"Are there any windows? Since the rear loading doors open outward, perhaps a truck or auto could be run up against them, sealing that means of escape.

"Two of our party and three constables can enter each of the other doors and call on the men within to surrender. If there is any resistance, we should shoot them down without mercy."

JM readies his pistol in one hand and a sap in the other.  "I agree with your plan Singh, Count.  We should rush in and not give the blackguards a chance to react or ready their defenses." He turns to Darlington.  "Do you have a ram or such to batter open the doors quickly?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 166):

"There's no windows, awer they're boarded over. I can't say if there's a sewer entrance inside awer not, there could be, dis close ter da river."

He reached into the paddy wagon and pulled out a sledgehammer, which he hefted.

"I 'ave me Ronald de Boer knocker right 'ere! I'll deploy me blokes ter cover da uvver Ronald de Boers. We can back da paddy wagon up ter block da rear Ronald de Boers. I mean doors. OK?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Wed 29 Aug 2012.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg # 167):

"Sound very good detective. If no one has any other questions ?"

"No. I'll need to return home briefly for my guns, then I'll be ready to follow."

Molly listened and then had a great idea.  "Well I don't have a gun and  probably would have ended up shooting one of you if I did since I don't know how to use one.  I, however, do have the camera if we need evidence pictures but also as defense.  If you've ever had one of the flashes go off in your face unexpectedly you'd know what I was talking about.  I was going to stay home and let you report back....but I have to admit my curiosity will get the better of me so I might as well tag along."

JM shook his head.  "I think we are ready Count, Detective." He looked at Molly.  "Just stay near the rear and watch the action Miss Fuller.  An extra pair of eyes not immediately involved in the conflict is useful if the enemy tries some trick."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 171):

"I'll keep these peepers on you Mr. Falcon.  If I see anything I know how to scream.  Quite good at it actually."  Molly grinned at everybody and grabbed her camera.  "I'm ready."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 03:14, Fri 31 Aug 2012.

JM chuckled.  "I'll be happy to have you watching then Miss Fuller."

Darlington asked, "ready?"

Then, hefting the sledge, he took a run at the door. He swung the hammer, aiming at the lock mechanism. The head struck a glancing blow. "Christ!" He pulled back and swung again, hitting the mark dead-on. The door swung open, Darlington dropped the hammer and charged through, drawing his revolver.

"Police! Surrender in the name of the law!"

OOC: Whoever goes next through the door is first-come, first serve...

Cynthia is standing with her shorter gun at the ready, wearing her quail-hunting slacks, jacket and boots. But she's certainly not going in first (if the thugs didn't kill her, Mr. Singh would!)

Singh stands ready at the side door just behind the constable with the sledge. When they hear the police whistle from the front signalling the start of the raid, he wishes he had a grenade.

Molly is standing behind Jean-Marc since she said she'd keep her eyes on him but fully intends to go in last.  She will look for something that she can throw at anybody who happens to try to get past the door but, not having a gun, she isn't going to be front and center.

The Count is second through the door after Darlington. He moves with purpose towards the office door hoping to secure it in the quickest possible time. He tries to keep low and use the cover available as he moves forward with a Colt New Service in each hand.

JM moves in behind the Count, his pistol in one hand and a cosh in the other.  He'll move toward the office area.

Once the constable has smashed through the door, Singh is through it and straight across to the center set of shelves. He takes up a position to cover the office door and cut off any attempt to get to the loading doors or the crates of arms and ammo.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Sat 01 Sept 2012.

The constable at the side door was having some trouble opening it. Singh, Cynthia and Kalheinz along with 2 other officers waited impatiently. Keeper's note: Next combat turn you'll be able to enter, my apologies. Nice detail with the police whistle signal!

Darlington was covering the open area. A couple knife-armed hoods, likely East Indians, stood confused and on the verge of panic as someone started bashing in the side door. They looked at Darlington, paralysed with fear. The rear loading doors creaked as the police van back up against them, secure them.

The Count entered the office, and was immediately charged by an evil-looking ruffian wielding a wicked-looking curved knife, an Indian Kukri, screaming, "YAAAAHHHH!" Behind him were two more men armed with knives, but standing indecisively.

Keeper's Note: Standard initiative applies, gunsfire is resolved before melee attacks.

The Count stepped to the side of the Detective into the path of the knife wielding Indian. He had no option, with his Colt already pointing in the direction of the assassin the Count unleashed his revolver.

The Mark III cartridge had been produced for just such an occurrence as the Count now faced. With is flat wadcutter profile it could be a target load except for the slight hemispherical hollow in the bullet. Initially a military round for colonial use it was discontinued because it did not conform to the Hague Convention of 1899.

The Count was never one for convention, he knew from experience if he was able to hit the target it would put the man down and probably take his arm or leg off.

Cynthia raises her shotgun to firing stance, and keeps her place behind the men. She isn't expecting to be able to see anyone from where she's waiting, but will move forward when it's clear. She's carrying her 10-gauge pump, loaded with shells.

JM seeing that Darlington had the situation in the main warehouse in hand so far moved into the office to support the Count.

[Can I fire?  Not sure where we are in initiative order]

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 184):

Molly followed John-Marc, close on his heels, into the office.  When she was sure that she wouldn't be shot at, she scurried into the office to look and see if she could find any incriminating evidence...yes, that is the reason she is doing it...not because she is just snoopy.  Women are good for this type of work Molly couldn't help but think to herself.  After all we usually wear gloves so when moments of opportunity occurred, they were already ready.

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg # 185):

The two police at the front (two were at the side, two at rear in the van) pushed in after Darlington, the Count and JM.

At the sound of Chabot's battle cry in the office, one Bobby with flaming red hair and truly heroic whiskers politely but firmly grabbed hold of Molly's elbow, stopping her from continuing. "Sorry miss, thar's a wee spot ay trooble in thaur ye dorn't want tae see!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Mon 03 Sept 2012.

Chabout took a step forward. The Count's shot struck him in the chest. He grunted and kept coming. JM's shot followed a half-step later, and Chabout dropped bonelessly to the wooden floor, wicked curved knife skittering out of his grasp.

He gasped a few times for breath, body heaving. JM and the Count's ears rang from the loudness of the gunshots in such a small place.

JM was breathing heavily from the excitement of the encounter as well as the intense thrill of danger.  He turned his gun to the other two men standing indecisively in the room. "You lot, one your faces on the floor." He waved the barrel of his gun suggestively to aid in the translation.

The Count moved forward wide eyed. He continued to cover the man on the floor with the revolver in his right hand and the two other men with the one in his left. He kicked away the large knife so it was out of reach if the shot man was to stir.

"Lets move them out into the main room, group them together."

"I believe the good Mr Singh can translate... where are they..."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:42, Fri 07 Sept 2012.