After a spot of lunch (mainly curry rice with some stir-fry vegetables) the group was reunited together near the NW perimeter for a tour of an observation post. The fence was a double fence line and near where it bent north (departing the rail line) there was a gate there guarded by a pair of bunkers. An army Land Rover was parked nearby. A friendly if heavily-armed Royal Marine let them out and another escorted them through and across the rusty train tracks.

Immediately to the north was a 4-story brick-walled block of modern-looking flats named "Kittiwake House". They were met at the door (which was reinforced) by another RM. He led them up to the roof. Up there were a couple camouflaged and well-situated position. From where they were they could mostly see down the rail line at least a half-kilometer west (and protect the gate below them). They could see about 250 metres or so down the fence almost to the near end of bridge. Not a great view but there was a sniper post set up on the massive ferry shed to the south with an excellent view down the fenceline towards and including the bridge.

The roof OP had camouflaged and reinforced (sandbagged) fighting positions in each corner. At least two you could see had GPMGs and there were cases for rockets. Communications gear, spare ammo cases and surveillance equipment (optical, TV, low-light, thermal) was plentiful. What they seemed to lack was manpower, there looked to only be 3-4 men manning this position. Still, the way they were dug-in they could do the job of 40. But against what odds?

GM Note: If you go to Map 2 the OP atop Kittiwake House is located just NW of where the fence line's dog-leg. To the south is the ferry boat shed with the companion OP.
This message was last updated by the GM at 09:43, Wed 03 June 2020.

"A choke point... I guess it is well set up.  I am no expert.  What did you want to show us, Marine?"

She had also appreciated that they gave them lunch, and a curry at that.  Spot on.

Wilton chuckles at the woman's remark, he goes up as far forward as possible and takes a good look.

"I guess four men could do the work of ten times as much here, but I'm guessing the numbers could easily be ten times that."

He had politely declined the curry, choosing to eat something he had brought with him.  One of the reasons he had preferred France over England is that spicy foods upset his stomach more often than not.

AB happily ate the meal provided. There are several traits that all Marines shared. Pride in their ability, the ability to sleep anywhere at anytime, and the ability to eat anything soft enough to chew.
  He ate a reasonable amount but not enough to make himself lethargic or unfit. Instead he simply kept his eyes and ears open.

Sara was amazed they set all of this up to shoot other people.  There were so few of them left now, they needed to be coming together to fight the infected.  To find a cure, not stockpile more guns.

She waited patiently by the door to the rooftop while the other admired the military in action.

Helen just observed quietly. Although she had no military aptitude whatsoever, even she could see that this was a good defensive position. Just why they'd been brought up here puzzled her, though.

Food was good and now with a smoke in his hand Steven look over the little nest the army guys had made for themselves. Well planned and executed, but he could not help but wonder if this was a bit of over kill. "So this is all for walkers ?"


-

While they were up there, the weather got darker and darker. At first it was just overcast, then dark clouds began building up to the west. A few spatters of rain began to fall.



On the rooftop corner OP the RM pointed out the fenceline to start. It was a double fenceline, wide enough to drive a Land Rover in between the fences. It was patrolled on foot, in a vehicle and by dog teams every day looking for breaches or buildups of the undead, although they seemed to have learned not to hang around it (despite the opinion they couldn't learn anything nor retain memories.)

Then he pointed out how the area separating the two buildings they were in from the gate was also blocked off by fencing on both sides to form a kind of secure "chicken" or "cattle run" leading directly from the gate to the buildings. (There were also subgates to allow for those patrols to go in between the fencelines.) And then how both buildings were blocked off by further fencing and Hesco barriers to form a fairly sturdy compound. In the secure space between the buildings were parked a couple Land Rovers, one up-armoured for patrols and an open-topped one for transport.

Anyone wishing to access to wider Poole secure zone from the wild suburbs to the NW would need to be admitted first to the courtyard in between the buildings, then go down the "cattle run" to the actual manned gate post they came through.

Suddenly, in the distance, they could hear gunfire. It started with a few faint pops, then rapidly built into a crescendo in less than 30 seconds. It was coming from the direction of the bridge access point to the NE of their position. This bridge led across a river into the densest part of Poole. It was sealed off at both ends and acted as the first line of defence. (The double fence was the second line.) As this happened the radio started blaring and the handful of soldiers manned the OP closest to the bridge, on the building's NE corner.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:18, Wed 24 June 2020.

"What's happening?" Sara asked, trying to peer in the direction of the gunfire.

"That doesn't sound a bit good.. is that normal?"

Wilton pulls out his binoculars, and looks in the direction to see if he can see anything.  His lips tighten into a thin line.

"I think we might want to cut our visit short."

In reply to R. Anderson Wilton (msg # 11):

Through the binoculars, they couldn't see anything specific. Their immediate area seemed clear. Buildings blocked any direct view of the bridge. Smoke began rising in that direction.

The pair of RMs in the sandbagged roof OP seemed to have forgotten about them. One readied the MAG machinegun positioned there for firing. The Corporal, still on the radio, started using binoculars to scan the area. "Got some movement, ID and size unknown, 400 metres at... three five zero."

After a moment the Corporal paused in trying to contact someone on the radio (Wilton guessed it was a supporting mortar battery) and answered, not unkindly, "right, you lot can stay and help or fuck off. It's your choice, yeah?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:03, Thu 25 June 2020.

  AB didn't like his current position. Being unable to see what was going on and having no solid information he spoke up.

  You think your boys could use some support on that shed to the south? I don't suppose an extra rifle could hurt.

In reply to Alexander Beauregard (AB) Pierce (msg # 13):

The Corporal continued to look through his binoculars.

"All call signs from Alpha. We have two vehicles. A dump truck? Followed by a coach. Moving slow, coming our way Southeast down Blandford Road. Be advised we are at condition Yellow. Say again, condition Yellow."

He finally answered AB. "Sorry for ignoring you, mate. Look, if you want to be actually useful you can shoot for here, but go now if you're going. Anyone who stays we appreciate the help."

In reply to Corporal Parks (msg # 14):

After the mention they were going to condition Yellow another pair of RMs came towards them over the rooftop. One was carrying a large rocket launcher Simon, AB and Wilton recognised as a Carl Gustav recoilless rifle, the other carrying in each hand a pair of green plastic cylinders (two round clipped together and with a carrying handle). They set up on the corner of the rooftop closest to the exterior main gate. Another Carl Gustav team was doing the same on the other building on the same-facing corner. Both team were pulled back so as to not present a target until ready to engage a target.

The series of gunshots increased. There was more machinegun fire near the bridge. There was a continual barrage of single shots, but it wasn't clear where they were coming from.

GM Note: There are 2 RMs in the fighting position with you, the Corporal and another behind the L7 (MAG) MG.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:27, Mon 06 July 2020.

"Could you use an extra gun?" asked Simon.

He looked over at Helen.

"You're best getting into cover, Hels. Stay safe."

Roger that. I'm staying. AB looked back at the others. If you're going, now's the time. I can always hitch a ride back whenever this is over.

Pierce checked his rifle quickly then turned to the corporal. Point me where you need me Corporal. I can send lead downrange but I don't wanna get underfoot.

Sara stayed out of the way, but wanted to see what was happening.

"Brilliant, I'm grateful for the help." He quickly informed the gate guard there was at least one coming through in about two mikes. "Whoever's not, better get going sharpish. Once you get down there the guard will open the gate."

"For everyone else that's staying, the situation is this. There are two large vehicles there at about five hunded metres. On that road, there."

He pointed out across the rooftops to a building-lined main road. Fortunately the vehicles were beside a park, so their line of sight wasn't obstructed. "There's a coach, a long distance bus. In front of it is a dump truck. Massive vehicle. It's possible that whoever is driving them could use the construction vehicle to breach the gate while the other follows behind. Attackers can dismount inside our perimeter. That's why we have the Carl Gustav launchers ready. They are loaded with HEDP rounds, those will be enough to take out both vehicles. One projectile each if it looks like they are coming on and not stopping. We'll try and warn them first. But if they press on we'll be forced to destroy them.

"But that might not happen. Because they've stopped. I have no bloody idea what their intentions are, or why they're not moving. That area is not as bad as the core areas of Poole across the bridge but it's certainly not safe, yeah? We can't go out and check because we're under strict orders to not have anyone leave this post. If we do it'll be too undermanned to keep this position secure. I've called for a ground team to investigate per protocol but everyone's tied up with the surge in the bridge sector.

"So what I fancy doing is keeping you lot together. Maybe go check it out. We can cover from here and I've called in for more support. Take the armoured Land Rover. You got radios?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:08, Tue 07 July 2020.

Only Helen wanted to return back to the perimeter. She was quickly and safely escorted to the kind of caged "tunnel" connecting the complex to the inner gate. Within minutes she was ushered inside to safety.

Meanwhile, the two large vehicles (dumper in front, coach in behind) remained stopped in the high street. More shots sounded from towards the bridge but they didn't appear to be connected. The doors to the dumper opened and a couple men jumped down. One released a panel on the side of the nose and white steam or smoke billowed out. After a moment then got some items out of the cab of the dumper and then ran back to the idling coach. Presumably someone opened up the doors on the far side and let them in, because the coach slowly started rolling down the street in their direction. Unfortunately it did not get very far; in trying to negotiate the kerb between an abandoned vehicle and a lamp stand it stopped, seemingly wedged.

For several minutes the coach stayed there, stuck and unable to move further or reverse. Someone opened a front side window (by the driver) and started waving a white piece of cloth. somebody else put up paper signs in the windows (one letter to each sheet of printer paper) that spelled "S O S" and "H E L P!"

Pierce folded out the bipod of his rifle and went prone. He made a few adjustments on his elevation turret on his scope and a few seconds later announced: I've got eyes on the driver. Waiting for your mark.

In reply to Alexander Beauregard (AB) Pierce (msg # 21):

The RM nodded, considering his options as he peered through his own rifle optics. "Steady on, mate. QRF not available. Bugger. Holding at yellow. Wait one... I see a white flag. Hold fire." He transmitted the hold fire order over the local net while continuing to aim his own sniper rifle, a bolt-action AI Arctic Warfare rifle.

"OK, who's with me to go and check these guys out?" asked Simon.

In reply to Simon Craddock (msg # 23):

As Simon asked, those looking at the stranded coach see a couple men and a woman (all armed) run out from behind (remember, the door is on the far side and not in view) and run back down the street, trying doors of the various shuttered businesses. Finding nothing accessible, they disappeared out of view. Apparently someone found something and called out because a minute or so later more people emerge from behind the coach. Men, women and children, about fifteen in total (including an infant being carried). Some are dragging suitcases, a few are armed with crossbows. They quickly shuffle out of view obscured by trees and buildings) back the way they came. A stuffed animal of some kind was left in the road.

Without looking up from his scope AB spoke up. I can go, but I'm not exactly equipped for a face to face. Your call Boss.

In reply to Alexander Beauregard (AB) Pierce (msg # 25):

"Bugger. Looks like they're bailing out. It would be better if they stayed put so we could come to them. There's not to many "rovers" (infected) in this sector but we'll start seeing them any time now."

Parks looked over at AB. "Your rifle is semi-auto. But if you like you can borrow an FAL. Or a carbine. We have either plus ammunition available."

AB shook his head as he quickly clambered to his feet. I appreciate the offer but I'd be even less effective with an unfamiliar weapon.

  He reached down and twisted the magnification ring to it's lowest setting and reset his turrets back to zero.

  Looking at Simon he said, On your six. Let's get this done lickety before it gets too hot out there.

In reply to Alexander Beauregard (AB) Pierce (msg # 27):

"All right then, get going. There are a couple Land Rovers in the courtyard. There should be enough room in them if you don't mind being a wee bit cozy. We'll open the gates to let you lot out.

"You're on our net, yeah?"

(GM Note: you are.)

"Yes, we are. See you."

Simon headed out to the courtyard and the waiting Landrovers.

In reply to Simon Craddock (msg # 29):

"Our call-sign is Six-Two Charlie. Right, no shooting at the civilians unless you are shot at first. No exceptions. Any other situation call to request permission. Rovers, ah, the "infected", are fair game. We have no friendlies out there so heavily armed paramilitaries are fair game. We will advise otherwise."

As they headed out they heard Cpl. Parks say, "brilliant. We have our first contestant. Contact, one Romeo, 400 metres range, 300 degrees, just to the left of the red Fiat, yeah?"

"Got it, yeah."

"Everything set, yeah?"

"Yeah, all set. Wind at 6."

"Yeah, ok, you're going to be firing on the Tee of Two, yeah?

"Yeah."

"Five, four, three, two..." There as a quiet "pop" from the suppressed bolt-action sniper rifle in the hands of the man next to him and those who'd been in the military knew it was likely firing subsonic ammunition. The shooter pulled the bolt handle back and caught the spent brass (without taking his eye off the scope) as it popped out of the chamber, put it on the sandbag next to him and finished cycling the bolt-action, all in one smooth practiced motion. The cycling of the bolt-action was louder than the shot. "Send BDA."

"Ah.. Romeo down."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:28, Sat 01 Aug 2020.

Making their way down the stairs to the courtyard they saw there were two Royal Army Land Rovers parked there. Simon recognised them as a Defender 110 and a longer Defender 130 HCPU (High Capacity Pick Up). The smaller one had a completely enclosed 4-door cab and a MAG machinegun mounted on a ring in the roof hatch (in the middle of the rear row of seats). The other larger Land Rover had a 2-door enclosed cab with a longer low-sided pickup bed featuring wood benches down each side. 5 passengers could sit on each bench, facing each other, with a couple crouched down in between. Both were push-button starters.

As they came out both the inner gate and outer gate began rolling open with a click and rattle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:37, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

"Better get a wiggle on, they are opening the gates already," said Simon.

"Who wants to drive the 130?" He jumped into the driving seat of the smaller Landrover and started it.

"All aboard for the Skylark!"

"I'll drive," Sara volunteered, heading for the second vehicle.

Pierce slung his rifle over his shoulder and clambered up to man the turret gun. He grabbed and pulled the charge handle to make certain it was ready to fire then slapped the roof indicating his readiness.

Steven followed the others as they made their way to the vehicles. Taking a seat he removed his handgun from its holster before getting in.


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 35):

Wilton will file into the 130.

Sakura slides into the 110.  She isn't looking very happy at the moment in general.  She can shoot, if the situation is desperate, though.

Simon headed towards the opening gate.

Sara fired up the 130, which was very loud, and waved for Ralph to get in the back.  Once he was in, she followed the other vehicle toward the gate.

OOC: Stuffing Ralph in the back as he hasn't checked in for a few weeks.  Ralph in the back, Sara driving with Wilton riding shotgun riflegun in the front passenger seat.

With Sakura and Ralph settled in to the 110 they started up. AB checked his ammunition supply; there was a full belt in the MAG plus two ammo boxes with another belt each secured to the roof of the Land Rover.

The gates finished opening. They rolled out from the courtyard onto Norton Way. 2 blocks ahead was the intersection to Blandford Rd. There, they would turn left.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/...64187193505&z=19

Ralph checked his weapons and his camera, moving to a window where he could keep a watch out as the 110 took off.

The two vehicles turned left onto Blandford.

At first the street appeared deserted. Far down they could see the stranded coach, door left open. Both sides of Blandford were brick row houses.

Close by, on the left side of the street, someone started to push open the grimy glass door of a kebab shop.

Ralph brought his weapon around and called out.  "Movement on the left!"

In reply to Ralph Brown (msg # 43):

The Land Rover had metal screens instead of windows, allowing him to fire out if he wanted. Ralph would have time for a couple shots, considering their leisurely 30 km/h pace. He could see it was a woman, dressed in a stained apron. Moving in the jerky uncoordinated way of the late-stage infected. Blood had poured from a gaping wound in the side of her neck down the front of her blouse, coagulated and turning black. A few flies buzzed out from the now-open door, more circled her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:44, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

Steven held his fire as they moved through the town. Unless they were going to impede their progress or were a direct threat.


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 45):

With no one wanting to draw attention by firing shots in the street, they pulled up at the wrecked coach. Behind it was the stalled dumper truck. They couldn't see anyone anywhere around outside.

Close by, somewhere down the street they were on, probably on the right, there was the sound of a gunshot, then a few more. Still, they could see no one. But the front doors of the brick row houses on either side for several blocks were starting to be fumbled open, and there was motion as curtains were disturbed.

Elsewhere in the city they could automatic weapons fire and the booming of a small-calibre autocannon. It sounded like things were still hot over by the bridge.

The young bloodied woman they'd bypassed was now out of the kebab shoppe and had stumbled into the street. She was about 3-4 blocks back, about 300m. She was not a direct threat but began lurching towards them.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/...GxjG&usp=sharing

Ralph did not take the shot as they drove by but hopped out as the cars came to a halt.  "Hello!" he called out looking around.  "Let's check the coach first and then head down the way the people seemed to have headed.  Cover me someone."  Ralph will head toward the coach making sure he has back up.  He'll stop to pick up the stuffed animal left on the ground.

"Be careful," said Simon.

He stayed in the driving seat, keeping a sharp lookout.

Sara brought the second truck to a stop about twenty meters behind the other vehicle.  She kept an eye out for trouble.

In reply to Ralph Brown (msg # 47):

There was no answer to Ralph's call.

They quickly entered the coach and determined it was empty. They had obviously left in a hurry, which makes sense given what they'd seen.

Outside, a couple doors on each side of the street were starting to be clumsily pulled open.

Ralph called out. "All empty, there are zombies coming out down the street.  Let's get out of here and continue down on their path."  He trotted back to the vehicle.

In reply to Ralph Brown (msg # 51):

So far there were only three figures staggering towards them, a teenaged girl in a blood-stained school uniform, one obese male with a bite taken out of his neck and (ugh) a naked old man wearing only a hat, but with no obvious trauma.

"Which way?" asked Simon, putting the jeep in gear.

Steven held his fire until the last minute unless something closer appeared. The objective of their little foray seemed to be missing.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 54):

Suddenly, fatso on the north side of the street's head was struck by a bullet coming from the southeast. It was a suppressed round, leaving a small entry hole in front and spraying bone, brain matter out the back as it exited. He sat down, then flopped over. There was no supersonic crack but they could hear a muffled gunshot echoing off the buildings as (presumably) the rifle's suppressor directed the sound of the shot out to the sides.

They got a call on the radio. The sniper position at the gate behind them reported they had them in sight.

"Be advised, we seen the occupants buggered off back up Blandford road to the northwest. At least a couple blocks before we lost track of 'em. Better get moving, yeah?"

"Right, thanks!" said Simon, and headed in that direction.

Sarah put the truck in gear and followed after.

Traveling up Blandford Rd., the vehicles came to the intersection with Ashmore Ave. to their left. Up ahead they could see the Hamford Library on the right.

The Hamford Library was a modern structure made of glass, aluminium and steel. Abandoned in front were an Army lorry and civilian Land Rover. Behind them was a Hesco barrier surrounding the building in a perimeter. The lorry had been parked in a gap between the building and barrier to act as a kind of gate. It had been moved forward enough to leave a considerable space, making the barrier insecure.

Concentrated in front of the library but also spilling out into the street was a large crowd of infected. They seemed agitated and were moving faster than their normal torpid state. As they approached another infected stumbled out from behind the barrier through the "gate".

https://www.google.com/maps/d/...GxjG&usp=sharing
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:25, Tue 08 Dec 2020.

Sarah left some space between their own vehicles in case they needed to maneuver as she slowed to a halt.

In reply to (MED) Sara Teixeira (msg # 59):

There seemed to be a lot of infected milling around the front of the library, men women and children civilians with a few police and military personnel spread in among them. Alarmingly, the front doors were breached and more were coming out.

As they sorted this out, two bloody male infected shuffled closer to the front Land Rover and a male and female approached the rear vehicle.

The radio crackled. "Calshot Group from Alpha 2-1. Do you read? You are no longer visible. Unable to provide cover. Say again, unable to provide cover fire. What is your status, Over."

At this point the infected had reached the 2 vehicles where they idled in the road. There were two each on both vehicles, shuffling up to the the driver side doors on the right-hand side of the vehicles. They started to wordlessly hammer on the windows. Fortunately all vehicle windows were covered by a kind of chickenwire screen that would hold for several minutes at least. However, a crowd was now coming their way. The advancing crowd was not packed tight at the moment and were dispersed a little. If enough converged in front and around them they could easily be blocked in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:11, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

"Time to leave, I think," said Simon.

"We don't want to get overrun and we've identified where they are congregating."

In reply to Simon Craddock (msg # 61):

They easily pulled away, knocking over one of their attackers.

Blandford Rd. had been a nice boulevard with red brick row-houses, now gentrified. Some were turned into shops and take-away places.

They noted more infected coming out of the row-houses. As well, there seemed to be a small crowd of infected gathered a few blocks ahead on the left, in front of some kind of building, possibly a pub.
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:43, Sat 27 Mar 2021.

They pulled up just outside a public house, the Hamworthy Liberal Hall. It was up ahead, on the right. There was an alley to the right, and row houses to the left.



There were 40-50 of the infected clustered around the front of the structure. They were clearly agitated by someone or something inside, attempting to batter down the front doors.

Suddenly, as series of shots were fired from inside the building.

Clearly, they were trying to get inside.

Some of the outer ones noticed the vehicles and started drifting towards them. Eyes locked onto them in that eerily focused yet mindless way they had.

Steven asked "Can you use the vehicle to knock some of them down ?" He did not want to egress from the transport so he was hoping whoever was in the pub might make a run for them.....



-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 65):

Around 40 were clustered around the front of the building. A dozen more were wandering around the side.

Six or seven of the slower infected were now closing in on the idling vehicles. They could easily plow through (or even mainly go around) the ones that were oncoming. If they rammed into the crowd at the front entrance then they would certainly knock many down and crush more than a few. Then the rest would close in on them and they would be severely outnumbered.

Off in the distance they heard a helicopter over the more critically-pressed port area but couldn't see it from their vantage. The thumping and popping of gunfire and explosions (mortars and grenades) was almost constant.

Along the street doors were opening and figures shambled out into the watery light.

"This is starting to get untenable. Lets go down the side and see if there is another entrance or even around the back, but don't get stuck at a dead end or we are all dead."

Steven continued to hold his Glock at the ready from his position in the vehicle.



-

"Right," said Simon, starting to drive slowly around the building/block.

In reply to Simon Craddock (msg # 68):

The Liberal Hall building had two narrow laneways, one down each side.

From their vantage point, they could see the left laneway had a fence on the left, building on the right. There was one infected, just standing there in the lane. The lane was fairly wide, with a wheeled rubbish bin on the right.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Fri 11 June 2021.

Sara followed Simon without knowing what he was up to.  It seemed they were more sight seeing than picking up survivors.

"Can anyone see doors or windows on the side ?" Steven craned his neck to see once they drove down would they even be able to get in the building. "Perhaps park across the laneway and we can jump out clear the single infected and see if we can get whoever is in the building out ?"


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 71):

They turned down the lane along the left side of the building.

The laneway was maybe 5m across. On the left hand was a fence, beyond that a block of 2-story row houses. The building on the right was 2 stories as well but with no visible exits or windows, just a solid white wall. Near the end of the alley a walled area of some kind jutted out of the building, like an extension of some kind. By standing on the Land Rovers they could climb on that and look for some other way in.

Or else they could follow the lane as it turned right and went around the rear of the building.

The infected, a man in a bloodstained housecoat wearing a single slipper, was near the end of the lane. It didn't seem like he noticed them. He looked to be trying to climb the wall of the addition for some reason, fingers scrabbling on the stucco surface.

Steven got the driver to cover the lane with the Land Rover and then he jumped out and waited for anyone else. Then he would lead them forward while double tapping the single infected and checking for windows or doors.

He would take a peek around the corner and then continue if it was clear.



-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 73):

The American Marine nodded and stood up in the roof hatch. He checked the GPMG's ammo and pulled the charging handle back and forth to chamber a round. "Ready to rock, Amigo."

Sarah left plenty of room between her vehicle and the one Steven had just climbed out of.  She craned her neck around to make sure they weren't being closed in on from behind.

The two vehicles pulled into the left hand laneway. Armoured Land Rover in front of the flatbed cargo carrier. Sara parked offset so Simon could back the Land Rover up without hitting her.

Stopping about 15m from the man, Steven bailed out. The man's back was to them at first. But then he seemed to notice them and slowly turned around. Raising his stubby G36K up Steven shot him twice in the head. Blood and brains sprayed out backwards onto the stucco wall. He flopped backwards, open housecoat exposing his stained underwear and copious body hair. Empty shell casings rang off the pavement as his

Not sparing him another glance, Steven moved past him. He noted the extension jutting from the side of the club seemed to be some kind of walled-off open-air courtyard, like an enclosed smoking area. Peeking around the corner he could see a group of eight zombies. They had been feeding on someone. But now having heard the shot they were already up and moving towards fresh prey. In his direction.

Steven looked back and then tried to get up, onto and probably over the wall before the other zombie's arrived. He thought that there might be a door or something that lead from the main building into this area.


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 77):

There were some plastic trash bins on the far side of the alley he could use to climb over.

Failing that if someone pulled a Land Rover up he could climb up on the bonnet.

Steven would use the plastic bins to get a leg up and over. Sitting on top for a second or two to try and see if anyone not dead was about.


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 79):

Precariously piling the bins up he used them to clamber up onto the wall.

The enclosed space was indeed a "smoke pit" containing several picnic tables on green outdoor carpet. There were coffee tins filled with cigarette butts. The inside walls were covered with adverts for different brands of beer. A closed wooden door led into the club itself.

The crowd of zombies rounded the corner, coming into sight of the idling Land Rovers. But for the moment their eyes were still on Steve and they tracked him, veering in his direction.

Steven dropped down from the wall and used his radio to warn the Land Rovers of the incoming Zombies he said they could circle round to shake them off or take them out. Crossing the enclosed space to the door Steven knocked on the door pretty hard and added "Ahoy anyone in there....?"


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 81):

Steven couldn't hear anything nearby, but he could hear panicked voices yelling inside the building. There were gunshots, again, from inside.

Outside in the lane the people in the Land Rovers could see eight infected stumble around the corner of the building.

In reply to Other Guy Who Watches (msg # 82):

Manning the armoured Land Rover's GPMG, AB called out, "Guys, want me to light 'em up?"

Steven tried the door to see if it was open before trying something a little more drastic. "Must get a pry bar at some point." he thought to himself.


-

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 84):

Surprisingly, the door seemed unlocked.

Steven opened the door and yelled "I'm coming in, we are with the army." His rifle was at his shoulder but he had the muzzle pointing towards the ground. He would move into the building looking for survivors.



-

Inside, it was dark. There was a large open hall space in front of him. To his left was a bar, to his right were tables. Without turning on a light of some kind he wouldn't be able to seem more.

Suddenly, more gunshots came from inside off to his right, near the front of the building.

Outside, the crowd of infected were closing in. They were only about 5m away.
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:35, Tue 20 July 2021.

Steven moved forward until he could see who was doing the shooting and then he would announce himself with a whistle. He tried to look as unthreatening as possible and to do this fast as he knew time was against them.


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After looking into her rear view mirror at the closing crowd, Sara looked to see if anyone were still in the lead vehicle to pull it out of the way.

Outside, Sara could see the armed lead Rover was stopped but still occupied by Simon behind the wheel. AB was manning the G gun mounted in the roof pintle mount. They just looked frozen. Beside her in the long bed Rover was Wilton, who wasn't doing much either.

She could see AB, in the gunner's position, yelling down into the Rover, asking Simon (the driver) something. The dead were almost on top of them.

Inside, Steven heard more gunshots and could see indirect muzzle flashes off to his right. Whoever it was, they were not in direct line of sight. From that direction he could hear people yelling in fear and excitement!

Steven continued forward until he could see who was shooting. He would then announce himself while having his hands off his weapons.


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This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Fri 23 July 2021.

Sara honked once and moved in closer to the lead vehicle.

Inside the pub, Steven moved into the open space beyond the doorway. This would have been the hall of the club. He suddenly saw and heard several shadows moving towards him in the darkness! GM Note: Roll percentile for perception. Post roll here: link to a message in this game

Outside, Sara could see the infected reach the armed Land Rover and start to bang on the bonnet and the front doors and windows. The windows were reinforced with a metal grille so it would take some time for them to break through. One started to climb onto the bonnet to get at AB and the Rover's "backup lights" came on...

"Time to get out of here..." yelled Simon, backing up his vehicle.

Sara had hoped the lead vehicle would go forward, but it looked as though they had other ideas.  She shifted into reverse in order to avoid a collision and pursed her lips as she braced to plow through the crown she'd been trying to avoid.

Both Rovers backed out into the high road.

There were infected all around them, although none very close.

Inside, Steven froze as he realised the darkness around him was filled with threatening shapes. Shapes shuffling silently towards him...

Steven backed up "I'm with the army, here to get you out." if there was no reply he would make for the way he came in, unsure what was going on.


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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 97):

One of the shadowy figures stepped forward in the darkness and made a grab at Steven. He stepped back, and collided with someone behind him. That person's hand latched on to his left arm while their other hand grabbed ahold of his webbing. Other shadows began crowding around, surrounding him!

Steven Used his assault rifle in the first instance to knock the hand free as he sort a way to bring it to bear on whatever had made the bad decision to grab him. He steps off to the side of the group if he was able and tried to move back from the threat if it was that.


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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 99):

Using the butt of his rifle Steven pushed back and then knocked down his attacker. It was a young man and in the dim light Steven could see much of his face was chewed away. Without a light it was difficult to see which way to go but he could hear more shots to his right, and the door was behind him.

He was surrounded by at least a dozen infected. He could either fight his way forward or back. Any other way he ran the risk of getting lost in the darkness and pulled down.

Letting his rifle drop on its sling Steven drew out the Glock 17. He fired on the walkers behind him first and them began to back up while firing on those to the front. He was looking to drop as many as possible to clear away to escape first and then to try and see if there was anyone alive in the building.

OOC: I believe it was just D100's for attacks ?




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Steven could see a dozen targets in front of him. Three were closest. All within 30m range. He thought there was at least one attacker behind him. (GM Note: he seems to be firing in front, but as his escape route is behind he's firing there?)

From off to his right, deeper into the pub he could hear someone say, "hey! Is anyone there? Help! Help!"

Outside, the Land Rovers had both backed up to the high street. There was the small group of infected coming down the alley towards them, and about twenty or more at the front of the pub. A dozen broke away, coming slowly towards them.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 19:41, Tue 21 Sept 2021.

"Yes I'm with the army. Make for the rear exit." Steven turned and fired on the zombie behind him looking to retreat out of the pub to the rear door he had come through at least.

He drops the threat behind him and then starts on the three ion front as he walks backwards.

Steven Wall rolled 6 using 1d100 with rolls of 6.  Rear threat.

Steven Wall rolled 13 using 1d100 with rolls of 13.  Front threat.
Steven Wall rolled 23 using 1d100 with rolls of 23.  Front threat.
Steven Wall rolled 40 using 1d100 with rolls of 40.  Front threat.

I'm hoping low rolls are good ?

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 103):

The shot behind him went wild. His fire did bring down the three in front of him but it was impossible to see if he shot them in the head or just knocked them over.

A door off to his right banged open. Inside was excited yelling, torches being waved about and the sound of more semi-automatic gunfire. "Go go go! We'll fuckin' hold 'em off, yeah? Take the kids!" In the light that spilled out of the door Steven could see the silhouettes of at least a couple more zombies in the way. But in backing up he bumped into someone who grabbed on to him with cold, dead hands!

OOC: Steven has 6 "shots" in his pistol. His ROF is 6 per turn. So he has 2 shots left in the magazine (more like 4-6 actual rounds left). Higher rolls are better.

Steven does an underarm shot into the zombie that had grabbed him and then turns to fire on the thing as it potentially recovers.

Steven Wall rolled 60 using 1d100 with rolls of 60.  2nd shot.
Steven Wall rolled 35 using 1d100 with rolls of 35.  1st shot.

"Out the side door. I will cover you." Steven holsters his pistol as he raises his rifle and fires on the remaining zombies as he moves backwards to the door he came in from.



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This message was last edited by the player at 06:56, Sat 23 Oct 2021.

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 105):

His first round hit his attacker, a young woman in a denim jacket with matted blonde hair. She stumbled back. His second round took her in the forehead and she collapsed backwards onto the polished wooden floor. His pistol was empty, slide locked back. Without taking time to reload he hit the slide release and it snapped back, then put it back in its holster.

The door where light coming out from was a stairwell. There were four zombies in between the people there and where he was. Steve could hear more in the darkness around them, back towards the rear of the hall. "We're coming!" Several people stumbled down the stairs, men and women holding children in their arms or leading them.

With this rifle at his shoulder Steven moved forward firing as he did at the zombies between himself and the survivors making for the rear door. He placed the red dot from the scope on the first zombie to move towards the group as they made their escape and fired.

Steven Wall rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.  4th shot.
Steven Wall rolled 63 using 1d100 with rolls of 63.  3rd shot.
Steven Wall rolled 11 using 1d100 with rolls of 11.  2nd shot.
Steven Wall rolled 41 using 1d100 with rolls of 41.  1st shot.

He had heard nothing from the vehicles so he was hoping they would be close by as he cleared a path to the outside.



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 107):

He fired several shots in semi-autofire. Spent brass clattered on the floor. Of the four zombies blocking the way, one collapsed with a bullet wound in the head. Another slumped down with a shattered pelvis. The other two were still in action. One went for Steve, the other for the adults carrying the children.

There was a fusilade of gunfire. The remaining two went down with their heads blown open by  bullets. A dark-haired woman armed with a Glock in one hand while cradling a baby in the other had fired over a dozen rounds, taking them down. There was one left, and he started to crawl towards Steve.

"Hey! We're getting out of here! Which way?" she yelled. The sound of gunfire in the enclosed banquet hall left all their ears ringing.

"Out the side door, there should be some vehicles waiting." Steven aimed at the last zombie who was crawling and fired.

Steven Wall rolled 15 using 1d100 with rolls of 15.
Steven Wall rolled 83 using 1d100 with rolls of 83.

When the last zombie was dealt with Steven would catch up with the people escaping and lead them out the side door.



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 109):

The last zombie absorbed a series of rounds, finally the top of his head was blown off and he lay still. The clear plastic magazine for Steven's G36 was empty, bolt locked back and charging handle all the way back.

Their immediate area was clear, but more shapes seemed to be moving around in the rear of the dance hall behind the tables and chairs. Others were coming from the corridor connecting the dance hall to the front of the club, probably pouring in through the front doors.
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:43, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

Steven moved as he changed the magazine. "Out the side door and into the courtyard." he yelled ! Once he had caught up with the survivors and assuming everyone had followed his instructions he bared the door. "Up and over, person on top and then one on either side to pass the kids over. There should be some land-rovers on the other side down the ally."



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 111):

There were three men, four women, two boys and two girls. They all exited on to the patio. Two of the men closed the door and barricaded it from the outside using a picnic table. A coffee can slid off as they picked the table up and clanged to the patio floor, spilling noxious cigarette butts everywhere. The only survivors that were armed with firearms was the woman with the Glock and a man with a double-barreled shotgun. The other adults were armed with knives, cricket bats, golf clubs and a hockey stick.

A man and a woman pulled another table to the wall. The man climbed up and peered over. "Bugger, there's a fucking crowd here in the alley."

Steven climbed up as well and looked for the Landrovers that had been there previously. He got onto his radio and tried to raise them if he did not have line of sight on the vehicles.


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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 113):

Steven heard shooting from the alley off to his left near the mouth.

Looking that way he could see a large crowd of undead had surrounded the two Land Rovers (the armed Defender 110 and the flatbed 130).

In the 110, AB Pierce, the Yank marine, was manning the pintle-mounted MAG-MG and methodically shooting down the blockers in front of his vehicle in order to free it. It looked like he was gaining ground as they were falling faster than others could take their place. Simon gunned the Land Rover and they bumped over the corpses that had fallen in front of them to pull around the stalled 130.

In front of the 110, Wilson rolled down the window of the 130 flatbed and started shooting out as well using his suppressed FAMAS on single shot. He downed a couple and Sara was also able to start moving by shifting into low 4-wheel drive and rolling over the bodies. But in between them and Steven were a group of eight more zombies, and they continued down the alley towards the Land Rovers.

Behind Steven came a thump on the door into the pub hall.

"Keep those tables against the door, everyone lend a hand. I'm going to try and clear us a path to the transport." Steven raised the G36 and aimed for the lead zombie having put in a fresh magazine.

Using the weapons red dot sight he aimed for the walkers upper back between the shoulder blades and pulled the trigger.

Steven Wall rolled 82 using 1d100 with rolls of 82.  Shot 5.
Steven Wall rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Shot 4.
Steven Wall rolled 78 using 1d100 with rolls of 78.  Shot 3.
Steven Wall rolled 18 using 1d100 with rolls of 18.  Shot 2.
Steven Wall rolled 57 using 1d100 with rolls of 57.  Shot 1.

In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 115):

Firing single shots to avoid hitting the Land Rovers, Steven took down five in the group of eight that were converging on the end of the alley. His magazine was empty. Some were just knocked down and lay slowly moving on the ground. Soon they would stand back up. At least a couple had been shot in the head and lay still. They wouldn't be getting back up. The three remaining zombies, all men, stopped, turned around and began walking back towards him.

Behind him the blows on the door became a hammering. The wooden door began to splinter on the top corner. The adults holding the picnic table grimly braced it against the door to reinforce it. A woman quieted the children, who although they seemed very frightened were not panicking or crying out.

With a new threat emerging and the current one doubling back Steven said as he changed magazines "OK will be going over the wall soon. Ive got three still standing get ready to go."

Steven would drop the three walkers and then give the signal for children and adults to climb over as he aimed for the door.

Steven Wall rolled 86 using 1d100 with rolls of 86.  Shot 5.
Steven Wall rolled 84 using 1d100 with rolls of 84.  Shot 4.
Steven Wall rolled 14 using 1d100 with rolls of 14.  Shot 3.
Steven Wall rolled 91 using 1d100 with rolls of 91.  Shot 2.
Steven Wall rolled 69 using 1d100 with rolls of 69.  Shot 1.

Will spread these between the ones in the ally and those smashing the door.


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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 117):

The survivors trying to barricade the door gave up and withdrew to the picnic table. There they began helping get everyone over the wall. Three came through the door, Steven dropped one and the Black woman shot another with her Glock. All three fell down. More hands appeared at the door, and more infected started to pull themselves through. But they were having trouble negotiating the narrow portal and the corpses of their fellows lying jumbled, blocking the way.

Turning back to the alley, Steven shot another two, who fell down. The man with the double-barreled shotgun shot the last one, who staggered and then fell. They could hear the Land Rovers' engines revving as they burst through the crowd that was blocking their way. Soon, the flatbed was parked next to the wall. The other Land Rover was stopped nearby. AB Pierce fired another burst at the end of the alley and yelled, "climb on to the flatbed! Go go go!"

Steven left the survivors to make their way up and over the wall while he covered them as they made their way to the vehicles. He knew that those manning the Land Rovers would have the situation in the alley under control so he concentrated in getting people safety up and over.

He was the last one to leave the small enclosed yard, doing mag dumps into the door as he did.

Merry Christmas Tony.



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 119):

The ones trying to climb though the door were quickly mowed down by automatic fire. More attempted to worm their way out over top of them but it was slow going. Steven had plenty of time to reload, then hop over the wall and onto the flatbed. He could decide if he wanted to stay there with the other survivors, move to the cab or dismount and make his way to the other Land Rover.

OOC: Merry Xmas to you! I was going to mention he has 7 "shots" remaining (single fire, 3 bursts) but no need now.

Staying on the flatbed Steven got all the adults up to the front and told them to hold on while shielding the children between themselves and the bar. Steven got down low on the flat bed and aimed his rifle towards the brick wall. He also let them know over the team comms that they were ready to go.



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 121):

One hand, and then more appeared at the top of the wall. More attackers shuffled into the mouth of the alleyway behind them. Ahead was clear, but they could only see to the corner of the building where the alley turned right. There was some yelling between vehicles. AB, the gunner on the GP mounted on the roof of the lead Rover shouted, "get a fucking move on! I can't fire to the rear! They're in my fucking line of fire!" He was referring to the flatbed where Steven was laying.

Steven slapped the top of the cab of the truck several time to say they were all on and then he began double tapping walkers on top of the wall.



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 123):

With a few jerks and starts the Rovers started down the alley. The plan was to circle around the back of the Hamworthy Liberal Hall circle around the back and then come out the other side. When they turned the corner the front Rover stopped, then the rear.

Steven heard the American call back, "there's a lot of zombies ahead of us. Steven, you better give us a hand!"

Steven stood up and aimed for the nearest zombie and began double tapping them as the truck either started to move or not. "I'm on it he said as he began firing. If you see a route start up but let me know."

Steven Wall rolled 63 using 1d100 with rolls of 63.
Steven Wall rolled 5 using 1d100 with rolls of 5.
Steven Wall rolled 70 using 1d100 with rolls of 70.  Firing to clear a path.



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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 126):

Steven opened fire on the crowd at the alley mouth, helping clear it enough for them to pull out. He discovered to his dismay while reloading he was down to one spare magazine plus the one in the G36.

The Land Rovers pulled out onto the high street. Looking back the way they came they could see the roadway was choked with infected. Hundreds, if not more. "We're not getting out that way!" AB called out from the armed Land Rover as he reloaded his MAG. "Reloading! Last belt."

Steven took up his radio, "Steven, I don't have eyes on the situation looking for lead vehicle to find a route, Out." He took the time to reorganise the people on the back so they all had a good hand hold as he then looked for a possible way out.


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In reply to Steven Wall (msg # 128):

AB swing around and with a long burst of gunfire cleared a path for them turning left. Spent casings and disintegrating links rang and clattered around on the Land Rover and the ground. Unfortunately this was in the opposite of the direction they came from, the direction that would lead back to the checkpoint. That way was now blocked by hundreds of undead in the street. Left down Blandford it was!

The lead Land Rover gunned it, tyres squealing as it turned left onto Blandford, knocking a male zombie over. The flatbed Land Rover full of refugees followed. A female zombie stumbled into the way from out of sight on the left! Sara skillfully avoided her, tyres also squealing, and it seemed they were going to tip up and roll over to the right (which was a known problem with these vehicles). But she kept them going forward and upright, and they slammed into a small green transformer box, clipped a telephone pole and finally came to rest on a small brick retaining wall. Although everyone was thrown around no one was thrown out.

However, the flatbed was hung up on the wall. The other Land Rover skidded to a halt, then reversed back to them. They had a winch and could pull them off in a few minutes but they simply did not have the time! Hundreds of undead were now converging on their position, mostly from behind. Ahead of them was a crossroads. On the near right corner was a very modern supermarket made mostly of glass. On the near right corner was a lodging house of some kind, solidly built and barricaded. Someone had added sheet metal fencing. At the edge of the property closest to them was a car gate of some kind. The far left corner was a chip shop and the far right was a brick duplex/row house.

Hopping down from the flatbed's cab, Wilton and Sara helped everyone down. They all crouched down behind the Land Rover. This kept them reasonably hidden but it would be less than a minute before the mob would see them, and be on them.

At the other Rover AB left the GPMG, grabbed his rifle and hopped down. "There are fourteen of us! We aren't going to be able to give everyone a lift back. We're almost out of ammo for the GP-Gun and whoever's holding on outside will be fucked! I'm gonna find a place to hole up around here, come back for me when you can."

Simon climbed out of the lead Rover. "I'm staying as well! If someone else wants to drive, they can carry about ten." Wilton didn't say anything but nodded and slung his FAMAS. Sara said, "We have some injured, I need to treat them. Damn it, I want to stay."

It looked like they needed one more volunteer to stay behind. The rest could just about squeeze into the Land Rover and make it back to the closest gate guard post.

Maybe Steven stayed to help, maybe he returned to friendly lines. Those that returned found the situation in around Poole Safe Zone had stabilised after some break-ins and a general failure of the wire. Zones were isolated and cleared, one by one.

Those that stayed with the homeowner who offered them shelter were in a secure enough place, for now. There was food and water. Electricity was provided by solar cells. In a matter of days a patrol stopped by to see how they were and evacuate the wounded and everyone else that wanted to leave.

Over the next while, the community on Calshot spit prospered, expanding the safe area and developing agriculture. More communities were contacted, links of trade and cooperation established and strengthened. Other groups were found, some friendly, some isolationist. Some potentially hostile. On the Isle of Wight the HM's UK Emergency Government soldiered on, trying to muster resources for an eventual return to the mainland. Monitoring threats from abroad and domestically. Of course No Man's Land remained a safe haven, converted over to medical uses and used as a hospital.

Maybe the future held a reinstatement of the UK, maybe peace would be restored. There was still a shadowy group out there, perhaps intent on claiming the newly purified Earth for themselves, perhaps even responsible for the world as it was now. Would they succeed? Would they be somehow stopped, even brought to justice? No one alive knew for sure.

THE END