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.