In reply to Christopher Little Hawk MacDonald (msg # 66):
Keith will do as he is asked and dish up the potatoes, and bring them over to the table for everybody to enjoy.

Mac follows with the hamburgers and slaw.

"I can do some more burgers if needed, but for now, let's eat!"

Kelsey Chats with Rachel about what has been going on locally, whether it is new fruits available or real changes she wants to talk.  While engaged with the Asian woman she still monitors her surroundings, at least enough to know when dinner is served.

"Oh potatoes, lovely!  Let's get seated so Iron Chef Mac can wow us with his creations."

She chuckles, and will take a seat at the table (Makeshift or not) with room for Rachel at it.

"They have been conspiring in the kitchen enough to make me wonder about the old too many cooks adage."

She starts prepping her potato with any provided condiments, regardless of what they are, for the most part.

Mac grinned and watched the gang enjoy what he had cooked. That always was a good feeling, seeing people enjoying food you had prepared for them.

And if they had someone else who liked cooking, all to the good. He might pick up some new tricks.

Father Nick smiled as he joined rest of the group to enjoy the food. Shortly after the food was put on the table he made a soft cougg and in a soft voice he spoke:

"With all gathered, new and old faces and companions, may I suggest we say grace before we share this lovely meal?"

He waited a beat, before bowing down his head and clasping his hands.

"Lord, we thank thee for this food we are about to share. May it give us the needed strength to perform our tasks and carry our burdens. May we be able to help thise in need. To shephard the weak and lost. To bring food to those without. May we help spread the light to combat the night upon our lands. May our work be blessed. Amen. Now, let us eat."

He smiled and moved to help the one next to him to get their food.

Kelsey was waiting on everyone to sit before eating herself, and once Father Nick blessed it, she stands and holds up her cup.

"Mac, men, thank you for the fine meal.  Welcome newcomers, and old friends."  She smiles a moment at Rachel, then looks to the new LAV.

"I believe we have decided the name for the Coyote, with a noted exception of someone that wanted 'Ugly', that she is the LAV'in Spoonful II."

She laughs, then holds the cup higher "À ta santé, salut!"  And then takes a drink.

"Let's eat."

It's not alcohol, in fact right now it is just good clean water, but a toast is a toast.  She sits back down.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

Eric bowed his head, closed his eyes & folded his hands as the Padre blessed their meal.

"Amen." Eric repeated.

He took a bite of his hamburger and then raised his glass for the toast.

"Salud."

He tucked into his meal; his recent activities not providing him many opportunities for good chow.

Mac hadn't noticed that one of the new arrivals was a priest, but when the Father started to say grace he folded his hands and bowed his head. When the prayer was done he crossed himself and said "Amen.

He racked his brains, but even at tribal ceremonies, all he'd ever heard the elders say was 'cheers!' when they toasted, so he contented himself with that.

Orthodox people cross themselves from right to left placing the thumb and first two fingers together in a point, and the last fingers flat against the palm. The three fingers together represent the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the two fingers in the palm represent the two natures of Christ.

The act of "Placing the cross on oneself" is a request for a blessing from God. The Orthodox way is made from right to left to mirror the actions of the priest upon the blessing. The priest, looking at the parishioners, blesses from left to right. Therefore, the parishioners, putting on the sign of the cross on themselves, do it from right to left.

On a biblical note, because the Lord separated the sheep from the goats, putting the faithful sheep on His right side, and the goats on the left, the Church always treats the right side as the preferred side. Therefore the right hand is used to bless anything from the table to the Ikonostasis or sacred furniture. In the Roman Catholic Church, the faithful crossed themselves from right to left, just as the Orthodox do, until the 15th or 16th century. For Taras, an orthodox raised man, the catholics should explain why they have changed an ancient and apostolic tradition and their motivations. But that was another story, that of a centuries long conflict in the theological realm.

Amen! Sorry for being late. I was trying to find information about a certain soviet submarine that was moored at the Fraser river down below.

To those of you who don't know me my name is Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko, currently a staff Sergeant with the RCMP. Yes, I was a soviet Lieutenant up North before I decided that the war didn't make any sense.

The focus of the government here is to restore normal life and rule of law. Most of our actions here are based on INTEL recollection and police work on criminal elements. Some of these bandits possess a good deal of firepower due to the current situation but there is no war going on here and we must abide by the rules of engagement. It is kind of a grey area and we need to be careful.

After finishing the banquet we can have a briefing about our activities in the community and what the government is asking us to do next. God bless us all.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 76):

A beat-up CF Iltis bearing a female officer and driver pulled into the school's cracked upper parking lot as evening started to shade into night. Leaving her driver to wait, the woman made her way into the school's gymnasium building, waving at the guard as she passed. The gym annex was where the mess and temporary quarters were established, with some offices in nearby classrooms.

She introduced herself to the new arrivals, and warmly greeted Rachel. "Good to see you, although we do see each all the time." She seemed to know all the previous members of the team. She was dressed in older pattern OD green combats with naval rank insignia and a dark blue beret.

"Hello everyone. For those of you who are new, I'm Lieutenant Commander Clarke-Sullivan. I was going to leave it to Staff Sergeant Shevchenko, Taras, to get you organised but I was in the area and wanted to see how things are.

"This will not be a formal briefing but I'll tell you what I can. Currently we are still concentrating our operations along the Lower Fraser river. We are standing up Militia and RCMP formations but training is taking time. We have consolidated downtown Vancouver, East Van and South Van. Burnaby is a mess but slowly coming under greater control. We are taking control of Surrey but it's a large area and our resources are stretched to the max. We have sent a team each into Richmond and Delta. The Fraser River is still at higher than normal levels but the water level is finally receding. Expect considerable damage to structures and roads closer to river level. Some residual flooding remains where normal drainage is impeded (like SE Marine Way). In general we continue to restore civil order and security throughout the city, and continue the IRON program to register and track survivors everywhere we can. But our influence is strongest within 15 km of UBC, around New West and in a corridor connecting them along SE Marine Drive. We still know little about communities on the north shore like North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

"Local militia is being organised into the 3rd Battalion Royal Westminster Regiment, Headquartered here in New West. RCMP detachments are being organised in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond Delta and Surrey, our HQ is at UBC. The New West police remain independent and we are under negotiations with them to merge departments. The sub is still moored at New West Quay. Some day soon we'll look into towing it to the north shore to repair the bow and screws.

"We had the Hells on the run and now they've largely disappeared. Possibly hiding out in their clubhouse in the Valley, maybe moved across the border, maybe moved up the Fraser valley or up towards Squamish.

"We have heard of another large, well-organised outlaw motorcycle gang operating somewhere in the Valley. It's not known if they are affiliated with one of the "Big Four" international Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs (OMCs): HAs, Outlaws, Bandidos or Pagans. They could also be independents like the Satan's Choice. Or keeping their loyaties hidden.

"There are still street and other criminal gangs operating all throughout the Lower Mainland but the ones in the areas we control are laying low. These are a collection of prewar gangs and new ones have formed for both local protection and extortion, and low-level robbery. There is rumour that a gang is targeting travellers along the Trans-Canada from Surrey to Abbotsford. Speaking of Abbotsford there is a new militia there that is not government affiliated but that's all we know.

"As for the war, such as it is, Soviet forces are known to be on Vancouver Island and Bella Coola but no conventional units are within a couple hundred kilometres of here. However we suspect GRU and KGB teams have infiltrated the area, gathering intelligence. Occasionally the Soviets jam all radio communications, for unknown reasons. One New America cell was destroyed (by you) over a month ago. It's unknown if they were from Alberta or Utah, all of them were killed or committed suicide.

"That's the situation as it stands. Due to the nature of your unit I won't lay out a formal operational order, more let you know my priorities.

"You have three directives: Move the Coyote and supporting vehicles to Fort Langley Historical Site (this can be now, after dark or this morning). Second, locate what we suspect is a rogue American unit operating on the wrong side of the border. This shouldn't be too difficult as they are on foot, apparently accompanied by some large animal, probably an elephant. Detain only as warranted if violent crimes are committed. Otherwise if these are US Army units loyal to the Junta we more want them to return home with the message they are to respect our national border and sovereignty. And third, confiscate all contraband and banned weapons. Recover all stolen property. We think they stole, or maybe rustled, two African elephants and assaulted the caretaker for the fort, Old Willie.

"So move to the fort, stop the Americans before they cross the border, and get back our elephants."

Calling "Old Willie" a caretaker was a bit of a stretch but to tell the truth he'd taken great care of the fort, maintaining and even improving it. He'd installed solar cells, a greenhouse and repaired the fort's well. He'd also welcomed the team there and said anything they wanted was theirs, he'd served in the army (PPCLI) and wanted to help any way he could. Now he was recovering in hospital so someone would need to keep an eye on the place!
This message was last edited by the player at 09:18, Mon 17 Aug 2020.

Excellent. Thank you, Commander Clarke!

Orders so far are clear. We need to move out to our new location in Fort Langley. Kel, you'll be in charge of preparing march orders for the convoy.

I guess once we settle there we will have to prepare searching patrols for that rogue band with the elephants. Luckily we have proper personnel and equipment for the task.

A sniper team will be needed once we can establish the whereabouts of the bad guys and routes to keep an eye as well as rovide fire support if needed.

I have in mind to try and get in touch with that non affiliated militia in Abbotsford, is pretty much our next Area of Operations and they may have a good deal of intel of the area and what is going on in their turf.

Any questions or ideas?

A wave and a smile to Andrea when she entered, a soft greeting.

"The times of the move all have advantages and disadvantages.  We've been out in it a bit, and life has been rough.  A tiny bit of downtime would be welcome, and if we obviously occupy the fort in daylight it might inspire a bit more confidence with civilians.  Let's sleep in our bunks tonight and hit it early in the morning."

She gestures at in imaginary map in her head.

"My crew has already attempted tracking these pachyderm nappers, and I think broadcasts and witnesses might be a better angle for us to work now.  I think they may be already back on the other side of the border already, but we can't be certain."

She furrows her brow.

"The old fort should provide a decent perimeter, but if we can bring along lots and lots of sandbags, I would like them."

She looks to the Colonel.

"Ma'm, you got some for us?"

"Ma'am, in the 'Valley, are you talkin' 'bout the Razorbacks?  They can be a bit ornery.  As for that group of my countrymen wanderin' around, I don't 'spose you have any idea of their unit?  I threw my lot in with a few of them once upon a time.  Might be helpful to have a known quantity make contact, if that turns out to be the case." he said with a bit of a Texas twang.

He took a large bite of his burger, chewing & swallowing for a pause.

"Daytime move would be my choice as well.  If it was a movement to contact, the element of surprise would outweigh the safety issue, but for an admin move I don't think the risk would be worth it, especially hauling along a heavy cargo truck like that out there.  I did take a moment to check out some topos from the fort.  Woodline is a bit close for my liking, but if we pull some of that down to extend the field of fire we'll have some decent lumber to work with for shoring up the defenses."

He realized that the Colonel had left out a few other details, but figured she must have had a good reason to do so.  He didn't want to let her cat out of the bag.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg # 78):

Clarke-Sullivan looked a little surprised at the suggestion of putting off travel in favour of a day march. "Really? Ok."

"We can get all the sandbags you need back at the Westie's armoury.

"If they elephant-nappers are on foot, and they left today, they must be travelling pretty quick to make the full distance of 25 km in less than a day. My suggestion is don't let them cross the border if you can help it."

She nodded at the mention of the Razorbacks. "That was one name we'd heard but we weren't sure, glad you're confirming it.

"One other thing I should mention is that we are not expecting to see a lot in the way of armed citizenry. Up in "the Bush", places like Lilloet, practically everyone has a long arm for hunting. Also, a lot of the fighting occurred in the Bush so I'd expect a lot of scavenged rifles and so on. But almost no fighting happened here, long arms were rare and handguns very rare before the war. Therefore I expect the heaviest armed groups to be OMCs like the HAs and groups that have incorporated ex-soldiers and deserters. Some of the better-armed street gangs and bandits will have an assortment of firearms, with a few submachineguns and police weapons thrown in. Less successful gangs and criminals, like ordinary citizens, probably will be armed with bows and crossbows, knives and blunt weapons. We expect handguns to be rare. And be on the lookout for exceptions. It might be someone made a lucky trade for an M16 or AK or is an ex-soldier. Or gangs might be looking to take advantage of an open market for weapons."

This was the first time she alluded to the undercover operation that Koldan and Tyler had been engaged with for the last month or so, since before the Great Fraser flood. And although most of the personnel were familiar with how the locals would be armed it was good to have a reminder. Before the war per-capita firearm ownership was even a bit higher than the USA, at least in rural areas due to the prevalence of hunting and defending against wildlife. But it was completely the opposite in urban areas, there were far fewer guns per capita. Either way, almost no hanguns. Perhaps this had changed?

"Hmmmm... time to go Elephant hunting, it seems."

(Retcon Alert!)


"Right, Colonel.. can those sandbags be sent on to us?  Sounds like we need to pack and roll.  Folks, bring it all, sounds like we have a new home for a while.  Bring your racks, fart sacks, and spare clothes and such."

She nods to Rachel.

"Catching a ride back with the Colonel, or do we get an extra mountie along for free?  I got a spare seat in the spoonful, in the rear with the radio gear if you are so inclined.  I am sure we will have a supply run soon enough."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Thomas helped with the loading of any cargo for the humvee and if anyone else needed a hand getting things stowed away on the other vehicles. Then he took a moment for a smoke while standing next to the drivers door, looking out over the surrounding area as he did so.


-

Eric quickly finished up the food he had in front of him, then started for the parking lot.

"Is anyone good with elephants?  I mean, I've seen pissed longhorns, and I wouldn't want to deal with one of those, much less something weighing two plus tons.  And I assume they'd need to be ridden or lead back on foot too?  I mean, maybe one of them could fit in the back of the cargo truck there, but probably not both as once."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 82):

"I don't have anything planned for the next few days. If the Colonel can clear it with my boss I can hang out, then come back. I've got my uniform and everything I might need with me. I could pick up a shotgun from the New West Police while I'm here, but other than that I'm good."

Such a large and colorful parade cannot go incognito for long. I'm sure we can find some neighbors familiar with that sight. We'll need to put boots on the ground and gather information from the local sources.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:52, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 82):

"If you want to get going right away I can send the sandbags on later.

"Sundown is in 15 minutes or so at 2100. If you are going at midnight that gives them a few hours to scrounge up a couple hundred for issue at the Westies' armoury if you are leaving at 0000 hours.

"And yes, I can have a talk with Inspector Khandola. Kam owes me one, I can make this happen if he's got nothing planned."

"Rache, go ahead and take care of it, thank you colonel, and we will get the rest ready to go."

She stands.

"Mac, and Eric.. that was a fine meal.  That was a nice change up."  She smiles faintly just a moment.

"Mister Wright, I believe I will enlist the aid of the ones that have already figured it out when we catch them.  It's the least they can do."

Quickly finishing what was on his plate, Keith collects his trash and throws it out before going to get his gear and then help get the team gear packed and stowed.

"Where do you need me?"

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg # 88):

"Good, I'll head down now to the armoury and arrange for sand bags to be ready. What time are you moving out?"

In reply to Eric C. Wright (msg # 84):


Stan finished the last bite of his meal and gave Mac a smile and a thumbs up.

"I'm ok with horses.  I'm not sure how that would translate to an elephant but I guess we'll see what happens. I went to a circus once and the handler just used a stick.  Maybe we can herd them with vehicles.", Stan added.

I will suggest sun up for departure.

Taras wasn't too worried about the move, while crime was a reality a convoy with the size and muscle of this outfit was going to be a force to reckon with.