Andy turns his head at Elliot's comments. "Yeah... Lots of questions.  There have been more surprises than our delayed wake up, that's for sure."

He listens intently at the questions, answers and the general comments.  When Lina and Kim raise concerns about transport, Andy nods in agreement.  "What about using 150's?  They can swim to get us out there but we aren't at the mercy of fuel.  Take an overland route to get us close then either swim the V-150's or drag along a Zodiac, or something similar."

Captain Kim sinks his head into the table  "V-150 will be V- one-Sinkee. Waves to big."

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 18):

Darryl answered Kim first,

"Two M202 quad rocket launchers is hardly "light"! One launcher should be sufficient for your purposes, plus reloads. An additional demo charge should be easy to procure from the armoury here, we certainly have a case of M25 anti-personnel mines to spare."

He checked the map.

"If you wish to travel by water, it's just shy of 300 km. It's February so storms are a real danger!

"I believe we can retrofit your fishing boat easily enough with a fusion power cell and electric motor. As long as it's seaworthy and the screw and shaft are serviceable we can get it done near here at the Amerind community in Tulalip Bay. They have docks there, and we can run over the V-150 Engineering vehicle stationed here with one to put in. They are modular in design for this purpose. Could take a day or so to make the conversion.

"Lina? Ah, let's see. We have second and third-hand reports for route reconnaissance. There appears to be a decent road to the village at Aberdeen and good trails past that. 400km overland.

"We haven't had a report of anything strange in the area for a generation, there were stories of pirates along that part of the coast some 100 years ago that probably started or fed the rumours, nothing recent. But Fishers are superstitious, like many historical sailors, and they largely avoided making landfall on that part of the coast ever since.

"Correction, I believe there actually are a few families living in and around La Push. Maybe a dozen people, all-told. We think they are probably descended from the Quillayute tribe on the nearby prewar reservation.

"As for crossing to James Island the water is shallow but the surf around James Island is considerable. An unmodified V-150 might have problems with the waves, as they tend do with anything other than still water. We do have some modular "amphib kits" available (front trim vane, twin outboard pontoons, bilge pump and twin electric thrusters) that make the V-150 safer in at least the inland waters of the Sound but they are all in use in the Mt. Rainier evacuation. I'll have to check if there's a Zodiac on a trailer available as well, but you may need to make do with a inflatable raft."

It seemed he was avoiding Jimmy's question on Lee Harvey Oswald. Pondering the situation, he evidently changed his mind. "It's not something I am really at liberty to talk about, or that we can spend a lot of time discussing right now. It's pretty fucking mind-blowing. But yes, the person you all know of as "Lee Harvey Oswald" had his death faked by Bruce Morrow and then brought into the Project. It was part of a larger deception operation to fake the death of President Kennedy, who was really targeted for assassination, just not by the person the history books said did it. And "Lee Harvey Oswald" is not his real name, either, but he goes by it as well as the nickname "Patsy"."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:43, Tue 05 Sept 2017.

Jimmy slaps his knee and laughs out loud.  "Kennedy too, huh?  Well, I won't ask about Jimmy Hoffa."

His grin fades and he slowly nods once.  "Thanks for that... and folks, there isn't an armored anything that is supposedly amphibious that is up to anything much more than a still pond, it's the way it has always been.  If we have to hit active water, we will need a Zodiac."

He chuckles to himself and shakes his head again.  "Damn, Kennedy and Oswald."

<quote Darryl 'Sabio' Weaver>
In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 18):

Darryl answered Kim first,

"Two M202 quad rocket launchers is hardly "light"! One launcher should be sufficient for your purposes, plus reloads. An additional demo charge should be easy to procure from the armoury here, we certainly have a case of M25 anti-personnel mines to spare."

He checked the map.

"If you wish to travel by water, it's just shy of 300 km. It's February so storms are a real danger!

"I believe we can retrofit your fishing boat easily enough with a fusion power cell and electric motor. As long as it's seaworthy and the screw and shaft are serviceable we can get it done near here at the Amerind community in Tulalip Bay. They have docks there, and we can run over the V-150 Engineering vehicle stationed here with one to put in. They are modular in design for this purpose. Could take a day or so to make the conversion.

Capt'n Kim's dream of one of the project motors on his boat is coming to pass sooner than expected.  Hiding his joy on this news as best as possible  "Sir.. would this be a long term retrofit?  The Monroe family could then have their boat fitted with my Deere motor." 

Kim scratches his head  "300 K by boat?  Boat would have less drag and stronger motor hmmmmm. Could make  18 knots, have gone as fast or faster on short runs with my motor. Could be their in 8...12 hours after refit. No stop.  Could have have V-150 go too, but they might run into rear or flank of these Krell.  Not a bad thing... draw off some of their numbers from us they could"

This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Tue 05 Sept 2017.

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 26):

He laughed. "Jimmy Hoffa? No. Not everyone faked their death and joined the Project.

"Yes, Captain Kim, I think this would be a long-term loan. The Project needs a way to get around on the water until we can activate one of the Bell SK-10 hovercraft.

"This time of year storms are a real danger, but I don't need to tell you that. The west coast of the Olympic Peninsula is very much exposed to all Pacific weather.

"Splitting the team into ground and maritime elements doesn't seem that useful. One would be a lot slower than the other, for one thing."

Elliot nods at Capt'n Kim's discussion of timeframe. "12 hours by boat, with a day or two to retrofit, or drive the 400 kilometers on primitive roads for about two days, then inflate a boat and motor over to the island.

"What's the weather going to be like for the next few days? I am really uncertain as to our forecasting capability, to be honest, sir." He pauses. "Will we be bringing specialized equipment along, too?"

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 28):

"Yes, your estimates sound about right.

"Our weather prediction is rudimentary at best right now until we get full satellite coverage. But we predict clear weather for the next 48 hours with a 75% chance of precipitation in the five-day forecast.

"It will take a day to retrofit the boat engine for fusion-electric power."

  Capt' Kim smiles about this 'WEATHER FORECAST'. "Boat was outfitted for trip last week. B'noculars, 100 liters water, dried salmon, pork jerky, stove fuel,nets and first aid kit.  Just need night vision goggles, radio, and the flame weapon , mine, and satchel charge along with our personal gear. "

Andy rubs his chin thoughtfully, "Either way looks like a bit of a trip.  I would rather travel overland than by water but that may be more of a comfort and familiarity thing than a logistics thing."

Turning to Kim, he continues, "I am no sea captain, that's for sure.  I've been on craft before but not out there on the Pacific.  My only concern is how well we can handle the unexpected out on the water."

Capt'n Kim comes over to Andy and whispers (No worries my friend... we are staying in the shallow end of the pond. Wouldn't go out more than 3 miles unless I had a 50 meter ship.)

Andy smiles, nods and gives Kim a smile.  "Alright captain.  If that's the plan then let's get ready to go."

Elliot is in agreement with the plan.

Jimmy kicks back and watches, smiling slightly.  He didn't really have anything to do outside of soak in the plan and wonder about Morrow shenanigans.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 34):

Capt'n Kim stands  "The worries of these (chuckles to himself) Krell. -PAUSE- Or lack of worries really.    -PAUSE-    These are the MORTAL ENEMIES of the Project and the world. If they see us at the War Whale, will they not seek this camp out itself?  What I am getting at really is no survivors.  And surely if we win they will send a team to find out what happened to theirs that don't return.  And what will be the response of these Krell to the villages the Project has contacted.  Then again... are these REALLY Krell and not a well armed marauder group?

                (chuckles to himself)  SORRY... SORRY... the irony.  The Krell seek a Whale, but usually Whale seeks after the Krill...."

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 36):

Weaver chuckled at the pretty clever wordplay.

"Krell-Krill? Not bad! I like it.

"All right, back to business. Members of RECON P44 and attached local Project personnel are being formed into a Combined team, Z-C72A, for the purpose of this assignment.

"Looking at your qualifications, C72A will be commanded by Jimmy MacGuire. 2nd in command will be Elliot Pendergrass. Security Officer will be Andy Flasch.

"Jimmy, let us know what method of insertion you wish to pursue. Boat will be quicker once going compared to lane but converting a local watercraft to fusion could take 12-24 hours. We have MPVs (Morrow Project Vehicles) ready to roll here and now.

"Elliot, please let us know what equipment you'll need to test the site.

"Andy, you advise on weapon loads and munitions.

"Additional personnel are: Captain Ly Cong Kim, Tim White, Lena Powell, and Jenna Bartram, Tina Marie Lassiter and Bobby Kastelein."

Jimmy sits up a little and looks to Captain Kim, nods to him.

"Captain Kim, you are my expert on boats and these waters.  I have been listening to you talk and it sounds like it is a plan.  What are your thoughts of us doing a somewhat covert insertion with your boat, project modded?"

He does a mental checklist, nods to himself.

"Andy, I will be waiting on your recommendation.  Elliot, keep me in the loop, please."

Another look around the room and he gives them a cockeyed smile before looking back to AGL Weaver.

"Don't suppose we have any project bikes we can take along, I know Jenna has that trike, but thinking that two wheel bikes are small enough for a boat.. if Captain Kim gives the OK, that is?"

El asks a general question, "Do those AP mines work in the freezing cold?"

When tasked, Elliot begins a list of items needed for the action. "We need hazmat gear," Elliot mutters. "Det cord and charges, too, in case we have to bury something. Geiger counters and anti-radiation meds for any people in La Push that may have been exposed. Extra trade packs and contact kits, as well as cold weather gear. Electronics tools, and sets of US and metric sockets, and maybe someone who reads Russian.." He makes notes on a pad of paper he brought with him. "We need to boost radio transmission, if we are going underground. Cutting tools, too, like a portable laser."

Elliot has a few more questions to ask before Weaver leaves the group.

"Sir... at the start of the briefing you told us that Combined Group Seattle is activated and we have half of our Project assets accounted for." He shrugs at the looks from other Team members. "It's a habit from college days, remembering things. Sir, does that mean that half of our equipment was recovered by the enemy and may be used against us, or is half of our stuff still in the ground?"

He thinks of another question. "Sir, what if we DO find a nuclear weapon?"

Jimmy perks his brows, then grins at Elliot.

"I speak and read Russian fluently, Elliot."

He chews his lower lip.  "Our CBR kits can do basic radiation detection, and our issue coveralls can convert to NBC suits, but a real hazmat suit for everyone makes sense.  My worry is carrying them, since they will be suspicious, and unless we can round up some mounts we may be afoot a bit."

He lets Weaver answer the rest.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 40):

"Good point, El. For the benefit of our newer personnel, please be reassured no one is hunting down the Project, at least locally. We believe that due to the couple metres of ash fall over the last 150 years our "missing" teams and installations are simply unable to receive the recall codes. Due to this seismic activity there was a period of earthquakes that has thankfully receded, but some boltholes were damaged. Come the spring we are going to mount a concerted effort to locate and activate the rest of the Group assets."

In fact, all the prewar Project members noted signs of damage like cracks and buckling to parts of their boltholes, albeit minor.

"I don't have the specs for the M25 anti-personnel mine offhand, sorry! A demo pack is fine. Trade and Contact kits are fine, but we don't have a lot of weapons here to issue for the latter other than crossbows, a couple double-barrel shotguns and a .22 rifle. You should all still have your issue Cold Weather kits.

"Any HAZMAT gear like hazard suits will be stored in hard cases. Speaking of Hazard suits, we have some Mark I suits here. Mk. II hazard suits are kept at the main base in Tukwila. Same thing with man-portable Mk. II lasers, but I think those might all be in use at the moment with the engineering teams assisting with evacuation operations at Mt. Rainier.

"The AN/PRC-70 radio can be set to automatic repeater mode in order to boost signals. Generally, we'd issue you two units. One for the boat, the other for your shore party. If you put it in the right place it will boost traffic between your personal AN/PRC-68 radios and the boat.

"We have several bicycles here, as we manufacture them as trade goods. The Viets naturally love them as well. Big customers!"

In reply to Darryl 'Sabio' Weaver (msg # 41):

The team's demo expert spoke up.

"I can answer about the AP mines. The M25 anti-personnel mine was designed in Canada. It will work in arctic conditions.

"But... I really don't advise we use them. Mines are pretty indiscriminate. We have two civilian groups that are interested in or located near this site: the local Quelliutes and the Whale Worshippers. I know these mines are designed to wound and not kill but that's all we need is some local kid playing around and blowing his foot off, and the Whale Worshippers will probably object if we start planting land mines in and around one of their "holy" sites."

Jimmy shakes his head and chuckles.  "I was hoping for a couple of the powered bikes Daryl, for scouts.  Silent as death, and can hopefully probe out a situation.  Sort of like Jenna's trike."

"Is the terrain good for bicycles?  That might be useful for insert for the rest of the team, and trade goods as well."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 43):

"All our bikes and ATVs are being used down by Mt. Rainier for SAR efforts in the woods.

"Bicycles are probably all right in the coastal areas. Lots of trees but they can be ridden on trails through the forests and on the beach. If the locals have no place to go then their trade value might be minimal. Still, a pretext is a pretext.

"The Whale Worshippers say the few times in memory they've put ashore there the locals run for the hills. They have offered to have a guide come along as an observer, and she speaks the local Quileute dialect. Might be helpful, but she might also object to whatever you do to the tomb of the War Whale that goes beyond simple observation."

"Ah well, bikes might be a bit more than we should deal with logistically, LPCs may be the best bet."

"Can I spend some time with the guide and pick up a few phrases?  I'm a linguist by trade,
 or was.  I also have a few phrasebooks, she might be able to expand on that if we get lucky."

Capt'n Kim replies " I agree mines are a bad thing... but if we need to cover a flank or a retreat I would rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them."