They were on the beach, 6km from their target. It was obvious that if they fought their way through the dense forest it would take them all day to reach their destination.

An alternative was to use the seashore. The tide had gone out, leaving a flat expanse of sand and dark volcanic rock. High tide was marked by a line of weathered driftwood tree trunks, massive and bleached white by the sun. Above that was a densely forested low cliff or bank, with the treeline down at the high tide mark.

They had maps, but only prewar ones. Still, it seemed like their choice of route would be either completely through the forest, along the beach where they would still be out of sight to their destination until the last 2000 metres or so. Or some combination of the two.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:18, Thu 28 Feb 2019.

"I'm no pathfinder, but it looks like it might go better to walk the woodline by the beach, ready to duck into cover, then push the last bit into the forest."

Looking again at the dense growth ahead of him, he shakes his head.

"We have a need for some speed, and pushing through all that ain't it"

Nodding in agreement, Elliot adds, "And eight klicks is a good hike, especially in the sand. What's the marching order?" he asks the Team Leader.

Tim looked at the cliff and then the beach "Either way is exposing us to prime ambush territory, we walk the beach and we won't be able to either scale the cliff or cross the drift wood piles before being cut down and I don't think we will be able to walk between the tree line and the drift wood piles for any sort of distance. That leaves use to traverse the treeline which will probably be as much of a pain in the arse as crossing overland."

"And if they have bothered to have a watch this route will be what they have eyes on. If we don't have a problem time wise I would play it safe and go overland."


-

Jimmy nods.

"Maybe we can find some game trails that will help us out.  I will need two scouts forward."

Filat nods and unstrings his bow, placing it in its cloth bow bag and slings the bag over his back. He unslings the Dragunov and checks the sight, the night sight safely in its protective case, and puts it to his shoulder with the muzzle pointing at the ground.

"Da, I shall precede. Who is to be coming with Filat?"

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 6):

Capt'n Kimm looks towards the direction of the column of smoke he had spotted earlier. Still visible? And if so, is it moving and getting closer.

In reply to Tim Charles White (msg # 4):

Captain Kim could see there was still a smudge of dark smoke somewhere around James Island.

The water was at low tide, exposing a hard-packed mud or slab stone surface. The driftwood littering the high tide mark would provide excellent cover at least in places; not just pieces of wood or branches but massive tree trunks weathered smooth by water and bleached in the sun.

PD Note: I thought I would clarify it's not a soft sand beach nor shifting barnacle-encrusted rocks but a firm relatively smooth surface. There are many small pools of water and of course mats of algae, seaweed and kelp. Easy to walk on, at least here. And the driftwood would probably make excellent cover, at least in places, as there are massive tree trunks, not just a littler of small pieces (although those carpet the ground between the trunks.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:15, Sat 23 Feb 2019.

Seeing no others raising a hand, Elliot will offer to scout with Filat.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 9):

1330 Hours

As they managed to get a little closer in before hitting the beach, they had about 6km of forest to traverse. If they walked a normal pace it would be about 2.5 hours to reach the vicinity of La Push and James Island. They could push their pace to reach it earlier or move more cautiously.


PD Note: Set your pace. Normal is taking some care while setting an efficient pace. Double Time is self-explanatory. Searching would be exercising extra care, looking for ambush or anything else interesting, Movement Under Cover is taking maximum care to avoid being seen.

I think normal pace for the trail folks will be fine for the first leg of the journey, considering they have scouts ahead.

Filat frowns, the terrain is more difficult that normal and he struggles to try and find a game trail running in a useful direction and still maintain both speed and secrecy

Filat Filipovitch Volkov rolled 84 using 1d100 with rolls of 84.  Navigate (55%).

They climbed up the steeply forested slopes and set a south-east course. Once that was done Filat and Elliot were sent forward to act as scouts. Filat was unable to locate a game or other trail so they were forced to trudge through the woods. They were surrounded by massive Douglas fir trees and moss-covered boulders. There was little underbrush in the west coast climax rain forest. A diffuse green light surrounded them under the canopy and the overall terrain was uneven, broken with deep ravines and boulder-strewn hills.

It became apparent to Captain Kim after an hour or so that they were maybe straying a little east of their chosen course. But as they were using old maps it was difficult to tell. After a few hours hiking, when they should have been reaching the cliffs above the mouth of the Quillayute River at the site of what had been the town of La Push, they instead reached a the edge of a long downhill slope. At the foot lay what sounded like a small river flowing northeast-southwest in a valley through the hilly forest.
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:03, Wed 13 Mar 2019.

Filat lies in the grass, unmoving an watchful. He wishes now that he had a monocular like his uncle Pavel does. He raises the Dargunov to his shoulder and uses the scope to search out the terrain in front of the group.

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 14):

They were at the top of a steep boulder-strewn hillside, peering out from under the trees at the canopy ahead to the east. He could hear and partially see through the trees below (using his telescopic sight) there was a small river running north-south trough the forest. Where they were they were concealed by the rocky terrain and mossy boulders around them, while not "skylined" because of the trees behind them.

Although this was normal to him, to the recently deployed (unfrozen) personnel there was a noticeable abundance of life, primarily with respect to birds, insects, small and large mammals. On a few different occasions so far they'd come across medium-large herds of deer. Some moved away when startled, others continued to feed but watch them, warily.

Tim watched the sector he had been assigned as they waited for the scouts to report. He had taken a knee and had his rifle the low ready position as they waited. If he was able to sue a boulder or tree for cover he did.


-

In reply to Tim Charles White (msg # 16):

The forest floor was almost completely small and large boulders, with many fallen trees. Cover was easy to find.

While they waited, the rest of the team took a bit of a break while keeping watch.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 17):

Capt'n Kim looks about... any high ground ?

((ooc: uncertain what we are supposed to do at this point))

Jimmy pulls out his map and compass, as well as his binoculars and starts the process of orienting himself.  He knows about where they should be... so this may take a little time.

"Take ten, everyone, while I look around.  Anyone else with optics that can spot something, please do so."


He looks for a while, looks at his map.

"OK, let's head back towards the beach on the high ground, and I want eyes on below.  We want to come back down wherever about this picnic area was with the parking.  I would much rather move exposed on that sand spur if it still exists, on foot or boat, then ford a big river and move across former reservation land and the town.. especially if there might still be people."

He points back west to the mouth of the river on his map, then will start moving that way, trying to get a view from up high on their target area now and then.. through the foliage.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Thu 21 Mar 2019.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 20):

Trees towered above them as they made their way through the moss-covered boulders. There was almost a complete lack of underbrush save for a few ferns and other shade-dwelling plants.

The team made it safely across the half-click to the side of the bluffs facing the ocean. From inside the tree line they could see James Island. The Mouth of the Quillayute river had widened considerably, halfway obliterating the artificial sand bar on the north side that had been placed there by US Army Corps of Engineers back in the 1960's.

PD Note: Everyone may make Observation checks, as well as Stealth. Please make an action post if you want to include your rolls or post them in the dice rolls thread.

Lina fell back in line with the group.  She followed along trying to be as alert and quiet as possible.

Tim continued to watch for anything out of the ordinary as he followed the others through the trees.

Tim Charles White rolled 92 using 1d100 with rolls of 92.  Stealth.
Tim Charles White rolled 80 using 1d100 with rolls of 80.  Observe.


-

Elliot is in a kneel, weapon at the ready.


14:51, Today: Elliot Charles Pendergrass rolled 71 using 1d100 with rolls of 71.  stealth.

14:51, Today: Elliot Charles Pendergrass rolled 84 using 1d100 with rolls of 84.  observe.

10:52, Today: James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire rolled 1 using 1d100 with rolls of 1.  Observation.

10:51, Today: James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire rolled 50 using 1d100 with rolls of 50.  Stealth.


And the "Sneaky Squirrel" (MI), fails it.  But as I said... only the scouts should be at woodline.

Filip and Elliot crept closer to the edge of the bluff. They could see the ocean and sky through the trees.

Looking out, they could see they were at the Southwest corner of the bluff, looking out over the mouth of the Quillayute river below, and James Island. The source of the smoke was clear, and it did not look good. There was an ancient rusted tramp freighter anchored to the south of James Island. Black smoke from coal or oil drifted up from its smokestack. At this range details were difficult to make out but it looked like there were at least a dozen crew on board. There were boarding nets lowered over the side and some of the derricks were empty, indicating that small craft had been launched.

Elliot keys his personal communicator.

"Boss, we have a situation here. Seemingly hostile forces are present. Recommend message to our boat to watch out for attack. One ship with perhaps a dozen crew, small boats look to have been dispatched. Recommend watching out for hostile foot patrols in the area. Recommend you come and see this for yourself. Over."

RADIO"Acknowledged."  He says into his 66 and looks to Lina.

"Lina, contact the boat with your big radio, tell them the situation.  We may need to re-think this."

He then will high crawl to the scout's position, to maintain a low profile, leaving his pack with Lina.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 29):

The situation was as described. There was a small, very rusty ship, possibly a pre-war tramp freighter, sitting at anchor to the south of their destination, James Island. There were boarding nets on the sides, indicating that ship's boats had been launched. Black smoke drifted from its stack. It was too far away to easily make out crew.

Jimmy watches, laying on his belly.

"Well.. shit.  Someone beat us to it.  Leaf, do you know who these folks are?  I know we can ruin their day by punching holes in their boats with a machine gun, but that's not too neighborly."

Lina grabbed the radio handset and sent the message to Kim on the boat.

[radio] "Alpha. Bravo.  Warning.  There is a small freighter on the other side of the island.  Estimated crew is at least twelve.  They have launched small boats. Take defensive measures as required. Over."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Wed 10 Apr 2019.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 31):

The young woman looked confused and dismayed.

"No, absolutely not! I have no idea who they are. They aren't from around here or from the Lower Mainland. My guess is they're from Portland."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 33):

Capt'n Kim "Chinese?"

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 34):

"Yeah, could also be Red Chinese from up in Old Vancouver as well. What flag are they flying?" The ship was several kilometres away and so all she could do was squint.

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 35):

Capt'n Kim "Just want to be sure. We know these Krell were coming, but we know the Chinese have freighters. The condition of their ship's is an unknown. I say we base it  as a Krell ship and prepare for an encounter as such. Finding this cave is EVEN MORE paramount now"

Jimmy offers Leaf his binoculars.

"Try these out, Leaf.  Know how to use them?  You are my best hope of knowing how to proceed from here.  Don't want to make unnecessary enemies, and they got us outnumbered bad.  We will need to report in to HQ what we are seeing, too."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 37):

The boat was a good 3km away. Leaf nodded as she carefully took the binoculars, put the strap around her neck and then braced them on a rock. "Yes, I think so." After a few minutes of looking through them she sighed. "Shoot. I can't make out a flag."
This message was last updated by the player at 09:49, Wed 17 Apr 2019.

"Thank you for your effort Leaf.  We need to find a way to get closer unobserved.  We also need to set up our long range antenna and report back to base.  Let them know that an unidentified group is on the target."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 39):

"Do you mean closer to the ship or the island? Because I think we can walk almost to the island using the breakwater that's at the mouth of the Quillayute River.

"If you mean get closer to the ship, there is a high point on the ocean, to the south of the river mouth." She pointed to a wooded bluff about a half-kilometer south of the river. But to get there they would need to cross the Quillayute first. About 2km through forest, all told.

"I am thinking the island, Leaf... but I want to hear what everyone else thinks here too.  This is a group of experts and I need to hear everyone's thoughts on this situation.  We have lots of options, but we need to pick the right one."

"For instance, we could even lay low and watch... but this sort of presence is not likely to be happenstance."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 41):

"To the cave as fast and as hidden as possible" says Capt'n Kim.

"We'll know soon enough if it's hostiles if they show up there"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 39):

Setting down his Dragunov Filat looked over at Lena. "You are wanting help with antenna, yes? or is not needed if talking to boat?"

Antenna not needed to talk to the boat, but thanks.


He looks around at the silent ones and nods to Captain Kim.

"Then that is what we will do."

He pulls out a map and traces a line down the hill and the far side of the 'sand bar'.

"This look like a good route to everyone?"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 44):

They looked at the map of the headland they were atop. There were three routes down, all steep and forested. There was the ocean side (west) down to Rialto beach near where the old picnic area used to be, but it looked a little marshy, the Quillayute River side (southwards, very steep) and the slope near the Dickey River (east, probably the easiest).

Jimmy indicates the slope by Dickey river.

"Sooner or later we will be in the open, regardless."

Capt'n Kim nods back "Yes, Dickey river looks best. Should be able to cover the approach with a M-79 and a prone shooter when we get across."

"Are we constrained by time, could we not try this at night ?"


-

In reply to Tim Charles White (msg # 48):

Capt'n Kim "We could go at night, but tidal issues and rocks htat we could twist an ankle on.... OHHH.. and let us not forget about the wolves and bears"

We could get ourselves in a position to use some cover of night.

OOC:  What time of day is it now?  Afternoon I think?

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 50):

"It's just with our night vision assets we will probably have the advantage in the approach and possible execution should we have to engage."


-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Fri 07 June 2019.

"Assuming that we don't have folks with the same thing on their side, right?"

"Things being what they are these days, the odds might be in our favor.", Lina said.  "Let's figure out a plan so I can radio the boat and let them know."

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 53):

"Advise them we will be approaching the island on the off side using cover."

"Sounds good," Elliot agrees.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 54):

Still keeping an eye on the island, Filat asked, "Jimmy, is confirmed then? Going at night? Yes?"

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 56):

"Confirmed.  But let's get into position now, and we will try to time the most exposed portion for night."

"That sounds like the best way to go.", Lina said.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 57):

"Am scout. But will possibly be needing boat in fire support capacity. Would you be wanting to go back to assist Andy? Will man weapons, Andy will drive boat.

"Should be enough time to return."

Jimmy seemed to consider that, then nodded.

"Go.  We will start our way down as well.  Take the more direct beach route, and you might be able to meet the boat closer than the drop off.. just around that bend."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 60):

Via radio, an RV point with the boat was established.

"Da, Proyectnik comrade. Good luck." He unslung his Dragunov and, nodding to the others in the team, started off. Soon he disappeared into the forest.

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 61):

With that, Filat was gone.

Now the team needed to find a place to lay-up until nightfall. As well, a plan for the route in, order of march, contingencies in case they were detected.

Jimmy pulls out the map, well away from the ridgeline.

"Let's take the easiest looking route down out of direct observation and go as far as we can that we have cover.  We will take a break and wait for a chance before we go...."

He pauses, then nods.

"We can always ask the guys on the boat to provide a distraction."


OOC:  Looked like there was a way down somewhere around that campsite that would keep eyes off us?

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 63):

The thick forest provided cover for them to climb down until they were on (or just above) the beach. But the spit was devoid of most cover except an impressive collection of driftwood, including entire trees uprooted and then carried down the river and then left to bleach white in the sun and salt wind.

It was possible to low-crawl through the immense tangle of deadwood along the spit, but it would take a lot of time!

In reply to Project Director (msg # 64):

And Capt'n Kim points out. "All that dry driftwood would or could slow an advance or split it up. If only we had something to light it up" He says with a grin

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 65):

They could see there was still a narrow strip of clear beach on both sides of the spit. The driftwood formed a kind of spine down the middle.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 66):

So an explosion could spread it out? Or is it just a choke point?

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 67):

The spit is several hundred metres long so its a choke point in and of itself. You could use enough C4 to clear an area, loudly, but then you run the risk of digging a crater so deep the spit itself is severed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Sat 06 July 2019.

"Can we use the driftwood to shelter us from being seen while we wait?" Elliot offers.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 69):

The beach widened at the bottom of the bluff, and a wide area was covered by a great deal of accumulated driftwood. It would be possible to low-crawl and then lie prone among the driftwood. But the forest came up to the edge of the beach and that would provide much better cover.

Also, it looked like the driftwood got a lot more sparse on the spit past Little James Island.

"Driftwood could be an ally if we move with it, beside it.  Take our time and embrace the suck."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 71):

The bluff was a fairly difficult climb but they could do it under cover of the woods. They probably wouldn't need climbing gear, although that would help!

"So are we waiting for dark once we are on the sand ? Looks like we will be ok getting down the bank as we have some cover."

-

"I was hoping to get as far as we can even in sand, as long as we can hug some cover.  I sure as hell don't want to navigate that slope in the dark."

The rocky bluff was not high but it was rugged. They would be best able to climb down now in the light.

PD Note: Did anyone bring climbing gear? Either way, please make a Climb check, normal difficulty.

With some difficulty and a little noticeable rustling of the trees around them, the team managed to rappel down the rugged stone cliffs. They got comfortably ensconced in the forest at the foot of the bluff. There were plenty of hiding places behind the trees, stumps and ancient tree trunks littering the treeline and the underbrush.

Once everyone is gathered and has a moment to rest, Jimmy will have everyone using the cover they have to get into position for a distraction... or night... to cross to their target.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 77):

It was hard to tell if they had move the foliage around enough while they were descending to avoid detection. Everyone got settled into hiding places in the treeline overlooking the ocean and the spit leading out to first Little James and then James Is.

About fifteen minutes later they noticed a pair of figures approaching along the spit towards them, about half a kilometer away.

Well..

Does it look like those figures have spotted them?

Jimmy will want to try to check them out with binocs... damn 500M is not very far away, that is close to one of the target ranges the US Army trains to hit a man sized figure with iron sights.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Tue 13 Aug 2019.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 79):

It was a little hard to see them through the trees but it didn't look like they were moving to engage. But they were definitely moving in their direction, although really that was the only direction available.

Jimmy will quietly try to arrange an "Ambush", hoping that no blood will be shed.  Folks with good hand to hand and blades to the front... backed up with folks with guns.  500 meters gives them a little time to set up and get settled, but not a lot.

Tim had managed to find somewhere to wait out the rest of the daylight and was just getting comfortable when the walkers where spotted. He withdraws his handgun with the suppressor and indicates it to Jimmy so he knows that Tim will play back up should the take down go wrong or they put up some heavy resistance.

Tim will take a place in the middle of the line preferably behind some one who will be stabbing or punching.



-

Jimmy waits in the treeline to engage the walkers.  They might not be hostile, so he plans on approaching with hands raised to shoulder height.  But first he wants a look at them.

Line finds a protected spot and settles in behind her carbine to cover Jimmy.

Elliott steps up to walk out next to Jimmy. "I have hand-to-hand training and can keep my mouth shut while you talk to them." If that works out, he will leave his weapons holstered and follow Jimmy's lead.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 85):

The slowly approaching men looked bored but wary. These were not simple maritime travellers, but soldiers or mercenaries. No vests or helmets, but boonie hats and beards. They were dressed in old, worn camouflage fatigues, with webbing festooned with ammo pouches, grenades and knives. For guns they both had holstered pistols. One carried a well-worn AK-47, possibly predating the war but it might be a copy. Only examination would tell. But, somewhat alarmingly, the other was armed with a fairly new-looking Stoner M22 rifle. They both wandered closer, following the sandbar. There was quiet except for the wind in the trees above them and the waves lapping on the beach.

Elliot strains to see any logos or insignia that might indicate their affiliation. The Stoner is MP issue, but that doesn't make them Project people...

Jimmy, ready to come out to talk to the men... stops and also tries to make out any insignia.  If these were somehow surviving American Soldiers, like they looked, he would be able to identify such regalia.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 88):

Something definitely didn't look right about these guys. There were no unit patches, they weren't squared away and looked a little ragged. Both wore beards. They certainly weren't Morrow Project, despite the Stoner one man carried. The rifle version had been a very uncommon weapon before the war (being only issued in SAW form during the Viet Nam war). Some had been sold in the Netherlands. But this one looked relatively new.

They picked their way along the sandbar, coming closer, stepping over driftwood and keeping a close eye out.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 88):

Capt'n Kim "Hmm.. as I recall Krell raid Project caches. Reports of them of last where seen, this be enough time for them to be here"

Jimmy readies his weapon and waits for them to get nice and close before opting to engage in conversation.  He decided that presenting the men with a target would be unwise.  They may be some sort of local militia, or otherwise halfway decent folk.  He didn't want to kill for no reason.

When he does speak he will be using manipulative words (He's good at that) to try to keep them from panic.

Something like 'That's close enough.  We have you covered but just want to talk, keep the guns down and everyone walks away unharmed.'

Also, he speaks several languages (Including Russian) and he will cycle through them if they don't seem to understand.

He will issue a "Don't fire unless fired upon" protocol.. once shooting starts talking is over.

Elliot holds his HK 69A1 trained on the duo (if within range), with the M576 shotgun shell loaded. If things go sideways, both men should take damage from his first shot. He tries to maintain a position a few feet away from Jimmy, because people shoot where they hear noise.

If the men are not in close range Elliot will keep his M10 trained on them instead.

The bearded men sauntered forwards, weapons held at the ready. Their leather combat boots crunching on the shale at the high water mark of the sandy beach. All was quiet save for seagull cries and the roar of waves breaking on the sandbar and islets. They stopped about 20 metres from the treeline, studying it. It was clear this was no local militia, intelligence having confirmed there were only a few scattered Quillayute families, Amerind fishermen, in the area. One rolled and lit a cigarette while the other drank from his canteen, then they turned around and started walking back down the sandbar to either Little James Is. or James Island.

Elliot keeps his eye on the men as they walk away, trusting that others have their eyes on the surrounding. He makes no move or sound.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 94):

The men finally disappeared out of sight down the spit, heading towards James Is. (their destination) or Little James Is. (midway along the spit). From their position hiding in the woods it was difficult to track them further without breaking cover.

"That puts a fair tangle in things.  We need to contact the boat and have them relay back that we are likely facing a well organized Krell team at this site.  Folks, it is worse than we thought.  Let's wait on darkness for a final approach."

Keeping his eyes on the spit of land, Elliot says, "That was a patrol, boss. They'll be back, and the next set of guys might have sharper eyes than these two had. If we want to not get shot we execute an ambush or we evac the area to a safe surveillance distance." He looks at the ample cover and opportunity it presents. "I'd love to set up a claymore mine right here and trigger it remotely. Take out two of the Krell and keep their attention on land instead of focused on the boat. I don't think we have that resource with us, though."

"Of course you are right.  I don't suppose we have a claymore with us?"

"Not in my kit," Elliot replies. "I think all the boom boom is on the boat."

Lina quietly let out a breath when the sentries turned and walked away.  Se watched them disappear back down the narrow spit of land.

She turned to Jimmy, "Those guys have to be the Krell that we were warned about.  We should report this back to the boat and headquarters. "

"Agreed, Lina.  We need to retreat back.  Caution was a good call here."

He organizes a covered retreat as far as they can go, slowly.

Elliot nods and does what is needed to facilitate the tactical withdraw.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 102):

There were three ways to withdraw. North along the coast (minimal cover), East along the north bank of the Quillayute (good cover) and back up the cliff (good cover).

Jimmy shakes his head and looks to where they came down.  "OK, let's head East and get out of this hot mess.  I don't want to try to get back up that damn cliff."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Tue 15 Oct 2019.

Lina collects her pack, radio, and rifle.  Then she gets ready to make the move to the east.  She keeps an eye on the spit to make sure the Krell are not returning.

"Caution going forward," Elliot advises. "Krell may have more people or observation posts scattered about." He holsters his grenade launcher and opts instead for the M-10.

Carefully the team made their way east along the wooded foot of the bluff, between the cliff on their left and the Quillayute river on the right.

They got to where a tributary went north. They could either follow it north, climb up the bluff on the left (west) or try and cross the river to continue east. To RV with the boat they were going to need to climb the high ground, although here it seemed a lot easier to negotiate than back by the ocean.

"Let's take it nice and easy up this slope, folks."

((ooc: can we be seen from the Krell position while climbing up this slope?))

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 109):

Capt'n Kim "Hey is heading towards our mission?"

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 109):

The high ground was in between them and where they assumed the Krell came from so they couldn't be directly observed. Quickly they climbed westward up the wooded slope. To the northwest was the RV point where the boat waited. They could travel west and then north along the low forested cliffs, or more directly northwest through the broken and forested terrain.

Lina looked at her compass and their rudimentary map.   She oriented herself to the map like she was taught and took a bearing.


"It looks like it should be that way. What do you think?", Lina said pointing into the trees.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Wed 06 Nov 2019.

"Works for me." Elliot prepares to bring up the rear as the team awaits Jimmy's go-ahead.

Tim takes a knee as the map is consulted and bearing made. He watches the shoreline and out to sea while keeping an ear out for threats. The last is unlikely to happen unless they drive a tank along the cliff line.


-

In reply to Tim Charles White (msg # 114):

After more hours of travel through the forest along the rugged cliff above the ocean, they reached the RV point.

Offshore they could see the "Salty Lass". Filat was getting ready to cast off in the Zodiac to retrieve the shore party. Andy and Filat were still on the boat, everyone else was on shore.

"Let's get in contact with base and let them know what is going on.  If we need to put up the biog antenna, then that is what we need to do.  The interest in that boomer is probably to secure a nuclear warhead... I think we might need to consider how to stop the movement of it, rather than attempt to attack a well armed war party, that will likely only end in tragedy.  Thoughts people?"

"Well assuming they intend to move anything they obtain by boat then that is the obvious target. Sink it and its a long walk home."


-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Mon 27 Jan 2020.

Andy keeps a tight watch on the activity from the boat.  Knowing that the team will be ready to get back to the boat quickly, he makes sure all is ready for their rapid arrival.

He keeps scanning the horizon with optics looking for any sign of intruders interfering with Filat or the team.

Listening to Tim, Elliot replies, "Sink the ship- or capture it?" he asks. "They are very hostile and on our base's doorstep. Their weaponry is top notch. It's for sure they have the explosives and any big guns on the vessel."

He shrugs while keeping watch. "Maybe we just keep track of em' and call for a MARS team." He keeps his voice low as they await the Zodiac's arrival.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 119):

Capt'n Kim "So... does a MARS team have time to intercept these KRELL? Or do we have to delay them from yhey are looking for?"

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 119):


"I don't know very much about attacking a ship, but I don't think we can sink that thing with the gear we have. We might be able to cripple it at best. We have a couple of rockets and the grenade launcher and we would have to get fairly close to it. Our best bet to stop them is to ambush their landing party.", Lina added.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:19, Sun 02 Feb 2020.

Elliot keeps his eye on the watch but nods in agreement with Mahalina.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 116):

As the group discussed their options, Lina tried to establish contact with Project Base Tukwila.

PD Note: make a skill check for communications, considering the distance and the large mountains in between you and Tukwila.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Fri 07 Feb 2020.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 123):

Capt'n Kim is under the assumption that if Base can't be contacted, its up to us to intercept Krell and deny them what they seek.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 123):

Lina knew that they were only about 40 miles from base but the mountains could be a problem for the transmission. UHF would require line of sight she she decided to try with HF, hoping for some atmospheric propagation to get through.   She assembled the long whip antenna and then checked he CEOI and found a monitored frequency in the high frequency range.

"KILO SEVEN TWO. PAPA-FOUR-FOUR. KILO SEVEN TWO. PAPA-FOUR-FOUR WITH FLASH TRAFFIC. OVER.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 125):

Lina began sending her radio traffic. Despite her being on the correct frequency she received no reply. There were a lot of mountains in the way both on the Olympic peninsula and around Puget Sound.

At this point she needed to decide if she wanted to continue broadcasting. There was a small but not zero chance the Krell on the ship had some kind of RDF equipment, even captured Project digital RDF gear. This would (probably) alert them someone was transmitting nearby and provide a reverse bearing. But they probably wouldn't be able to decypher the scrambled transmission.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 126):

The Russian looked over at Lina. "Should we continue transmitting? If we do it too long we risk being intercepted."

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 127):

Capt'n Kim adds to case at hand "People... if their freighter is important, a night time attack coming up on its stern and hitting the rudder where it hinges with the flame weapon is our only chance to slow them down. Or beating them to the prize."

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 128):

"They likely have us outgunned, so sabotage of some sort is likely our best weapon... anti material on their boat will slow them."

He seems to think.

"We have detonation charges, timers... a grenade launcher that is single shot.  Not much else.  Anyone that feels experienced as a frogman AND knows explosives?"

A snort and a shake of his head.

"We could find our way back until we can establish radio, it's a real mess.  If we engage in combat we could lose the resources we possess to little effect, or we can report back so that a sharper response can be launched.  Sorry folks, but I think we may be scrubbing this one."

"Wonder how far out in the water we have to go to get radio reception with the base?" Elliot wonders out loud. "Withdraw to the boat and have another go at the radio."

"Not a bad idea.  I can get a better line of sight out in the open the next time, even a klick or so will help a lot." Lina replied.  She began breaking down the high frequency antenna.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 130):

Filat pointed at the snow-capped mountain range on the Olympic Penninsula that was in between them and base. "There are those to consider as well. At night we may have a better chance of bouncing signal off ionosphere."

"That's what I was trying to do. I was transmitting on 10 meter.  Who knows what the problem was.  Probably the antenna, no time to string up anything better. Could be sunspots or jamming or something else.", Lina replied with a bit of harshness in her voice, or perhaps it was frustration.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

"Right, everyone let's get back to the boat and we will try to relocate.  If base has not even an idea of what is going on we have failed.  We may have to try to land and work another spot, or some sort of desperate plan.. let's hope not."

Elliot continues his watch on the surround as everyone loads up and boats back to the ship.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 135):

Capt'n keeps vigilant about the surroundings. Always looking for salvage for home and his people.

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 136):

Reflecting on the situation... "Hey everyone. What if we give these Krell a rabbit to chase. Maybe lure them away from the Whale worship with our boat?"

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 137):

It was obvious due to Mt. Olympia and the mountain chain separating them from the Puget Sound, and perhaps atmospheric conditions, Lina was unable to contact base. The satellite radio dish was not stabilised and so they would need to land somewhere to set it up. At any rate the next window for satcom was 4.5 hours away.

"We have two choices, as I see it," says Elliot. "We can return to base- or to a radio contact position- or we can hit these guys in the mouth once or twice."

"And that is pretty much all the choices we have.  If we attack, it will have to be as decisive as possible.  I would prefer to strand them, take out their boat if we can, then run for it.  Captain Li, what do you think our chances of doing that is?"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 140):

Capt'n Lee smiles in an unnerving way "Chances pretty good. Come up behind hit their rudder. If ship like that lose rudder, it end up on rock."

"Making a broad run at the vessel will likely earn us a bunch of bullet-holes. Can we get in there quietly and set charges to disable the rudder? Or come up in dark, get the Zodiac in close enough, fire some heavy stuff at the rudder then scoot away?" Elliot offers.

"That is an excellent idea Elliot.  Is anyone good at swimming, and stealth?  I can tell you I don't feel my chances of pulling that sort of thing off are very good at all."

A nod to the captain.

"We'll need a good plan... I wonder if we can use our radar?  Regardless we need to do something before this storm hits... or we will need to plan on being here for a long damn time after."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 143):

"I can swim, but it's been awhile and that looks bloody cold, As for stealth well that all down to the day isn't it." Tim looks at the sea again and then back to the gathered team.


-

"I don't recall us packing any dry diving suits, and in this cold a wet suit probably won't be enough to protect you from hypothermia.  That's about the extent of my knowledge, I have never been much of a swimmer myself, just the basics."

Elliot shakes his head. "I wasn't thinking of swimming in. We could paddle the Zodiak in, quietly and at night. I've never tried anything like this in my life and this isn't a good time for firsts," he admits, "but I'm running out of choices that don't involve running back."

Let's start with our resources, then.

We have ground radar, and autonav.  Our big boat is silent, and we can go in blackout.

We have claymores.  Plenty of them.  Those are detonated by wire, 1 person can detonate a bunch.

We have Armburst anti tank rockets.  Bet those will hurt the hell out of a boat.  These are great because they don't have the backblast and fumes of most other rockets, we can use them from the boat and not kill each other.  Who is good with these?  Pop those at the waterline and they are going no where.

We have demolition charges and stuff.. that takes someone skilled to use them, is anyone skilled in their use?

We also have a sniper rifle, and we have a single shot grenade launcher (means you can shoot every other round)  Some of the others of you have your own grenade launchers.. that is useful area effect stuff.

We need to find a solution the team can do.  I am thinking the boat might be able to sneak in quiet, with our radar going... we got 4 shots with rockets to disable it.  We got snipers... and maybe we can hook up claymores to a launch.. or.. to the side of our boat to repel boarders.  Grenades falling everywhere will be useful too.  If we can stop them from taking those ICBMs out, we will have time to figure out something else for later.  Likely they will radio for assistance, so this is to buy us time.


3 characters loads were hosted on tinypic, so they are no longer available.  2 are NPCs.

"I forgot our boat runs silent," Elliot grins. "I think you've got it with that plan. No noise, no running lights, three AM. We could make a slow approach and hit 'em hard, then zoom away on a straight shot back to our home base. We don't need the Zodiac to be stealthy, and everyone stays inside the boat."

He thinks on it. "Probably don't need to prepare for boarders, either, since they'd need to already be in a boat to have any chance of physically reaching us. And who would suspect a nighttime attack from the ocean?"

A nod from Jimmy.

"And we have night vision available to us.  We want to approach in a way that will bring us visible for the least amount of time.  I wish I could think of some clever way to mount claymores on life vests or something, but I don't think we need that level of desperation.  We need to take out that boat."

Elliot's head snaps up. "We have the M174," he adds, slowly. "It's wicked fast on automatic. We can have 36 rounds of 40 millimeter dropped on that ship and the others at anchor on the shore. I can fit out one drum with all high explosives, for the rudder, and another with anti-personnel rounds. That's in addition to the four Armbrusts." He nods. "Sneak up, shoot everything we got, then split at high speed. They'll never be able to follow our boat as we're silent and able to run on autonav- total darkness."

A nod.

"Let's save a little, but that sounds like a plan.  Also, I want to few people that are OK at it with the slower ones pinpointing targets.  I hope there are no civilians involved, but when you start going after nukes like that, it's better to be an asshole.. besides, our real target is the boat, not the people."

He motions.

"Who is best with the 174?  Who can use an Armburst OK?  Again, best I just watch, not much of a shooter.  Best I not try doing it with night vision for everyone's safety."

"If there's only two of us good with the special weapons, no problem. Two of us can fire Armbrusts, and each gets off two shots, all at at the rudder. We can surely do it before there's any response from the enemy. Then the grenade launcher can open up with armor-penetrating shells to sink the boat. If any ships run at us, they get the MAG-58."

Elliot does some mental math. "Three drums come with the 174. We've got 36 more rounds in the Recon kit for the M79. That should include 12 HEDP rounds, one full drum. I can scrounge another drum of HEDP between the 174's standard load and what I pack.

That's two full drums of HEDP, 24 rounds. We can squeeze off two drums from the 174 in less than a minute. I mean, it sounds cliche' but, they'll never know what hit 'em."

Jimmy shakes his head.

"At the rudder?  That is like trying for a headshot.  I would prefer near the waterline, amidships.  With a bad storm coming they won't go far even if they can stay afloat.  You aim for the rudder and your shot can go wide and miss the boat entirely."

Jimmy grins.

"And then shower the deck with the grenades, I like that idea.  I want that boat stuck there, sunk if possible."

Elliot nods. "I like it."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 153):

Capt'n Kim gives his puzzled look. "Rudder on ship BIG...old ships are rusty and have weak spots ALL over. No hitting the rudder and puncture anything in stern will hit disable gears and chains. Grenades on the deck will  innocent sailor men. (tilting his head) Why you Morrow Project want to kill or hurt innocent sailor men?"

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 155):

"I had not thought of that, Captain Kim.  I guess this depends on the ship.  Do you think this is a charter, or solely run by this group?  If it is solely them, or people that work exclusively with them, I am not opposed to any of them dieing."

He nods though.

"Sternwards with the missles, then.. but those grenades.. we might still have to do it, sorry Captain Kim.  Those sailors aren't so innocent if they are working with the Krell."

Elliot shrugs. "We can just focus on sinking the ship, unless we take fire. It's a good compromise." He looks to Jimmy.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 157):

"I can agree to that, in the interests of keeping the good captain happy."

"If we can make up some charges and take them in with kayaks or canoes and then hit them we might have a better chance of success. The kayak thing I've done before."


-

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 158):

"I agree.", Lina said.

"Hopefully, it won't be necessary."

Jimmy looks around at the boat, then back to Tim.

"That would be great, if we had any kayaks or canoes.  That is unless I am missing something."

He sounds a little hopeful.. maybe they were packed and he was not aware of it?

Capt'n Kim "Don't think these sailors Krell. What I have heard, these Krell would have been raiding coastal villages. No.. these sailor men must have been Shanghaied. "

Andy chimes in as the plan begins to gel, "I had some time playing with explosives and such.  Going for the rudder sounds like our best play, but we'd better be ready to shower them with 40's to keep their heads down if we get spotted.  Hopefully our night vision sets are the only ones in the area if you know what I mean..."

"Punching holes in that thing may not sink her if they just seal off the areas below."

In reply to Andy Maxwell Flasch (msg # 163):

OOC:  Just how big is this boat anyway???

((ooc: I'd be interested to know this, too.))

32 feet.  13 ft beam.  It's a coastal fishing/work boat. There is some info on Kim's cast listing.  Here is a link to the builder site.

https://www.bruceroberts.com/p.../E12-COASTWORKER.htm

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 166):

Not our boat.. the Enemy boat?

Right, the enemy boat. Are our munitions enough to make a hole and make it sink?

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 168):

Capt'n Kim we have what it takes to sink it. But it will be a bit of luck because we need to hit the boiler. Disabling the ship would be easier.

The team hadn't really been close enough to examine the ship save through binoculars from several kilometers away while it was anchored off the seaward side of James Is.

But from what they saw it was a medium-sized ship. About the size of a WWII Liberty ship. If they were looking for salvage whatever they were looking for, it was pretty big. Or long.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 170):

OK, WWII Liberty ships aren't the biggest things ever, but it isn't small by any means.  Capt Kim's assessment to go after the rudder makes a lot more sense now.  I wonder if we wait until that incoming storm starts coming in we might be able to sneak close enough with the big boat to place charges.. or at least the launch?

The group spent some time going over their options.

It seemed a night raid was their best option. If there was going to be a storm that would be optimal.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 172):

"Should we see what they were looking for on the island?"

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 173):

"Yes! Yes! Did they disturb the tomb of the War Whale?" asked Leaf.

"I pretty much guarantee that lot is disturbing the tomb.  What we are trying to do is prevent them from raiding it and carrying off it's eggs before we inform HQ.  Unfortunately, just us sneaking in will get caught or killed so.. no, that is off the table.  We will disable the ship."

He looks to Filat.

"If you have some kind of plan, out with it, otherwise we stick to what we have."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 174):

"Oh, uh, would it be possible for me to have a look at the tomb? At least see what they are doing? I do appreciate that you are being careful to respect the tomb. I just fear what they've done, or are doing."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 176):

Filat paused, then gunted. "Huh. I could accompany her. Just for a little reconnaissance."

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 177):

"And how were we thinking of doing this recon?  We tried the land approach, and found out we really suck at it and that they have well armed sentries.  The Zodiac is primed for a mission to disable their ship... which means either you swim in this icy water, bad idea, or we risk the big ship on the demolition mission.. I don't like that."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 178):

"I do still have my ocean-going kayak and it can take 2 if we're not over-burdened," she pointed out. "We can approach the island after dark. If we're waiting for the storm, depending on when it gets here we may have a day to wait to spring the main trap."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 179):

"I could be taking a suppressed pistol. Not much else. Or take Dragunov, stay hidden on island for day or two, provide long-range sniper support on main operation. Neutralise enemies on island like OP."

He thought hard for a moment, looked at Leaf, then back at Jimmy. "Or else Leaf is going alone. If she is captured... is just fisher-person. Plausible deniability."

Jimmy slowly nods.

"Ok, Leaf.. this is your show.  You want to go at it alone, or with Filat and a possible plus one?  Should we let you go in tonight, then be ready to back up or spring a trap the next night?  I need at least one explosives expert for our Zodiac insertion and destruction of the rudder on the big ship."

OOC:  I had asked about the kayak earlier and thought I heard no.  If we have it, that changes everything.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 181):

"Ok, I'll go in tonight. I guess I could take a radio, and hide it when I land? That way if I am captured they might not think I am with someone else?

"What time would you like me to try and get back to you?

"Is there another signal I can give if I get into trouble? But... I think it might be best if I didn't try to contact you if I got into trouble. That might be the safest for you."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 182):

Filat looked at Jimmy, and unhooked his tactical radio to give to Leaf.

"I give radio, da?"
This message was last updated by the player at 10:00, Sat 04 July 2020.

Elliot speaks up. "She should take one from someone who is staying in the main boat during this upcoming assault activity and that's me," he announces. He hands his ANPRC to Leaf and asks, "You know how to use this, right?"

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 184):

Filat pointed out, "am staying on boat. But ok."

She looked a little unsure. "I've been shown how at your base in Tukwila. You push here to talk? Release to listen? This turns it on and off?

"Look, I'm not sure if this is a good plan or not but I'll go when it gets dark. See what I can find out. Make a report on the radio. Try to make it back before dawn. Sounds good?"
This message was last updated by the player at 00:05, Wed 08 July 2020.

"Yes.  That's basically how it works. Don't touch any of the other knobs. If you need help but have to be quiet, click the talk button four times. If we ask you a question, answer back with one click for yes and two for no.", Lina added.

She helped Leaf attach it to her belt and route the headset cord under her arm to keep them out of the way.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 187):

"That's a good idea.

"If you don't see me by tomorrow morning... assume they got me. Don't be heroes.

"Am I meeting you back here? And is there an alternate meeting place?"

They were about 4km NNW along the coast from Little James Is. and James Island (where the tomb of the War Whale lay), behind a tall rocky offshore outcropping, Cake Is.

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topovie...13/47.9251/-124.6782
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Thu 16 July 2020.

Elliot watched her go. "So, what's the plan for the next few hours?" he asked.

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 188):

"Try to meet us back here if you can. If not, go to shore and follow it north.", Lina suggested.

"Thank you. May God go with you," she replied.

At that she cast off her kayak.

PD Note: OK, time to determine weather, moon phase, and if she makes it through the night undetected.

Night fell, it started to rain. Leaf disappeared into the darkness, fighting against a headwind.

There was no radio call. The wind picked up after midnight and the rain stopped.

Not long after at 0200 there was a call on the radio.

PD Note: See Radio thread.
This message was last updated by the GM at 06:29, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

Listening to the radio, Jimmy curses under his breath.

"There must be people that were living around that boat, and they are already extracting a missle.  I think we might want to set charges on the boat.. but collateral damage just might not matter.  We can't allow them this salvage."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 193):

As Leaf had nothing else to report, she signed off.

Through the night the moon set and the rain stopped. Shortly before dawn a heavy sea fog rolled in.

Just after dawn they saw a lone kayak slip through the mist. It was Leaf!

In reply to Project Director (msg # 194):

"Hello, did you miss me?" she asked, tying the small boat off and climbing aboard.

"What were those big things they were taking out of the hole? They already got one out, that I could see. There was a winch and block and tackle over the hole, so they were going for more."

"Those are missiles, the same sort that ended the world as us old folks know it."

"We can't let them get control of nukes. We just can't." Elliot looks toward the Krell camp. "If we take out the ship, they'll have no way to transport the bombs anywhere."

Shocked, all she could say was, "far out. Truly whatever was buried with the War Whale needs to remain there."

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 197):

"I say we go now in fog. We distract ship by going at it all guns firing. Before, we land small party to plant explosives and destroy the missile and collapse the cave, if we can."

This plan had flaws but it was not an atypically Russian plan, using surprise, misdirection and maximum firepower.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

I don't think we have much choice.  We can't that group of crazies run off with a nuke.", Lina said with a worried look on her face.

Capt'n Kim look angry " WHAT....That is one of the spears that brought judgement on the follies of man????  Hasn't the world been cleansed enough "

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 201):

"Apparently not.  Captain Kim, are their any more objections about possibly killing innocent sailors now?  I would like to attack that ship directly with all we have.  I also, somehow, need to let HQ know what is going on, they need to know this.  Our force is too small, and what we have is too little to deal with them."

He seems to ponder.

"I wonder.. if there might have been some living within the submarine, people that could rise up, with some help?"

"If any containment was broken, there would be radiation in the ship," Elliot says. "People wouldn't be able to live in the ship, if it was so."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 202):

"Yes, maybe. It is said that there are white people somewhere near here. A village. No one knows where they came from, I assumed they were descended from people who lived and worked here. But maybe there are some who are descended from those who were on the sub? I never made the connection before, but that was before we knew about the War Whale."

"These people are very hard to find but live up the river a little ways. They are sometimes called "Ghosts". They trade, but only rarely."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

"You are meaning the sub? Or the tramp steamer vessel? Either way is depending on how missiles are stored. Hold would definitely be contaminated, if warhead was damaged."
This message was last updated by the player at 05:27, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

"The sub," Elliot replies. "Jimmy was talking about the sub. Look, we have a silent boat and that is a tactical advantage- only until they know we have a silent boat. We need to shut this salvage operation down, and I don't see a way to do it that isn't boom boom and bang bang." He looks at the water. "At night, with target points identified from surveillance, run in and kick ass then exit at high speed. If any ships come at us we can take 'em or shake 'em in the dark, where we have the advantage. After, we can head back home or stay and engage in guerilla tactics until support arrives, whatever you decide. I feel very strongly about stopping these Krell from gaining control of any nukes," Elliot says, "and it looks like they have already recovered some."

"If they have moved a warhead to the steamer, then an attack could make them run and cut their losses.  I'm thinking that we have to disable that ship to keep the warheads in the area.  And we  need to try to get another warning back to base too. If we fail, the fact that Krell has nukes has to be known to as many Morrow personnel as possible." said Lina.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:33, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

"After all these years are the warheads even going to be viable ? My last gig with the Royal Marines was guarding these boats and the amount of maintenance so these could go to sea was amazing. I think at this point they may just have some very glowing play dough more then a weapon."


-

"Can we take that chance?" Elliot asks. "How can we risk it? I think we have to assume the worst and take appropriate action."

In reply to Tim Charles White (msg # 208):

"From my briefings on nuclear weapons, the triggers for the thermonuclear warheads are small atomic devices, usually Plutonium. The warheads are not likely viable. But their triggers are. Even if not, they are highly radioactive and can be made into a "dirty bomb". And even Plutonium that is no longer weapons-grade can be refined to again be made into weapons if they have the technology.

"Jimmy, do you think we might be able to contact these "Ghost" people that Leaf mentioned? If they are descended from crew they might be of some assistance."

"If Leaf knows where they are, they may be our best bet.  We need to act on that right now."

He looks to her.

"Let's go in.. canoe, big boat following at enough distance not to be noticed?  I hope we can time the attack on that boat to match this storm."

A nod over to Eliot, Filat. "We don't want anyone to get that material, not us, not them, I think.. we need to talk to the caretakers descendants, eh?"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 211):

"They are about an hour's sail south of here, 15 kilometers, if we use the Lass. About double if we swing out to sea so we are not spotted by the boat.

"I have only heard legends. But I do have some landmarks that people have used to trade with them, because no one's ever been to their village."

"We need to not alert anyone to our presence and hope that these hours are well spent.  Sounds like our little land mission ate up most of the time we should have been doing other things."

He gestures to Captain Kim.

"Leaf, work with Kim and get us there as fast as you safely can.  Priority.  If someone wants to stay behind with a zodiac and explosives, speak up now."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 213):

Capt'n Kim gives a quick salute.

"Better to go a bit to sea and come in that way. We may be near silent but going along the coast we would give a wider visual signature."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 213):

Filat looked thoughtfully at the mist. "Nyet. Let's go now, use the morning fog to our advantage and slip by ship. And hoping they do not have radar on ship, yes?"

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 215):

"Yes.. that is true. Lets go now and attack ship" Says Capt'n Kim

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 216):

"Am meaning go now and avoid ship. Find friends, as comrade Jimmy wishes. When are making attack, must use advantages such as night vision, surprise and distraction. Is being my opinion."

"It seems like we are going to see the Ghost people, so let's get going," Elliot says, "but we are eventually going to have to crush these guys before those triggers get taken inland and we can't reach 'em.

"I would suggest we head out away from the coast and make a report first. If we buy the farm out here, HQ still needs to know what's happening."

"Sure... I would like to try that again myself"

Leaf pointed out the RV point where people could trade with the elusive "Ghost People". Before the war it was called "Ruby Beach", just south of the Hoh River and the Hoh Indian Reservation.

It was a distance of about 40km total, accounting for the fact they would need to swing out a good 12 km to avoid being seen in case the fog lifted. For now the heavy fog was holding and it seemed unlikely (although not impossible) the enemy tramp steamer had radar. The Sassy Lass could make 10 knots cruising, 12 knots (22 kph) in a hurry so it would be about a 2-hour trip there and then another 2 hours back.

PD Note: Lina can now make a Communications (Radio) roll to establish contact with base. Captain Ly can try to push the engine to make 12 knots with a Pilot Watercraft (Boats) check.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:21, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

Lina returned to the radio and briefly consulted here CEIO card. She spun the frequency dial to a different encrypted channel than before and tried to contact base again.


"KILO SEVEN TWO. PAPA-FOUR-FOUR. KILO SEVEN TWO. PAPA-FOUR-FOUR WITH FLASH TRAFFIC. OVER.", she said calmy and clearly into the handset.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 221):

There was no reply to the radio message.

The boat chugged south towards the hoped-for RV point.

"Keep it up... maybe we can make a booster antenna.  They need to know."

1200 hours. 8C. Partially cloudy, medium winds from SW, light fog.

The boat had a long range antenna mounted already. The lack of contact was probably due to weather and ionospheric conditions and the intervening mountain range.

They had another chance to establish contact between 1200-1300, when MORROWSAT ONE was overhead on its daily pass. It might be able to pick up and retransmit a radio signal to the ground station at KILO ALPHA on Mercer Island in Seattle, or if they could set up the SatCom gear on land (for stability) they would be able to establish comms with base for certain.

At that time they had made their detour and were nearing the RV point where they could find the "Ghost People". The heavy fog had lightened to patches hugging the ocean being blown inland

PD Note: you are about 1km off the coast south of the mouth of the Hoh river, around the point marked on the map "Ruby Beach".

https://goo.gl/maps/2w3Usv5VJKjy8iTd9

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 05:13, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

"I need coms to try to bounce of that satellite, and I need a reasonable sized away team, Leaf and I are a must.  Volunteers?"

"I'm going.  I need stable ground to set up the SATCOM antenna.", Lina said.

"Ready to go," Elliot speaks up.

Filat said to Capt. Cong, "If you like, will drop anchor and watch boat while you are going ashore."

"Can I come? I might speak their language!" Leaf asked.

"I absolutely need you, Leaf."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 230):

They quickly launched the Zodiac, leaving Filat to man the boat.

Within 10 minutes they were approaching the rocky driftwood-lined shore. There was a narrow band of sand where the waves crashed ashore.

Marshall's Note:

Everyone can make an Observe check. If not making an IC post, please post results to the Die Roll thread.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:26, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

In front of them was a wide grey sand beach with thick green forest 100m behind it. A few pieces of driftwood, some large tree trunks and all bleached white by the sun, littered the beach.

Jimmy and Elliot could see there were four totem poles in one spot, just inside the forest, marking a trail head.

"Let's get ashore and cover up this boat, if we can. There's a trail." He continues to scan the island for any sign they are being watched.

"You know we need to hurry!"

He looks around, then will lead on the trail.

They pulled the zodiac up onto the beach. After it was secure from rogue waves they trudged up the sand to the totem poles located just inside the thick forest, marking a trail head. There were four of them in the deep shadows cast by the surrounding trees.

On second glance Jimmy realised there were only three. The last one in line was a person, squatting down and watching them intently. It was a man wearing native clothing (wide-brimmed straw hat, fringed beaded buckskin tunic over kilt/skirt, moccasins). He had features that were part aboriginal (American Indian/Amerind), part African-American. Although he was armed with a club it was stuck in his sash and he did not seem hostile.

Elliot stands aside to let Leaf take the forefront and address the local.

Jimmy raises both hands and smiles.  He is himself part Native American, just not from this coast.  The language groups were unlikely to be the same, but he does his best to seem friendly, and he greet the man in English and what he thought might be a likely greeting in the local Native American language from his handy Phrasebook.

"Greetings."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 237):

The man studied Jimmy and his companions, then nodded.

He spoke in a Native language and Leaf translated, "he is speaking the trade language, "Chinook". He says his name is Sea Otter."

The man spoke again, and Leaf looked a little confused. "He asks if you are the ones they have been waiting for?"

Jimmy slowly nods and smiles.

"I do believe we likely are, but ask him first what they are waiting for?"


OOC:  Jimmy has a bunch of phrasebooks of Native Am languages and is a trained linguist, he can puzzle out languages well.. and I would hope Leaf has been teaching him the local dialect in her spare time.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 239):

She asked him how they were waiting for and then translated, "He, uh, says they are waiting for... some people wearing green berets? He specifically said that. He wants to know if you are from the big ship out there by James Island."

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 240):

Those who were listening could actually hear him speak the words "green berets".

Chinook trade language (aka "Chinook Jargon" or "Chinuk Wawa") was a kind of pidgin language derived primarily from the Chinook language, plus French and a smattering of English. It had developed some time in the 19th century and spread up and down the coast from BC to Oregon and East to the Rockies before becoming almost extinct in the late 20th century before the
War. It had become so common as a multicultural trade language and even had a written form developed that was used in legal proceedings. Jimmy had studied it and was familiar with it, and was not surprised it had made a comeback after the war.

Jimmy nods with the conversation, language books being sifted through on French and others.

He points to the shore where their boat is.  "No, we do not come from the smoker.  Those are the ones who are raiding the old fish.. the underwater boat.. taking it's eggs of death.  They wish to spread the disease again like in the end time of old.  We are not these Green Berets, we are here to help."

He is very specific to shake his head when he says "Green Beret", even if as Recon he HAS ONE, in fact he is wearing one right now.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 242):

Capt'n Kimm looks along the shoreline both ways. Then a visual sweep of the water for any contacts.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 242):

Leaf translated. From his facial expression, Sea Otter's reaction was not entirely positive as he stood up.

The man spoke again and she said, perhaps a little worriedly, "he says it is good you are not with the smoker. It is bad if they are stealing the Death Eggs of the Montana. But if you are not the Green Berets they have been waiting for, then you will not be of any help to us or them."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Sat 20 Mar 2021.

"I'm hearing there are Green Berets in the area working to stop the people from the Smoker, the Krell. We'll need allies, and these people need some kind of help. Do a good deed, make a friend, then crush our enemies. Sounds very Roman," Archie suggested. "If they've been waiting for a long time, the Green Berets may be dead. It would be good to know how long our friend has been here."

Jimmy pulls out and puts on his Recon (Green) beret and smiles at the man.

"We do wear Green Berets, good sir."

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 245):

Leaf translated Elliot's question, then his reply.

"His people hey have been here since the War, watching over the War Whale. His ancestors were its guardians and that is how long they've been waiting for the Green Berets to come and help them. So far they have managed to keep it safe from those who would desecrate it. But they are too few now, and the smokers are strong. This is why he asks if you are the Green Berets."

When Jimmy put on his beret the man seemed confused. Leaf translated his question, "he asks, are you the Green Berets we have been waiting for? Or are you not?"

"Tell him that I do not know if we are the green berets he is waiting on, but we are the ones he's got.  The smokers are looting the War Whale of it's children as we speak, and there is no time remaining to wait."

He smiles winningly then.

"Tell him that me and my team slumbered in the earth since before the great war, and that we have awakened now to do what we can to help."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 248):

It was obvious the man was considering the situation.

PD Note: OK! I think that's worthy of a Persuasion check. Make your roll and post in the Die Rolls section. This is a Challenging task so no bonus but no penalty.
This message was last updated by the player at 21:18, Mon 19 Apr 2021.

In reply to Leaf Water Wind (msg # 249):

The man nodded and spoke to Leaf.

"Sea Otter agrees, he says his people will help you. If you are not the Green Berets the legends speak of you are the Green Berets that are here, now. He says his tribe have dwindled over the years and now there are only forty, half of which are warriors. Men and women. (He is the chief, by the way.) They will fight to keep the grave of the War Whale out of the hands of the Smokers, to stop them from unleashing once more the poison that once consumed the land."

"Then by all means, we need to plan now.. before the war whales eggs are taken from her and used to spread death again."

Elliot leans forward. "Have they taken any of the eggs from the belly of the whale?" he asks. "How many enemies are there on the Smoker?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:24, Mon 03 May 2021.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 252):

After talking with Sea Otter, Leaf replied, "he says that one of the long tubes inside the War Whale had been removed. I saw the same thing on my visit. He says they have seen many things, but do not know what these "eggs" look like.

"He says they counted at least twenty crew and forty soldiers on board the smoker. There is a contingent of a fifty workers on the island. They are being held under guard by a dozen men. There are a dozen skilled workers on the island as well that are not kept under guard."

Elliot knew from this that one of the missiles had been removed already. The missile itself was likely not operational, as the solid fuel was probably no longer viable. But it could be studied and refurbished, possibly refueled or maybe even copied.

Depending on what kind of warheads were mounted on the missiles of the unknown sub (likely an SSBN of some kind) the warheads were likely not operational either after 150 years. Whoever made them, the warheads were likely fusion bombs. The primary stage (aka the "pit", "trigger" or "core") was an atomic weapon, probably using Plutonium-239 as the fissile material. This had a very long half-life. The second stage was Lithium Deuteride, and when the primary stage detonated this solid stable material would be converted into Tritium that would be fused in a thermonuclear reaction. It was very unlikely the electronics, mechanical and explosive components of the warheads still worked. But someone with the technical know-how could certainly refurbish the remaining components into a functional thermonuclear device.

After a moment, Elliot shared his thoughts. "Best way to stop work is to free the workforce. We could create a bang-style diversion, take out a few guards, free the workers and have this gentleman's people usher them to safety. If they know the layout of the island, we can boom in a place where nobody friendly gets hurt."

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 254):

She translated, "yes, he thinks this is wise. If this is your wish they will aid you."
This message was last updated by the player at 08:59, Fri 28 May 2021.

"I wonder if we can secure a few of those skilled workers and question them, possibly even pose as one or more to help with this plan.  We need a way to sink that smoker, or at least delay it for the season."

"I saw the workers when I was scouting the island.

"The workers were a mix of different peoples from down the coast. White, brown, Black, Amerind. We might be able to get someone in there if we are careful. We don't know how closely they keep track of them but they looked to be there against their will. Maybe they count them carefully, but then, if any escaped, where would they go?"
This message was last updated by the player at 07:11, Thu 10 June 2021.

"I do not think we have the time to hatch a complex plan, it will need to be simple and straighforward.  Meantime, let's get everyone here.  The more heads the better."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 258):

Translating for the man she said, "the decision is to attack tonight? Or do you have some magic that will conceal us from their eyes during the day?"

"Jimmy, while you guys are working on a plan, I'm going to try to contact Tukwilla again.  They have to know what is going on here.", Lina said.

She returned to the zodiac and retrieved a pelican case with the MorrowSat uplink equipment and set it up in an area with a clear view of the sky. She connected it to her radio and waited for everything to synch up.

Elliot posts up as protection for Mahalina.

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 260):

They moved a little out into the open, out from under the trees. The satellite receiver dish needed a clear sky to communicate with MORROWSAT ONE in it's daily pass overhead. There were two sub-cases, one for the collapsible dish and the other for the receiver. She set it up with practiced ease, plugging one into the other using the provided coaxial cables. The system booted up and she input the daycodes, then aimed the dish where it would have the best chance of picking up the passing landsat.

After a few minutes she was rewarded with a series of beeps as the comm unit began its handshaking routine. Once contact was established with the satellite it took another ten minutes to get a response. "PAPA 4-4 from KILO ECHO-0-1... we read you LIMA CHARLIE..."

Project Base Tukwila was asking for a SITREP.

Admin Note: You can continue the conversation in the Radio Traffic thread.

"Jimmy, We're up!  I got the base!  Come over here if you want to talk to them!.", Lina yelled across the clearing.

Kneeling nearby, Elliot hears Mahalina say, "and intend to interrupt Krell recovery efforts soon."

Archie nods and grits his teeth. "Got that right," he says, to himself and anyone else nearby who can hear it. "Gonna interrupt the hell outta 'em."

Lina disassembled the SATCOM array and put the various components back into the transit cases and locked down the lids.  She went back up the hill from the clearing to find Jimmy and give him the news.

"Jimmy.  I made contact with Tukwilla.  Once again, we have good news and bad news.",she reported.

The guard listens as the radio discussion is detailed.

He listens to the transmission and nods to it.

"That is clear enough.  We need to take care of this ASAP, make sure they have a description of that ship if we fail, they may be able to sink it underway.  Meanwhile, it would be nice if we could take it out... I am thinking multiple actions going on at the same time, keep them busy."

"We are a small team," Elliot observes. "Without heavy firepower. I suggest we find one critical aspect of this extraction procedure- a crane, heavy vehicle, something they can't do without. We attack that critical item while letting the prisoners go simultaneously.

"Hate to say it, but there's lots of those guys who want to put bullets into us or the prisoners. I figure our first salvo should be to wipe out Krell personnel, in their bunks, then we boom boom their vehicles. If we free the prisoners, and the Krell catch 'em again before this gentleman's people can save them, we didn't give 'em freedom. Once the bad people and their wheels are crippled, we get that critical element. That's my thought." Elliot looks like he's been thinking on this for a bit.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 268):

Through Leaf Sea Otter added, "these are wise words.

"If it helps, we know a secret way into the tomb of the War Whale?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:20, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

"I don't know if it helps or not. We should talk to someone who knows all about the process of removing the things and transferring them to the shore." Elliot looks to the others.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 270):

Sea Otter made a call like a birdsong. There was no one in sight in the forest but soon someone approached, obviously waiting for the signal. It was a young Native woman dressed in some kind of smock made from woven reeds and birchbark that helped her blend in. She moved easily and quickly around the trees and mossy boulders.

Again, Leaf translated for him.

"This is one of our scouts, Long Walker. She knows where the other entrance is. She uses it to observe the Smokers as they come and go.

"What is it you wish to know?
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 271):

"Elliot, you have anything to ask the young lady?" asked Jimmy.

"And who has a "can" (suppressor) for their weapon? My 21 is suppressed, and I have a Walther PPK."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 272):

"Da, am having suppressed Makarov and SVD." The suppressed SVD was still not quiet, at least when using supersonic loads, but the sound would be muffled and not travel nearly as far.

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 273):

Capt'n Kim looks on, (With a look of pure horror  at times)

"Have you all lost your minds?  There are no future generations that would not thank those that sacrificed their lives for not letting those devices leak or go off. "

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 274):

Clearly as distressed as Cong, Jimmy nodded sadly.

"I agree, we will do whatever we can to eliminate this threat to not just the USA but the world. I am sure command knows how serious this is as well, if they could send help they would!

"So it's do or die time here, everyone. We don't have a lot of people. But I am thinking of a 2-pronged assault.

"The main group goes to James island. Uses the secret entrance into the cave or base or whatever it is. They come out in the middle of the Krell camp and grease all those fuckers, release the prisoners, destroy the equipment. That won't stop them entirely but it will be a big delay.

"A second element will go after the ship. We didn't haul two sets of SCUBA gear here for nothing! We don't have limpet mines but we do have two M183 Demo charges. One will go to the island, one will go towards taking out the ship. We have two sets of SCUBA gear, so I'll need two volunteers. The odds of survival are not good, if we can't place the charge on the hull we may need to infiltrate the ship and blow the engines and machinery. I will go but I'm not SCUBA qualified."

"Let's do Jimmy's plan," Elliot says. "I am not a SCUBA guy, so it'll be grease work for me."

"I'm not a very good swimmer but I can shoot.  I guess I should go with the assault group.", Lina said.

"Fine, I'll volunteer for the swim. I'm SCUBA qualified. Unlike the lot of you. And I should go alone, anyone else coming would be more of a danger to themselves."

"Captain Kim, you staying on the boat or going ashore?

"Volkov, you want to go ashore? You are demolitions qualified."

"I can stay on the boat with Leaf. Provide supporting fire if needed. As well, if Flash doesn't succeed we can always make a run at the steamer with the auto-grenade launcher."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 279):

Capt'n Kim  "Going on MY boat"

"You want to stay with your boat? Cool.

"Sea Otter, how many of your tribe will come with us to attack those on the island?"

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 281):

Translated by Leaf, "we have two dozen warriors. There are eight big and small guns from Montana but there is no ammunition for them. We have not practiced with them but we are familiar with their operation."

"I would very much like to know more about these big guns. Could we see them?" Elliot asks.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 283):

Sea Otter gave his assent. Four male braves came out of the shadows, carrying oilcloth bundles. They laid them down. There were five M14 rifles and three M1911 pistols. There were magazines (all empty) in another bag.

Elliot checks to make sure the team has ammunition to fit the weapons.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 285):

They have a quantity of 7.62x54mm rounds for the MAG-58 mounted on the boat. As well the team had a couple M21 rifles which were basically semi-auto M14s with telescopic scopes mounted on them. However, as no Project weapons used .45ACP there was no ammunition available for the pistols.

There were seven empty M14 magazines that appeared to be in good shape, and six more of dubious quality (dents, worn-out springs, rust, etc.). The team had over a thousand rounds of 7.62x54mm ball, both loose in an ammo can and belted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:18, Mon 04 Oct 2021.

"Let's reload and resupply our allies here," Elliot advises, "and give 'em extra ammo, where we have it. There's a finger here for every trigger, so let's match 'em up, I say."

He thinks. "I'm sure Sea Otter's people have seen our silent boat. Let them know we'll be running without lights, so don't shoot out toward the boat. We are still going with one assault team and one boat team?" he asked Jimmy.

The weapons were well-cared for. Sea Otter explained they were stored in a safe dry place and cleaned periodically. They had many "black guns" (possibly M16s?) long ago before his time. But some calamity had destroyed the cache and now they were no good.

As they reloaded the remaining weapons (there were US government markings on them but nothing specific) Sea Otter outlined the defences on the island.

There was a force of 30 mercenaries from Portland housed directly on the island. They were heavily armed with prewar weapons. They guarded the camp at the hole they were using to recover the missiles. They all in theory pulled 12-hour shifts. The mercs on the camp perimeter numbered 10, two each keeping watch in four guard posts (crudely built low watch towers) located at the corners of the camp and two at the gate. There were two more manning an OP at the northwest end of the island keeping a watch on the water in that direction, plus the main path down to the beach and also to watch over the sand spit connecting the island to the mainland. A roving patrol of two that walked the perimeter, then down along the sand spit to the mainland and checked all the beaches (this was the pair they had seen the day before). There was also a kind of mercenary captain and probably a sergeant. So, 14 active guards, 14 sleeping/relaxing either day or night. Weapons seemed to be prewar "Black Guns" and "Banana guns" with one machinegun in a bunker at the main entrance. If there were other heavy weapons they were kept out of sight in the tents. There were no dogs, thankfully.

The wild cards were four of what they assumed were heavily-armed Krell "advisors" who operated two on, two off. One seemed to be the camp commander, the other three were engineers or otherwise involved in missile recovery. There were an additional six Krell advisors who seemed to be a QRF.

The camp itself was intended more to keep detainees in, not infiltrators out. Inside the perimeter (a double row of concertina wire: inner and outer with path between). Over the hole was a derrick, beside that was the recovered missile (possibly a Trident or SS-N-17 "Snipe"). Additionally, the camp held 15 small tents for the mercenaries plus three for the Krell advisors (two "hooches" for sleeping and a larger command tent). There was also a supply tent, mess tent, latrines and punishment "Tiger Pit". The forty or so workers were housed in two large crude tent shelters, working sunup to sundown. There was a generator tent near the HQ tent that was kept going to provide electrical power for the lights in the camp at night and to power the radios.

One thing in their favour was that discipline had severely fallen off in the two weeks they'd been there and established a camp. Although in theory half the camp was asleep and half awake at night, the mercenaries had largely ceased night patrolling and those at the northern OP slept after dark. At night half of any given "awake" pair in the perimeter guard posts could be expected to actually be sleeping, if not both. Of the 14 or so mercenaries in theory on duty at night maybe 4-5 were actually awake. Communications were by telephone wire between fixed positions and one backpack radio in the Krell command tent, another went with foot patrols. Unfortunately of the 10 Krell, the half that were supposed to be awake at night generally were. But at least they kept to their quarters and did not wander around especially if it was raining.

The camp was 50m by 60m near the central western part of the horseshoe shaped island. There was a gate on the N side and a path there NE down to the beach. Most boats grounded on the western beach. They were constructing some kind of platform on the south side of the island where the sheer cliffs would allow them to lower large items down to a waiting watercraft. This would allow them to recover a fully intact or partially intact missile; otherwise they would need to cut it up and pack the pieces down the NW path to the shore and onto a beached boat.

Most of the island was surrounded by cliff or steep slope. The NE corner was the only one that had a more navigatable path down. Aside from the easy(er) NE path they could also probably climb the surrounding cliffs. However, there was a much easier route in, one that led into the middle of the camp. The sub was housed in a massive partly-natural cavern under the island. Once it was a series of sea caves but silting and local seismic activity over the centuries had altered the water level to where it was completely dry. Years ago natives had found a tunnel that led in at sea level. Then some kind of shaft up to the surface. It was partially filled-in at the top with soil and some rubble but it was cleared after a few days (quiet) effort. Now it leads to a wooden hatch hidden under a mat of sod and roots opened into the middle of camp not far from the hole in the roof of the cavern with the crane.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:49, Sat 13 Nov 2021.

Jimmy listened to the description of the compound.

"Here's the plan.

"Flash goes for the ship. Your objective is to destroy or disable it.

"Captain Kim, Lina, Tim and El, you take six of the braves in the Zodiac. Go in through the secret entrance and come up through the centre of camp. Take out the Krell as a priority.

"Me and Leaf and Filat will man the Sassy Lass and provide fire support if needed.

"We time our strike for 30 minutes prior to dawn. Simultaneous to preserve the element of surprise. The attack on the ship is the most key, we wait until Flash either gives the word he's planted the C4 or it goes off."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:26, Wed 20 Oct 2021.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 289):

Capt'n Kim gives a thumbs up.

Nodding, Elliot clenches his jaw. "Any pistols with silencers in the group?" he looks around at his team mates. "We'll need smoke and any CS gas, in grenades or 40mm. After we do what we're going to do, kill people, we're going to rabbit back down the same hole? Is that the plan, boss?" he asks, while checking his current ammo load for the HK69A1.

Capt'n Kim holds up his machete and white phosphorous grenade.

"Capt'n, we need to get you something that shoots. You can't go into battle with just a machete." Elliot looks to his other team mates for suggestions.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 291):

"Flash has a MAC-10 with suppressor. He also has a suppressor for his Hi-Power, which he won't really need if he's running the MAC-10. So someone can take that?

"I have a Walther PPK with a can and three mags of subsonic ammunition. Someone can use that as well.

"Filat, you had a suppressed Makarov?"

"As for CS or WP cannisters, we have a case of 16 each. I have some 40mm CS and parachute flares.

"Flash also has a couple of BZ nerve gas cannisters, but I think those are best used on the steamer were we won't find any friendlies.

"Timing is as follows. First light (Nautical Twilight) starts at 0624, sunrise at 0734. Flash begins his swim and you hit the island at 0300. Everyone in position by 0600. Both land and sea elements, begin your assault at 0605, out by 0625.

"Exfiltration on the island will be either back down through the hatch to the Zodiac. (Slight change of plan here: Leaf will pilot the Zodiac in and out, and stay with it. She can decide to stay and wait or shove off and come back for you.) Alternate exfil route is down the cut on the NW side of the island. We'll be able to pick you up using war canoes on either the west or east side beaches of the spit with the Sassy Lass providing cover fire. If you need to swim, go north from the island. We'll pick you up on the beach to the north of James Island.

"Flash, your timing is the same. The Sassy Lass will be your ride off the steamer. Or you can steal a ship's boat and if necessary swim off. We'll designate an alternate RV point."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Thu 21 Oct 2021.

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 294):

"Da. Am having Makarov. Can take."

He showed them a lethal-looking black pistol, complete with stubby suppressor. There were two spare magazines of ammunition.

In reply to Filat Filipovitch Volkov (msg # 295):

Suppressed weapons were exchanged with those who needed them.

"Let's get going then. You can tow a war canoe with warriors using the Zodiac. I would make your approach from the sea, of course. That side of the island is apparently where the entrance is, almost at water level.

"We'll laager here south of the ship and the island, then make our approach to the ship after dark."

Elliot nods, taking the Russian weapon. "We'll re-gear up and ship out as soon as possible. First, strategy."

He gathers the Away Team and asks Leaf to translate for Sea Otter. "Team: Boss said our assignment was to "grease all those fuckers, release the prisoners, destroy the equipment." And, killing Krell is our priority.

"Once we climb up to the secret entrance and get safely out we form two teams. One team goes for the prisoners, three of Sea Otter's warriors, Tim and Mahlina. That's two Morrow people to use the heavier gear, if needed, to take out the guards in the towers or maybe grenade the machine gun nest. I hope we have some LAWs or Armbrust.

"Captain Kim and I will take the three other warriors and find a good spot where I can use the 40mm to drop some shells into their laps, undetected, for as long as possible. Bust some gear and drop death from above.

"I'll lob CS gas on the tents of the Krell bosses as a silent first assault. Then blow the generator, then the personnel tents. The Capt'n and warriors can take care of anything that might discover where we're lobbing shells from and ensure our exit hatch stays clear to use." He looks at Lina and Tim. "I imagine the other team is going to be coming back from their mission at a run, and we'll need a quick getaway."

After hearing feedback, Elliot begins the outfitting for the party. "Anyone staying on ship, maybe loan out your combat knife to Sea Otter's fighters, in case up close work is required. We need a bag of frags and smoke to go with my group, and I'll select my rounds for the Hawk. All six should have weapons that work and more than one clip, so I think we'll need the two M21s and any extra handguns we've got. I need night vision and a gas mask, just in case, and the Capt'n should, too."

Elliot asks Leaf, "I would like the warriors who can throw rocks the farthest to be with me."

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 298):

Sea Otter confirmed that his warriors wouldn't need additional melee weapons. They all possessed ancient prewar US Marine-issue Ka-Bar combat knives in good-to excellent condition. His braves were also armed with bows, which were reasonably silent.

Filat handed over his suppressed Makarov plus a spare magazine of .380 subsonic ammunition. Jimmy kicked in his personal Walther PPK, suppressor and two spare magazines of .380 subsonic ammunition. They would both be on the boat and had no need for sidearms.

Tim possessed a suppressed pistol, and El had a suppressed Mac-10.

Flash was leaving his M21, which had a suppressor, but this would only be effective at range, being more of a flash-hider than a true silencer. As well, Filat had a suppressor for his SVD but it had the same limitations as the M21.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 300):

The Amerinds they had going were Sea Otter and six braves.

After translating back and forth for Sea Otter, Leaf pointed out, "you'll need me to come along to translate for the braves.

"They are all excellent throwers. They have practiced with tomahawks. There is one brave who can really throw far, another who is pretty good as well."

The tomahawk was not a weapon indigenous to the Amerinds of the Pacific Northwest. Nevertheless they had become pretty much universal after the war as a weapon and tool. Apparently there was a large Amerind federation somewhere to the south that manufactured them in bulk.
This message was last updated by the player at 15:35, Sat 30 Oct 2021.

Elliot is pleased to hear these developments. "My M10 should be all the quiet firepower my group needs," Elliot says. "The Lina group, that'll be the one with the close encounters needing quiet pistols. We'll take a bag of ten frags and five smoke grenades, for our mortar group. Capt'n Kim, how good can you shoot>" Elliot asks.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 302):

"We have a case each of M26 frag, M9 tear gas and M7A3 smoke. We can easily put together a bag with frag and smoke. Also, AN/M14 thermite. In case you want to destroy equipment like winches, etc.

"As for rockets, we have four Arbrust AT rounds. They are a little heavier than M72s, but no backblast. I'd like to keep 2 on the boat as a last-ditch weapon against the ship.

"All of us Project types have gas masks, but no spares. (The two HAZMAT suits have dust-type filters, not active charcoal gas filters). However, Filat and myself won't need gas masks on the boat so we'll kick those in."

"We have two sets of AN/PVS-5 night-vision goggles available. We'll use flares if we need to engage the ship directly. There is an An/TVS-5 thermal sight mounted on the M134 grenade launcher on the Sassy Lass."

"We have Flash's M21/starlight scope, as well as the team issue M21. Sea Otter's people may not have fired their M14s but they are apparently familiar with their controls and where a magazine goes."

Jimmy set aside a canvas satchel with ten M26A1 Fragmentation grenades and five M7A2 Smoke, plus two AN/M14 Thermite grenades.

He also set aside the two M21 rifles, plus 24 loaded 7.62x54mm magazines. A suppressed .380 Makarov and suppressed .380 Walther PPK, plus his 9mm Hi-Power and Filat's 9mm Hi-Power.

Added to the pile were two Armbrust 300 AT rockets clipped together in green fibreglass tubes.

Two gas masks (his and Filat's) were added, along with An/PVS-5 NVGs.

Lastly, one of the team's M183 demo charges. "I've set the timer for one minute. But we can set it for up to 24 hours.

"We have a couple of hours before we need to leave. We are far enough away that I think it's unlikely they will hear us. We can get in at least some basic firearms instructions using the rifles, because we have plenty of ammunition. Work on some basic hand signals for tactical communication."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:18, Sat 30 Oct 2021.

A smile flashes across Elliot's face. "Looking good. Boss, you're right, let's get some weapons training in, including how to use grenades. Hand signals, too.

"Lina's group can take the two AT rounds. Not sure if they are going to want any tear gas, as gassing the prisoners would be a bad thing, so the masks should stay with the group throwing gas.

"Let's add to the bag three more thermite grenades and five CS gas. They won't have any way to beat the tear gas.

"The Capt'n and I will need three warriors, everyone else can go with Lina's group, if they feel that's best. They'll need to release the prisoners and ensure those people can get out without being shot or hung up in the wire... Might be a big job."

Elliot selects his 40mm rounds. Typical grenadier load is 12 M433 HEDP, 8 M651 CS gas, 6 Stunbag, 4 M576E2 multiple projectile, 3 Star shells (one each red, white & green), 3 White illuminating parachute flares. Elliot ditches the colors and stunners and opts instead to  load 9 HE rounds, specifically for use against personnel.

After further evaluating the layout of the island, Elliott calls for ten smoke grenades and an equal number of thermite. He adds three more CS gas grenades to the bag, then decides to split the bag into two with equal distribution of grenades.

"There's gonna be lots of throwing. Grenades drop silently and without any muzzle flash. Gas to begin, then we boom the guard posts, then we boom the gassed-up Krell, then we smoke the area. That'll take care of the east end of the island." He nods to himself.

"Let's set that demo timer for twenty minutes, I think, as we'll plant it at the start of the operation, not at the end. Set it under the derrick, to disable the machinery. There's no way that blast would set off a nuke, based on my knowledge of physics." He looks around for any sign of confirmation from the team.

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 305):

"Don't worry, the C4 won't detonate the nuke. I would suggest you put one or two thermite grenades on the warhead to burn through it. This will disable the internal mechanism and electronics so it can't be salvaged. There is probably other winching machinery that can be destroyed using thermite.

"I will add some smoke grenades to the bag. But I think you all have a couple smokes as it is.

"Leaf should come along, to translate. She'll take the place of one of the warriors in El's group (which I am calling Bravo Group) and she has a mask. The two other warriors in Bravo Group (yours) will have one each.

"Flash is going to have a MAC-10 for his assault on the ship. He could leave his M16A1/M203 for, say, Lina or Captian Kim to use?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:43, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

They retreated kilometres into the forest to where they couldn't be heard.

There they spent the hours until dark instructing the braves in marksmanship and practicing with the rifles. The Amerind warriors picked up basic marksmanship very fast. And they already knew prewar military hand signals. Likely passed along from surviving US military personnel who were among the few refugees that reached the coast.

Leaf offered to take the bag of grenades, separating them so they would be easier to find in the darkness.

As the sun set, the Sassy Lass prepared to cast off and headed south. They would lead the Zodiac for the island assault group's transport.

Chief Sea Otter said he would take two war canoes each with ten braves and row to the island. They would land on the NW corner, scale the cliffs, then surround and attack the camp from the outside when the battle came. He asked that they leave him one of the two spare M21s equipped with a Starlight scope. He had also practiced during the day and was a decent shot, for a novice.

In reply to Project Director (msg # 307):

"Was there any evidence of a radio being in use here? Radio antenna...(Did we use RDF ?)" Asks Capt'n Kim

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 308):

Jimmy replied,

"Yes. They have a backpack radio, probably a captured Project PRC-77. They are using it to communicate with the ship and their outpost to the NE of the camp. Transmissions are scrambled and we are unable to decode."

Tim was surprised at how quickly the braves had managed to pick up the basics, more due to his own inexperience in teaching such things then anything else. Thankfully the others in the group were able to pick up his slack in such things..

Tim did a final gear check for himself and the assault team they had just formed. He did his beast with some camouflage and face paint before feeling they had done all they could and it was time to just get it done. He knew the best laid plans and all was very much in play for this type of thing so it was a matter of adapting on the fly.



-

In reply to Tim Charles White (msg # 310):

Tim began to suspect something else was going on when the braves seemed quite familiar with camouflage paint and how to apply it correctly.

Leaf explained, "they say this knowledge has been handed down from some men who were the last guardians of the War Whale." Coming from James island, they survived the "time of darkness and sickness" that claimed the lives of many of their fellows. and came to live with the tribe then. When they died many years later then had passed along some of what they knew. Since then the people of the tribe kept watch over James Island from afar as it had been a place of great sickness and sadness during the war. During the war some kind of bioweapon had been released among the population around and near Puget Sound, killing many of the survivors after the nuclear holocaust.

"Let's get to it," Elliot says, his voice going rougher. "That's a nuke. Hundreds of thousands of lives depend on our success."

In reply to James (Jimmy) Gerrold MacGuire (msg # 306):

"I can take the 203, Jimmy.", Lina replied. "It's heavy but it might come in handy. There's a lot of bad guys over there. I've got some CN-DM that we can toss in around the merc tents too. That might help."

In reply to Mahalina Rae Powell (msg # 313):

Capt'n Kim "I'm all set... my M-79 is primed with an H.E. round. (Kim is carrying 30 H.E. and 6 star-shell) My first round will be the damn H.Q."

The Sassy Lass chugged off, it was going to assist in the assault on the ship.

They seemed all set.

All they had to do now was wait for darkness.

Elliot smiles. "Love the enthusiasm! First things first, Capt'n, we'll toss some gas grenades and then drop the boom boom on the bad guys. Once the first explosion happens every enemy will be on the run, and we want to get them gassed and incapable of running before they even know we're there."

In reply to Elliot Charles Pendergrass (msg # 316):

Capt'n Kim showing some concern "Will 40mm shell bounce off tent, or do I aim for flap doorway?"

In reply to Captain Ly Cong Kim (msg # 317):

"Nah, they will either detonate on the tent or go through and explode when they hit the ground."


-

Looking at the crude map they'd been given, Elliot ponders. "Once we get onto the topside, we are destroying equipment and killing enemies- but how do we get the laborers safely out of there?" he asks. "We can slice open the backs of the tents and get them to quietly leave, but- to where? The tunnel? Or are they running to the mainland?"