"Alright." she says to Ben, and gives a nod to Fox. As she walks over she looks back at Andy and raises a hand as if to say 'its ok.'

Standing in front of the other officer - "I'm Corporal... acting sergeant Lee. We weren't expecting any kind of surprise welcome... at least by anyone like yourselves." She pauses, expecting him to explain their actions and how this meeting came to be.

Pointing back to her comrades, she adds - "There's an army officer in charge of my group. But anyways, after we unload our vehicle we'll be interested in moving back to the university. We're looking forward to working with you and hope what we can offer you will be helpful."

"Shall we meet and sort out our move to your university. My team would like to know about the local situation before we drive through the neighborhood."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:04, Sun 27 Jan 2008.

Sgt. Khandola nodded in understanding.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Sergeant Lee.

"I am the NCO in charge of UBC Detachment. The gentleman in the front passenger seat is Taras Shevchenko, a security contractor employed by both the Detachment and the Faculty of UBC for consultation on community defense and special services. He has our full trust and cooperation and is properly authorized under the law as a Special Auxiliary Constable under the National Defense act."

Lee wasn't too familiar with the ins and outs of the National Defence Act, and especially the "National Survival" section of the Act, but as far as she recalled this made Taras a provisional Peace Officer empowered under federal law to assist the RCMP and military in wartimes or national emergency.

In peacetime such "Auxiliary RCMP Constables" aided greatly in rural policing, where detachments of two to four regular mounties may be separated by hundreds of kilometres. Or, such "part-time" RCMP provided regular municipal policing for the suburb of Coquitlam as a cost-saving measure.

"We are quite grateful for all the assistance you can provide for our endeavours here. In turn, we will be as generous as we can with our assistance."

"We are all on the same side!"

"As for how we detected you, there is a large network of coast-watchers and lookouts, including our neighbors here, the good people of the Musqeuam First Nation. All connected by telephone or radio to UBC. There is little that happens in this area that we are not aware of.

"Were we properly informed of your arrival, we would have been more than happy to provide local security, or at least brief you on the local situation, which is possibly quite different than you imagine. While there are parts of town that are quite rough; suffice to say this is not one of them."

"We intended to wait for you at out main checkpoint, on Southwest Marine and 41st, as it seemed logical that is where you would arrive once we learned you had been given permission by the Musqueam First Nation to use their wharf, here at the shipyard."

"However, once you elected to commence entry into the premises here, we judged that the risk of escalation or a misunderstanding demanded our presence. Should you wish to tour these facilities, which we have made good use out of and hope to keep doing so, we may do that now with the assistance of the on-site security."

"Mister Allamby there," he indicated a man in the SUV whom Rachel recognised as the fisherman she met earlier whon was looking quite agitated, "is quite concerned for the safety of his children, which he believes might be in that building. I trust that either you did not encounter them or they are safe?"

At that point Dennis, who'd ignored Taras' prior attempt to calm his agitation, had enough of talking.

The man exited the rear of the vehicle and called over. "Hey, any of you seen my kids? They play in that buildin' sometimes 'cause it's broken into and we don't use it. Are they okay?

The other man, the one in the security guard uniform, stayed put, looking a little uneasy at the armed personnel around 20m away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Sun 27 Jan 2008.

Chris checked in with Ben via radio to report there was no movement on his side of the ship, on either side of the river.

At Rachel's signal, Andy lowers his rifle barrel an inch or two so that he's no longer aiming directly at the driver, but he can still engage quickly if need be. These folks seem legit, but he's not quite ready to let down his guard just yet.

Like most folks on the front lines of the battle to reunite and rebuild western Canada, he's heard stories of rogue military and police units- or folks impersonating them- committing various attrocities against civilians in the region, and occasionally trying their luck against legit government forces.

Better safe than sorry...

Lee nods as her counterpart from the university speaks. After he is done she introduces each of the other members of her team. She pauses to let Ben take over arranging the move to the university.

When the native fellow gets out and begins asking about his children she walks over to him - "Hey, they are ok. We were just making sure the area was safe. We don't know who lives around here eh? We left them in the last building over there."

The fishermen Lee had met earlier smiled, relieved.

"Oaky, thanks! Well, I'm going to go grab 'em now!"

With that, he disappeared inside the building through the nearest door. They could hear him calling for Terry and Paul.

Sgt. Khandola signaled for the other passengers to get out of the SUV. He nodded towards the security guard, a man dressed in a yellow nylon windbreaker with reflective stripes over a uniform shirt, and baggy bicycle pants also with reflective stripes. He wore a heavy-duty black nylon belt with some pouches and key rings, but no obvious weapons other than perhaps a collapsible baton or maybe handcuffs. Although his coat was marked with "SECURITY" on the back in reflective letters, there were no other identifying patches or flashes.

"Like I said, this gentleman can show you around if you wish."

"Otherwise, feel free to continue debarking. If you like, I can summon backup to provide perimeter security while this occurs. They can arrive in perhaps 5 to 10 minutes."

As it appears that the initial tense situation was unfolding nicely, Taras thought that will be a good idea to speed up the disembarkment, proceed to UBC grounds and give a throughout briefing of the current situation in the Lower Mainland.

Sargent, I suggest to call in for some backup from the Faculty's militia. Maybe a dozen guys. They will secure the perimeter of the shipyard. Our visitors will feel more safe and we can help them with the unloading. The militia will also provide escort for the convoy. The sooner we get back to the University the better.

The red-haired man in the passenger seat got out and made his suggestion to Sgt. Khndola. Unarmed, he was wearing a Russian-pattern fatigue tunic over a black cotton T-shirt and fatigue pants. Typically, he wasn't wearing the issue Russian boots but a pair of good quality high-tech walking shoes.

Khandola thought for a moment.

"Deploying security could be done quickly."

"I do not believe it will be necessary in this area."

"However, our friends still seem somewhat insecure and if this will help put them at ease, then it is a good idea."

"After all, if we are going to trust and work with them, then they need to do the same in return."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:54, Mon 28 Jan 2008.

"What do you say Ben? I think we're ok with just offloading as it is. Thats how were were taking things originally." Lee says.

Fox stands up from his position and slings his rifle. He spits over the side of the wharf and looks across at the other buildings. Giving a curt nod to the RCMP officer he dismisses himself and makes his way back to the boat.

Walking up to the two Militia on the Church, he says, "Fellas... stand down. Leftenent is prolly gonna give the word to haul this beast out of the ship, so lets get ready."

The older mountie spoke reassuringly to his colleague.

"Whichever would make you feel more comfortable, that is for the best."

"You have my personal reassurance that attack here is very unlikely. If anyone unknown to the Musqueam band approaches this area, they will be noticed and we will be warned."

"Leftenant, the decision is yours"



Khandola politely returned the nod as Fox retired to the ship.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:16, Mon 28 Jan 2008.

Kelsey pointedly glanced down at the GPMG in front of her, which was still not pointing at the SUV.

"Don't worry Sarge, it's still in my pants. Easy-peasy."

Being opinionated, she couldn't help but add her own opinion.

"We sure looked all ready to throw down on that cop if he looked sideways at us, and they're supposed to be the friendlies around here! I'm sorta curious to see what's going to go down if any "real" diplomacy is required."

"Anyways, I think I found the radio channel the RCMP is using around here. It's on the police bands. All routine traffic. I'll let the LT know if anything interesting comes up."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Mon 28 Jan 2008.

Wandering over, Chris gave a thumb's-up to show he understood.

"Too easy. I'll still keep an eye on the Airport."

His eyes remained expressionless behind mirrored sunglasses. He had traded helmet for green infantry beret.

He called over to the ship's captain, getting his attention.

"Hey, Captain Kirsch, I think we're ready to get this show back on the road."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Mon 28 Jan 2008.

Bayer stops, and thinks that's right. Talking into his radio, "Lee, don't forget to ask him who is at the airport."

Seeing that a fight wasn't going to break out, the ship's crew resumed prepping the LAV for offloading at Chris' suggestion.

The palable tenseness in the air seemed to disperse like a snapping rubber band. Ben couldn't quite put his finger on anything in particular but he felt the situation on the mainland was much safer than they'd feared. It almost seemed that they were the only problem the city faced!
Murmuring into his radio he gave the order, "Stand down shore party but stay alert. These mounties appear genuine."
"Continue with the unloading please. LAV first."
"Champlain and MacDonald, stay at those positions until the stores are unloaded. I'll send Fox up later to assist with the '19."
Not a bad weapon but certainly more than one person should be carrying. A small man like MacDonald would have great difficulty staggering across the deck with it, let alone climb over the side onto the dock!
"MacRae, move up and join Lee. Find out from the locals where we can and can't go for you to set up an OP."
"I'm heading back to the ship to supervise unloading. Lee, please advise locals I'll meet them once we're unloaded for a chat. In the meantime, liase with them for security of the area."
Standing up, he hoisted the C-9 LMG and trotted back down the dock towards the ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Wed 30 Jan 2008.

Jagelis moved down the wharf to help with the unloading.

The fisherman (who they soon learned was named Dennis Lalande) emerged from the building, frog-marching his chastised-looking children in front of him.

"Sorry, I hope they didn't get in your way or nothin'. I should get these little monsters back. Give 'em a whuppin'!"

When asked by Lee and McRae about the people camped out at Vancouver International, Khandola informed them they were a gang that went by the name "The Bridge Trolls".

"These so-called "Trolls" control the Arthur Laing Bridge across the North Arm to Lulu Island, the airport. They are mostly former military personnel, predominantly American. Approximately a hundred in number, posessing some APCs and heavy weapons. They are content to extort tolls from passing river traffic heading to the city of New Westminster and the free market at Annacis Island."

"Our community at UBC, which some call "The Faculty", had some... misunderstandings with them. Parties from UBC attempting to survey the airport for useful materials did so without permission. They were caught and evicted with all due haste. The fact that the Trolls keep all scavengers off their territory, and haven't had the inclination or need to strip it themselves means the airport is quite possibly the best remaining untouched source of salvage we know of in the Lower Mainland."

"They mostly stay on their island except to trade, and we do not go there."

Lee asked the security guard where the best spot for an OP would be.

"Well, uh, anywhere, I guess. You can easily get up on the roof there, and the NE corner should give you a good view up Balaclava and east along Celtic, and most of the yard all the way to the west gate."

He pointed to "Building #5", the one the team had cleared. There was a metal ladder on the SW side that went from the ground to the roof.

"Really, you can go just about anywhere."

"Just, you know, please don't go breakin' into the houses around here. They're all Band property now."

As the crew swung into action, it was clear that the LAV, the trailer, and the team's gear would be off-loaded within the half-hour.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:59, Tue 29 Jan 2008.

Taras was impressed by the new arrival. It's been months since the last time he saw an Officer like him in action. The military visit will certainly help to straight things up and certainly put up to speed the Faculty program to reunite the Lower Mainland communities. But this arrival started in a strange manner and was unfolding a bit fast for his taste.

Sargent, I still insist to get some back up here. Is more a protocolary thing rather than security issue. But I wouldn't discard the last since the size of their party is so small. There is no need to get them inside the wharf. Just let them wait for us outside. This way we can get the route cleared by them while they arrive, we'll show that we respect the native ground and it will also demonstrate some respect for our guests. At the same time you can test the militia's discipline and deployment time. Sargent, I think we shouldn't miss this opportunity. But that's just muy idea...

Taras resented the lack of protocol of the RCMP Sargent. In the Soviet Army, the tradition of respect, and fear, towards military chiefs and officers was always present. He decided to take action and walked towards the young man that appeared to give orders.

Good Morning and welcome to Vancouver! My name is Taras Shevchenko. I used to be a Lieutenant with the 62nd MRD. Now my job is devoted to the UBC community and we certainly are looking forward to work together...As soon as everything is on the ground we'll form a convoy and we proceed towards the Faculty where we brief you about the situation here in the city.

Khandola frowned.

"Taras, Lieutenant Jagelis here has not commented either way on your earlier recommendation."

"I think your idea has considerable merit. Deploying the Reaction Team right now will be an excellent test of their readiness. They have had little experience beyond the perimeter since they were formed and I agree this opportunity should not go to waste."

Again, he spoke into the mic clipped to his vest.

"Dispatch from Tango 1."

"Go for dispatch."

"Deploy Tango 4 from Base to intersection of... Celtic and Blenheim to secure route to Charlie. Be advised do not approach the Celtic shipyard."

"Tango 1, ah, 10-4."

"Very well, Taras, I shall follow your advice. The Reaction Team will not approach close enough to cause problems."

Ben looked decidedly uncomfortable with the Russian. Only a few short months ago he was being shot at by men like him, and now he was supposed to be working with them?
"Used to be...?"
Once a communist, always a filthy socialist pig. It was beginning to sound like the brass had switched sides without telling the troops.

Fox, standing up on the deck listens as the plan is laid out over the radio. He'll then move and take over the Mk-19. He watches from a distance as Ben and the locals confer on the wharf, then goes about keeping a lookout.

Lee presses the RCMP officer for questions and watches as Andy departs to establish an OP. "Well, you want backup to come out thats fine, but either way we're ok."

Nodding her head towards the road which led out of the dock area she asks - "What kind of trouble can we expect on the move?"

When the Russian spoke, Lee offered no change in expression and simply nodded to him. Looking back at the mountie she asks "How many Russians does your organization field?"

As the LAV is hoisted up and shifted out over the dock, Lee jabs a thumb over her shoulder towards the armoured vehicle - "Thats how I get to work in the morning?" she joked (without smiling).
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Wed 30 Jan 2008.

The older Mountie answered, "no trouble, in all likelihood. If you take the corner onto SW Marine too fast you may roll over. The Piranha has a notoriously high centre of gravity."

"No, we shall be treating this as a readiness exercise. After all, we can't go out to the range in Chilliwack for training, can we?

Rachel remembered the Canadian Forces Base there had been shut down in the early 90's. The federal government converted the installation into a police tactical training facility run by the RCMP, also leasing it to the various municipal police ERTs. When the base was reactivated a couple years later during the Sino-Soviet crisis that eventually led to Canada's involvement in Europe, ERTs still used the expanded base facilities to train.

She remembered many a hard day training there, followed by the long drive back to Richmond. Chilliwack was a farming community located dozens of kilometres up the Fraser Valley, rather difficult to get to nowadays.

As Ms. Lee was currently indisposed with her police laison duties, Andy proceeded alone towards the building indicated by the Khandola fellow, winding his way around various pieces of scrap and debris. It was an obvious spot for an OP- and therefore not entirely safe- but the locals appeared to have the area relatively secure so he figured he'd save the time and trouble and go with it. He ascends the ladder nimbly and crosses the roof carefully, looking for structural deficiencies and making sure not to sillouette himself against the skyline. He crosses the last few meters to the landward side of the building on his belly. Nearing the edge, he lays his C8 down beside him and scans the area along their axis of march carefully through his binoculars.

There is not a single Russian in UBC grounds. Not even myself. I am Ukrainian. As you can see, the Soviet Union is a conglomerate of different republics. And not everybody agrees with this situation. When I enlisted in the Army I thought I was going to fulfill my duties of protecting my country, my people, in the same way that my Granpa did against the fascists. But instead they mobilized the Army to invade yet another country. I decided to defect and I ended up here in Vancouver. That very same ship brought me here!

Taras made a pause to observe the reaction in the faces of the newcomers. He knew that it was not going to be an easy task to convince them of his personal situation. It took several weeks to get a warm approach from the people living at the Faculty. Suspicions, fears, gossip,...A long way to redemption...Steady work and cooperation earned him a good reputation between the circle of professors, RCMP detachment and militia. They will speak for him and will convince them about who really was.

I've been living here for 5 months now. I'm a "Security Contractor". I gave some weapons to the militia and helped them to set the defenses for the perimeter. Currently I'm also involved in different projects involving telecommunications and repair of electric devices. All of them part of the policies of the "Council" towards the future of the city.