. Your report indicates they could be heading towards Langley, according to those people you talked to. I think it's important we understand this situation. Based on Koldan and Tyler's intel, we believe renegade US Army forces are dealing with the HAs. Not officially but as their morale collapses anything they have in their inventory is for sale and priced to move.

"If you are capable of movement, then I suggest you pursue the lead of the American elephant cavalry. But if you think pursuing the HAs towards Mission is more important, you can make that call. If you head back to Ft. Langley I can check with HQ for further orders, but they'll likely want to pull you out and send your team over to the Island to help stop the Soviets."

Roger that, stand by...

Taras turned his head to the rest of the team on sight:

What do you think, guys. Want to go to the island to kill reds or shall we continue the safari?

"I still want to find out what happened to the elephants," said Mac, who was quite concerned about them.

"Yes I think the recovery of the elephants and checking out the dam are probably paramount now."

It was noon as the team regrouped at Ft. Langley.

As the elephants were likely headed south for the US border, and American soldiers were seen in Abbottsford, it sounded like "Abby" was where they were headed next, if only for a quick look-see.

While the the team leaders talked over plans and schedules, Abbot made sure that the HMMWV was refueled and serviced in preparation for their next trip out the gate.

Let;s take a look at Abbotsford and the crossing points with the United States. Perhaps we can set up a couple of OPs and try to find the elephant party.

The trusty roadmap was again taken from the Officer's bag.

Sumas

Shortly, the team was ready to move out again.

From the fort, on its rise, they could see the pall of smoke rising from the HA compound to the south of the freeway, although there were still trees in the way.

Before they left they would need to decide on a route of march (to Abbotsford and the Border at Sumas) and personnel.

Thomas got his gear back together and in some semblance of order for the road trip he waited by the Humvee for someone to tell him where he was riding. Having given his weapons a clean the night before he checks over his combat load with a quick visual check.

We are taking the Trans Canada Highway. Is not far from here. Around 35 km over says the map. We can be there in about half an hour.

Andy made sure his gear was ready to go.

"You want me to bring the fifty-cal rifle? I thought I was going to duel Mr. Brownstone using it but if he was the clown we picked up yesterday, maybe there's no need anymore."

Plenty of room in the vehicles for that monster. Who knows...maybe useful against an elephant charge!

"Don't shoot the elephants!" said Mac, who was still worrying about the ones he'd met.

Hope not! Better carry a big stick, anyways!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 147):

Andy chuckled as he placed the Barrett's case in the Iltis.

"Better hope none of those pachyderms get out of line, or it's "Topsy" time!" he joked, referencing the infamous incident where Thomas Edison killed a "rogue" elephant to demonstrate the power of electricity.

Mac glared.

"You start shooting elephants, you walk home!"

He was joking... probably.

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 149):

"Speaking of hunting elephants, if we're taking the Charlie G., you want me to bring along the ERYX as well?"

He grinned at Mac.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:55, Tue 12 Jan 2016.

"We are not hunting elephants!" said Mac, firmly.

Ok, gentlemen, Iltis will go first. Then us and the humvee is last. Select your air sentries and don't forget to cover the sectors for possible ambushes. Drills as usual. Same radio codes. Usual R.O.Es... We are going down the highway all the way to Sumas border crossing.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 152):

Trying to decide on his gear, Tremblay stopped and asked, "Taras, do you want me to bring the ERYX, or take the Carl G., or both? I think we can fit both in the Humvee. i am happy to act as A-Gunner and loader for Andrews if we are just bringing the Carl Gustav."
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:45, Sat 27 Feb 2016.

Plenty of room! Bring them in. I had enough of surprises with that "55" popping around. We were lucky, though. I was surprised how hard that thing was to smash. Border land can be...how you call it? Indian territory?

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 154):

Tremblay retrieved the ERYX and two spare rounds of ammunition, placing it in the trunk of the Humvee.

"Ok. So here's what we're doing, if I can suggest:

"Iltis (Rook) with Master McRae and Mac first.

"Then the Cougar (Knight) on overwatch with Taras, Darek and Wayne.

"The Humvee (Bishop) with Hawke driving, Abbott runs the gun, Sergeant Champlain as passenger, myself and Andrews in the rear with the Carl Gustav and ERYX in the trunk. We are on drag as the reaction unit.

"As a suggested route change, instead of going down the Trans-Canada, which we've gone down before in the last couple days, we go down a parallel route along River Road along the Fraser. It's a little rough going but the Iltis already pioneered this route. We can then cut south down Highway 10 and it's a straight shot down to "Abby" (Abbotsford)."

C7A1 + 10 spare magazines
4x M67 frags, 1x Mk34 WP, 1x M8A1 (Red)
MHi-Power +2 spare magazines
ERYX + 2 spare rounds.

Sounds good for the route. We may have to camp somewhere along the border then. Do you have a IR unit for the Eryx?

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 156):

He snapped his fingers. "Yes! I have the NATO STANAG infrared sights. I had thermal but it broke a while ago."
This message was last updated by the GM at 09:37, Sat 23 Jan 2016.

Very well. We may need to do some surveillance.

The small convoy (Humvee, Cougar, Iltis) transited the partially washed-out River Road without too much difficulty as it had been thoroughly scouted the day before.

Once they turned south on highway 13 , crossing the Trans-Canada, it was smooth going into the town of Aldergrove. If anyone lived there, they might be able to locate a veterinarian, Sheila Ford, from the Vancouver Game Farm that lived there before the war and still might live somewhere around there. They'd gotten her name and address from a previous visit to the Game Farm.

1445 LIMA

Just shy of 1500 they approached the crossroads of Highway 13 and 1A. Aldergrove was just east of the intersection. It seemed clear there was some kind of militia outpost or roadblock set up there at the eastern part of the intersection, controlling the area. To get to Aldergrove they would need to go through it or find a way around.

All around them were abandoned farms, deciduous trees and overgrown hedges lining the roads and untended fields. The roads themselves were clear of old vehicles and the closer they got to the intersection it was clear someone was maintaining the roads at least minimally.

Unfurling the Canadian Flag from the antenna Taras made sure that the signal was sent...

Your attention please... Lets meet the locals. What else can go wrong? We need to make friends after all!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 160):

On the intercom, Wayne asked, "Sergeant, should Knight and Rook stop while we send Bishop forward?"

March forward! All elements!

"Should I prepare to meet with locals sergeant?"

Yes, of course. We are here to show the flag and offer our support to the local communities.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 164):

The vehicles proceeded south towards the roadblock, which was on their left. Signage indicated that they were on Highway 13 and if they continued on the Aldergrove-Bellingham highway they would soon hit the Aldergrove/Linden Border Crossing. If they turned right at the upcoming intersection they would be going west along Fraser Highway into Langley town centre (not to be confused with Fort Langley on the Fraser River to the north) while left of course was the way into the pre-war farming community of Aldergrove.

Vehicles (stripped wrecks) had been dragged across the intersection to create a choke point for all westward traffic. In front were other stripped wrecks placed to slow down approaching traffic and create lanes. There was a movable swing-up barrier at the actual entry point, a yellow pole with a STOP sign in the middle. It looked like there was a second swing-up barrier behind that one and the inside holding area was flanked by sandbagged bunkers. A Canadian flag hung from a flagpole above the right-hand bunker.

As the convoy approached to within 100m, they could see that there were six militia manning the checkpoint. Two young men were dressed in civvies, one carrying a Winchester rifle and the other armed with a Remington pump-action shotgun. Two were middle-aged men in Canadian army combats armed with antique FNs, one man in US-patterned Woodland cammies with a double-barreled shotgun and pistol. The last was a female RCMP officer in uniform and vest, armed with a standard 9mm sidearm.

Signs by the checkpoint announced that beyond that point anyone admitted would need to be disarmed and submit to a search for contraband, per the Emergency Measures and National Defence Act. (This would be expected as the federal government had declared war and invoked the War Measures Act. Canada had no provision for Martial Law as such, but in case the federal government ceased to function, under the "National Survival" provision of the ND Act command of local federal police forces like the RCMP and the military would devolve to provincial or municipal control, which were given a wide range of powers under the EM Act. )

Hmmm.... didn't know we have a detachment here! It will be interesting to have a chat with this folks.

Taras motioned to keep moving.

Kel, you're in charge of contacting them. See what the lady in armor has to say...

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 166):

As the Humvee approached at the head of the column, the militia seemed to be glad to see them.

The Mountie began speaking into her hand radio, probably reporting their presence. Kel could see a police cruiser (a 90's model Chevy Caprice) parked in behind the barricade, as well as a GMC pickup truck. She was obviously in command, and at her direction the militia at the roadblock got into position, unsure what they were seeing.

One of the men in old CF fatigues approached. He was older, middle aged. Probably former Militia or Reg Force. He waved them down.

"Hey! Are you guys from the government?"

Thomas moves the Carl Gustav slightly so he can get a better look out the window of the humvee. It looks relativity intact and civilised in comparison to the other villages he had been through in the last few months.

Well it looked like he was not going to be needed in the interim so he continued to enjoy the comfort of the humvee.

In the Iltis, Mac sat back and watched the proceedings with interest. You never knew with roadblocks - bandits or 'proper' government forces... sometimes there wasn't much difference (except perhaps in the backup they could call upon).

Hello! We are a special Task Force from the Government in charge of reconstruction of the country! It's very good to see you, folks!

Taras tried his best to appear friendly and forthcoming to the roadblock people.

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

They seemed to take this news well, breaking into smiles. The Mountie finished her call, stepped forward and said, "I am Constable LaMarche. do you have ID or something? To prove this? We've had deserters and others trying to pass themselves off as being from the government."

Enchante Madame! I'm Staff Sargent Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko with the RCMP of the University of British Columbia. Here is my ID.

Taras displayed his ID knowing that his uniform may not be a convincing item in the middle of a war. He prefers to wear it as a badge of authority itself as well as being on duty.

Although a deserter from the Soviet Army myself, I am now the Law Enforcement authority for this recce mission. My team is part of a Canadian Forces detachment sent from the Island by the provisional government. So far we are having a good stretch. We've been kicking out Hell Angel's, white supremacists, american stragglers and other scum. Our intention is secure the border and show the flag. I see that you are keeping a tight ship around here!

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 172):

Wayne passed down Taras' ID. He explained, trying to be helpful, "in case you, ah, didn't know, there was an amnesty."

In reply to Wayne Lo (msg # 173):

The Constable looked at the documents, and badge. She looked a little dubious. "No. We didn't know that. We haven't heard anything since the nuclear attacks a few years ago. On one hand, it would be better if you had prewar ID. On the other, this looks pretty official and it's not like you would or even could do this if you were bandits."

She looked around the desolate intersection. At one time there was a Chevron and a Super Save Gas on different corners. There were remains of other buildings but they looked like they'd burned down and the rubble cleared. The barricade was topped with strands of barbed wire, the kind a farming community like this would have in abundance.

"Tell you what. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Head on in to the new town hall. It's on the left, a couple blocks down. The old Legion hall. Ask for Mayor Rousseau, he'll know you're coming."

Thank you! I will provide you with the current frequency radio for the RCMP detachment to keep in touch. They will provide you updates. The government is trying to put back on line the phone system but still a limited thing. We will need your help to implement the reconstruction plan.

The Ukranian motioned the team to get ready to march towards the town and meet the Rousseau.

I'm looking forward to see you again. I wish you the best of luck. Thank you again for your help.

Corporal Abbot waved to the checkpoint guards as the HMMWV shifted into drive and pulled away.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 175):

LaMarche shook her head when Taras offered the operating frequencies.

"We don't have any long range radios. EMP took a lot of 'em out, most of the rest were confiscated for official use elsewhere. There were a couple civilian sets but they broke down a couple years ago. We sent a couple people into Vancouver to see if there was any government remaining but one reported that City Hall was abandoned, the other we sent to UBC didn't come back.

"I see the CBC is broadcasting on AM and FM, we do have civilian radios and we'll listen in. We just haven't bothered having a radio set on, nothing to listen to and power's rationed because we only got a couple generators.

"Ask "Mayor" Rousseau about the Yanks that came up from down south through the border crossing. They offered to help us with the bikers out in Abbotsford, trade us some gear like radios and guns for food, but I couldn't tell if they were on the level. We couldn't keep them out if we wanted to, but we also didn't have any better options and we needed help."

She reminded them that they were ostensibly tracking a group of American soldiers mounted on elephants that had assaulted Old Willie yesterday at Ft. Langley, stealing the two elephants that were being sheltered there. As well, from the US government point of view the US Army units in Washington were renegades. Although considering the feds were unable to exert any control out here in what the Americans called the Pacific Northwest (that is, the Lower Mainland south of the border) being a "renegade" spanned the gamut from outright criminal (or "marauder" in American parlance) to simply backing the wrong faction in a political dispute that was serious, if remote.

As the barriers were lifted, they could see several horses tied up behind the RCMP Caprice. There was also the strong smell of manure, common to any farming community, but horse dung on the pavement indicated that horses or other mounts were now in common use.

We can supply radio equipment, no problem. Our aim is to enforce the new government guidelines to restore normal life. We've been fighting against bikers, the Hell's Angels as well as americans associated with them. We gave them a good beating recently. Apparently there is one of these units that use elephants and we are after them.

After a pause, Taras asked the lady:

I see you are an RCMP like me, were you in the Force before the war? We need to contact as much members as we can to bring back the ranks...

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 178):

Handing back his badge and documents she replied, "I joined up before the war, just got out of Depot (the RCMP training academy in Regina) before the bombs dropped in '97. Seems funny we got ex-Soviets in the Force now, but I guess things have been a little screwy.

"Radios would be great! As well, phones, if you're setting those up.

"This group of Yanks have been through twice before, starting about a month ago. They say they're on "marauder" patrol and the people around here like 'em for that but I don't think their coming into our territory whenever they like is a good thing. We've cautioned them about looting and their Lieutenant swears they're not, but... they got a lot of guns. If they were, it's not like we could do anything about it.

"Ok, barrier's up. Anything else?"

In reply to PC LaMarche (msg # 179):

With no response, they were waved through the barrier.

Aldergrove was a sleepy farm community before the war, and still was one now. On both sides of Fraser Highway were narrow bands of parks, behind the trees they could see houses. Difficult to tell if they were occupied or not.

Soon, they came to the "town hall". Aldergrove had no official mayoral office, as it had been a part of the larger Langley municipality. Instead, when the nuclear attacks caused the collapse of national, regional and municipal governments the local population converted Royal Canadian Legion Hall 265 into a town hall and Mayor's office.

The Legion hall was on the left. It was a solid 1-story concrete building with murals of planes, ships and other martial themes. A small plith flanked by a propeller and anchor was placed out front. An army Deuce and a half was parked in the lot to the left of the building, as well as an RCMP Bronco and three other pickup trucks and an SUV.

A motley group of militia in surplus camouflage (US and Canadian) waited for them there, as well as another pair of RCMP officers.

Let's meet the authorities, then. Looks like this place is been taken care of. Nothing like a good resemblance of old town lifestyle! It could be a great place to start the IRON program. Plus all the issues with the border...

Taras halted the convoy and offered the crew to dismount and meet the locals.

Thomas got out of the Humvee once it stopped. He slung his rifle and waited by the vehicle providing security but in a non obvious way. While he was standing there he studied the area looking for signs of battle or anything else that looks interesting or out of the ordinary.

Mac parked the Iltis and hopped out.

"Howdy!"

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 183):

The men smiled and nodded, returning the greeting.

Nothing looked out of the ordinary, and it didn't seem like this part of town had faced pitched fighting. The buildings along Fraser Highway seemed intact, as were the rows of town houses behind them.

The older of the two Mounties (both men) moved closer. "Corporal Hornbaugh. So, what's up, guys? nice to see you all, are you from Vancouver Island or the interior? We heard maybe government forces were coming west, but also there were military on Vancouver Island. Any news?" The inner part of the province was called "the interior" and could mean up north like Lillooet, Mac's home, or east like Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton.

"We're a bit of a mixed bag, Corp," said Mac.

"I'm Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald, originally out of Lillooet. We've just sort of come together, from assorted branches of service. I'm Army, joined the Rocky Mountain Rangers when the war broke out. Nothing to go home to, so I've just stuck around."

one of the guys in fatigues joked, "Oh, a Rocky Mountain Ram-Raper, eh? i hear you guys gave the Soviets hell a little while back. Glad to meet you. I'm Matt, this is Cole and that's Dave and Mike. That's Lisa."

As far as Regimental nicknames went, the one for Mac's old unit, the RMRR, was perhaps a little more offensive in a good-natured way but definitely not fighting words. It indicated this man, like Mac, had probably also been a Militia at some point.

The men nodded, as did the sole female militia member, a confident-looking woman in her 30's armed with a shotgun. Aldergrove was deep in BC's little "bible belt", a place known for its social and religious conservatism compared to urban Canadian communities. Still, not all women from these communities didn't want to stay at home or accept their assumed roles, and there wasn't much the men could do to stop them with manpower being so scarce.

"So you guys come down from Lillooet? Or that's just where your from?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:08, Wed 13 Apr 2016.

The unit is originally from Vancouver Island, they first landed at UBC so I joined them there. We've been kicking arses from there to here dealing with bikers, supremacists, mass murderers and such. There are a few Red Army defectors out there minding their business. Right now we are sent to deal with the border. Apparently there is a big Soviet Offensive coming down the Island. Our headquarters is putting a fight and it's in our best interest to develop our strategic background.

Taras got comfy around the group. This seemed to be a nice lot after all.

We'll be happy to share intel and even conduct joint patrols, etc. We are after a gang of americans and their elephants causing trouble in and out the country.

Kelsey settles in, she'd been quiet so far.

"Kelsey Champlain, Royal 22nd Regiment, attached to the RSR."
Her English is crisp, unaccented.  But is followed by equally fluent French.
"Je me souviens."  ... And a smile.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 188):

The woman smiled and replied to Kel,

"Royal Vingt-Deux, eh? A Van Doo! Long ways from home. I was in the Navy cadets on the Island in Nanaimo. I heard that all got nuked. Also Deadman's Island out by Stanley Park.

"We are sure glad to see you guys. Lots of people don't mind the Yanks coming around. Good people, and they have helped out. But you know how they are, making suggestions on how to do things, walking around acting like they own the place. Not that they can help it, I guess, just the way some of them are.

"So are you guys here to help with the bikers out near the prison? They've been pretty quiet the last few weeks for some reason. Haven't seen any around."

Kelsey nods to the woman.

"Oui, Vingt-Deux.  I hope I am not one of the last, but I have some family out this way, and I was assigned out here when that ball went up I was already detached duty."  She shrugs, going over the pain of loss repeatedly makes you hardened to it.

Kelsey nods about the Yanks and Bikers.  "Tell us what you can about both.  We appreciate the Yanks, but this is Canada."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 190):

The woman replied, along with input from the men and the Mountie, "the bikers call themselved the "Razorbacks". They are not a prewar club and formed after the bombs dropped, far as we can tell, mainly from inmates at the prison in Matsqui over in Abbotsford with some deserters from all sides. HA's have been seen in the area multiple times over the last year or two so we believe they were allies. They used to come into town to drink and trade but never broke the law while they were here. We think they have a couple chapters of ten members or so each, both in the Abbotsford area. They stopped coming around altogether about a month ago."

This would have been around the time that a new "President" of the Hells Angels consolidated control over the decentralised HA chapters and various independent motorcycle gangs in the Lower Mainland. Although, "independent" was probably a misnomer, with the HAs being the biggest dog around everyone else was assumed to be under their domination in one sense or another. But it was an indication that the lines of power were shifting, if in unknown directions.

"The Yanks are based in Bellingham, just over the border. For some reason they seem to be mounted on elephants. For God's sake! Why they can't drive around in Humvees like normal people is beyond me. Anyways, like I've said they've been around. Patrolling with a platoon mounted on two or three elephants. They claim to be chasing down "marauders" that come across the border, I have my doubts. Not surprisingly they are well armed. Rumour has it the US military, maybe not these ones in particular, are a big source of black market weapons and equipment. But there's a lot of stuff left over from when the Soviets invaded and the US forces helped us beat them off so it's hard to tell."

Corporal Abbott had been quiet, listening to the conversation.

"We've met those Yanks with the elephants.  They seem to think they can go wherever they want to without regard to borders. I somehow doubt they're chasing criminals."

In reply to Stanley Alistair Abbot (msg # 192):

The Mountie NCO nodded. "I've no doubt they find people they think are doing wrong.

"Crime's actually pretty low out here because most people were evacuated before the bombs fell, or they're gone. Died and so on. Those that are left are farmers and scavengers. But there are some gangs left around, and the deserters are getting desperate. The Razorbacks out of the old Matsqui Medium Security are always on peoples' minds around here.

"We're not crazy about American soldiers coming up and chasing criminals. That's our job. We've told them to coordinate with us, that if they do detain someone to turn them over to us. But we usually get stonewalled or some BS about them "resisting arrest". Don't get me wrong, folks around here appreciate the help and sometimes the legalities don't concern folks. But there's no oversight. If they grab the wrong person, shoot someone by mistake, how would we know? They're a lot better armed than we are, it's not like we could arrest them."

The Corporal looked up as a group of farmers exited the Legion Hall cum town hall. They headed over towards where a couple horse-drawn wagons were pulled up.

"OK, looks like Mayor Rousseau is free. Just go in, talk to the receptionist."

In reply to Cpl. Hornbaugh (msg # 193):

The group was ushered in to see the mayor. Master Mcrae, Able Seaman Lo and Constable Sochaki waited outside, monitoring the radio and watching the vehicles.

"Town Hall" was a converted Legion hall, as Aldergrove wasn't a separate municipal entity from the city of Langley before the war. The outside wall was decorated by a large mural of soldiers, sailors and airmen serving in WWI and WWII under the flag of Britain and the pre-1965 "Maple Leaf" flag, with the more modern flag woven into the motif. There was even a propeller/flag statue out by the sidewalk.

Inside was linoleum floors with wood panel sidings. Trophy cases displayed old war honours from WWI, WWII, Korea, more modern Peacekeeping missions. Nothing from the current war. These honours are not bestowed until after the conflict was past, and as of now there hadn't been anyone to give or receive them.

Rousseau's office was down the wide entry corridor, on the right, in the old Legion hall's administration office.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 194):

The Mayor stepped out of his office, holding some papers. He smiled. "Just a moment." Reaching back, he put the papers back on his desk. "There. Sorry about that. I'm Walt Rousseau. We got word from the roadblock you were coming in! So good to see you folks! I'm sorry for having to check IDs like we're some kind of nightclub, we do get deserters and criminals trying to bluff their way in by pretending to be the authorities, like the official government or the army. They made it too, the first time.

"Can I get you something? We have pastries. A little coffee as well, we grow it in greenhouses. Plenty of milk, of course, and we make our own sugar from beets. We also have liquor and beer but it's a little early in the day for that. Lots of good clean water. I worked for the water district before the war and clean water is one thing we have a lot of around here."

His accent betrayed a Caribbean origin, as well as perhaps some trace of French.

Thomas was not shy and graciously accepted the offer of a coffee, strong and black no sugar. Once it arrived even the smell brought back memories of better times. It did not really matter where he was based be it Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth or HMNB Clyde he always managed to find a decent coffee shop of some kind or another.

At Bickleigh Barracks it was a shop that was best described as a greasy spoon that catered to an early crowd of dock workers and fishermen so it was deserted for most of the day. At HMNB Clyde, home of the fleet protection group it was a small business that sold coffee and coffee machines and had a couple of small tables in the back. It roasted its own coffee and was able to source single estate beans from all over.

Both were now ash in the breeze being hit early in the piece and HMNB Clyde being under attack when Thomas had left on one of the submarines he had been charged with protecting. He wondered if the community might be up to trading some of the beans as he listened to the Mayor.

Kelsey grins at the mayor after he speaks, pleased to hear his accent.  She speaks to him in French, with obvious pleasure.

"Salutations honorés maire . Mon nom est sergent Kelsey Champlain . Puis- je vous demander où vous avez appris votre français?"  (Greetings honored Mayor.  My name is Sergeant Kelsey Champlain.  Might I ask where you learned your French?)

She is being amiable, and her French is very natural, as if it were her native language.  (Which it is).

Mac followed in quietly, but his eyes lit up at the offer of coffee. He was also of the strong black no sugar persuasion. He listened to the conversation, but got lost once they switched to French.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 197):

Rousseau smiled at Kelsey, pleased to be addressed in what was his first language.

Ah oui! Je parlais français comme un enfant en Haïti . Je suis venu au Canada avec mes parents en tant que réfugié.

(Ah yes! I spoke French as a child in Haiti. I came to Canada with my parents as a refugee.")

The Mayor ducked into the staff room next door and started pouring coffee.

"We are quite glad to see you. You are representing the Federal Government?"
This message was last updated by the player at 08:22, Wed 18 May 2016.

Kelsey grins to the Mayor "Bon à entendre la langue maternelle."
(It is good to hear the mother tongue)

Then a nod as her own coffee arrives, normally she'd go black, but in this day and age the luxury of cream and sugar is hard to pass up.

"That is correct, Mayor.  I am on detachment to work with the CMP."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 200):

"D'accord." (Of course.)

Rousseau poured coffee with cream for all who wanted it.

"As well, I imagine you want to talk to the Americans. You're too late, I'm afraid. They talked to the veterinarian, then left this morning. Back across the border I presume."

Mac's ears perked up.

"The veterinarian? Excuse me, but do you know what was discussed? Or may we go ask the veterinarian ourselves?"

In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 202):

He nodded, sipping his coffee.

"Yes. They had a wounded elephant with them. They're actually kind of odd, really, being mounted on elephants and all.

"Sure, you can talk to her. I'll take you myself."

"One of the stolen elephants was carrying an injury," said Mac, who was still worried about them.

"Woozle, the female, had a bullet wound in the flank, which had become infected. The veterinarian will be able to tell us if that's what she was asked about. The male, Hephalump, was OK when he was stolen, but who knows what's happened to him since."

Thomas sipped his coffee as he listen to the conversation. He wondered how far the Americans could get in the time it has taken them to get here. The Americans had vehicles, but with the elephants they would have to keep to the animals pace so there is a very good chance they could catch them if they have not crossed over the border. To be honest he wondered if they could pursue them if they have.

"Right, we should get on with this then.  Thank you Mayor."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 206):

Thomas was caught somewhat unawares at the sudden departure. He downs the rest of his coffee and thanks the Major. It was a somewhat surreal experience, nearly normal in a very unnormal world.

He follows the others back to the Humvee and once everyone was ready and abroad he takes his seat again.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 206):

"My pleasure. I heard you wanted to leave us a radio so we could contact you.

"Please leave it with the Mountie corporal outside. He'll put it in the Detachment HQ.

"I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Au revior."

Kelsey replies in French and waves.  She heads to the vehicles to figure out what radio she can spare with the range.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 209):

They had captured a SINCGARS set from the mercenaries hired by the bikers the day previous. That would probably do the trick for now.

"Right, we captured a SINCGARS from the mercenaries the other day.  I can rig that up as a base station in say.. half an hour?"

She nods to Taras to make sure he is good with it, and will get to work immediately setting them up, and syncing on the net.

Thomas helped remove the radio set and carry it over to the Mountie. he could not remember if they had checked it worked but these people looked pretty resourceful.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 212):

The Mountie took the radio. Kel (being a Signaller) had checked it over the night before and found it functioning properly. "Thanks! This should do nicely. And this is a secure channel?"

Everyone mounted up, getting ready to leave.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:48, Mon 30 May 2016.

"Correct, it is a secured channel.  Glad to have you back in touch."

Once the last bit of conversation with the locals was finished Taras called the crew for a quick pow-wow:

"I'm glad we find these fellows. Looks like they have a grip in the current situation, they appear to be cooperative and we can, in return, be helpful too. We should set up an OP nearby to monitor the border for a while and then conduct a few patrols. Our local friends can be our eyes and ears and let us know if something is up. I'm sure the elephant squadron won't be too far. Lets scout for a good base and get some logstics going down here".

If comms allow, Taras will try to get HQ to send supply, beans and bullets, to the team for at least a week on the field. Then choose a good observation post with excellent fields of fire as well as establish a patrol routine, foot mostly, in order to locate cross border activity. The main goal will be to relocate the elephant gang and retrieve the animals.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 215):

Comms were set up quickly and efficiently.

The US border was only about 6-7km from here.

With their head start the Americans probably had crossed over by now, unless they were delayed.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 216):

In the Humvee, Tremblay asked Kelsey, "Sarge, were are we going? Taras want us to set up an OP overlooking the border. I think we should recce the border crossing first."

"Roger that.  Mount up everyone, we have work to do."

She examines the map, conferring with the driver where best to go.

Mac headed for the Iltis, ready to get moving again.

"Right, Sergeant.", Abbot answered.   He unslung his C9 and placed it between the back seats. Then he climbed up behind the 240 again.

Thomas climbed back into the vehicle beside the Carl Gustav and got himself comfortable. He did a quick visual of his gear and the waited for the off.

Lets find a proper place. It should provide maximum observation of the border crossing and offer good cover and concealment, also good routes in and out. Usually, the best location for our OP is on or near the military crest of a hill, avoid being in the skyline. Somewhere not too well down the forward slope where observation is restricted by the terrain.

Taras started to look around for some sort of elevation.

Kelsey points at the map.

"Looks like McCallum Road takes us straight to the border.  This looks like some high ground on the way."  She points out some topographics on the way, on their left on route of travel.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 222):

Tremblay looked at a map.

"Are we going due south to the Aldergrove crossing? Or a little east to the Abbotsford border crossing?

"We think there are some HAs to the east in Abbotsford, probably around Matsqui (penitentiary). The "Abby" crossing is where I'd think there would be more activity. But we can go south to Aldergrove crossing, then east to Abby if it looks like the other one is a better bet."

"Don't want to cross, just go to the crossing."

She pokes the old official crossing area where customs was.

"Most direct route to here?"

Sumas...flat as an afghan carpet! We may have to occupy one of the custom buildings or nearby industrial structure then.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 218):

Hawke finished inspecting the wounded, and returned to his position as driver.

"Ok. We are going to pass by the Aldergrove crossing on the way to the Abbotsford/Sumas crossing. Let's swing by and take a look?"

He pointed out on the map they were only about 6-7km from the Aldergrove crossing, which was due south.

In reply to Keith Michael Tremblay (msg # 228):

Thomas leaned over to get a look at the map before sitting back and enjoying sitting on springs.

Yes, Sumas it is. Nice and easy. Keep your eyes open.

Taras orden of march was as usual. Light vehicle first then the humvee and finally the Cougar at the back.

Kelsey remounts in the shotgun seat of the HMMWV.

"Ok everyone, get frosty.  We are playing middle on the road march again for now.  Follow that Iltis."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 231):

The first bound was to swing by the Aldergrover border crossing, due south of the farming community.

It had been a sleepy crossing before the war. The old customs building off to the side of the modern crossing had been turned into a duty free shop. The new customs buildings looked like many government buildings built during the 90's: long, low, plenty of glass, plus long large covered areas for vehicle inspections.

Some time during the war the area had been his by air strieks. The duty free was partially collapsed and burned out. The new customs buildings were also bombed out. The crossing itself was closed off by many concrete traffic barriers. Past them could be see deep craters, now water-filled, perhaps 10m or so across.

Signs warned that the border crossing was closed until further notice. All traffic wishing to cross the border was instructed to proceed west to Peace Arch or the Truck Crossing, or east to Sumas/Aldergrove crossing.

It was possible that the American Elephant-mounted patrol had crossed over here, btu no vehicles would.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 232):

Keith examined the crossing area using binoculars through the Humvee's rear window.

"Kel, you think we should dismount and see if we can determine if the Americans came this way?"

Taras ordered the column to stop to take a look at the devastation surrounding the previous border crossing.

That is heavy artillery or air bombs! Whoever did this was really into something serious. Mother Russia would dedicate an Air Regiment for the job or perhaps divisional artillery, Akatsiyas and everythig with a 152 mm. last name.

The Ukrainian pointed towards the building:

I would't mind to take a look at the old custom house...

Kelsey nods to Keith.

"Yeah, I would hope elephant tracks and.. spoor.. would be easy enough to track."

Lets take a look then.

Taras dismounted and stretched her legs. They place looked a bit eerie but that was pretty much the normal scenery beyod the wire.

Thomas also left the comfort of the Humvee and looked around as they prepared to take a walk around the ruins. He had his rifle in a low ready position as he walked towards the buildings with the others.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 237):

The US border inspection station on the US side was built in 1986 and made of red brick, glass and steel. Both lanes, the booths and the adjoining buildings had taken direct hits.

Off to the right, the old customs station was a 2-story wood-framed building that had been converted into a duty-free shop. It had also taken a hit, and had partially burned down.The duty-free had been looted of what little merchandise that survived. It was unclear why the border station had warranted an air strike (as it was much too far from Soviet ground forces to have shelled it using artillery). It could have been repaired or bypassed with little effort but it had not been, so in some sense the effort to deny use of the crossing was at least partially successful.

Over on the eastern "return" side the Canadian customs building was made of concrete, glass and steel dating to 1972. It had some damage but someone had cleared a vehicle path through the rubble, and it looked like vehicles could have passed through relatively recently. Kel also noticed Elephant "spoor" around, plus footprints in the soft mud of the detour.

Uh, oh!

The discovery of the status of the abandoned border crossing was somehow puzzling. Somebody took the effort to bomb the hell out of the post. Taras walked around looking for the tell tale of aerial bombs. The russian models were easy to identify as their design was really old. Flying trash cans that detonated mostly old explosives that left a good deal of the tail section untouched. On the other hand, western bombs took advantage of modern ballistics and their RDX fragged throughout leaving less of a clue to find out their birth certificate.

Some time along the search somebody mentioned something about elephants.

Well, I guess this is a good bottleneck to set up an OP.

Mac checks the elephant tracks to see if he can tell how many there were, etc.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 239):

Oddly, there were no bomb or artillery fragments. Those could be removed, though. Still, it looked like someone demo'd the buildings and cratered the roads using demolition charges.

There seemed to be four elephants. Mac wasn't a good enough tracker to be sure but he thought one was injured, which would tally with what they knew of the ones that had been stolen from Ft. Langley.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 239):

"Set up the OP here? Not a bad idea.

"Or further East at the Sumas crossing? We haven't been there, yet."

Cradling his C7A1, Tremblay surveyed the wreckage.

GM Note: to clarify, you are at the Aldergrove crossing, not the Abbotsford-Sumas crossing.

Kelsey moves around the foliage, disappearing from view several times.  She is like a ghost in the woods, obviously in her element in a more rural environment.

She returns as quietly as she left.

"There have definitely been elephants through here, Taras.  And some folks on foot.  We might be able to lay in and give them a little surprise should they return this way."

So we have problems with both border crossings. Obviously the elephant brigade has been around and using this route. Probably more of the same over the other site. We can deal with the elephant gang setting an OP here. That kind of animal require certain logistics are steady routes. In any case this was a Canadian Government facility and needs to be rebuilt and put to good use.Will do a 48 hours mission here and then pass it on to the local RCMP. If nothing comes up we'll go to  the next point. That's were the prison was nearby. Any thoughts?

"Prison.. hmmm.  How intact is that?  I got a strange feeling that it might be in use as a base."

"We need to rescue those elephants," said Mac.

"I don't think they are being looked after properly, never mind that they were stolen in the first place."

May well get rid of the marauders and rescue the dumbo family. One less worry if we have to move East.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 247):

"Ok then. We have a bunch of objectives. We need to decide which ones to pursue.

"One is to go across the US border in hot pursuit of renegade American army forces. I'm loyal to the US federal government, so fuck these "MILGOV" assholes.

"Two is to set up an OP here to control the border.

"Three is to recon the Abbotsford/Sumas border crossing to the east.

"We can go northeast to check out Matsqui Correctional, see if someone's using it as a base."

He thought for a moment as he checked out the area using his C7A1's mounted ELCAN scope. "I guess we can combine some of these. Hot pursuit will need to happen now if it happens at all. But we could establish an OP here and do recons of the other critical places: Matsqui prison and the other border post."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:54, Tue 19 July 2016.

Yes, yes...I can see we have some options here...We can discard crossing the border. We are not authorized to do so. Regardless of who's the boss down there.

The Ukranian, a talented chess player, sat down in one of the concrete slabs around the border crossing and positioned the map on the ground. Mentally he started to trace a grid over it and started his mental ruminations.

A loose piece makes a great target anytime yet it makes a fine basis for a relative pin: if you attack two enemy pieces in a line and the rear piece is loose, it becomes costly for your opponent to move the piece in front. This simple point forms the basis of a common and valuable pattern. Suppose one of your pieces is aimed at an enemy piece; for the sake of the example, assume your rook is aimed at your opponent’s bishop. On the other side of the bishop is your opponent’s rook. Both his bishop and his rook are protected. This might not look like a pin, or indeed like anything; your rook simply is aimed at a piece that it can't afford to take, and behind it is another piece you can't afford to take. Ah, but if you somehow can loosen your adversary's rook, the bishop in front of it suddenly does become pinned; for behind the bishop now lies a target that now is vulnerable. Now the bishop can be attacked with a pawn and may not be able to afford to run away as the bishop no longer is free to leave its square. Is a most interesting and important technique to understand involving the creation of relative pins: the art of loosening a screened piece, so that the enemy piece in front of it becomes pinned: We loose their elephants and then we get to the prison.

Taras looked up.

Shit, I lost you, right?

A wide grin illuminated his face. Everybody felt that some sort of translation will ensure....

We set up an OP here. If they come we will eliminate them. If they find out that we are here they may choose to fight or not. In any case we are blocking their way and controlling the border.

If in the next few "moves" they are not showing up we will have the local RCMP to take over us and then we will move towards the prison and have the RCMP as a back up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:55, Tue 19 July 2016.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 249):

"OK. Sounds good to me.

"Want to at least do a quick recon of the other border crossing?"

Is a matter of time. We give ourselves a 48 hours mission to engage if we can. If nothing happens then we call the Mounties to take over and we move East.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 251):

"Fine. Where do you want the OP?"

He looked around. There were some civilian buildings around but not too close. The US and Canadian customs buildings were mostly destroyed. The old customs building was fire damaged but still standing.

We are going to need a tall structure with good angle of view over the border crossing. Rooftop for good weather and top floor for alternate fire platform. We need to bring up at least a machine gun and some good rifle. Apart from that we need another combat element with mobility outside the OP, hiding somewhere nearby.

If the bad guys show up we will hit them hard. As they maneuovre to dismount, escape or whatever we will use this element to hammer them from other direction. We need to keep an eye in the dumbos too.

So my guess is to have a combat pair with the jeep at least a few blocks away and with proper comms. I need the best shooters on the roof though.

Kelsey snorts.

"I thought you are the CMP, Taras."
She grins a moment.

"I am better in the brush then I am anywhere else, I can set up to ambush or snipe from the weeds, then move it in like a hammer or fade away depending on the call."

She hmmms.

"A little surprise from the rear or flank, so to speak."

Well, yes. I am a Staff Sargent with the RCMP but currently in charge of this team that is under military command from the HQ in Vancouver Island. The RCMP I'm talking about is the UBC branch that is expanding and trying to unite all stragglers out there...

They shall provide our relief in any case.

I will need you, Kel to lead the mobile element to set up the flank attack, or rear or as you please. The idea is confront their column head on and as the move you can find, fix and destroy. We need precision to avoid injuring the animals and, of course, ensure a good kill.

"What do you need me to do, Sarge?" asked Mac.

A chuckle from Kelsey as her ploy worked.
"Humor, Taras.  Humor."



A firm nod.

"Je Me Souviens, mon ami.  And I will give them something to fucking remember.  Infantry ops afield is my specialty."

She looks around at those gathered.

"Who wants to slam a door with me, Van Doo style?"  She breaks into a grin, more feral than friendly.  She'd seen action all over Canada, and had not only survived, but thrived in the environment.  Her mother unit had a ferocious reputation, and among those that recognized that their mascot, the beaver, was well suited to the to subtle tactics and sudden ferocity of the Royal 22nd "Van Doos" whose motto "We Remember" was often ominous.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 257):

"Mac and I should be suitable for this mobile element in the Iltis. With the Iltis. We're a little light on the heavy weapons but we do have the fifty-cal Barrett and we're pretty mobile!"

Andy nodded at Mac.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 257):

"I'm in, Sergeant. Since, you know, we had so much fun last time.", Abbot replied.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:01, Sat 23 July 2016.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 255):

"My only worry is the 20mil on that APC it could shred everything in a few seconds if they have ammunition for it. If it is O.k. I would like to deploy further back along the road and let them pass if the APC is bringing up the rear or take a shot before they get within shooting distance on the rest of the group ? Otherwise I can look for somewhere elevated here and with a good look along the approach."

I will need at least a sniper, a rifleman and a machinegun up in the OP. The mobile element on the ground needs to be a combat duo with lots of room for maneouvre and some decent firepower. Kel, you will need a partner and see what kind of extra punch you may need.

Don't worry too much about the APC. We've been battling plenty of armor before. We need to bring enough damage to the enemy as we can before we move in. Our best weapons are superior combat skills. Choose your partners. Fight is on, my friends!

Kelsey nods, much more solumnly to Alastair.

"Sure Abbot, we'll both drop all but combat load and armor... bring a SAW." A tight grin on that.  She tends to shoot very accurate single fire, having a SAW around to mow down the rest is handy.  "We might want some grenades, and I think we will want to dig a few holes to hide from rampaging elephants too."

She nods to the Altis guys.

"We'll work out a good OP, and you guys can be in position to slam the back door, sound good Mac?"

Mac grinned.

"You're on, Sarge!"

Right on. Kel, prepare a couple or so fox holes and let me know the position. Also, make sure you get all the weapons you may need. We can always trade...

Thomas found an elevated platform for the anti-tank launcher with some cover if possible. If there was no suitable place he would find something on the ground that gave him angle of attack down the road, either a ditch beside the road or a low wall.

He would try to give it some camouflage before loading the Carl Gustav and settling into wait.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 262):

"You know, Sergeant, these yanks travel in a big group. We could dismount the 240 from the Humvee or find a spot to park it hull down for support.  They could provide a base of fire to spring the ambush and stall them so that we roll up their flank. What do you think?", Abbot suggested.

I think that is a good idea.

Kelsey nods to Abbot.

"Scout that out.  The more field of fire coming down on them the better, and a fast escape is a great plan as well."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 268):

"What do you want me t' do?"

"You good on a machine gun Hawke?  If so assist on setting up the Hummer.  Abbot and I will scout the brush for a good ambush point."

"Where do you need me?" asked Mac, who was getting a little confused.

"Mac, you and Andy will set up a sniping position on this intersection area.  Wherever you think is best, you two are our experts."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 270):

"I hae the basics, but I'm no machine gunner.  Tremblay is, though.  I'm a dab hand with a grenade launcher, tho."

"Grab one and help with setup, Hawk.  We need two things done with our element.  One, we need to scout for a good from ground ambush point.  Two, we need to get the Hummer hull down and ready to juice it up as well."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 274):

"Aye"

Hawke left to go help assemble the machine-gun nest as requested.

"Right..."

Mac trotted off to find a good perch.

Kelsey is about to head off.. but she stops and looks back.

"Someone see if we have any claymores left.  That might be of some use.  No offense folks, I would love to recover stolen property and protect elephants, but I'd rather mow them all down than lose a single soldier on my watch."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 277):

The open path was along the western road, leading to the US customs building. It came north past the old customs house on it's right (on the east side) with a hedge lining the parking lot. An ambushe line could be dug in behind the hedge on the east side of the road, and inside the customs house. The road snaked back and forth north of the customs house, an MG hidden in the tall grass at this curve would have enfilading fire down the road.

It being farmland, there was little in the way of really suitable high ground. There was a little grassy hillock above the intersection of 0 Road and highway 13, it overlooked the road as it came around the side of the customs house. Stationed there it would only have a line of sight on the first vehicle, any others would be hidden behind the customs house. Alternatively the CG could be with the MG at the bend.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 277):

"Kel, where do you want me? I'm good with the M240. As well, I am competent with the Carl Gustav."

Kelsey grins at Keith.

"See where the road curves there in front of the old customs house?  That would be a great place to put a 240, and maybe keep a Gustav with you as well.  Alternately, inside the Customs building gives some cover, take your pick."

She gestures at the wood line at the edge of the parking lot.

"We dig in here.  Some trenches here will be hard to spot, give us some elephant protection."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 280):

"If this is a military unit they might put a recon vehicle on point. But civilians might lead with a technical or armoured car. Either way I hope we're not going to deal with tanks!

"I have a case of six Claymores. I have an ERYX launcher, to. It's a short-range ATGM. To accompany the Carl G. Or we can put it in the building, because the ERYX is "soft launch".

"Don't forget the Cougar. We can put it on the rise behind the ambush line, hull-down."

https://drive.google.com/open?...slhA&usp=sharing

"An alternative would be to not use the old customs house and dig everyone in to the west of the road instead."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Sun 07 Aug 2016.

In reply to Keith Michael Tremblay (msg # 281):

"Good thinking.  I'd rather dig in, it gives you more options.  If we have multiple foxholes you can move and then start over."

Tremblay looked at the area, then sketched out something in the dirt.

"Ok, ah, here's my plan. It's an L-shaped ambush.

"If we're not going to use the old customs house, then let's set up on and past the bend. We hit them in this intersection of Highway 13 and Zero road. If there are so many of them they can't all be in the kill zone we set up Claymores to hit anyone by the old customs house and south along that road.

"The far end of the ambush line is anchored by Mac and Andy at one end, manning the M240. That  way they can fire south down the road. The Iltis is parked behind them. We just don't have enough people for a separate sniper detachment, and besides, this will all be happening at close range anyways.

"The close end of the ambush like will have Taras, myself, and the ERYX anti-tank missile launcher.

"At the southeast corner of the intersection is a little rise. Andrews will be there with the Carl Gustav. He'll be alone, unfortunately. If there is anything really heavy in the convoy then he can hit it in the flank as it comes along or rear once it passes.

"To the northeast of the intersection will be the Cougar with Sochaki and Lo, parked hull-down behind this rise. Also parked hull-down there will be the Humvee with Kel and Abbot. Abbot's C9 SAW will be on the pintle mount so you can use it in the ambush or if you need to go mobile.

"While it is part of the ambush, the Humvee can still go mobile. But if the road is blocked by burning vehicles, pursuit to the south might need to be done in the Iltis."

https://www.google.com/maps/d/...-KZTqhZJ8OWIyQ5qslhA
This message was last updated by the GM at 08:28, Mon 08 Aug 2016.

In reply to Keith Michael Tremblay (msg # 283):

"I'd rather be sniping but I can handle a GP-Gun."

He didn't like being forced to rely on brute firepower but there didn't seem to be much other option.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:29, Mon 08 Aug 2016.

"Great plan Keith, I am a hell of a lot better in the field than sitting in a Hummer.  I'll deploy a quick run in a foxhole away from the Hummer... unless Tom feels he needs more company than just the Carl Gustav.  Regardless let me help with the camouflage down there."

"That sounds good to me. One good ambush when they aren't ready for it might break them." Abbot added.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:28, Tue 09 Aug 2016.

In reply to Stanley Alistair Abbot (msg # 286):

"We can also set up a fallback position a little north of here on Highway 13. Where we can hit 'em again.

"Do we have an RV point set up?"

Keith looked at the prewar topographical map of the area, noting the other border crossing to the east.

"As well, how do we know we're not going to get hit from someone crossing to the east? If that other border crossing is viable we could get outflanked."

Kelsey nods and looks at that on a map.

"We Don't.  Either we need to be prepared, or we need to scout it.. or both."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 288):

The team settled down to digging in, placing Claymores, and moving the Cougar and Humvee into position.

In the sky, the sun climbed higher. They were finished in a couple hours, by late afternoon/early evening 1630).

Thomas has constructed a relatively usable position in which he concentrated on protection to the front without sacrificing concealment. He intended to use it for one or two shots at best if he got the chance from the launcher and then to fall back to a secondary location to fire on the enemy with his rifle. He tried to make sure that he did not move to much material so it still looked like a ruin and added him in remaining unseen until the last minute.

Finally he loaded the Carl Gustaf HEDP rounds and placed the second and third in their container close by should he get the chance to use them.

Once he had made some ranging shots using the attached lazer on various permanent structures on the route the convoy would take he settled back to wait.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Tue 16 Aug 2016.

In reply to Thomas Matthew Andrews (msg # 290):

The location that Tremblay had selected for Andrews was on a small bush-covered hillock overlooking the intersection of Highway 13 and Zero Road. The range to target was under fifty metres for the most part, so there was no point in checking range as the rocket would experience no loss of trajectory in such a short flight time.

One disadvantage is to RV with the Cougar, he would need to cross Zero Road (going northwards). His other option was to set up on the berm near the Cougar but this meant he couldn't count on a flanking shot unless he waited for the vehicle to pass and turn up Highway 13.


GM Note: In the top-down satellite view the location for Andrews looks like its under construction but Street View reveals it is a hillock (or would have been back in 2001).

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 291):

The afternoon stretched into evening.

Shadows grew long. There was maybe another couple hours of daylight left.

"Taras, we gonna stay here or boot it back to the fort?"

We can spend the night and leave tomorrow. Once we are here...

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 293):

Once night time fell, the team personnel cooked some food and got ready to bed down for the night. They still had plenty of Canadian IMPs, salvaged from a wreck in Vancouver harbour. These combat rations were generally considered to be some of the best in NATO but the trade-off was sometimes water needed to be added and they were not self-heating. Either a fire needed to be built or a stove used to boil some water to put the foil packs in, or else some heat tabs from American MREs could be used.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 293):

Keith sighed as he finished the blueberries from his IMP. The ration pack's expiry date had passed last year in 2000, but it was still very palatable. He picked with teeth using the handy toothpick supplied in the condiments kit, then sipped some caramel-flavoured Nestle instant coffee.

"OK, Taras, you want us to sleep at our positions or withdraw for the night? We expecting a night convoy to come through?"

"I would expect early morning.  We will have guards, of course."  She nods to Taras, to let him choose the final setup.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 296):

A guard schedule was set up of 2-hour rotations. Sunset was full of the hum of insects and birdsong.

As night fell, everyone went on alert for an hour or so until it was obvious no one was coming.

The darkness was disturbed by the occasional rustle of animals in the woods. All watches passed without otherwise being disturbed.

Before dawn everyone quietly stood-to, ready in case an attacker decided to get cute when they would perhaps be the least alert.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 297):

In the predawn darkness, Darek stood-to and manned the main gun on the Cougar.

"Ahh... it's too cold to get up. No one's coming."

Thomas tried to stay warm in his jacket as dawn slowly approached. It had been a long night and if they were not coming he would be glad to get underway.

-

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 297):

"Whatever. Let's get ready in case someone comes at this fucking unGodly hour."

He cranked up the engine to warm it up, diesel throbbing in the darkness. Then shut it down.

"Ready to move."

Kelsey used what tricks she had to think warm as she scanned for signs of activity.

"Anyone who moves this early deserves what they get."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 301):

Climbing into the foxhole beside Taras, Tremblay yawned.

"Christ almighty. I just want to go back to bed!"

He warmed up the ERYX's thermal night sight. In the predawn cool the sight was functioning nominally.

In reply to helbent4 (msg # 297):

Hawke stretched in his seat in the hummer.  Beats sleeping outside.  He checked over his med-bag, quickly making sure nothing had moved since the last time he opened it.  Once his bag was secured, he picked up his rifle from where it lay, and popped the magazine out, checking his ammo.  He pressed down on the top bullet, and felt resistance from the spring, below.  That was all good.  He left that close to hand, and checked the rest of his kit.

Not finding anything amiss, he stretched again and got out of the jeep, rifle in hand.

I guess that was it. Lets move back to town.

Dawn started to break as the eastern sky became brighter and brighter.

Indeed, it seemed no one was planning on using this crossing that morning. Or at least that early in the morning.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 304):

Beside him, Keith replied, "Boss, maybe we're not gonna get hit at dawn. But if someone is using this crossing, maybe it's not going to be until actual daybreak. Or morning? Bikers and mercenaries are not known for getting up at the crack of dawn without a damn good reason."

"We can at least eat our breakfast in.  I want eyes watching at all times, we can wait until a bit into the day, by all means.  Course, maybe they are enjoying the fruits of their raids and not heading right back out.  Might take a few days of stake-outs."

She snorts.

"Standard military stuff, massive amounts of boredom punctuated with brief periods of life threatening action."

Sure. Lets have some breakfast. Beautiful sunrise in this part of the valley!