With his two faithful and dedicated Lieutenants safely across the bridge to the north, Cpt Miller blew the bridge, collapsing it into the river with a huge explosion of tearing metal, shattering concrete, and burning lumber. The shower of water had barely subsided before the radio transmission that would haunt them for the foreseeable future crackled across the airwaves.

"GOOD LUCK...YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN, NOW"

The general from the Philippines was transmitting in the clear, and in the background there were shouts in either Russian or Polish as he sadly relayed his cryptic message.

"Whoa what did he just say?" Spc Carruba said from behind the gunsight of the A Co. M2 Crooklyn. The responses around Miller and the British Engineering officer were much the same as the survivors of the US 5th Div tried to make sense of the general's last radio transmission.

OOC:

OK so this is a bit of a reset. This next turn was left ambiguous on purpose, so feel free to ask questions, scoff, or cope by typing page after page of character actions. Just post. :)

Miller looked wearily at the two younger officers opposite him, "Well," he said resignedly, "if we're to be on our own there aren't any two men I'd like beside me. We need to tally our assets and get the hell out of dodge."

He looked at Winters and said, "OK, I want a list of vehicles and key equipment we have. Give me some vehicle crew listings and we'll get on the road. Stuart, you'll be scouting forward with the BDRM. I want you to see if we have anyone with Polish or Russian skills to go with you."

"As far as I can see, heading west at present will be suicide so any escape will take us across the Warta and as far as I know all the bridges are down or in enemy hands. A few days ago I surveyed a reservoir on the river that was intact and crossable by what we have. I intend to scout that out, cross there if feasible and then run for the Krakow Highlands. There we'll rest up, try to find the means to brew our own fuel and reassess our circumstances then."

"That's the general plan but I'm not wedded to it so if you have any other ideas, speak up and we'll discuss them."

In reply to CPT Joseph Miller (msg # 2):

Light was beginning to dawn on that early summer day in south-central Poland. It stabbed at the smoke from art'y fires, burning vehicles, and cast shadows on both friend and foe alike.

The officers and enlisted men that listened to the small but stalwart Captain strained to hear over the explosions from the Soviet forces on the other side of the river as they probed ever closer in their 'recon-by-fire' style. The confusion of moving friendly vehicles on the north side of the river as they shifted position only made hearing what Miller had to say even more difficult.

Radios crackled with excitement as NATO untis tried to verify what the General had said. It was not clear who, if anyone, was in charge, or where exactly the enemy were or in what number.

Cpt Miller knew well that the regiment(s) attacking from the south were the reason for him blowing the bridges. However, US 5th Division HQ was to the north of where Miller and his men stood. If the enemy held that ground, then the American engineer was really trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea.

OOC:

Just trying to paint in a little bit more of the picture. In 48 hrs I'll start RP'ing Winters. His player has been such a trooper, we can give him a pass on ignoring us for a bit.

J

Miller looked at the accumulated reports and formed his plan from the scramble of information he had in front of him.

"OK, we have the following vehicle assignments: the BDRM will be commanded by Lt. Stuart with Cooper as driver and McAdoo as gunner. This will be our scout element now Eagle. The Hum-vee will lead the column with Sergeant Teardrop as commander and gunner and Private Henry as driver, their call sign is Guard. The M113 will be commanded by Doc Kingston who will also man the big fifty the dismounts will be myself and Summers, call sign Windy. The Gaz will be crewed by O'Neall as driver and Wilkes as shotgun and its call sign will be Mule. The last vehicle will be the M2 with its present crew and dismounts of Winters, Caruba and Ramirez with the call sign Alligator." Miller checked that everyone had understood their assignments. "All drivers and gunners will carry a set of NVGs from the dead Brandenbergers if they don't have any of their own. The dismounts you picked up from the Fuchs will join Winters in the Bradley to bulk up the crew and dismounts."

"Vehicle tasks are as follows:

Eagle will scout ahead of us and find the reservoir marked here. If a crossing is feasible we will follow them.
Guard is point vehicle and will run five hundred meters in front of the convoy.
Windy leads the convoy with Mule following and Alligator bringing up the rear.
If we hit trouble we try to blast our way through, if it gets complicated it will be Alligator's job to save our shit." Miller continued.

"Fuel from the MUTT will be siphoned off into the tank of the M113," Miller explained.

"Our general plan is this: we head north east deeper into enemy territory in the hope that it is the most counter-intuitive move we can make. We will try to cross the Warta at this reservoir and then head east to the highlands above Krakow. This area is inhospitable and will hopefully be sparsely inhabited." Miller continued, "Once there we hole up and try to gather together the means to brew fuel and get ourselves fed. My calculations show that if we are lucky we should just make the highlands on the fuel we have if we start running out of fuel we will have to abandon vehicles. Any questions?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 07:15, Wed 21 Aug 2013.

As the unit quickly reorganised, Sandi-Lee sought out Miller and said, "Uh, Captain. I've done a quick check of fuel in our tanks and it doesn't look good, Sir. The Hummer and the Soviet vehicles are OK because of the gasoline. We can share fuel around a bit and get them to run for about a hundred klicks. The tracks will be bone dry in thirty-five klicks though and we don't have any way to brew more."

Miller frowned, "Thanks, Henry," he replied, "I'd hoped the tracks would get a bit further. With luck the gasoline fuelled vehicles will just make the highlands but it'll be tight. The tracks will make it to the reservoir dam but no further."


He sighed, "At that point we either find more fuel or abandon them. Tell all vehicle drivers to practise maximum fuel efficiency."

He moved along to Lieutenant Stuart and said, "As you're scouting I want you to maintain a lookout for fuel sources for our tracks. I really don't want to lose the lift capacity of the M113 or the firepower of the Bradley. If you can find any food sources too that would be great."

Lt Stuart nods "Orders are to recon reservoir to see if a crossing can be made, and see if we can find find any fuel/food. Are we try to see if any locals can help if we spot them."

"Affirmative," Miller confirmed, "get moving and call us when you get five klicks out. We'll roll once you've established our first way point."

"Yeah Sir, I got one: Who's my driver?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Thu 22 Aug 2013.

In reply to SPC Dante 'Doc' Kingston (msg # 9):

"I'm infantry, holmes" the belligerent Private said, looking at the Captain. "I ain't no track driver."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Thu 22 Aug 2013.

In reply to Pvt Emilio Ramirez (msg # 10):

"Sir, as you'll see here" 2Lt Winters said, holding a paper automotive road map in his right hand, "Kraków is south of here, not northeast and as far as the MUTT goes, I ju.."

The junior officer and commander of Alligator turned and looked over his shoulder instinctively as a series of tank cannon rippled off behind him. The almost immediate sounds of the exploding 125mm shells told the soldiers that what their enemy was shooting at was very close to them as they moved ever closer. From the sound of it, the enemy tanks were firing from less than 1000m away; the closest they had been since the NATO soldiers crossed to the northern side of the river.

"I just don't think we have the time" Winters said, after turning back towards the Captain.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Thu 22 Aug 2013.

Stuart gets his vehicle and group ready for recon then head out unless ordered to so something lese

07:30, Today: 1LT James Stuart rolled 66 using 1d100. RCN 40.

"Gordon's driving for now," Miller replied, "he's the track's original driver. He's been through the wringer and come out well. If you check the assignments, they're all there. We'll shake it down as we get to know the others better."

He looked over at Winters, "Krakow is south, you're right. So is a Soviet stop line waiting to hit anyone that travels south. The route I've suggested is the only one not likely to get us butchered in the next hour. After that, we'll have to see."

OCC:
Vehicle assignments:

BDRM: Eagle POSITION UNKNOWN

 Commander: Stuart Eagle Actual
 Driver: Cooper (NVG)  Eagle One
 Gunner: McAdoo (NVG)  Eagle Two
 23mm AC: 100 x HE
 PKT: 1,500 x 7.62mmS
 AT: RPG-16 and 3 HEAT rockets
 Kit: 200L gasoline
 10 man days rations
 20L fresh water
 20 frag grenades
 10 smoke grenades
 Excavation Tools

 Hum-Vee: Guard  BURNING CREW DEAD
 Commander/Gunner: Teardrop 18/20
 Driver: Henry (NVG) Guard One
 .50 calibre: 200 x .50 cal
 AT: 1 x LAW72
 Kit: 50L gasoline
 6 man-days rations
 20L water
 10 sets US uniforms and webbing
 1 x M240 with 200 rds
 1x M14 DMR with 4 20 rd mags
 3x M4 with 18 30rd mags
 1x M249 with 300 rds
 4 x M16 with 24 30 rd mags
 60 x frag
 20 x smoke
 10 x WP
 10 x Thermite
 2xM203
 15 x 40mm HEAT
 15 x 40mm CS gas
 2 x Silenced Stechkins with 4 mags
 2 x Silenced Bizone SMGs with 6 mags
 1 x Silenced SVD with 5 mags
 1 x PTRS with 20 rounds

 M113: Windy   BURNING CREW DEAD
 Miller: Windy Actual
 Commander/Gunner: Kingston (NVG) KIA
 Driver: Patterson (NVG) Windy Two
 .50 cal: 160 x .50 cal
 AT: 1 x LAW72
 Kit: 200L alcohol
 4 man-days rations
 20L fresh water
 Excavation Tools
 Construction Tools

 Gaz: Mule        POSITION UNKNOWN
 Driver: O'Neall  Mule One
 Shotgun: Wilkes  Mule Two
 Kit: 150L gasoline
 4 man-days rations
 20L fresh water
 15 empty fuel cans (20L)
 10 sets soviet gear
 2xRPK and 10 mags
 4xAKM and 20 mags
 2xAKMR and 10 mags
 30 frag
 6 smoke
 Engineer's Demo Kit (part used: no explosives)



M2: Alligator

 Commander: 2Lt Winters
 Driver: Carruba (NPC)
 Gunner: Henderson (NPC)
 Dismount 1: Ramirez (NPC)
 Dismount 2: Winters
 Dismount 3: Summers
 25mm Bushmaster: 65 x HE, 100 x APDSU, 100 x API
 M240: 2,000 x 7.62mmN
 Tow-2: 6 x Tow-2 missiles
 AT: 1 x LAW72
 Kit: 250L alcohol

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:17, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

In reply to CPT Joseph Miller (msg # 13):

[Private to 1LT James Stuart: From standing on top of the BRDM, your character can see dark shapes on the south side of the river moving towards the battle group.]

Without further discussion, the battle group dispersed, as troops, NCOs and officers alike set out with their assigned tasks.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 14):

"So Captain Miller...are we fueling from the MUTT or not?"

"We drain the MUTT of whatever fuel it has left and abandon it," Miller replied, "it's a miracle it is still moving as it is."

"I got movement on the south side of the river mving towards us" Staurt says as he grabs some bincoulars

"Roger that," Miller replied to Stuart, "if you see any more let us know, otherwise head out and scout our route."

Miller looked around and said, "Time's up people, mount up and let's roll."

Sandi-Lee flipped on her night vision and checked the map once more, "Ready to go."

Miller made a quick check on each vehicle to make sure that they were aware that the first checkpoint was the village of Kobierno. The tiny convoy would head up the valley as Stuart's BDRM scouted the route for potential danger.

Once he was sure that everyone was mounted up and ready to go he stood up in the open roof of the M113 and waved the column forward.

In reply to CPT Joseph Miller (msg # 20):

"Yes sir, but at least let me move away from this bridge for a bit. We are kind of exposed here in this open position" the Bradley Commander said before saluting and turning to issue his crew orders.

In reply to 2LT Jack Winters (msg # 21):

The scout given his orders, the Soviet-made scout car commanded by 1LT Stuart moved off in the direction of Kobierno, which was in a northeasterly direction. Cpt Miller mounted the M113 as 2Lt Winters set about moving the MUTT 50m more to the north of the river to get it behind some rubble from an old store whose contents had long since been picked clean.

As it happened, the fears of the young Bradley Commander were to be proven correct. The group had arranged in convoy on the north side of the river just east of the last ruined bridge in convoy order. Engines were running as the small combat group prepared to move.

On the other side of the river less than 100m away, partially obscured from the ruined buildings on the south side of the river and the smoke from fires and tank cannon, an enemy 'heavy recon' element consisting of two BRDM-3s, two BMP-2s, and a T-80 ERA came to a stop as they probed north.

The enemy Soviet tank ran afoul of some rubble as it pointed northeast. A second later the tank's commander, quickly followed by the gunner got out. The two shouted commands to the tank's driver, still seated at his station behind the controls. After a few tries without success, the two tank crewmen and began pulling at some iron and rock rubble bits that were stopping the tank tread's movement.

At the same time, the BMPs who were behind the tank to the west 50-75m came to a stop. The smaller, faster scout cars came right past them and drove to the river's edge, pointing north.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 22):

"ENEMY ACTION RIGHT" Spc Kingston screamed, turning his big fifty on the two BRDM-3s that were closest to him. The slow, steady stream on 12.7mm fire poured forth in a loud, steady roar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Sun 01 Sept 2013.

In reply to SPC Dante 'Doc' Kingston (msg # 23):

19:53, Sun 01 Sept: Niewiele Dupek, on behalf of SPC Dante 'Doc' Kingston, rolled 434 using 10d100. .50 engage BRDM-3s.

In reply to SPC Dante 'Doc' Kingston (msg # 24):

As Spc Kingston's big .50 blazed away at the scout cars, the men outside of the vehicles instinctively huddled down at the sound of the big gun going off. Cpt Miller began issuing orders, as did 2Lt Winters.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 25):

"DISMOUNT" Cpt Miller yelled over the CVC, slapping the soldier on the shoulder next to him, which just happened to be Kitty Summers. The M113's driver put the track in gear and began rotating to the right in order to give Kingston a better firing position.

In reply to CPT Joseph Miller (msg # 26):

"Gunner, TOW, BMPs, fire at will" 2Lt Winters said into his CVC. "Keep engaging armored vehicles but do NOT engage that tank. The rest of you, DISMOUNT on me."

In Jack's mind, the crew of the T-80 had made a fatal error, and he was going to make them pay for it.

"Set up a base of fire here" he ordered the others when they were at the edge of the concrete wall facing south. Beyond the wall there was a meter drop, then the shallow river, then the enemy on the other side.

In reply to 2LT Jack Winters (msg # 27):

The M2 on the M113 barked loudly as it tore away at the two scout cars closest to Kingston. The crews began to dismount immediately and were in turn cut down by the big bore machine gun.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 28):

"Take that, Muthas" Kingston screamed, adrenaline pumping through his veins. His shouts went unheard over the 12.7mm going off, but that didn't stop him from talking to the enemy.

13:50, Tue 10 Sept 2013: Niewiele Dupek, on behalf of SPC Dante 'Doc' Kingston, rolled 60 using 10d10 ((8,3,4,5,7,10,5,1,8,9)).
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:26, Tue 10 Sept 2013.

In reply to SPC Dante 'Doc' Kingston (msg # 29):

The M113 dismounts quickly scrambled out of the top and made it across the couple of meters of open ground to the rubble from buildings facing south across the river. The M113's gunner and his .50 cal gave them confidence and spurred them into action. All could quickly size up the situation and see that the BMP dismounts were taking first story(OOC:that's second floor for American players) positions higher than their own.

The third scout car undamaged by Doc's .50 cal turned it's weapon on the M113. It's larger cannon fired more slowly than the 12.7mm, but the range made accuracy easier for the gunner. 14.5mmB shells slammed into where Kingston stood, silencing the .50 cal immediately as the Specialist lid into the belly of the track.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 30):

Jack Winters trusted his highly modified M4A1 and was a good shot with it. Bracing against some rubble in a modified kneeling position, he delivered some 5.56mmN judgement on the crew of the T-80 as they tried to free their tank from the rubble.

At a range of only 50-100m, Jack used the larger of the weapon's two circular aperatures as he squeezed the trigger. Immediately the tank commander clutched at his chest as fell over off the tank's left side, and the tank's gunner jumped off the tank to help him.

14:06, Tue 10 Sept 2013: Niewiele Dupek, on behalf of 2LT Jack Winters, rolled 320 using 5d100 ((73,76,33,70,68)).
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:59, Sat 28 Sept 2013.

In reply to 2LT Jack Winters (msg # 31):

Seeing the tank crew engaged by the Bradley dismounts, Cpt Miller knew right away what Winters was trying to do. Deciding to be the base o fire to Winters's movement arm, he ordered his own soldiers to open fire.

"Engage the enemy on the second floor" Miller screamed over the crack of Kalashnikov fire as the enemy dismounts engaged. "FIRE!"

In reply to CPT Joseph Miller (msg # 32):

Seeing the destruction of the two scout cars in his element, the easternmost BMP-2 commander ordered his track out of cover and it pulled into position facing north. Before its gunner could provide cover fire, the Bradley gunner's TOW missle turned it into a flaming pile of metal which rained down hot metal shards on the river below.

14:05, Today: Niewiele Dupek, for the NPC M2 gunner, rolled 47 using 1d100. TOW shot on BMP.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 33):

After the initial shock of the ambush wore off, Cpt Miller took a second to assess the situation:

The M113 lost her gunner and was on fire from a fuel hit. The GAZ sped off as soon as the fireworks started, the Hummer's .50 went into action as soon as Kingston fell. The Bradley moved into position to cover its dismounts after it destroyed one of the enemy BMP-2s, and 2Lt Winters was in the calf-deep water of the river moving from the north bank to the south bank as his and Miller's two dismount teams provided covering fire.

Jack really should have sent a 'Private' to ford the river, but he was just too damn used to leading from the front. As he found that the river was easily forable he pushed ahead while giving the hand and arm signal for his now assault element to press forward through the river too.  He was thankful that Miller had read his mind and was now proving the base of support by fire he would need to successfully execute the basic squad attack movement.

He called back to his movement team of dismounts, "By twos let's get across this danger crossing."  He wanted to move quickly on the dismounted T-80 crew, and seize the battlefield asset since the M1s were all but lost.

Sgt Summers called for Ramirez and Pooley to standby as she tapped Rockotansky and Gregoriou to cross the river and join the Lieutenant first.

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 36):

No amount of shouting can be heard over so many machine guns, chain guns, RPGs, and TOW missles being fired in such a close proximity, so it was with hand and arm signals that 2Lt Winters got his orders across. The .50 cal on Guard, the group's HMMWV, continued to provide cover as did Spc Henderson in Crooklyn on the two five.

As the three ex-Fuchs dismounts, Ramirez, Summers and Cpt Miller made it to the improvised rally point on the south side of the river, a huge outpouring of fire came from the ruined building that faced the groups convoy's flank. The .50 on Guard went silent, but the Crooklyn continued to draw the enemy's fire away from the 6 NATO soldiers prone behind the rubble at the corner of the building.

From his vantage point, 2Lt Winters could see the only reason why they themselves were not being engaged was that they were obliquely situated from the second floor and therefore the soldiers that faced due north could not see down to where they were. He also guessed that if the soldiers were to shift position anywhere near the eastern side of the building, they would be spotted and engaged by fire at less than 50m range from above.

He could also see that the driver and gunner of the T-80 ERA were trying to lift the wounded commander from the ground onto the hull deck of the armored vehicle. At a current distance of 30-40m away, he could sometimes hear a word or two in between volleys of fire as they talked to each other in Russian and gestured about which way to load the man into the vehicle's turret.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 37):

"Motherfuckers, man" Emilio contributed from his prone position behind the rubble as he pulled the kevlar helmet back out of his eyes. Continuing to swear in Spanish he used his sleeve to wipe the sweat off his forehead with his right arm.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:34, Sun 29 Sept 2013.

Winters got next to Cpt Miller to quickly discuss a plan of action.  "Sir, take an element of three and take out those fuckers on the second floor while I move with Ramirez and Summers to take the Tango 80."

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 39):

Cpt Miller might have outranked him, but the small man was an engineer, not an infantryman. In matters of fire and close combat, Jack Winters was the 'go to' guy.

"Wilco" the physically exhausted Miller said heartlessly. Winters made a mental note. He would have to watch him. Close to five days no sleep and contstant losses were starting to take their toll on the diminutive Engineering Captain.

OOC:

ESY RCN roll for Winters element, please

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 40):

"Son, get that sixty ready" Cpt Miller said to the ex-Fuchs crewman who was operating as their M60 gunner. "When 2Lt Winters and his team head out, you get on that gun and lay down supporting fire on the second floor copy?"

Winters pat the Captain on the shoulder, "Don't forget my support by fire. Once you initiate I will move in from the right flank of the tank. Two whistle blasts to shift fire, three whistle blasts to lift fire, and four for part of your element to assault through behind us to clean up."  He looked the Captain in his weary eyes, "Copy sir?"  It was a basic Battle Drill, 1 Alpha - squad attack. The hardest part would be command and control with the whistle blasts, "Fuck it, if you hear any whistles shift, next whistles lift, and finally assault through."  He knew the Captain would also maintain suppressive fires on the second floor vulnerability.  This would have to go quickly as he knew that once they initiated the attack the assholes on the second floor might shift their own fires.

OOC: 14:41, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 71 using 1d100. RCN:ESY (75).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Sun 29 Sept 2013.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 42):

As Winters was briefing the engineer, a couple of RPGs went off from the second floor. The targets were clearly the two NATO vehicles on the north side of the river. Both shots missed, and the Crooklyn backed away and displaced as the 25mm in the turret continued to bark slow steady fire at the second floor.

"Well which is it, 2Lt Winters?" Cpt Miller asked, tired and confused. "Support your movement element or provide grazing fire on the second floor? I can't do both."

OOC: Winters can see the second BMP-2 from the narrative earlier in the FM thread nestled behind the ruined building, but can't tell if it is manned or not. He(Winters) guesses that the burning BMP-2 the Crooklyn took out earlier can mask their movement if the second BMP-2 is manned up to a few meters to the T-80.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 43):

Winters shakes his head. He points in the direction of the T-80, "Support by fire first."  Then points to the second floor, "Cover your own six, and if someone pops out or shoots from the second floor at us, suppress them." He nods, "With any luck we'll already be assaulting through our objective by then.  No worries about the second movement by your team if you're otherwise occupied."  It seemed simple enough in the Infantryman's mind, but perhaps the Engineer didn't quite get it. He gives a thumbs up with a questioning cock of his head.

They would maneuver if at all possible using the cover and concealment of the disabled BMP-2.  Their day would end badly if the other BMP was manned and caught on to their scheme.  Hopefully they could take control of the T-80 before any one was the wiser and use it to their advantage.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 44):

As the Crooklyn continued to fire, the PKs on the second floor continued to engage both the M2 and the HMMWV.

15:37, Mon 30 Sept 2013: Niewiele Dupek rolled 441 using 10d100 ((18,2,61,11,89,76,14,36,80,54)).

15:40, Mon 30 Sept 2013: Niewiele Dupek rolled 454 using 10d100 ((10,92,22,52,64,46,50,30,19,69)).


2Lt Winters, Pv2 Ramirez, and Sgt Summers made it safely to the burning BMP-2. 2Lt Winters could see that the T-80 crew had the time to get the wounded commander aboard and the gunner and driver were now trying to free the tank from the debris stuck in its track.

The second BMP-2 did not fire on them but the open hatches and the yelling in between the IFV and the enemy soldiers on the second floor told him that it might possibly be crewed.

OOC: My fault for not explaining it clearly. I was trying to use Miller to show you that your group was so close to the building that the sixty could EITHER point in one direction OR the other; either to cover your troops OR suppress the second floor, not both. I will try to explain more clearly next time.

For the record, it's never a bad thing to ask questions. In fact, my posts are vague at best IN ORDER that players ask questions. After all, it's a firefight, not a stoplight, right? :)   

Summers strained to hear what the BMP-2 crew and the second floor dismounts were saying to each other.

19:42, Today: Sgt Kitty Summers rolled 60 using 1d100. RCN 50.
19:42, Today: Sgt Kitty Summers rolled 84 using 1d100. Russian (50).

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 46):

To the Army Medic, it sounded to Kitty like the infantry element commander on the second floor was trying to get the BMP commander on the ground behind the ruined building to 'move out and draw fire.' She didn't have to understand every word to get the overall intent of what the men were saying.

OOC: 1XP Russian for Summers

Kitty leaned in close to the other soldiers pressing up against them to whisper her new intel. Quietly she told the others, "Winters, sounds like the Russkies in the 'BiMP' might be about to move. The dismounts up top are telling them to move to draw fire."

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 48):

Jack forgot for a second he was in the middle of a warzone as the not so unattractive woman leaned up against him.  Of course with the reality of what she was telling him quickly brought him back to the battlefield and their objective.  He simply nodded and replied curtly, "Then let's get going."

He waved to get the Captain's attention so he would initiate the battle drill, which ironically would not be a drill, but the real thing.  They would have to move quickly with the other BMP-2 being active, although momentarily distracted.  Winters was more interested in capturing the MBT than the APC, and would use the MBT to take out the latter if it became a nuisance.

He quietly assigned lanes of fire so they would all have a target and all targets would be taken down.  Now the chatter of the '60 was all they were waiting on.

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 48):

The other soldiers nodded quietly in agreement as Winters, Summers and Miller huddled behind the burning BMP-2. The T-80 gunner boarded his tank as the driver nodded to him, indicating that the debris he cleared out of the track was enough for them to move. The PKs on the second floor stopped firing, and when they did, a strange silence descended on the battlefield disturbed only by the running of the engines in the enemy vehicles.

"Well, they're all fucking dead" Cpt Miller said with no emotion from a few meters away. 2Lt Winters wasn't pleased that Cpt Miller spoke, possibly giving their position away, but he instantly knew what the man meant. With the T-80 ERA manned Winters's team couldn't bound forward, and with the troops on the second floor above and behind them they couldn't retreat.

Just when things were looking grave, the enemy began pulling out. Winters and the others watched as the troops poured down the stairs, got into and piled on top of the sole remaining BMP-2, and left with the T-80 ERA and BRDM scout car.

OOC: Jackie Brown now that you are back we can get rid of some of the NPCs and NPC vehicles and actually 'start' the game like I wanted. If you have another idea how the above scenario would have ended, drop me a line either OOC or post it in this thread.

[Secret to 1LT Gavin Barr: Fuck what a gutless wonder. That prick would never have made it out of Germany the way he is playing that by-the-book Winters. Some people just don't handle change well. Sadly, I'm so hard up for players, I have to grovel for scraps to retards. Woteva]

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 50):

"Shows what you know, holmes" the Hispanic-American said less than a minute later after the Soviet armored-probe-in-force pulled out and the soldiers came together on the south side of the river. He smiled, showing the 'white officer' that he was very much alive.

"Fact is" he said still smiling, holding up the SAW, "They were just too afraid of this Wetback with the 249!"

Winters was somewhat relieved and disappointed at the same time.  He really wanted to get that MBT, and now they were free to roam the battlefield and be a threat to other friendlies, if there were any left.  The other thought that crossed his mind was whether their departure meant something nastier was inbound, like Tac Nukes.  He voiced a simple response, "Fuck."

He clasped the SAW gunner on the back and encouragingly said, "That's right Ramirez, they couldn't handle you." of course being facetious, but wanting to maintain the soldier's morale too.

After a quick glance around to make sure they were truly alone again Winters gave the hand and arm signal to rally up and pointing back to the M2. He voiced his command as well, "Rally up at the M2, time to move on."

OOC:  I had to write this twice as my last version got swallowed when my device failed to connect to the internet...doh.

Just in case: 10:01, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 53 using 1d100. RCN 75.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 52):

Walking back to the M2, Jack Winters was able to survey what a few short minutes before was the convoy his track was going to support.

OOC: JB check Msg#13 in this thread for details

Winters had missed the vehicle action, only registering the battle peripherally as he had scrambled to capitalize on an opportunity to seize the MBT.  Bad decision - Winters quietly berated himself.  Now one of his friends was dead.  Jack barely had a second to mourn the death of his friend 'Doc' before he had to consolidate and reorganize what was left.

Winters took a few seconds to do a BDA to see if anything of the burning vehicles was salvageable, particularly fuel and ammo/ordnance.  He also quietly swore at Cpt. Miller for leaving them high and dry.

OOC: Anything we can save?

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 54):

"Hell, Ayl Teee, I thought y'all was dead" Spc Henderson drawled from the open gunner's hatch as the group neared the M2. He sounded like he was from some southern state, like Tennessee or West Virginia. That was the state of the morning Jack Winters was having. This man had provided fire support for them and possible saved their lives, and he didn't even know the man's name.

In reply to Spc Christopher Henderson (msg # 55):

"Yo shut the fuck up, Cracker Jack!" Ramirez said, extending his brand of hospitality. "Yo who the fuck is this gringo motherfucker anyway?"

In reply to Pvt Emilio Ramirez (msg # 56):

"I...I was in the Fuchs...before..." Henderson said, looking like Ramirez had kicked him in the stomach.

OOC: Not even your dignity matey :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:04, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Winters always made it a point to know his soldiers.  It disappointed him that he didn't even know this soldiers name.  Before he could reply the ever charming Ramriez spoke up.  Shaking his head at Ramirez he hopped up on the M2 and extend his hand to the new Crooklyn Gunner, "Don't mind Ramirez, he was born angry, and that's his own brand of thank you."  Adding a smile he thought he would never do again he continued, "What's your name trooper?" addressing him in a bit of the Cav style.

Winters knew they didn't have much time, but he wanted to at least extend the courtesy of a name and a handshake for the soldier that may very well have saved their asses.

"Well thank you Specialist Henderson, appreciate the support. Welcome to the Crooklyn. Keep us covered."

After the brief bit of friendliness he would have everyone quickly check for anything salvageable among the wreckage, including survivors.  "Detail folks, move quickly to see if there's anything left we can use and if anyone's still alive.  Let's move."  Hopping down he followed suit with his own orders to check out the wreckages.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 58):

2Lt Winters fanned out [Private to 2Lt Jack Winters: wearing a pink dress] with the other two dismounts as they searched the ambushed convoy for any equipment they could use. The two-man American crew of the GAZ Russian 'jeep' had, either on purpose, or accidentally, dumped the four 122mm rockets they were carrying in their mad panic to escape the kill zone.

OOC: I'm pretty sure 'dignity' is spelled wrong even though the computer says it's not. Just looks weird I suppose. ESY RCN Winters, please.

[Private to Niewiele Dupek: Merrily skipping along in his pink dress...]Winters checked for equipment/ordnance and survivors as he went through the wreckage with a mind and eye on his watch to make sure they didn't linger too long.

OOC: 11:37, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 6 using 1d100. RCN 75.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 60):

OOC: Winters with his low roll would have seen the Hummer 'Guard' packed with BOXES and BOXES of almost EVERY type of grenade known to man burning and kept the dismounts away from there. OK, if he was anyone other than Superman, he might think about getting out of Dodge because the Soviet probe that just whacked his whole team was one small part of the overall enemy forces still in the area; the burning Hummer stuffed with ten freaking tons of explosive ammo might just put a fine point on that fact...

...but hey, what do I know? Stick around and find out; see what happens, might be fun. I've got my special get Crooklyn die ready in case you're feeling froggy.   

Winters knew that enemy force was just a probe.  A probe that fucked them good.  Spying the ordnance sitting in the flaming Humvee, Winters decided this was a losing proposition.  He called out to everyone, "Fuck this, let's mount up and bogey on down the road."  He ran back to the M2 and hopped up into the Track Commander's cupola.  If anyone was lagging behind or still looking he made sure to motivate them, "Leave it all, or kick it into the flames.  We need to GO! Or I will leave your asses!"

OOC: I knew this was time sensitive, hence why Winters was minding his watch.

Did we manage to haul anything?

What direction is safe now?  No map.  Don't know if I like the idea of running headlong into the offensive line...

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 62):

The dismounts quickly loaded into the back of the M2 as Carruba put the Crooklyn into gear and Henderson searched for targets.

OOC: I've been doing some soul searching to see if we should keep up with the pretense of the map. I realized I have no soul, so I'll leave it up to you. The fact is, there are pluses and minuses to the map, but the in the end it is players' story so you tell me what you want JB.

The Crooklyn is currently about halfway between bridge 5 and 6 on the east side of the river. There is a small dirt trail that runs north-south the convoy was on, and they were all facing south before they jumped off to go...wherever it was they were running to. As I see it, the burning Guard hummer would probably block your route if you wanted to continue to the south, but as you are proceeding UNBUTTONED I figured I would at least ask you before rolled to see if I could get white hot molten death to rain down burning WP shards...on your face.

Jackie Chan, why do you vex me so?

As I see it(keep in mind I am playing the adventure handout BY THE BOOK, so ANY player that wanted to know what the eff the enemy was doing only has to take five seconds out of their busy day to READ it in the basic rules...hell, I even provide a link in the game...JOHNNY CASH GIVE ME STRENGTH), the 4th GTA has enveloped the 5th at Kalisz and is mopping up on the early morning of the 18th July 2000. Tactically, the last probe (you know, the guys that just wrecked your WHOLE convoy without even trying?) retreated to the west.

Your character(s) know that the enemy has come in from the southwest and west, and they can deduce from the General's message that the enemy is also to the north-northwest. Obviously I can't comment, but a BC like Winters might assume that a tactical redeployment to the northeast might give them and anyone else they can save before the lid slams shut a couple hours sleep in the woods before the figure out what to do next</b>

Considering the proximity of enemy forces Winters ordered the M2 to button-up.  He directed Carruba to head northeast into the woods.  If they could avoid it they would stay off roads, or at least major avenues.

OOC:  That's great ND.  I wish I had the time to go back and read stories I've forgotten, but I don't so I appreciate cutting me/us some slack...

Character Knowledge and Player Knowledge are not always one and the same.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 64):

After five to ten seconds of travel 2Lt Winters [Private to 2Lt Jack Winters: wearing a lovely pink number with flowers on] could hear the grenades in the stricken Hummer Guard go. It sounded to the BC like a B-52 strike from happier times when air support was a constant help instead of a constant threat.

Unbuttoning to get a better feel for the area, Jack Winters guided Spc Carruba around some old abandoned buildings on his right. After about 50-75m he had the track stop, deciding what to do next.

The Alpha company officer cursed his luck. This is exactly what he didn't want. He was still very much in the city, just east of the city's largest river. What he assumed was the eastern end of town was a stretch of woods 100m wide and twice as long. He was at the northeast corner of a box; his stricken convoy was at the south to southwestern part of the 'box' when they were attacked.

At the northeast corner of the box was a 'T intersection' which Winters assumed was '12'. The eff'ing Poles never labeled any streets or highways before the war, but JW knew from looking at maps that it could very well be twelve as it formed the east side of the box and turned right at the 'T'.

In front of him in the middle of the 'T' a few wrecked cars damaged years ago had been pushed out of the lane of travel by one side or the other. East of the box the large building complex, possibly some sort of factory at one time, burned from art'y fire. To the north of the 'T' the smaller group of buildings, office buildings before the war, were undamaged by artillery but broken and looted by years of war.

OOC: I'm still on the map, but this way we can do it without the map if you want. Remember if you are unclear, ask questions, as it is my fault for not explaining and not yours for not understanding.

[Private to Niewiele Dupek: Adjusting his flowery pink dress...] Winters surveyed the scene.  He felt uneasy about the abandoned buildings to the north and wrecked vehicles at the 'T' intersection, both likely ambush points.  He looked to the woodline to his east to see if they could get through to the other side.  He didn't like the idea of being backlit by the fires of the factory building either, but he would just have to make sure Carruba didn't get too close.

Tapping Spc. Carruba he instructed the driver, "Carruba, let's go south of the factory building and see if we can break some brush to connect with the highway on the other side."  Winters buttoned up again in preparation for being near the flames of the factory building.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 66):

"You got it Lieutenant" Carruba said, taking the Crooklyn's brake off, putting the M2 into gear.

OOC: I need an ESY INT roll and an AVG RCN roll please

He made sure to add, "And don't get too close to the burning building.  We don't want to be back lit or get roasted."

OOC:
18:43, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 49 using 1d100. RCN 75.
18:42, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 13 using 1d20. INT 11.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 68):

OOC: JB just so you know you are still officially on the WEST side of twelve and have not crossed the 'street'(looks like an exit ramp of some sort from the map, but we'll say it's level) yet. I don't know how close you are studying the map(if at all, which really doesn't matter because sometimes I think the map actually takes away from the game with some players), but your M2 is actually a few meters from breaking cover at the NE corner of the 'box' I described earlier where 'W-wa' and 'Boat' streets meet. The northwestern corner of the factory is to your SW 20-30m, so you would have to either stay in the box(west of 12 in the grass still)and then break out more to the south of where you are now OR drive south on 12 to try to find a way around it.

With your rolls you can deduce that 12 goes east TO THE NORTH OF the factory ruins, but at that close range you would in fact be in a kill zone if something was there. It's a big city, so you might be able to pick 12 up somewhere else, but you could just as easily get lost as hell doing that too. You can't see anything in either grouping of buildings, but you don't know if that's because you can't see it or because it's not there.

Clear as mud?

Winters did a map check and directed Carruba where to go.

"Let's stay in the treeline as long as we can and head south paralleling route 12. Once we have to come out, which I think we will as buildings are likely along the way, we'll dash down the road. About 700 meters from here there's a wooded cut-through that will come out on a smaller road that parallels the east-bound part of 12 for a bit, and we should be able to follow a tributary road to eventually link up with 12 further out of town."

OOC: Ok, actually looked at the map this time...

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 70):

Heading south along 12 inside the box, the Crooklyn moved slowly and carefully as Carruba tried to keep the interstate road in sight. When they got to the AW road, a ruined metal outbuilding was to their right. It was as the Crooklyn crossed this road quickly and spilled into the open area south of it that the M2's gunner came alive on the comms.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 71):

"Shit...SIR...uh, troops, I saw some guys...back there on the bridge, Lieutenant" the Southerner fumbled on the M2's comm system as the turret motors whirred in the background.

When you have time, please post

Winters cursed internally as he questioned the nervous sounding gunner, "Henderson, enemy or friendly troops?  Description, direction, distance, give me something."  He of course turned on the external camera at his own terminal to see what the gunner saw for himself.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 73):

"Sorry Lt" the gunner said as the M2 continued south in the open after leaving AW behind them. "Couple'a Rooskis standin' on the bridge, sir, like they owned it...back there on the right...can't see 'em now, sir.."

In reply to Spc Christopher Henderson (msg # 74):

Looking where his gunner had suggested to the M2's right rear flank, Lt Winters could only see trees, although he did remember the road they crossed going in both directions(east-west) as they crossed it.

Winters debated within himself for a moment.  They were "on their own" as the General had stated, but they were still soldiers too.  He thought of the advancing armored columns, and although their passing would be slow at this point, they could do it.  Did it pay to try and sabotage this bridge to slow the advance and buy themselves some time too, or was it better to continue with their tactical retreat.  Duty would get the better of him as he ordered the track to stop, and move for some cover and concealment nearby.  He hoped they could get a view from the concealment at least and made an assessment on possibly taking out the bridge.

As they moved he asked the senior dismount to make an accountability of their ordnance and explosives if any.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 76):

The grenades still continued to go off randomly in what was left of the HMMWV Guard, providing noise discipline for the M2 Crooklyn as it moved into an overwatch position facing west. From where he was, 2Lt Winters could see that there were in fact a couple of figures moving around on the bridge, although who they were or a clean line of fire were impossible to ascertain from his current position.

OOC: Summers is the senior dismount

Summers nodded and did a quick check of what they had.  She wondered what the Lieutenant had in mind.

OOC: What do we have?

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 78):

OOC: Crooklyn has what's in Msg 13, plus what the characters have on their person, which is listed on their character sheet. Ramirez has the SAW plus ammo spares in the quantity of two green plastic SAW boxes in little cloth bandoleer type-deals. He leaves those in the M2 when he is out 'werk nit'.

After Kitty gave him a rundown of what ordnance they had, Winters simply frowned.  He was no damn combat engineer, so he wasn't sure if what he had would be sufficient to put a dent bad enough in this bridge to deny it's usage.  He did have some explosives training, and he reached way back in his memory to see if he had something workable.

OOC:  Combat Engineering (CBE) Check.

02:29, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 6 using 1d100. CBE 20...damn, need some luck..

F' yeah!

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 80):

OOC: Sorry mate slight misunderstanding here. You are some 100-200m SSE of Bridge 6 observing enemy activity on the bridge through a bunch of trees. They are on a bridge, it looks to be a small one, but it really can't be ascertained from this distance/vantage point. I just wanted to know your next action when the two enemy troopers were spotted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:39, Tue 05 Nov 2013.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 81):

OOC: I did understand our position.  Although did think we could see a bit more, or even had some knowledge about the bridges since it is in our AO and part of the plan.  Winters is still feeling a bit of sense of duty, but more like how can he help to slow the advance that might catch up with them.

So, is there a possibility of blowing the bridge?  Otherwise we're going to Charlie Mike our asses out of there.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 82):

OOC: Oh good Im glad. Sometimes I'm not sure with the language and translators and things if I'm getting my point across. Thanks for your patience. With his recent CBE roll, Winters correctly deduces a TOW shot well placed might damage enough for the bridge not to be crossed, although it would mean moving the Crooklyn to a different firing position, possibly alerting the enemy Soviet soldiers.

Keep in mind that in my game, like life, there is more than one 'right answer' and no wrong answers, only actions and consequences. I leave ideas like 'right' and 'wrong' to others. I like to think that this game is an experiment in social awareness with some murder and burning tanks thrown in for light entertainment. :)

Winters wondered if the bridge held enough strategic or tactical merit to risk their lives taking it out.  His train of thought led him to believe the less avenues of approach the enemy had, the longer it would take for them to come their intended way.  Of course currently he could only see two troops, but there could certainly be more not far away or simply unseen on the bridge.  Exposing the Crooklyn to possible anti-armor fire would be a very bad end to their already shitty day.

In the end as much as Winters wanted to stick it to the enemy one last time, he was a more prudent and practical man.  He had to worry about the welfare of his troops, and not so much still being a good soldier and sticking with the strategic plan that was in shambles now anyway.

He tapped Carruba on the shoulder and although he was sure the enemy troops couldn't hear him he whispered into the vehicles internal comms, "Carruba, back us out slowly, we don't want to alert these douche bags that we're even here."

Survival was now the name of the game, and survive they would or at least he would die trying...

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 84):

OOC:

Heading/speed/direction?

OOC: Heading South again off the road as much as possible till the first left hand turn to the east to cut through the thinnest part of buildings (I think it's a park or strip of grass and trees according to the sat imagery).  Speed slow enough to not make enough noise, and fast enough to not draw fire easily.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 86):

Need an ESY RCN for Winters please

Niewiele Dupek:

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 86):

<Orange>Need an ESY RCN for Winters please

21:25, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 79 using 1d100. RCN ESY 75.
</Orange>

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 88):

Spc Carruba kept the A Company M2 Crooklyn off the main road as he went around the stadium which hadn't seen a game in years. Keeping the river on his right and the DK12 on his left, he kept the speed at around 20kph, ready to slam on the brakes at a moment's notice. After the better part of a kilometer of travel, he heard the track's 'country' gunner pipe up.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 89):

"Target sir, north-northeast of us, 'bout 500m" Spc Henderson said, his voice excited as he slewed the Brad's turret to face the threat.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Thu 21 Nov 2013.

In reply to Spc Christopher Henderson (msg # 90):

The Bradley had just crossed 'Sport' street and was in the open heading east-southeast at 20km. To their front left at bout 50m were some trees, and beyond that at a range of 200-400m at the major intersection of 12 and TB were parked three GAZ-469s. Each parked on a different side of the intersection and facing a different direction, the 469 was the Soviet Army's equivalent of the M151.

Each of the three vehicles were parked off the road to allow traffic movement. 2Lt Winters could see three enemy soldiers as they leaned up against the front of the closest 469. They all smoked cigarettes and although the BC commander couldn't hear what they were talking about, he could see that they all had white and red signals flags in their hands.

Jack was hoping to get away scott-free, to not have to engage anyone while they made good their escape to recoup and regroup.  Of course the old adage goes, 'No Plan Survives First Contact With The Enemy.'  He curses, "F**k!" before he initiates commands, "Copy. Machine-gun, 10 o'clock, 300 meters, Troops in the open, fire at will!"  He didn't want to waste 30mm rounds on soft troops, and the vehicles would be penetrated by machine-gun fire anyway.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 92):

"Firing" Henderson said as the Crooklyn's coax opened up on the Soviet signals soldiers.

14:05, Today: Niewiele Dupek, on behalf of Spc Christopher Henderson, rolled 7 using 1d10. hit location.
14:05, Today: Niewiele Dupek, on behalf of Spc Christopher Henderson, rolled 299 using 5d100. Henderson needs 27 to hit signals smokers.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Mon 25 Nov 2013.

In reply to Spc Christopher Henderson (msg # 93):

The Crooklyn fired as it moved over open ground. The Commander watched through his sighting devices as one of the soldiers clutched at one of his legs and fell over while the other two hit the ground.

OOC:

Please post when ready

Winters was hoping for better results, but was disappointed that only 1 out of 3 enemy troops went down.  He called out as he took control of the coax and continued to fire himself, "I've got the Machine-gun!  Site in the main gun!"  Again he didn't want to waste 30mm, but if he had to then he had to.  He sited in the coax on his own screen at the troops diving for cover and pulled the trigger like some kind of video game.

OOC:
09:48, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 220 using 4d100 with rolls of 84,66,62,8. rest of burst fire.
09:47, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 39 using 1d100. CRM 80 / HW 70.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 95):

Sparks bounced off the hood and the front grill of the 469 the enemy soldiers had been leaning against as the signals troops tasted more 7.62mmN death from the Crooklyn as it cleared the open and got in behind a stand of trees. 2Lt Winters could either call for a halt and have his gunner shoot through the trees, keep going his same or different speed and flank the trees to the east, or take more of an easterly route, waiting for a clear shot as he made it to the north-south 'TB' road and take the enemy head on.

OOC:

Real life 60 bullets I'm guessing wouldn't be peanuts, but the rules are kinda blah on such bullets against unarmored trucks. Also, range to target in a moving vehicle(even though the Crook does have a decent RF bonus I'll agree) doesn't allow a lot of downrange verification at this point.

Winters weighed the options.  Was it even worth it for them to stop and complete the assault on these signal troops, or continue on their escape to get out of Dodge and regroup.  They very well could be wasting their time even drawing attention to themselves, or they could actually be making a calculated strategic strike that would slow the enemy advance.   Well, at the very least they had been seen, so they had to take out these eye witnesses to their direction of travel.

HIs mind made up he ordered Carruba to bring the Crooklyn to a slow stop just within the treeline for some concealment, but still be able to see their targets well enough to lay suppressive fire.  He called for the dismounts, "Dismounts, battle plan 1 alpha, right flank, we'll provide base of fire!"

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 97):

"They can't deport us all!" Emilio shouted, referring to a Chingo Bling song as the ramp dropped and the troops piled out of the Crooklyn.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Wed 27 Nov 2013.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 97):

"Should I keep firing, LT?" the gunner asked as Winters got ready to leave his track.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:21, Wed 27 Nov 2013.

Winters grabbed his M4 and rack, donning it quickly in the dismount space.  He nodded as he answered Henderson, "Damn straight Specialist, you're our base of fire, suppress their asses till I call you to shift fire, and then lift fire.  Easy peasy."  He wondered when the hell was the last time these boys went through a simple battle drill considering they've been at war for years now.

Kitty was ready to go and followed the dismounts out the back ramp, quickly taking a knee and scanning her sector filling a hole.  It's true they've been at war so long that this sort of battle drill should've come like second nature.  As the senior NCO she looked over the other dismounts to make sure they were all pulling security.

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 101):

As the troops fanned out in standard dismount fashion, the Crooklyn's gunner laid down covering fire with the co-ax.

19:19, Fri 29 Nov 2013: Niewiele Dupek, on behalf of Spc Christopher Henderson, rolled 400 using 10d100 ((4,61,61,31,10,98,26,23,18,68)).

Now that the A Co M2 was stopped, some more of the rounds landed on target. Although the could hear the sound of the rounds hitting metal, they were unable to see exactly the effects of the hits.

OOC:

Two things. The first is that everyone wants to play a tough guy with awesome gun mods and the ability to levitate. I get that. I'm not saying don't be that guy, I'm saying be that guy because the rest aren't. I know on paper nuclear wars can be fought without a single fatality, but a real WW3 scenario would include losses, which means that by the time RBS takes place(in some cases 3 years after a nuclear exchange), dependents and 'draftees' would have little military formal training and probably reflect that in their behavior.

Second is that I don't have a character sheet list of equipment in the Character Subs for Winters/Summers like I do for Vita, so I dunno if Winters has a way to communicate with Henderson or not. As I understand it, even a radio with the dismounts would be hard to hear from either party if the gunner didn't know when to stop firing.

Please understand that this game attempts to achieve more of a detailed flavor than others. If my NPCs DO NOT piss you off(make you laugh, feel some kind of emotion, etc etc) personally, then I have failed as a writer. Me personally, I like the idea of a GM not letting me get away with everything and actually making me think. Then again, I've only got one player left; wtf do I know? :)

Winters waved for the dismounts to follow him along the inside of the treeline, hopefully masking their movement to flank the Soviet signal crew.

OOC: 11:46, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 96 using 1d100. RCN 75. f'ers!

There has to be some semblance of military training, especially in Jack's outfit...that's what he was brought over for originally

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 103):

"Fuckin' white boy bullshit" Emilio muttered to himself as the three soldiers moved to the north inside the treeline.

AVG RCN roll FAIL

OOC: ESY RCN roll Summers please

Kitty brought up the rear to make sure everyone was moving as they should, and to move to anyone should things go horribly south.

OOC:  Today: Sgt Kitty Summers rolled 21 using 1d100. RCN 50.

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 105):

The three NATO soldiers headed to the north, staying in the stand of trees that was 50-100m to the west of the north-south road. To their front, some 1-3 story house/shop-type buildings which fronted up to the east-west major artery that was 12. To 2Lt Winters, it seemed as if a house or two on the western edge of the intersection might serve as a place to lay down supressive fire on the enemy position they were scouting. As they were about 100m from the intersection where Spc Henderson has shot up a Soviet jeep, Sgt Summers could hear engine noises and activity behind her.

From her vantage point in the treeline, she could see that the three small trucks the crew of the Crooklyn had just shot up were part of a larger signals detachment. They were currently moving to scout an intersection to their immediate front. At another intersection 400-600m to the SSW, which seemed to be just north of Bridge 7, another two 469s were parked on either side of the road as some sort of enemy IFV grouping, possibly a mech infantry platoon was temporarily stopped en route by the signals troops.

OOC: One point XP Summers RCN

Sgt Summers moved up to talk to the Lt.  In a hushed by urgent voice she relayed what she had seen, "Sir, there's a much larger element to our rear, and to the South South West, including an I-F-V.  We might have more than a couple of soft signal troops."  She would let the officer make the decision, but she was certain she made her point as Winters was not an idiot.

Winters took a knee as he listened to the SF NCO relay her findings, he let out a quiet but heated curse, "F**k!" He had taken on more than they could handle.  He was losing site of his objective, they needed to get the hell out of Dodge more than they needed to make any tactical impact, as sure as hell he had no idea of the strategic aspect at this point.  He keyed his mic to talk to Henderson, "Cease Fire, Cease Fire.  We got a sizeable enemy force, let's move into a hide position and link-up to get out of the AO."

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 108):

Under continued observation, the Soviet BMPs held up by the signals troops continued to sit in the middle of the road. Although none of the NATO troops could hear what they were saying, it seemed that the element commander was not pleased he had to wait, and the commander of the signals troops seemed to wave his little red flag angrily at the other man, showing that he was the boss.

OOC: Are the dismounts heading back to the Crook, staying put, or is the Crook coming to them?

Winters' little failed raid was disappointing as he waved for the dismount element to move back to the Crooklyn to mount up and get the f**k out of there.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 110):

By the time the three troops made it back inside the Crooklyn, the Soviet BMPs had begun moving again and were heading north...along a road they were only 50-100m from. From their position in the trees, 2Lt Winters knew that they had a good chance of staying put and trying not to be seen or moving out and taking the chance that they would be spotted. As always, there were plenty of options, although which one was the best for the moment was anyone's guess.

OOC:

Jackie Chan I know it seems like I'm gunning for ya balls, mate, but I will say that as a GM I don't 'punish' my players for wrong answers, so please understand that my desire to keep your head down is in part the f'ing die roller and another part the feel of Escape From Kalisz, which is kinda the whole point.

If it makes you feel better, your characters get extra points for you not being an NSA operative, if that makes you feel any better! :)

Winters ordered everyone to practice noise discipline as they held in place in the hopes that the larger force would bypass them and they could be on their merry little way.  He kicked himself internally for getting all gung-ho.  They were truly on their own now, and he had to keep them all alive.  For what he wasn't sure, but he had to at least give them the room and time to think about what the hell they would be living for now.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 112):

2Lt Jack Winters watched as the five BMP-1 IFVs, led by a 469 and having a BRDM2 as 'tail end charlie', rolled right past his position. Getting to the intersection of the e-w main artery of 12 and the smaller n-s road they just came north on, the convoy halted as what probably was the element commander got out of the 469 and looked around, first east and then west.

Map in hand, he went around to the driver's side and began pointing at the surrounding terrain and then 'consulting' the driver, which in Slavic terms meant a lot of shouting and shrugging. After a couple of heated words inaudible from the position of the Crook, the commander got back in the front passenger side and the 469 turned right, leading the convoy east on 12, away from the A Co M2 and her crew.

OOC: Had a hard time deciding to let that one go that long. Obviously, Jack would have had the opportunity to engage during any of the above. If you choose to do so, please post so and I will amend.   

Winters decided discretion was the better part of valor at this moment and let the larger force bypass without engaging.  He just hoped the last victims of their engagement wouldn't alert the larger force to their presence.  With the enemy out of sight, it was time to move on east.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:54, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 114):

Jack Winters watched in disbelief as the Soviets medium armored column raced by the three trucks Henderson had shot up just a few minutes before. They didn't stop or slow down, and the survivors 2Lt Winters knew were out there somewhere didn't try to stand up and contact these troops.

Suddenly, it occurred to Winters that the enemy was not this well disciplinep, joined force but a series of smaller sub units all acting on orders with little consideration for developing battlefield situations. The young officer knew that exploiting this was the small force's only chance at survival.

Now they were heading east on a road that he wanted to go down. As he had come from the west, going that way meant he would be retracing his steps and turning south would take him towards the bridge the Soviet IFVs had just come across.

As far as Jack could tell, east and perhaps northeast would take them out of the city and perhaps somewhere to hide in the woods to rest and figure out what to do next.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 116):

OOC: Thx for patience JB. You did say east and I didn't read it. Wow it's pretty bad when the GM doesn't even read his own posts. Sorry mate. Will post another turn after Druzyna A is over. :)

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 117):

The Crook moved east down 12 a scant 100m before Henderson piped up.

In reply to Niewiele Dupek (msg # 118):

"Sir, I got a local in the road wavin' at us, over" the young Southern driver drawled. "What do I do?"

In reply to Spc Christopher Henderson (msg # 119):

Sure enough, 2Lt Winters could see on the left side of the road a man in all black, maybe mid-30s, as he waved to the A Co M2 to get their attention.

OOC: I didn't say how long after A-Team, did I? Post when ready Chan. :)

Winters didn't know how the locals were aligned, and he had a mind to keep going and ignore the man, but something told him to stop.  Whether it was curiosity or some sense of noble obligation to assist civilians, he told Henderson to come to a slow stop, "Henderson, rolling stop, no less than 100 meters from our hitchhiker. And see if we can scare up a defilade or concealment at least."  He hoped he wasn't stopping in a kill zone, but he wanted to see what this man wanted without putting himself in some known spot for the ambush that may or may not come.

When they stopped he would get on the external speaker, "Sir, state your business."  While training the coax on him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:30, Sat 21 Dec 2013.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 121):

The man in black seemed in more of a hurry than afraid of the young mech inf officer atop the Crooklyn. 2Lt Winters [Private to 2Lt Jack Winters: still pink dressed :)] could see the man had no weapons and no military equipment with him.

"Please....please..." he hissed in poor English heavily accented with Polish. As he motioned for the M2 to get off the main drag, 2Lt Winters could now see that there were a couple other men who were the same age or younger dressed the same as the first but hiding in an attempt not to obscure themselves from the M2 but from the Soviet convoy that had just passed.

OOC: ESY RCN or ESY INT roll please sir

Jack cursed to himself seeing the other men in the woods.  Although they did not present an immediate threat he was not about to let his guard down as he scanned and hissed to the others, "Keep an eye out."  He turned his attentions back to the man and his men after a quick scan, "Przystanek! What is the matter?"

OOC: 05:35, Today: 2Lt Jack Winters rolled 17 using 1d100. RCN 75.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 123):

"My Chef...my chef" the Pole said, pointing to the grassy 'alleyway' that led to the north. "Please, you come this way".

OOC: 2Lt Winters sees NO weapons of any kind in the immediate area and the Poles he does see are more interested/scared in the Soviet column that just passed than the Americans in the Crook.

Winters shook his head in the negative, "NIe.  You need to explain.  What do you mean 'chef'?"  Of course he knew the man was probably trying to say 'chief', but he very well could be talking about his cook.  He glances back into the Crooklyn for a moment, "Who the fuck speaks Polish?"  He should've known, but there were other taskings that had priority other than figuring out the linguistics proficiency of his crew, plus there were a few new guys that might have some skill.

In reply to 2Lt Jack Winters (msg # 125):

KItty pipes up, "I know some Russian sir, maybe they can speak some too?" Or it could very well be worse than their English as in nil, but it might be worth a shot.  No pun intended.

In reply to Sgt Kitty Summers (msg # 126):

AVG: RUS roll pls

OOC: If the communication barrier seems like a mf at least we are not playing Twilight: Nightmares. Then your characters would have to know alien languages(in addition to POL :p) like math AND foreign languages like POL/RUS.

Winters motions for her to climb up into the turret and points to the gunner's hatch.  "Get crackin' Sergeant, hopefully can't be any worse."

Kitty maneuvers her way into the gunner's hatch her ass practically in Henderson's face.  She props up exposing only her head to be able to see who she is addressing.  She attempts in Russian, "<Do you speak Russian?  What is the matter?"

OOC: Here goes...
01:27, Today: Sgt Kitty Summers rolled 13 using 1d100. Russian 50.  Success?