April 21st, 1945. The day after Adolf Hitler's 56th birthday.

Yesterday, the Allies had a few special gifts for the Führer. A British-American bombing raid dropped a 1000 bombs on the city, taking out most of what remained of the city's infrastructure.
The Red Army had been told in advance, of course, so they had halted their advance. But they offered a salute of heavy artillery, a barrage without any tactical merit, merely meant to further demoralize the German defenders.

But on the morning of the 21st, the 2nd Guard Tank division crossed the ring of Autobahn running around the city and renewed their assault.

Yelena, and the BPO company, were part of the assault.

---

It's been 5 nights now for Lena since she had last been in her small appartment. There has been little sleep for the last three days, with a constant stream of wounded coming into the Olympic stadium. As Graumann had predicted, anybody they could patch up quickly was sent back just as quickly, the bandages often soaking through with blood before they had left the premises. The rest came here to die.

A few men who were too badly wounded to walk, but still able to hold a rifle, had been assigned guard duty, together with the Volkssturm troops. Most old men had been sent to the front line by now, but there were still a few here. All under the command of 14-year-old Hans Burger, who proudly wore the Iron Cross he had received a few days ago, his Lieutenant's stripes hastily sowed on by a nurse onto his Hitler-Youth jacket.

That made her think of Arthur, her... lover. He had risen through the ranks, but not as far or as quickly as he had hoped. Never great for a man with a violent temper. His assignment on Sonderkommando N had taken him away for weeks at a time, but he never spoke a word of it, no matter what Lena tried to coax it out of him.
She had used the time well to get close to others in the SS. If Arthur had known how close... he certainly would've killed her. He had told her quite frankly what he thought should happen to women who were unfaithful to "their men".

In the last few weeks, his behaviour had become more erratic. Like a cornered rat, he had paced through her appartment, had spoken of leaving, of taking the fight elsewhere, that the Reich was far from finished...
Something was up.

---

As many military operations in this war, Operation Baskerville had been delayed due to bad weather. Finally, the platoon of OSI Rangers under Major Max Lewis had been flown to an airfield outside of Berlin and had since then made their way on foot towards the capital of the Nazi Reich.
A few encounters with the Red Army had been tense, but friendly enough and they had managed to slip through the German "lines" quite easily and undetected.
But as they got closer to their first objective of finding the American spy who would identify Kemmel for them, the German defensive lines were getting shorter and they had to take more and more detours to circumvent enemy positions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:55, Fri 24 July 2020.

Yelena wouldn't be on the front lines of the push into Berlin. One of the benefits of being a part of the BPO was that its members had specialized knowledge and thus were no longer part of the rank and file Red Wave that intended to sweep through Berlin the same way it had moved through much of Eastern Europe.

The sniper pulled out her field glasses while advancing with her company, entirely for the purpose of getting a look at the city. When Yelena finally saw Berlin, it bore striking resemblance to Stalingrad. A bit larger, certainly, but many of the buildings had a similar lack of four walls. Fighting in the streets would be bloody, but hopefully far more for the defenders than those that were on the attack.

The sniper was ready and looking forward to doing her part in the coming assault.

Lena had taken to wearing a dress with a loose skirt lately.  Mostly because it gave her a good spot to hide her Kampfmesser under the hem.  Granted, drawing it would expose something she didn't want exposed, but at least she'd have it.  She was careful to place it where grabby hands wouldn't feel it too.

She had hoped Arthur wouldn't be here tonight.  She'd been skittish all day, expecting something to happen but not knowing what.  She'd meant to do something to clear out her radio set she kept here, but she hadn't been able to, and it wasn't happening tonight.  Someone would find it.  If the wrong someone found it, or reported it, she could be found out.  Lena hoped it'd be found in five years and not five days.

"Arthur you must not say such things."  She consoled him.

Marching along the Western bank of the Havel river, the small troop of Western Allies reached the small suburb of Wannsee. There was a small bridge ahead they needed to cross to get to the Eastern side of the Havel. Once they crossed it, the Olympic stadium and the first objective was maybe two or three hours away.

Corporal Morris had krept up ahead and now ventured back into the small forrest to the rest of the OSI platoon.
"Didn't see any explosives on the bridge, but there's troops back there. They got themselves an MG42. Not sure how many soldiers there are, but at least a dozen."

Major Lewis frowned at the information brought back by the scout, then motioned for the small group of men to draw close so they could hear. He had the scout repeat what he'd seen. "If the obvious path is well defended, we either need to eliminate the defenses or find another way."

He paused and looked around at the other men in the OSI platoon. "Suggestions?" Major Lewis seemed to care about the men under his command more than many other commanding officers. Probably because OSI soldiers were hard to replace.

"I suppose blowing up the bridge would defeat the purpose?" Halloway chuckled.

"Anybody know how to swim? Flanling them might be possible if we cause a mighty ruckus here?"

Max chuckled at the suggestion they might blow up the bridge. "Yeah, I don't think that will help."

He looked around for any volunteers to go swimming. "Swimming or finding a ford could work, but we'll need to keep them pinned down from the front if we're going to flank them. I don't think just making a ruckus will be enough." Although the troops they were facing were likely to be rather green. So maybe it would be sufficient.

Arthur moved forward slightly. " we could look for a small boat I'm sure people fish the river so it might be possible to locate one then under darkness we could row across and bypass the bridge completely. Night take us a little further down river but we wouldn't be seen or have to fight"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Major Lewis nodded. "That's a good idea. Randel and Jenden - scout downriver. Murphy and Jones, you head upriver. No more than a click, then straight back."

Arthur nodded and tapped Jenden on the shoulder before moving off at a crouch trot.

As he moved he turned his medical kit around so the red cross was against his leg so it wouldn't catch in the moon light.

Moving from shadow to shadow he slowly picked his way along the river side looking for a row boat

Ooc
08:42, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 2,10 using D6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+4)10.  Stealth.

(We never established a time of day... but late evening/early night works fine.)


Arthur and Ralph trotted downriver, taking them around around the bay of the Wannsee peninsula. There were piers all along the island, but no boats could be seen anywhere.

At the center of the bay, a large building was looming, looking like something out of a fairy tale:


In front of them, another row of empty piers - except one small boat, half-covered by a dark grey tarpaulin, sitting low in the water.

Arthur nudged Ralph and pointed out the boat then signaled he would go forward and get it if Ralph covered him.

With that Arthur slipped down to the pier but instead of heading directly to the boat ne slipped his gun over his chest pulling the strap tight then slipped down into the water.

Using the cover of the pier he pulled himself along using the timber struts working his way towards the boat.

The water was cold, making Arthur rue his decision. This would have been much nicer in July or August.... then again, another four or five months of hard fighting was not.

The boat had a small motor that looked derelict, and the grip of at least one paddle stuck out under the tarpaulin. Arthur took another step and then almost went under water as the shoreline went off a cliff. Desparate, he grabbed onto the pier, realizing he had no idea how deep the water was or what may lurk in the depths...

There were no obvious holes or leaks in the boat to be seen. It wasn't large, maybe enough for 4 or 5 people. But that may just be enough.

Arthur gritted his teeth as he hung onto the boat.

Working his way round it he found the rope that tide it to the pier. He took out his knife and cut the rope before pushing off from the pier and pulling the boat with him retraced his route back to the shore.

Once there he looked towards where Ralph had been hold up and signaled him to join him at the waters edge.

Cold but with the boat he and Ralph got the boat moving with the oars in the direction of the rest of the squad

As the two men pulled the boat back towards their squad, an old man hustled out of the bushes, raising a rifle that looked about as old as he was.
He snarled something in German and pulled back the hammer. On closer inspection... this wasn't even a hunting rifle, but looked like an old musket out of the Napoleonic age.

He gestured with the rifle. "Hoch die Pfoten!"

Arthur swore under his breath but raised his hands keeping the rope for the boat held in his left. Last thing they needed after all this was to loose the boat on top of everything else.

The old man walked a few steps closer, and kept talking in German to the two OSI rangers. He gestured with his ancient rifle in jerky motions, pointing the tip of the rifle at the guns Ralph and Arthur carried and then pointing to the ground, before bringing the rifle back up again.

Arthur slowly lifted his hand and removed his rifle taking a slow step forward as he laid the gun on the floor.

Stepping forward allowed him to position himself in front of Ralph perhaps that would give him time to jump the old man while he was focused on Arthur

The old man growled something in German and took a step forward,pushing the muzzle of his rifle into Arthur's chest - when all of a sudden Ralph came out behind the medic, swinging his gun butt first into the German's temple.

The man fell to the side like a tree, dropping to the floor. His rifle fell to the floor next to him.

There was no sound to be heard, but in the dark it was hard to tell how badly the man was injured.

"Come on, we got no time to waste!"
Ralph pushed Arthur's gone into his hands and motioned for him to follow.

Arthur was in two minds whether to stop and treat the old man but knowing the rest of the squad depended on them he quickly made sure the old man was away from the water and still breathing before taking the old gun and dropping it into the water.

With little else to do he followed Ralph and the boat back to the others

When Arthur and Ralph arrived at the rest of your unit, the others had been looking nervously into their direction, with Major Lewis keeping an eye on his watch.

Captain Jackson of the British squad and the overall 2nd-in-command was the first to notice them.
"By golly, men, you took your bloody time!"

"apologies sir there was a large building near the pier I felt might have housed the enemy so we had to go slowly. Then on the way back an old German guy popped up and pointed a gun at us" replied Alfie as a way of an explanation

Max nodded at the return of Arthur and Ralph. When the other pair of men also returned, Max gathered the men. "It's dark enough that we should be able to cross without bothering with the defenses." He pointed to a spot of the river that looked like it had cover down almost to the water. "We'll start our crossing there and land...there." He pointed to a spot well out of range of the MG-42 that also looked to have some cover.

"Jenden, Randel, you're with me in the first group to cross." The major also picked out a few others. "Move out!"

The small boat glides silently into the water. Slowly the small group of 6 - Lewis, Jenden, Riley as well as Knight, Randal and Doyle from the British - made their way across the Havel. The paddles seemed to smash like giant blades into the water in the otherwise silent surrounding.
From far away, explosions could be heard... the Russians didn't ease up their assault.

After a few minutes, the small group made it to the other river bank, unchallenged by any sentries. It would be a short walk to the bridge now, to assault and take it.
Or... they could try and get the rest of the squad across the same way. Lewis weighed his options. He had 5 men here, and 17 on the other side.

"Did anyone get a good look at the numbers in that machine gun emplacement?" Lewis had an expectation, but in the dark he couldn't tell for certain. He also expected that these weren't even regular army. They were probably Hitler youth or sixty year-old men. Possible he was wrong, so they'd still plan to be cautious.

Still, an assault with twenty-two where they could pin the enemy down with some fire and then flank with half a dozen from each side made a lot of sense, unless the enemy only had two on the machine gun. There was some slight time pressure, but it wasn't so much that completing a ferry operation wasn't an option.

Sergeant Knight was the first to offer an answer, in his usual colorful language.
"I'm afraid I wasn't really bloody able to make out the fucking number of kraut pig-fuckers ready to drill us yet another arsehole, on account of it being darker than in a donkey's arse... sir"

Riley snickered and snorted, while Doyle pressed his lips together tightly in the attempt to stifle a laugh.

Arthur spoke up "if the old gent we encountered was anything to go by then they are the old or the young and looking at the gun he had it was so old he'd probably have hurt himself more firing it than us being fired at"

Major Lewis chuckled at the response from Knight, then nodded at Randel's report. "Well, we shouldn't have any trouble sneaking around to their flanks, then. Knight, Randal, Doyle you head to the right. From our perspective. As we look at the....kraut pig-fuckers? To the right. Thataway." Max pointed toward the right with his right hand. "Or whatever it is you Brits call right. Starboard if you're a marine."

"I'll go left with the others. We will start shooting in five minutes. Remember to get behind them so we're not firing at each other. Synchronize your time pieces."

OOC: Or whatever amount of time actually makes sense. I'm mostly just trying to make up something that sounds reasonable.

The three men nodded and took off, silently, into the night.

((Give me a group stealth roll for your men. d8!
Everybody else: also give me a stealth roll))

((OOC: 06:27, Today: Max Lewis rolled 4 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Being Stealthy)).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

((OOC:
06:28, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 6,8 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+2)8.  Stealth.))
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

((20:17, Today: Warmaster rolled 3,8 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+2)8.  Volkssturm notice))

Slowly, but surely the men are creeping forward, when all of a sudden there's some commotion on the right, then a shout of alarm "DIE RUSSEN KOMMEN VON DER FLANKE!" followed by curses and a distinctive panicked shriek.

((Draw Initiative!

Volkssturm: 20:20, Today: Warmaster drew the single card: 9C using the Deadlands system.  Volkssturm initiative.))

((OOC: I wasn't sure if the intention was for Yelena to be close enough at this point or not.

2H for Max. 9C for Yelena if she's around.

20:28, Today: Yelena Malkin drew the single card: 9C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative?

20:28, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: 2H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.))

((She's not, at least not yet.
Giving Arthur a couple of hours to respond, too.

))

12:35, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 3,1 using D6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Stealth

14:39, Today: Arthur Randel drew the single card: 7D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.


This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

((Initiative:
German Volkssturm: 9C
Arthur: 7D
Allies: 2H))

The range is 40" at the beginning between the allies and the Germans on the same river bank.
The bridge is 20" long, the distance between the allies on the Western bank and the Germans is 30".

The squad on the Western bank can't act this round, as they'll respond to the gunfire. They'll draw a separate initiative card next round.

Bad lighting adds a -2 penalty to any range penalties (which should be -2 for medium range for rifles).



There was some heavy commotion up ahead as the German defenders hastily changed positions, but the first few started firing, blindly, into the darkness at what they thought to be the Soviet Army descending on them.

Bullets hit the ground and the trees and bushes, but none find their target.. for now.

((The Volkssturm gets an additional -2 to their attacks in the first round. Since they're shifting position, there are no cover modifiers.
16:23, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Volkssturm, rolled 5 using 5d4-6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,3,2,2.  Shooting blindly.

Well,... they're not frontline material, really. All miss.


Arthur, you're up!))
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:08, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

((Arthur goes on hold - Max, you're up! The rest of the squad acts on your card.))

((OOC: I think that ideally we'd all get to cover, possibly at short range. Is this possible? Cover is more important than reducing the range, I think. It's not like German reinforcements are likely, right?))

((Cover will be available with a successful Athletics group roll for the squad (they got d8), if you want to cover distance as well, you'll need to Multi-action with Running. You're at 40", so at best you can make it down to 28", still medium range for most rifles. But next round then.))

"Get to cover, men!" Max didn't wait to see if the squad heard and obeyed, dashing for cover himself.

((OOC: Found cover. QH for next round initiative.
05:33, Today: Max Lewis rolled 4 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Athletics (getting cover).))


05:35, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: QH using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

((Don't forget the d6 wild die for your own roll and for the squad's group roll. I'll just add it here:
14:37, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of OSI Rangers (US Squad), rolled 3 using 1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Athletics group roll.

Also, distance: If you roll a straight d8, I'm assuming you're not running, so you'll get to 34" instead of 40. If you want to have the group run, roll an extra d6 (not exploding) to see what distance they cover, but then your d8 is going to result in a 2. So, cover and far away, or no cover, but closer. :-)


Finally: Give the squad on the other side of the bridge an extra initiative card, too.))

((OOC: I was choosing cover but further away. I think you said it's medium range either way?

Appropriately, the other squad goes later in the round. (3D)


05:43, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: 3D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative (other squad).))

((Inititiative:

Max Lewis: QH
Volkssturm JD
Other Squad: 3D
Arthur: On hold

Max, you and your squad are up!!))

Max fired a round from his rifle in the direction of the defensive position. It might have torn through a uniform?

((OOC: Hit from medium range for Max, though only 5 damage (AP 2).

What should I roll for the squad?

15:24, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: 8H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative .

15:24, Today: Max Lewis rolled 5 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Damage (AP2).

15:23, Today: Max Lewis rolled 4,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Shooting! (M1 Garand, Med Rng).))

((The OSI squads have the following skills:
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Fighting d8, Notice d8, Stealth d6, Shooting d8, Athletics d8

Edges: Rapid Fire, Rock and Roll!))
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:38, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

The rangers also opened fire. Fortunately they'd been spotted early enough that they didn't need to worry about hitting each other.

((OOC: taking a -2 modifier for medium range, but no other modifiers.

2 hits, 1 with a raise. I'll assume 2d8 damage?

If so, 7 damage for one, 14 for another. I didn't roll for Arthur.

17:18, Today: Max Lewis rolled 7,14 using 2d8,2d8+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,6,7,6,1.  Damage guesses.

17:17, Today: Max Lewis rolled 5,1,9,-1 using d8-2,d8-2,d8-2,d8-2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3,(8+3)11,1.  Squad Shooting (medium range).))

There were shouts of anger, pain, and fear coming from the other side.
Someone with authority in his voice bellowed orders, but it's unclear what he told his men to do.

More rifle shots were fired, followed by a trademark curse from Sergeant Knight. But it was impossible to tell if he had been hit or was just generally unhappy with the current situation.


10:20, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Volkssturm, rolled 14 using 6d4-4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3,2,(4+3)7,1,2.  Shooting blindly.

That's one  hit:
10:22, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Volkssturm, rolled 7 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.
One of the bullets find Sergeant Knight, who's Shaken.


(Next round initiative: 10:48, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Volkssturm, drew the single card: 4H using the Deadlands system.  Initiative)

THE REST OF THE SQUAD IS UP!!!

((OOC: The other squad is just moving this round, right? There is enough distraction for them to move across the bridge now, yes?))

((They'll need at least two rounds to cross, but they can get into close range for sure. Stealth roll to get closer without notice, they can also run, then it's just a d6 for running and a group Stealth roll at -2))

((Let's run!

I got an 11 on a d6. But I'm not sure that a run die is allowed to explode.

17:14, Today: Max Lewis rolled 11 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11.  Run die for squad.))

((It's not, but that still takes your squad 12 inches forward, they're now really close!))

11:18, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Squad on the bridge, drew the single card: 9H using the Deadlands system.


Next round initiative:
Squad on the Bridge: 9H
Max Lewis: 8H
Arthur: 7D
Volkssturm: 4H

The Squad on the bridge is up!!!!

((What's the squad's distance? Is there any cover nearby?))

((They're 12 inches away, so short range even for pistols or SMGs. But there's no cover to speak off.))

((Do we have any grenades? If not...I'm just going to shoot. I noticed that the unit's Edges seem to be geared toward automatic weapons. What gun should I presume they are firing? And how large is the remainder of the squad?))

((Each carries two grenades... I just gave you access to their character sheets, that should make this easier :-))

Three of the Americans moved forward and tossed grenades at the German machine gun nest. One of them seemed to drop right into the heart of their fortifications.

The rest of the squad opened fire on what should now be completely overmatched German 'soldiers'.

((OOC: This should be a silly amount of carnage. I assumed that the grendade throwers could move into medium range and then toss their little bombs. One hit for 21 damage.

The rest of the squads open up with their rifles. I got a bunch of raises and no critical failures (which is why I rolled them in pairs).

Damages of 4,11,4,18,7,21,16,5,17,9,7,10.

2H for next initiative (if necessary)

14:51, Today: OSI Rangers (British Squad) drew the single card: 2H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

14:50, Today: OSI Rangers (British Squad) rolled 4,11,4,18,7,21,16 using 2d8,2d8+d6,2d8,2d8+d6,2d8,2d8+d6,2d8+6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,3,7,1;3,1,7,6,5;5,2,(8+2)10,6,5;7,3.  Damage.

14:49, Today: OSI Rangers (British Squad) rolled 8,16,11,19,15,5,17 using 2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,6,(8+4)12,4,6,5,(8+7)15,4,5,(8+2)10,2,3,(8+4)12,5.  Shooting (RoF 2, short range).

14:48, Today: OSI Rangers (US Squad) rolled 5,17,9,7,10 using 2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8+d6,2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,5,(8+4)12,2,7,3,3,1;4,6.  Damage.

14:47, Today: OSI Rangers (US Squad) rolled 11,4,7,10,16,8 using 2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8,2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4,1,3,2,5,7,3,2,(8+6)14,1,7.  Shooting (RoF 2, short range).

14:43, Today: OSI Rangers (US Squad) rolled 21 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,3,(6+2)8.  Grenade damage.

14:43, Today: OSI Rangers (US Squad) rolled -1,4,-1 using d8-2,d8-2,d8-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,6,1.  3 grenades, medium range.))

There were cries of anguish, pain, and terror as the grenades detonated within the ranks of the German Volkssturm. As the rest of your units charged over the bridge and leveled their rifles at the survivors, the Germans soldiers still able to respond raise their hands in surrender.

When the troops surrendered, Max sighed. Why couldn't the enemy fight to the death like the Japs? Still, they'd taken the bridge and a machine gun emplacement without casualties. When he closed in on their new prisoners, Max closed with two of those in the American company of Rangers. "Jones, Bradley. Get their uniforms and weapons and then see if there's a way to secure them nearby. With luck the Soviets will find them before the Nazis."

One of the Germans raised his hands a bit higher.
"We have surrendered to you. By the articles laid out in the Geneva convention, you have to take us prisoner and treat us with decency."
There was some murmur within the small group and the one speaking shushed them, adding: "Please?"

arthur moved up quickly treated his own men before gaving his commander a quick look before moving into the group of wounded Germans and started to treat them. He knew he wasn't to use their own medical supplies so he looked round to see if they had any of their own. If not he ripped up clothing to use as bandages.

He wasn't a soft touch but he had been a doctor before the war and he had a responsibility to treat everyone in need.

once he had done what he could he moved back to his group and allowed the officers to decide what to do next

Max observed the assistance of Arthur and nodded when he was done. "Well done, Randel."

Once the enemy had been tended, Max selected the same two men. "Jones, Bradley. Keep these prisoners company here until the Soviets come to retrieve them or we return from our mission. Hold this nest and the bridge. Everyone else, prepare to move out."

"Uhm, sir? I think they're already here..."

Pierce was a quiet young man, but had keen eyes and ears. He pointed toward the far side of the bridge.

((Hurray, everybody's in the same thread! Well, almost. They're coming to get you, Barbara Lena))

Major Max looked over in the direction PFC Pierce indicated, squinting into the evening gloom. Not for the first time Max thought Pierce must have experimental eyes of some sort. The major kept his gun stowed and commanded his troops. "Stay behind cover until I give the all-clear."

Friendly fire was a hazard of the job, doubly so when meeting an allied unit that didn't speak the same language. Max moved toward the bridge slowly with his hands open. He waved both arms at what he hoped were approaching Soviets.

Although Arthur stayed in cover he moved up slightly so he could run out if things went south and the Major needed medical assistance

Approaching the bridge cautiously, Zholdin was safely ensconced behind the men of first platoon.  However, upon being greeted by the sight of American and British uniforms on the other side of the bridge, the commissar leaned over to Yelena and chuckled softly.  "Well it seems like I worried for nothing eh comrade?"

Gesturing for the Russian soldiers to take up positions on this side of the bridge, Zholdin took a heavy breath to steady himself before stepping out into the open, following Major Lewis' lead.  "Why hello there capitalist swine!" he boomed in heavily accented English, a grin plastered to his face.

Yelena smirked and nodded at the question. "It does seem that way, comrade." She was still being cautious given the continued potential for misunderstanding.

The blonde sniggered as Zholdin addressed the Western Allies, though didn't add her own thoughts to the greeting.

Max sighed in relief as he was addressed by what he thought must be a Soviet unit. The English being spoken was surprisingly good, though the German man had been able to do the same. Max responded slowly, understanding English was at least the Soviet's second language (if not third or fourth). "It's nice to see you, too. I was starting to wonder if the Red Army would send any men into the city, or if you were just going to use artillery until October."

"The last argument of kings" Zholdin replied with a slight chuckle.  Rolling his shoulders back, the Russian's smile faded slightly as he pulled himself up to his full height, instantly assuming a far more military persona "Politruk Zholdin Yevgenievich, and you are?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Mon 19 Oct 2020.

Max nodded and then smiled slightly at the greeting. "Major Max Lewis." He looked over his shoulder, then back to Zholdin. "And friends."

"It's a pleasure to meet you and your friends major." Zholdin replied with the faintest hint of a smile.  "So what, may I ask, brings our fine Western Allies out here today then?"

One of the Germans, his hands in the air shouts: "WE SURRENDERED TO THE AMERICANS!!!". The other prisoners nod, all of them pale with fear. The youngest in the group is maybe 14, the oldest probably in his fifties.

Max nodded at the response. "I expect you have been told that you are our escort through Soviet territory? Our mission is one of retrieval, as I'm sure you are aware."

The major looked over to the Germans. "This is territory claimed by the Soviet Union, and you are thus their prisoners." Major Lewis raised an eyebrow. "If you would like to rescind your surrender, please let us know so we can respond accordingly." The major loudly reloaded his weapon while apparently waiting for a response.

Arthur hoped the Major was kidding. It was against all he held dear to allow prisoners to be shot in cold blood but then after hearing some of the stories of what the soviets did to prisoners it might actually be the lesser of the two evils.

Seeing there was not going to be violence between the the two groups he stood up from his cover making sure all saw the red cross on his medical kit.

He looked towards the Soviet commander " sir are any of your group injured in anyway? I would be more than happy to treat them while you and the Major discuss your next steps"

Yelena, ever the good soldier and excellent lookout, pulled out her field glasses as the officers chatted. There wasn't a lot to see right now, but there also wasn't much else for her to do at the moment. Her rifle was held loosely in her left hand in case it was suddenly necessary to shoot a fascist.

"Rather courteous of you major, thank you" Zholdin replied with a quick nod.  "And why yes, I do believe I heard something to that effect."

Switching to German, Zholdin's expression because positively lupine as he rounded on the German "Do you hear that my friend?  I'm afraid that the Americans won't save you this time.  So if I were you, I'd make myself absolutely indispensable, otherwise I'm sure that a few of my comrades would love to have words with you..."

Turning to face Arthur, Zholdin smiled and spoke once more in English.  "How kind of you friend, but no, we're all more or less in one piece here."

Moving this along....

---

Once Kapitan Konnikov arrived with the rest of the BPO company, the OSI platoon couldn't help but notice that the Russians outnumbered them 1:4. The German POWs meekly protested against the decision, but Konnikov pointed at three men to guard the prisoners, and the rest of the men - and women! - marched North until they arrived at a few brick-and-mortar long storage houses. It would provide a roof for the night and they could continue on tomorrow, at first light.
The men were all exhausted already, but they know that time may be running out to catch their prey. They looked toward Lewis to make a decision.

seeing that his services weren't needed he moved back to Max side " sir if we are to press on tonight could I suggest the men get at least an hours rest before setting out"

Major Lewis nodded. "Let's set up watches and get some rest." He looked over to their new Soviet escorts. "Unless you think we will be under fire in the morning."

Translated by Politruk Yevgenievich, Konnikov replied: "I believe we'll be fine."

The night was quiet.
Well, as quiet as a night could be in a city under attack. In the distance, the rumble of artillery barrages could be heard throughout the night. But here, close to the Olympic stadium of the games of '36, there was no fighting, no attacks. No shells landed to disturb the rest of the Allied soldiers.

Just before sunrise, the officers roused the enlisted men to action. A quick breakfast, a last check of guns being loaded and equipment properly stowed later, the allies continued their march, with the Western allies in the center between a Russian vanguard and rear-guard.

The sky was still pink, slowly turning into blue, as they arrived at the outskirts of the Olympic park. It would be a leisurely walk to the stadium, maybe 30 minutes. If they were to have a leisurely walk.

The Russians up ahead had spotted two artillery pieces, 88's, stationed close to the stadium, but pointing North. Clearly, the Nazis had turned the field hospital into a fortified position. If it still was a field hospital at all. The stadium could easily house a full division, after all.

---

Lena was exhausted. She had been up for as long as she could, but finally had fallen asleep. Where were the people who were supposed to pick her up? Should she go anywhere? She tried remembering the last message, if she maybe had misinterpreted anything? But no, it had been too short, too much to the point. And it had been very clear that it would be the last message she would receive.

Not knowing what else to do, Lena opted to go back to the field hospital.  She did something she should have done before and disposed of her radio.  The longer it took them to figure out they'd had a spy after the fact, the better.

She threw together what few things would be useful in her small valise.  She had that German field knife and the small pistol she'd procured while she was here.  Most of the rest of it were a few small things like a pencil case and a couple of non-uniform sets of clothing and shoes.  She had made a decision.

She was not fucking that Nazi shitbird ever again.  She would go to the field hospital again today, and eventually, she would vanish, and hope she found any non-Russian soldiers to surrender to.  If the Russians found her, they found her.  That wouldn't be the worst outcome it would just be less optimal.  In less words, she was going to bug out.

But for now, she might as well get the casualties who had expired during the night out of the way and start re-triaging.  No one was coming.  The only decent thing she knew to do was see if anyone could be helped.  Spy or not it wasn't too much to ask was it.

She also looked upon the artillery pieces.  Those made her nervous.  As soon as those things became manned and operational, it might be time to leave.  The insanity of putting a gigantic target for the Commies at a hospital still vexed her.  Lena wished she had a couple of grenades, it would be nice to actually disable those, but beggars and choosers don't ride the same horses, as her father used to say even years after he'd mastered English.

Klaus still hung around the field hospital. Apparently, he had no clear orders on what to do when the artillery pieces had been set up and had no intention of trying to get new orders.

Lena found him wrapping rags and used bandages into a ball. A tedious task with one hand, and a grim sight due to blood stains. But she also saw a few boys of the Hitler Youth standing nearby and watching him, anxious for the ball to be ready.

It was still early in the day.

( Giving the soldiers a chance to respond to their part too )

Max gave everyone a chance to look at the artillery pieces and the hospital, then waved them around the side of a nearby building. He addressed the Soviet officers. "Seems likely this position is defended. Thoughts on how to approach?"

The major was as concerned with accidental crossfire as he was with Axis soldiers. Even something seemingly as simple as this could go wrong without some sort of planning.

Konnikov looked through the binoculars, then said something in Russian.

Zholdin translated a moment later.

"These artillery pieces are pointing away from us and are not manned. There are no guards to be seen. Could be a trap. Who are you looking for again, here?"

"We are looking for a nurse that is quite sympathetic to our cause. She should be here." Max gestured in the general direction of the hospital.

"My team can infiltrate the building while you keep the perimeter?" Max offered what he hoped was a reasonable suggestion and one that wouldn't lead to a friendly fire incident.

Konnikov waited for the translation, then nodded. He turned to Zholdin and fired off some Russian, then smiled broadly at Lewis.

Giving his CO a nod, Zholdin turned to the American and smiled before speaking in English "Major, the Kapitan would like the third platoon and myself to accompany you.  Something about the spirit of co-operation between allies and what have you."

Arthur studied the hospital from his vantage point ignoring the guns at the perimeter. He was looking for clues to the layout from looking at the building, the entrance would be obvious and beyond that the reception. from there he studied the windows to see if any looked to be offices, wards or theatres

Max nodded at the request. "Seems reasonable to me. My biggest concern is avoiding any sort of friendly fire incident between allies. Perhaps we should intermix a few company members to make such an incident less likely? Our nurse may also respond better to fellow Americans."

In reply to Arthur Randel (msg # 88):



The Olympic stadium lay quiet in the light  of this spring morning. There were multiple entrances to the premise, but it was unclear which might be barricaded and which might be fine to approach.
It was, definitely, an odd choice for a field hospital.

In reply to Max Lewis (msg # 89):

After Zholdin had translated, Konnikov shrugged and nodded. "Da."

Then he yelled something in Russian and a grim-looking Soviet lieutenant joined the group, saluting.
Konnikov gave the men his orders and the lieutenant grinned. It was a wolf's grin, of someone itching for a fight.

The Russian captain asked Zholdin to translate again.
[Language unknown:  "Sewincss Evestaomeore Houureherine i witwitwil llmiic, at les? Heceal chei tha wantar. Aiear Yiniou'ardwhe un Sanandenc ndess tiulre i beos ndwhiv com wh ortndeles. Erchlo our ameek? Onsei ivad wilno nt evndou aindinast orewhetho ilday ithardnti ess il Ekceio Sheiouure sanol tra."]

He smiled, warmly, at Lewis.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

[Language unknown: "Dayha Oerntihis m rockmi he leslinshe Utnosa."]  Waving over one of the Leytenants, Zholdin quickly continued [Language unknown: "Rolaho, pro se Dius'caul Ncpestek pr atwiho aiolte, atearerat ce he dihichro rutectear n rat noteauest.  Theaveons tincomset se ck evsess ssstla ei."]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

Major Lewis nodded. "Okay, Randel - with me. Murphy and Jones, join the other group. Remember how to make contact."

Having given the orders, Major Lewis waited to see if there were any other necessary arrangements before they moved out.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

((Assuming we're good to go, then and all the player characters are in the first group moving toward the stadium.))

The Soviet third platoon with their US/British attachments move forward, slowly at first, but then the Soviet CO - Strelnikov - barks something in Russian and the whole platoon picks up the pace, with two of them sprinting forward and to the left. Not enough to constitute a flanking maneuver, but possibly to set up an MG or sniping position.
It comes as somewhat of a surprise to the OSI troopers, but they quickly catch up with the rest again.

Another yell from Strelnikov and a squad of six Russians peels off from the main group, veering right, towards the artillery outside the stadium.

The rest of the Soviet company follows more slowly, carefully observing what's going to happen. There are no shots fired yet, no challenges made.

((Alright, everybody give me a Notice roll and let me know if you're doing anything specific. Everybody is outside the stadium right now, Lena watching Klaus playing football with the boys, the rest is closing quickly the distance.))

When Strelnikov barked at Yelena to find a nice position, she moved quickly to do so. She worked in a two person team as she'd always done, though in this case her partner was better equipped to deal with whatever they might find.

As was her custom, Yelena pulled out her field glasses to survey the area.

OOC: Yelena tries to find a hidden vantage point where she can provide support if necessary.

7 Notice

15:46, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 3,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

((Do you want to cover the main assault or the squad checking out the artillery))

OOC: Sorry, thought I'd already replied.

Yelena will cover the main assault if she has to choose. As she has a partner, a vantage point from where we can observe both would be ideal.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Max keeps his eyes open and weapon at the ready. There was a reason that OSI was here and not just an ordinary detachment of soldiers.

((OOC:
11:50, Today: Max Lewis rolled 6,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Notice.))

Zholdin took up a position with the combined squad, preparing for the coming assault.  From his vantage point towards the back, he was relatively safe.  Well, as safe as anyone about to assault a fortified position could be at any rate.

Zholdin Yevgenievich rolled 8 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Notice.

((A modern look at the area))




The Allies pick up the pace, their route mirroring the run of the bearer of the Olympic torch in 1936.
They climb the rampart to the Mayfield - the large grass area where the football games of 1936 were played. Across the field lies the entrance of the stadium.
Yelena keeps running towards the bell tower - it should provide ample visibility across the field, potentially right into the stadium itself.

Strelnikov looks after her, counting to 100, giving her a chance to take up a sniping position at the top of the tower.

The tower's door is unlocked and easily swings open. Nothing is heard or seen inside, but Yelena and her spotter climb the stairs with trepidation. If somebody was up there and heard them... all it would take would be a grenade to take them out.

But no challenge comes, not even as they enter the bell chamber. It's such a perfect spot to keep a watch that you hesitate for a second, looking for the traps that are bound to be there.
Then there's a commotion from below and Yelena looks down the window. Strelnikov gave the order and the Russian platoon surges forward over the Mayfield - a large open field, void of any cover.

Yelena brings up her rifle and stares down the scope. Her spotter trains her binoculars around the area, too. There are German troops running aimlessly around in front of the stadium. There seems to be no purpose. It takes a second to register that they're playing an early morning game of football.

---

Arthur and Ralph feel a mix of surprise and horror. Ralph has seen mass assaults like this before, but it had always been masses of Japanese soldiers rushing into American MG fire. Arthur has never seen anything like it.
But the Soviets storm forward as if it was a race, either ignorant about the potential danger or not caring at all.

---

Close to the stadium entrance, Lena is about to turn around and go back inside when she sees... something in the East, close to the bell tower. Movement, people running, but it's hard to tell what's going on.
Just as she thinks about saying something, Klaus stops running, shielding his eyes against the rising sun. Then he starts shouting in alarm, gesticulating with his good arm.

---

One of the players stops and looks toward Yelena's comrades rushing closer. Through her scope she can see him quite clearly, his left arm resting in a sling. He's not wearing a coat and his pants don't seem to have an officer's stripe. But he starts shouting and gesticulating with his hands.

((giving all y'all time to react))

Arthur was surprised, horrified and intrigued all at once. He watched the Russians run head long across the open space and gripped his gun harder than he realised.

He looked towards Max for orders, his gut instinct was to move forward, if the firing started he would be needed to tend the wounded, something he couldn't do from the rear.

"Sir" he whispered loudly towards Max " permission to move forward to tend any wounded"

Yelena's trained eye picked out the person who seemed to be in charge. She took a slow breath and let it out while centering the man in her scope. At a moment he seemed to be about to stay put for two consecutive heartbeats, the sniper pulled the trigger.

OOC: 21 damage, including the drop. I think I forgot trademark weapon (does that add damage? If so, 22 damage). This is AP2, though I imagine footballers have little enough armor except perhaps on their shins.

17:36, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 21 using 2d8+5+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,4.  Damage (AP2).

17:35, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 12,4 using d10+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 9,1.  Sniper! (LR,Mkmn,Drp,TM weapon).

Max nodded at Arthur's request. "Permission Granted."

Arthur used as much cover as he could and moved forward but stayed far enough behind the others so as not to hinder or be in a blast radius of any unwanted grenades once the firing started

Yelena felt the push of her trusted rifle against her shoulder - and a few instants later, her target went down.

---

Was that the Allies coming for her? Or just the first units of the Soviet assault? Lena hesitated for a moment - and then Klaus was rocked back from a bullet hit. He half-turned toward her, with an incredulous look on his face as he fell against the wall and then sunk down to the floor. Blood gushed from a wound just under his throat.

Behind her, someone opened fire in the general direction of the assault. She registered the noise as a hand-held submachine gun, completely inadequate for the task, especially at this distance.

Well.  If she were waiting for a cue, that was it.  Lena opted to just run.  She'd positioned her few things ahead of time anyway.  She was getting the hell out of here.  No one could blame her.  Well they could, but it was great cover.

((Which way are you running? Back inside or towards the enemy soldiers?))

Stupid as it sounds, Lena is trying to get out of the facility, which she figures is about to get flattened, and look for a position to go looking for Allied soldiers.

((From where you are right now - you can run toward the bell tower (and the attackers) or back inside and try to get out through one of the side entrances and slip away.))

The latter is more what I had in mind, take advantage of the chaos to grab Lena's bug out kit and go!

Both Arthur and Yelena saw a figure dart back into the building, but Yelena could make out a lot more detail through her scope: judging by her dress, she seemed to be a nurse.
Then she noticed the muzzle flashes, but the shooter couldn't be made out right now. Somebody was firing on their approaching comrades.
The other soccer players panicked. Some running towards the entrance of the stadium, some running away. A few remained frozen in their place.

Arthur saw the muzzle flashes too up ahead in the distance. Somebody was hiding behind a barricade in the entrance, opening fire at the troops. It seemed to be one soldier only, for now at least, and no match for a full Soviet platoon.

---

Lena ran past a group of five Hitler Youth huddled down behind a makeshift barricade of a gurney, trashcans and a curtain draped between two coatstands. It looked as if the boys had tried to build a fort in their mom's living room.
One of the kids was "aiming" a MP40 through a hole in the curtain, blindly pulling the trigger. It's a miracle that he hadn't hit her. The other Hitler Youths who were playing soccer outside just a minute ago, would be in more danger than the approaching enemy.
Two others were crouched over a Panzerfaust, yelling and arguing about how the anti-tank-weapon was supposed to be used.

Lena sucked in a breath.  She knew this was Not Smart but... damn it.  She stopped.

First thing, she had to get that submachine gun away from them, they obviously had just been handed something they had no idea how to actually use.  Not that other things in here weren't dangerous, but this was the item most likely to get one or all of them killed.  What could a soldier do but defend himself when fired upon?

"Oh good, you found the Colonel's rifle!  Excellent work!  He has sent me to collect it."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

Arthur saw the rifle shots and then the figure of a woman stop running and talk to someone behind what looked like make shift cover.

Keeping low Arthur ran towards the woman, she didn't look to be a soldier and was possibly a nurse in which case she might be in danger of getting shot hoping to grab her by the arm and pull her to the ground out of line of any cross fire

((You're still a way off, but if you want to run faster and overtake the Russians, you can give that a try - roll Agility))

The boys gawked at her, only the one at the MP kept firing until one of the others slapped knocked his fist against the back of his oversized helmet.

"Hey, you stupid...", the shooter began, turning around and then seeing Lena.

The oldest boy of the bunch, stood up and saluted with all the arrogance and courage his 14 years could muster. "You must be mistaken, miss. This is..." he hesitated "SS-Mann Gruber's MP40."

"We got it off one of the deads yesterday." one of the panzerfaust boys added, his tone sheepish.

Gruber nodded grimly. "You don't have to be afraid, miss. We will protect you from the Russian ... racepists." He hesitated for half a breath, obviously not yet familiar with the concept of what he was mispronouncing.

Arthur put on a bit of a spurt to try and get in front of the Russians so he could get the lady into cover before they were in range to open up

19:35, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 11,5 using D6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,5.  agility

"Well the Colonel certainly doesn't seem to think so.  He sent me to fetch it and to tell you men to go over to the stores and get the hand grenades."  Lena responded, not missing a beat.  It was complete horse hockey of course, but she hoped the prospect of getting to play with hand grenades was tempting.

((Lena: Give me a persuasion roll))



Arthur, sprinted forward. Without holding his weapon at least somewhat at the ready to start shooting he first began to gain, then reach and finally overtake the Russians in front of him. They started shouting in Russian, but he couldn't tell what they were yelling. One of the Russians chased after Arthur and ran beside him, careless as if they were running on a racetrack. He laughed and shouted something over at Arthur, but the wind carried his words away - not that Arthur would've understood it anyway.

((I'll give Lena a chance to roll and react to the two men closing in fast))

---

Yelena cursed, the angle wasn't as great as she had hoped. Her spotter tapped her should and she followed the pointing finger - there was one of her comrades engaged in a foot race against one of the British... and apparently he was losing, too!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:01, Tue 19 Jan 2021.

10:21, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 3,3 using d6+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Persuasion.

womp womp, well, 1 bennie left, let's use it to see if we can't save these goobers from themselves

10:21, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 5,8 using d6+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7.  last benny.

Yelena tracked the footrace with her scope, but didn't see anything there that would cause her to need to take action.

((14:02, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Smarts
Stupid boys being stupid.
))

The boys' eyes lit up. "Grenades? Those are neat! We got to throw them into the lake last summer when we were in camp!"

The one they had called Gruber didn't seem quite convinced. "Are you sure...? This is fun, too."
One of them hit Gruber into the shoulder and he handed the MP40 over. "Where are the grenades?"

Suddenly, there was shouting. To SS-men, Willmann and Lieutenant Burger himself led a group of boys down the corridor towards Lena - and probably beyond, to engage the attacking enemy. A few older men, old enough to be their fathers or even grandfathers lagged behind, doing their best to let their lack of motivation show too much. Most of them were armed with the new Volkskarabiner - a cheap, simplified version of the Wehrmacht's main rifle.

Arthur and his Russian comrade entered the long hall on the other side. The rest of the platoon was still a few seconds away. They saw a makeshift barricade made - apparently - from flipped gurneys, trashcans coathangers and a curtain. Next to it, a few boys, one of them handing an MP40 to a woman dressed like a nurse. Way behind on the other side, coming from the inner part of the stadium, a squad of people were running towards them.

---

Yelena still didn't have eyes on what was going on on the sides of the open hallway, hidden underneath the slight overhang. But she could see the two men from her side enter the hall.
Midway through to the stadium, she could see the nurse, and through her scope she could see a hand holding out an MP40, seemingly offering it to the nurse. Her spotter tapped her shoulder and she followed the hallway further - there was a quad of men storming towards the exit, all armed with rifles or sub machine guns.
Well, boys and old men. Volkssturm. A moment ago, she had had no target in sight... now she had plenty to choose from.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Tue 19 Jan 2021.

Yelena observed the exchange of MP40 to the woman the sniper had mentally categorized as 'noncombatant'. She still probably was, and Yelena had plenty of men running about to focus on.

She focused not on the lead person, but one of those directly behind him. Splitting the group up often led to the greatest amount of confusion. The blonde paused a moment, exhaled, then pulled the trigger.

OOC: Not sure what the exact modifiers are, so I didn't add any except for Trademark Weapon. As a reminder, she has Trademark Weapon and Marksman.

To-hit roll is a 9. If bonuses and penalties cancel out (or better), the she hits again with a raise. If penalties are -2 or worse, there is no raise and only 8 damage.

If she gets the drop, then she has a raise and 17 damage.

All damage is AP2.

10:20, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 13 using 2d8+1+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1,5.  Damage (AP2).

10:19, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 7,9 using d10+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+2)8.  Sniping!

Arthur turned into the tunnel in ti. E to see the nurse talking to some boys he pushed to image of the Russian at his side out of his mind and concentrated on getting to the nurse and getting her into cover before the rest of the Russians turned up and shot everyone in sight

There's the sound of another rifle shot coming from behind Arthur. The bullet finds a target - a maybe 50-year man fell backwards, the men behind them to stumble and duck down into cover.
The younger boys up front seem oblivious as they charge forward.

Gruber hesitates with the MP40 in mid-air, looking left and right as if he was about to cross the street.
The panzerfaust boys bend down and heave the anti-tank weapon back up.

((Draw for Initiative))

20:17, Today: Arthur Randel drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.  initiative .

OOC: I assume that call for initiative was for everyone...

18:47, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: 10S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

18:47, Today: Yelena Malkin drew the single card: 8H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

06:09, Today: Lena Vogt drew the single card: 10C using a deck of 54 cards.

((4:51, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, drew the single card: 3C using the Deadlands system.  Volkssturm initiative

All of all you all go before the Volkssturm
Arthur: KD
Max Lewis: 10S
Lena: 10C
Yelena: 8H
Volkssturm: 3C


Arthur, you're up!))


Here's the situation in a very rough map, the allies are coming from the right. The left side opens into the stadium.
The lines are the concrete walls; the dotted lines are the overhanging roof (so invisible to Yelena), the line next to the youths next to Lena is the little barricade they built.
Arthur just entered the tunnel, the Russian is a few paces behind him. This is extreme range for Yelena, between Arthur and the enemies at the end it's about 40 inches, Lena is roughly in the middle.

The other Russians and allies (including Max Lewis)storming the stadium are still a few rounds away - I'll allow an action for Zholdin and Max to spur their men on and close in a bit quicker.
I hope that clears it up :-)


______________________________________________________________


--------------------------------------------------------------
HH
HH   HHH                                                  A
HH   HHH                                                     R
HH                          L
--------------------------------------------------------------
                          HHHHH |
______________________________________________________________

Arthur darts towards the woman near the youths. He shouted to her to find cover then moved as fast as he could to her side rifle at the ready, he didn't want to use it on kids but if they fired then he'd have to defend himself and the woman
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

Max fell in behind the movements of the Soviets. He wasn't in command of the squad here, and would have a difficult time giving commands without an interpreter even if he was.

OOC: I'm not sure exactly where Max is at, but his goal is to see to Lena's safety and ensure there aren't any friendly fire incidents.

(( Give me a d6 roll for running and don't forget to draw initiative at the end of your round

Lena, you're up!))

Max hustled to keep up, and had his eyes and ears open as he moved.

OOC:
11:20, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: JC using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

11:20, Today: Max Lewis rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Running!

So, hilarious OOC question, is the goober with the MP40 right in front of me?  Like arm's length away?  Because I have an idea

Lena called out to the (armed?) youth in a (feigned) panic.  "Oh no!  Die magazin, quickly!"  She reached out to accept it, although that didn't make any sense, she was hoping clear directions in a moment of panic would be followed.  At least that would limit what he could do to a single shot.

So I'm going to call this a Smarts Trick?

11:49, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Smarts

lol well he might fail against the 3 you never know

11:50, Today: Lena Vogt drew the single card: 6S using a deck of 54 cards.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

((10:08, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, rolled 1 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Smarts

Well... would you look at that.

))

Gruber looks at Lena, puzzled, then pulls an extra clip from his back pocket, offering it to her as well.

Lena quickly reached out and grasped the offered ammunition.

Assuming that's a free action and the extent to which I can act in a single round.

((That's fine!

Yelena - you're up!
Arthur: running die and initiative, please.
Zholdin: If you want to influence when the Russians show up, you can roll either Intimidation or Persuasion))

Yelena smiled slightly at the chaos she'd already caused within the ranks of the fascists. It appeared there was another opportunity to do so, though it would take a moment for her to be able to properly aim at that distance. The sniper peered through her scope at the exchange between nurse and Nazi, then targeted the latter.

OOC: Spending the round aiming, since this is Extreme Range for Yelena.

Init is 2C.

07:27, Today: Yelena Malkin drew the single card: 2C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative .

Zholdin Yevgenievich rolled 5,3 using 1d4+2,1d6+2, rerolling max ((3,1))

At least that's a success on the Intimidation!

((Ghosting Arthur:
09:49, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Arthur Randel, rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Running
09:50, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Arthur Randel, drew the single card: AH
09:59, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Zholdin Yevgenievich, drew the single card: 5H
09:51, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Volkssturm, drew the single card: 9H))


Lena has now a half(?) loaded MP40 and an extra magazine to load into the gun.
To her right, the Hitler Youth lead by their teenage lieutenant keeps running down the corridor towards her (and probably beyond). The older men of the Volkssturm keep huddling at the end and slowly retreat back around the corner and into the stadium, dragging their wounded comrade back with them.

To Lena's left, a man in what is now clearly recognizable as a British uniform runs closer to her as well, trailed by a Russian man, who's pace slows considerably as he seems to process the situation he's in, ducking to the side against the wall.
Behind him, Max and a few of the Russians manage a view into the tunnel entrance.

The two boys with the Panzerfaust seize their quarreling, and one heaves it on his shoulder, bringing it to bear down at the entrance of the tunnel. With no other obvious target, he seems to focus on Arthur.


((Nice work, Yelena, you removed half the enemy combatants

Initiative!
Arthur: AH (Now 11" away from Lena and the boys behind the curtain, 22" from the Hitler Youth reinforcements)
Max:    JC (40" from Lena, 51" from the back)
Enemy:  9H (22" to Arthur, 28" to the Lone Russian)
Lena:   6S (11" to the reinforcements, the others are right there.)
Zholdin:5H (I'll put you next to Max, so 40" from Lena, 51" from the back)
Yelena: 2C (Still Extreme Range for you, but you aimed last round. Base penalty is -6 due to your scope.)


Arthur, you're up!!

Don't forget to add your initiative cards after your action.

))

Arthur could feel his lungs burning from the headlong run and sees the two youths bring up the weapon to bear on him.

Not wanting to stop but knowing he will probably not hit and really didnt want to add killing a child to his list it was bad enough hitting an old man senseless.

with that in mind he brought his rifle up and let off a shot to make them drop back down behind their makeshift cover

20:06, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 6,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+2)6,4.  shooting.

((While we wait for Arthur to clarify his action: Max, what's your action?))

((Arthur sent me a PM and based on this - he's basically going for a Suppressive Fire action against the barricade - focusing his fire there means Lena is just outside the hail of bullets coming her way, but I'd like to get a spirit roll from her to see if she keeps her cool.

There are 5 boys behind the barricade, Gruber with his MP40, the two boys with the Panzerfaust and another two who were egging Gruber on.

All of them are Distracted, meaning they all subtract 2 from all Trait rolls until the end of their next turn.

Arthur also hits three - so that'll be three damage rolls, please. You can't really see anybody behind the barricade/curtain except Gruber (who's half-visible, standing next to the nurse and handing her his MP40. I'll apply hits randomly.

))

10:16, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 5 using 2d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  damage.

10:18, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 6 using 2d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  damage.

10:17, Today: Arthur Randel rolled 6 using 2d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4

((11:38, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Arthur Randel, rolled 10 using 3d5 ((3,3,4))))

Arthur's sten gun sputters forth a hail of bullets that rip the curtain to shreds, revealing the boys hiding behind them. The boys duck, but one of them is too slow, getting hit in the chest and shoulder, falling backward, while the one shouldering the Panzerfaust cries out in pain and staggers backward, his right arm hanging useless at his side.

((Arthur spent 15 bullets of his 32 - Max, you're up!))
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:12, Sun 07 Feb 2021.

12:52, Today: Arthur Randel drew the single card: 7C using a deck of 54 cards.  initiative

09:09, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Being Shot At.

Lena realized in horror the Allies were shooting at her.  She'd assumed her cover way too well!

Max continued to double-time toward the enemy combatants and the American spy they needed to retrieve.

OOC: I think Max is still largely out of range? If so, he will continue his movements to get closer.


13:55, Today: Max Lewis rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Running.

What a great roll.


13:55, Today: Max Lewis drew the single card: 7H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative .

((Max goes for a little jog, then...

Does the wounded boy unshake?
12:29, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, rolled 5 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Spirit roll to Unshake.
Yes, yes he does.

How far does the other group run?
12:33, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Group running
))


The boys next to Lena cry out in pain or alarm - but there's only the slightest hint of fear, if any. The wounded boy shifts the Panzerfaust unto his other shoulder and gets back up.
[Language unknown:
"Poset e ame il!"] he shouts at the other boys and one of them helps him stabilize it, preparing to fire it the next round.

The leader of the Hitler Youth rushing forward yells: [Language unknown: "NIAIAD YIN PLOMIC!"] and they rush forward, almost closing the distance to Lena.

(( 12:34, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, drew the single card: 7H using the Deadlands system

Lena, you're up - you're Distracted, your rolls are at -2 until your next action.

))

Well, Lena didn't know what else to do at this point, so she did the professional thing and maintained cover.  Lena Vogt was a civilian nurse who was unremarkable except for her relationship with an SS officer.  She also wasn't above taking advantage of social expectations.  If they reduced her identity to 'the woman', she would play 'the woman', to her utter tactical advantage.

It wouldn't do much for her dignity however.  If she had a moment she'd have crossed herself right about now, but she didn't.

Lena screamed in panic, dropping the weapon she'd just confiscated because that was as a good of a way to decommission it as any at this point, and it would just slow her down.  And she ran away in fright because, well, it played into their expectations, and honestly she thought it was worth trying anyway because this whole thing had gone pear shaped.

Yeah I got nothin' brilliant, time to beat feet.
09:49, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Run Away!
09:49, Today: Lena Vogt drew the single card: 10C using a deck of 54 cards.

((Zholdin: Give me another roll of Intimidation or Persuasion to spur your men on - on a success, you and 1d4 Russians will enter the tunnel. On a raise, you got 1d6+2 soldiers with you.

Yelena - you're own. With Lena running away (regardless of direction), and Arthur still a few inches away, you got targets to pick from))

It didn't take too much convincing to get the men to follow Zholdin.  That was to say, they scrambled to obey his orders, afraid of what would happen if they didn't.  Likely a side effect of being both a commissar and a psionik.

Zholdin Yevgenievich rolled 6,4 using 1d6+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Intimidation.

Zholdin Yevgenievich drew the single card: JC using a deck of 54 cards
This message was last edited by the player at 10:50, Sun 14 Feb 2021.

Yelena took another shot at any gathering of fascists she could see. Unfortunately, it was really, really far away. Hopefully the sound of a bullet smashing into the ground would have the cause of scattering the Nazis and/or causing some degree of fear.

OOC: Clean miss, but hopefully these green troops will scatter anyway?


09:24, Today: Yelena Malkin drew the single card: 5S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative .

09:24, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled -1,-1 using d10-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Shooting (XR,Scp,Mksm,Sig).

Order of initiative:
Zholdin:    JC (A squad of 5 Russian soldiers go with you. You're all 28" away from the Germans. Arthur and Lena are between you and them, though.)
Lena:      10C (You moved 6 inches toward Arthur, are 5 away. You're at -2 to your rolls until after your action)
Volkssturm: 7H
Max:        7H (30" away from the Germans. You got a bunch of Russians, Arthur and Lena between them and you)
Arthur:     7C (5 inches away from Lena, 11 from the Germans)
Yelena:     5S (Extreme Range, I'm assuming you're aiming)



The entrance tunnel erupts into violence. Bullets fly and rip the curtain apart, the Hitler Youth storm forward, unphased by the impeding danger. The older men of the Volkssturm are no-where to be seen. The German nurse panics and runs toward the allies, despite the screams and yells of the Hitler Youth to come back to safety.



Zholdin is up!

OOC: Yelena will be aiming again on her turn, yes.

Zholdin and the Soviets ran forward, attempting to close the gap between themselves and the Germans, seemingly unphased by the prospect of any potential shooting.

Zholdin Yevgenievich rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8.  Run.

Forgot to turn off exploding 6s, so 6, not 8.  Still, not too shabby.

Zholdin Yevgenievich drew the single card: AS using a deck of 54 cards
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Mon 15 Feb 2021.

The worthless nurse screamed and panicked and ran some more.

Yeah I got nothing lol

Same deal, this is actually a 6 - 13:12, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 10 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10.  Run Away!

((That takes Lena behind Arthur))

"SHOOT THE IVANS!!" the leader of the Hitler Youth yells and drops do his knees. The kids pull up their rifles and fire them at Arthur and the Russians

NPC Hitler Youth, rolled 25 using 6d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,(4+3)7,2,(4+3)7,(4+1)5

That's three hits and three misses. Rolling a d7 - Arthur, you're 1, Zholdin is 2, the other Russians are 3-7.
7,4,4

Damage rolls of 28 against the first and 14 and 11 against the second.

They're all fighting against the recoil and will be at -2 to shooting next round



A bullet whizzes past Lena, so close that she can almost feel it. "THE IVANS, YOU IDIOTS! NOT THE WOMAN!" the HJ leader yells behind her, his voice breaking into a shriek.

Most of the bullets only hit the concrete floor or walls or go high, but one of the Russians is hit right through the eye, his head exploding as he falls backward. Another is hit twice, first into his leg and then his chest before he slumps down.

The boys with the Panzerfaust are desperately bringing up their anti-tank gun and point it into the mass of bodies before them.
"AUS DEM WEG FRÄULEIN!" one of them screams as they take aim.

17:40, Today: Warmaster, for the NPC Hitler Youth, drew the single card: 4C using the Deadlands system.  Initiative

Max is up, then Arthur!


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:41, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

Arthur kept running forward then as the nurse passed him he grabbed her and pushed her against the wall turning his back to the gun fire to shield the woman " Miss, Miss are you hurt" he shouted over the noise of the battle

Seeing Arthur tending to the running nurse, Max continued to move in behind the Soviet troops. He had his Garand in hand, but there wasn't much in the way of a clear shot for him.

OOC: At least I don't think Max has a clear shot at this point. If he does, he would try to take out one of the armed Germans.

Lena screamed and struggled valiantly.  ""
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

Max stays moves forward, but there are too many bodies between him and the Germans Bullets wizz through the air and then he sees Arthur grab one of the nurses, pressing her against the wall, taking her out of the line of fire and shielding her with his body.
That took care of two, at least.

The four battle-hardened Russians now faced off against half a dozen or so children armed with rifles and one Panzerfaust, which was trained on the group of Russians in front of them. But to bring it to bear, the pair of Germans readying the anti-tank-weapon had stepped out from under the concrete roof, and are now another potential target for Yelena...


(And another rather eventful round ends.
Drawing initiative for the folks who didn't:
10:26, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Arthur Randel, drew the single card: 2D using the Deadlands system.
10:27, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Lena Vogt, drew the single card: 3D using the Deadlands system.
10:28, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Julius Sykes, drew the single card: 10H using the Deadlands system.
10:28, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of Ralph Jenden, drew the single card: 10S using the Deadlands system.


Order of initiative:

Max:          On Hold (24" away from the Germans)

Zholdin:      AC (Still got 3 Russians with you!) (22" away from your targets)
Yelena:       KS
Hitler Youth: 4C
Lena:         3D (12" from the Germans, but against the wall)
Arthur:       2D (12" from the Germans, but against the wall)

In the back: (Both of you are too far away from the action right now, but wanted to bring you in. Jules, you're back at the foot of the bell tower, where one of the Russian lady snipers has set up a firing position. Ralph, you're out in the open, between the tower and the stadium. On your right, a small squad of Russians has been advancing on a pair off 88's FLAKs set up as artillery, facing North (so away from you).
Ralph:       10S
Jules:       10H


Zholdin, you and your squad are up!

)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

OOC: I think Yelena still has to draw initiative after an aim maneuver.

13:07, Today: Yelena Malkin drew the single card: KS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative .

Let me know if there's anyone important she can hit. Otherwise random fascist will do.

((Added your initiative into the post above. You goz plenty of targets to choose from - the six boys in the middle and their leader or the two boys with the panzerfaust.))

Zholdin and the Soviets continued to close the distance between themselves, the Red Army soldier's SMGs putting out a withering hail of fire towards the Germans.  For his part, Zholdin didn't draw the sidearm holstered at his side, instead, he simply glanced at the young man shouldering the panzerfaust and made a brief slashing gesture with his arm.


Zholdin Yevgenievich rolled 4,4 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Bolt.
Zholdin Yevgenievich rolled 11 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Bolt Damage.

The front boy holding the panzerfaust cries out in pain and falls backward, with the second guy behind him desperately trying (and failing) to hold onto the panzerfaust just by himself

The three Russians raise their papasha and fill the air with lead.

((21:25, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of BPO Company, rolled 16,17,16 using 3d8,3d8,3d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1,(8+1)9,(8+3)11,5,1,3,7,6

First: two hits
Second: two hits, one raise
Third: Two hits

Damage rolls:21:30, Today: Warmaster, on behalf of BPO Company, rolled 20,12,11,9,5,12 using 2d6,2d6,3d6,2d6,2d6,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+6+5)17,(6+4)10,2,1,5,5,5,4,1,4,5,(6+1)7.
))

The bullets rip through the Hitler Youth, ripping the six boys to shreds. They fall to the side like puppets. A single one crawls away, his leg bleeding

((Yelena: you got 2 possible targets - the second guy with the panzerfaust or the wounded one crawling away. And you're up!))

Yelena focused on a fascist with a rocket launcher, slowly exhaled, and let fly. She was pleased when the bullet struck true. Hopefully that would save the lives of some of those in her platoon.

OOC: Shooting at the remaining guy with the panzerfaust.

14 to hit after all the maluses. Not sure if she gets the drop on something like this.

18 damage if no drop, 22 damage if yes.

AC next round.

12:56, Today: Yelena Malkin drew the single card: AC using a deck of 54 cards with rolls of .  Initiative .

12:55, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 18 using 2d8+2+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,7,4.  Damage (AP2).

12:54, Today: Yelena Malkin rolled 5,14 using d10-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(6+6+5)17.  Shooting (XR,Scp,Mksm,Sig).

Just as it seems that he'll be able to bring the panzerfaust back up to bear on the Russian soldiers, the back of his head explodes in a shower of blood and bone.

The four remaining boys cower on the floor, hands raised and scream [Language unknown: "A UGHERSTHIHOU! A ONEMANTHEATI!"]


((Lena, then Arthur: Your turn(s)))

"[Language unknown: Est p a lo ic!]"  The terrified nurse screamed as she attempted to stomp on the invading soldier's foot with her own.

lol I'm so sorry Arthur but I'm a spy maintaining a legend XD

Thankfully I'm terrible at hand to hand combat

17:17, Today: Lena Vogt rolled 3,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Fighting.

Whew that's a miss!

17:17, Today: Lena Vogt drew the single card: 6S using the Deadlands system.

Arthur cursed under his breath as the nurse he was trying to save stamped on his foot thankfully good old British workmanship and hard leather deflected any damage that might have occurred.

Still leaning over her with his body between her and the youths "Please I'm not the enemy " he whispered next to her ear through gritted teeth at the same time bringing one of his medical kit pouches into view so she could see he was a field medic


ooc


19:30, Today: Arthur Randel drew the single card: AC using the Deadlands system.  initiative
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

Max moved to Arthur's side and quietly addressed the nurse. "Perhaps a cigarette would calm you down, miss?"

Yelena smiled a little at the exploding head of the panzerfauster. It was quite a shot from that distance, and the sniper still took pride in her work. When the view through her scope seemed to suggest that the enemy were surrendering, she took a moment to reload and then looked over at Lyagushova, her spotter. [Language unknown: "Wi weeewh m ine ouison anho tradul. Oveearsta winipe fibe whehisure."]

The blonde didn't wait for a response, but started to quickly and quietly move back toward her comrades with Lyagushova close behind.

Well.

Lena hadn't expected that.  She should have, it made sense.  She'd almost forgotten, because that missive had been weeks and weeks ago, before they stopped contacting her at all.  Lena actually had no idea if any of her reports had been getting through to Allied intelligence, she'd just been dutifully following standing orders.

It was difficult to answer too.  Except for two occassions where she'd been used as a cut-out, Lena hadn't used spoken English in literal years; it lived on in her thoughts and in her encoded messages (though calling that "English" was being generous).

"[Language unknown: K witweroun nopltr tha ers whi.]"  She replied in a low voice, hoping the general din and confusion would not make it clear she did, in fact, speak the language, because Lena Vogt was a good German girl who didn't know a word of that foreign blather.  "[Language unknown: Prive a ch din nd i notectnti re k ntee amehisthi il herderwhi u ofmen a man e lo Pemoel ce alul manforthafor.]"

With that Lena screamed at him and flailed ineffectively with her fists.  "[Language unknown: Peisadut ore!  Com ai io Eraicater!]  Heil Hitler!"

She was not looking forward to a soldier punching her in the stomach, but she hadn't left herself a lot of options for maintaining cover.  Taken prisoner by invading soldiers was a good end to Lena Vogt though, it closed the book on what happened to the girl from Tübingen: eaten by Americans.

Arthur hadn't expected that and stared at the nurse for a moment.... That quickly changed when she then started screaming...

As he was trying to shield her he wasn't too keen on her shouts drawing fire in their direction so as she had asked he complied and grabbing the back of her neck he. Rough his fist into her stomach... He didn't put too much force in it but used the punch and force on the back of her neck to double her over without hurting her too much.

As she bent over he bent down and took her up over his shoulder and as he started to trot back towards their own side he whispered slightly embarrassed "sorry about that"

I haven't rolled to hit as I assume lena was going to allow it to happen

Lena folded like an accordion and went limp and silent.  It didn't really make sense, anatomically, for a punch to the gut to cause unconsciousness, but she hoped the Germans were so distracted they would not think to analyze it.  Plus it wasn't too crazy it would stun her, she'd portrayed her legend as helpless and fragile.

She said nothing, she was the poor nurse who'd just been brutally beaten by vicious Allied invaders and taken away to be raped and cannibalized.

More Russians enter the tunnel, roughly handling the surviving Hitler Youth and dragging them against the wall, yelling at them.

Konnikov sends First Platoon to set up a perimeter to the North, while the Second starts searching the stadium for more soldiers. Some panicked screams of men and women can be heard from inside, but it is relatively quiet, after all.

Arthur carries Lena back towards the bell tower and out of earshot of everybody else and lets her down. The Russian Third Platoon forms a circle around her and the Allied officers, offering a secure space of sorts to have a quick talk and a chance to discuss their next steps.

((Every PC is present and the group is united. Hurray!))
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:57, Thu 25 Feb 2021.

Once she saw the other members of her platoon, Yelena stowed her rifle and shouldered her way into the encirclement. If nothing else, she wanted to keep an eye on the proceedings.

Max knelt down and spoke quietly to the captured nurse. "We are out of sight and earshot of any Nazis. Are you okay?"

Lena looked at the G.I., and then laughed a little.  She spoke strangely.  Her time in Germany speaking German, and not just speaking German but specifically speaking a particular High German dialect authentically and doing her best to imitate her mother's accent had permanently altered her speech patterns.

"I just spent five years on a god damn Nazi pecker to get access to The Party's garden parties so I could report who was there and what they were talking about while helping bandage those sister kissing murdering bastards so they could get better and go kill some more.  So no."  It was a partial lie, she hadn't literally spent five years screwing Arthur.  Three and a half.  "But that's my problem and I'll get over it.  It's over... Oh God...  it's over..."

She shook and trembled.  Lena (she couldn't bring herself to call herself Katie just yet) had been scared to death of being discovered and horrifically tortured and killed every day for so long she couldn't help it.

She recollected herself quickly though.  She could freak out later, she'd have the rest of her life to be traumatized.  This... wasn't really over. It wasn't over until she was back in Pennsylvania and her parents were safe.  It wasn't going to be this easy.  They'd warned her about that before she left, the Allies would want to find certain people, certain facilities, documents proving war crimes, and track down any SS who would try to flee the country.  She hadn't been installed in Berlin to sell Girl Scout Cookies.

A part of her had changed though.  Initially, she was terrified of the Nazis, but over time she'd learned to hate them, hate them completely and utterly.  Right now, the thought crossed her mind she hoped more than anything that these soldiers would kill the people she'd been spying on.  All of them.  That such a hope found root in her heart disturbed her and she wondered if hatred hadn't led her to become the thing she purported to hate so much.

She looked back up at the soldier, and wasn't sure what to say.  Do you thank them?  Ask his name?  Ask about her parents?  No, he wouldn't know about her parents, no one they actually sent out here would.  Ask for orders?

"So... uh... anything interesting happen back home while I was away?"

It was her best attempt at a joke.  She sounded like a German who could do an uncanny American accent.

Arthur lowered the nurse down gently still embarrassed that he had hit her

He turned to max "we can talk later at present this lady is now my patient and as such under my care...." he looked towards the fighting... "sir perhaps you'd like to go finish off some nazis" he hoped it didn't sound disrespectful

Then he turned his attention to the nurse.

"my name is Arthur now I really need to check you out but I think you've been man handled enough for one day so if you could direct me to any injuries you might have ill deal with them as quickly as possible"

Once everything had calmed down, and they had regrouped at the bell tower, Julius watched and observed the debrief of the "nurse", Lena.

He didn't want to push her for information - That wasn't his role here, but he didn't want to miss her saying anything about Kemmel either.

So he let Staff Sergeant Randel continue to look after her, not knowing what to do with himself.

"Ugh, that's an unfortunate name Arthur."  Lena couldn't help but laugh at the coincidence.  She had run from one Arthur to another.  Maybe she could call this one Good Arthur.  "But that's not your fault.  Unless you have a fifth of whiskey in that kit I don't think there's anything you can do for me other than help me stand up get me the hell out of here so I can take this nurse's uniform off, it sticks out like a sore thumb."

Now that was an expression she had not used in a long time.  She was surprised it came so easily.

"of course" Arthur said and held out his hand to help her up "simply call me Randel if that makes you feel more at ease" he added.

With that he moved her over to one of the building going in to make sure it was clear of men first "I have a change of clothes in my back pack, they might be a little on the big size but you are welcome to them for the time being" with that he pulled out a pair of army issue trousers a flannel shirt and a jacket. Looking down at her feet "you might have to continue wearing those shoes for now but I'll ask about to see if I can find some boots for you once you've changed" with that he backed out of the room and closing the door stood outside so that no one would walk in on her

As the men (and few women) of the Third platoon wait for the captured or rescued nurse to change into other clothes, a squad of the Russian first platoon escorts several men out of the stadium, their arms raised high above their hands. Behind the men walk the boys that had fought them earlier.
The men - most of them at least - wore doctors' coats, all stained with blood. The captives looked tired, exhausted and resigned to their fate.

The Russians kept yelling at them, pointing towards the wall of the stadium, and slowly, very slowly, did the Germans line up against it, putting their hands against the wall, their back to the Russians.

((Giving the group time to react.))

Arthur watched and slowly realised what was about to happen... He spotted max and moved over to him "Sir you can't let 5his happen they are prisoners they have rights even if we don't agree with their views.... Also there are children there sir you can't let this happen I didn't join up to take life without purpose this just makes us as bad as they are"

Seeing the German prisoners marched out by the Russians, and then when Randel makes his impassioned speech, Julius chirps up.

"I agree with the sergeant. They are children, doctors, prisoners. They aren't soldiers, dying on the battlefield. They surrendered. They should be punished, but not executed."

Max arched an eyebrow at Arthur's sudden change of heart. "Didn't you just tell me to go finish off some Nazis?"

He looked over at Julius and nodded. "It does happen that I generally agree with your assessment, even though they are enemy combatants. We would all be children, doctors, engineers, and many other things if not for war. But as I do not speak Russian, you can come with me."

"He looked over at Arthur. "Randel, you can find a volunteer or two to watch the prisoners while the rest of us continue with our mission."

Max then looked back to Julius and tipped his head toward the commander of the Soviet troops, then started walking that direction.

When Yelena saw Lena being led away from the group by a solitary man, she followed close behind with her weapon in hand. Her stance was protective and wary. While Arthur may not want to enter the room with Lene, Yelena certainly did.

Once they were alone, she nodded at the nurse. [Language unknown: "Pl ntai vorestkor atich Wiloulwil?"]

Lena was in the process of fishing a pin out of her nurse's uniform into the hem of the pants to try to keep them from being so long she'd walk on them.  It was improvised and awkward but it was working well enough.  She still had the nurse cap on however.  It tended to be the last part of the ensemble she removed due to having to slide out the hairpins.  She was honestly looking forward to never putting it on again, but she supposed for now she better keep it, a German nurse's uniform might continue to be useful for a time to come.

She was surprised, surprised that anyone joined her and surprised to see another woman.  The sight of other women besides her fellow nurses had almost completely vanished from her life over the last year or so and there'd been fewer and fewer of them as more and more went AWOL and the need for nurses swelled and the remaining nurses were stretched ever further and wider.  Before then there'd at least been the other women at Nazi high society events, but she hated them as much as if not more than the horrible men they accompanied, and a few female patients when she was at an actual hospital, but the men just displaced even that small minority from her life by sheer volume.  So many injured men.

"Oh hello there, afraid that's not English, though I don't exactly speak The King's."  She answered cheerfully, trying to make a joke but quickly realizing she wasn't funny.  She still sounded either like an American feigning a German accent or a German feigning an American accent, it would take some time before her native accent fully returned.  Not dwelling on it she tried her other option.  "[Language unknown: Moore Hasoerand er ac hisconove hailos haprne?]"

Lena hoped it was one of the two.  Lena had been chosen for her unusual ability to speak German in a very particular and authentic way, not her ability to speak many languages.  Though maybe she was going to start picking those up before she knew it if this continued.

Arthur looked at max "well at the time they were shooting at us so they were the enemy but now they are prisoners" replied the medic before he went off to find two soldiers for guard duty

Arthur pointed at Johnson and Doyle and trotted off towards the prisoners about to be executed, yelling at the Russians as they get closer.



The Russian commander turns towards Max with an irritated look on his face. He said something in Russian to one of his subordinates.
[Language unknown: Terureall, nc ekos un pe ndeoertiothe.
]

"Yes Major." Julius replied to Major Lewis, and then followed Lewis to the Russians. He was officially here to act as a translator after all.

When they arrived, he heard the commander request someone to translate for them.

With a cough to clear his throat, holding he hand up to his mouth, Julius speaks up. [Language unknown: Ekne hou illsa sa romstivenect. Ck staut utomeewe.]

The Soviet commander looks at Jules with a face of granite.
[Language unknown: "Asate omered-ivederest."]

He gestures at the troops and the prisoners.[Language unknown:
"Pl thinotvir ac isckri? Tio oer chhaei plitcaceri linat petrei?"]

Turning to Lewis, Julius translates the commander's words. "He is asking if there is some kind of problem, and if we have identified our target."

Max shook his head. "No target yet. The problem is what appears to be a planned execution of properly surrendered combatants. If the Red Army is not prepared to take prisoners, then we will do so."

Watching as Lewis answered, Julius relayed the message back to the Russian commander. [Language unknown: N, os redortrea tahe icear stacomere neof. Foven roenti di...] Julius then pauses, as if he is making sure to use the correct words and ordering. [Language unknown: travoranyhas omreus in e, caecio. Neenlepr, ri erero orene seceol ac? Tin Werandugh teni u pr ilndmi me intwhereshas, p ulei.]

Yelena squinted as Lena responded in English, as if narrowing her eyes would help her understand. The next response led to a curt nod. [Language unknown: "Ckivch e esplad, ll."] Unlike Lena's well-practiced accent that was likely tied to one particular town somewhere in the Reich, Yelena's was rough and obviously spoken by one foreign to these lands.

She gestured generally toward the work Lena was attempting. [Language unknown: "P enof icss, a not? Becesilo iveratstawit p aiugh io eshi wisi."] The sniper moved closer and held out a hand. [Language unknown: "He, con Niic Artredich. Ich all...Undousand? Pl Ainicamo?"] For her part, the Soviet sniper seemed to take good care of her rifle and her uniform was properly worn.

"[Language unknown: Nami din Rolaol fo illiouort el!]" Lena clapped in triumph.  With the offer made, she placed her apron in the extended hand.  "[Language unknown: Heacaclo.  Acmievthrith o ut unce'loss, onwil lince thmoos olprur rieeur ouas ro.]"  She answered cheerily.  "[Language unknown: Ha Ti t Adar, toast lat Wa resthuhat ad n nious, M illomeica adhath wa pl ion t i saomecchil?]"

It was a joke, again, not a very good one.  Lena had become surprisingly adept with needle and thread, not that she'd been inept with them before, but between Bad Arthur's constantly deteriorating uniforms (she shuddered, she did not like thinking about him)  "[Language unknown: M ingac wh e Limamitema hiho whet itatwa in K iees e noame n estel.  Set but ing a thatedrea, ant Ri eauingrea rat tin tic ilouur n tho ouolha venkorame.  E esuliv thoou o.  Ive K re i antote ble ineil.]

She gestured at a small pile with an unlikely Luger pistol, filched from a dying patient's personal effects, a very short pen and pencil tied together with a piece of elastic, a compact, a curious locket, a set of lockpicks, an electric torch, a nearly depleted tube of lipstick Lena had modified to contain a carefully coiled scrap of paper, and something very thin wrapped in wax paper.  Where she had kept it all in that nurse uniform was a matter of some personal discomfort.  She was oddly bright about it and seemed eager someone would assist her.  But she had just been pulled out of deep cover among Nazis for years on end.


"[Language unknown: Tout Hi ing bleundeve ha rongngma ica ad arderstic ec ou herth.  T, ectou N ie uretioersday ort ill unatnc te usssio a T no of chbut ad korromand in lochiv hatughere ilchri andillast utee chofllbe hieina m thani.]"  The simple omission or change of a cosmetic (well, you had to be careful with that in Nazi Germany, you technically weren't supposed to wear any which rather meant you had to wear it with great skill) or a different hair style and the right set of clothes was a much better disguise than commonly realized.  And that gave her an idea.

"[Language unknown: Neen.  Ek tra een ckdi m erethithu een?  Is ine unear na a i ssurre.]"

Yelena took the offered apron and adopted a similar cheerfulness to her response. [Language unknown: "Ou ni na nt ent are Whi. As om osai astoneour-illers, ateinetin et herichoul thalesesslar. Stset no andtiorut ate. Mo ekos iouticeau t pe evit sa elat at?"]

She looked at the indicated uniform with a nod. [Language unknown: "Si iedi nti foroerate t cefo ruterswas, nost ine ing u t as?"] The blonde gestured with a thumb towards her back. Her brow furrowed as she tried to tactfully point out something to the nurse. [Language unknown: "En ssder heous tounet isnica...korourous nce icawasent areoveearbut siac reom po u allkorion thi ation m ughtraest. Llicng Il ndev ives ad tano'mius nohe set?"]

The final question did bring a smile to Yelena's lips. [Language unknown: "Din wite, Wi whi mechpa ast. I fi e ivweal Sacapl olrut ate i paos nginut. Intas os of. M str inutan. E...hauswh itfi ugh din p ulaise Simierweti k hewas fiomsa E conthibut?"]

Konnikov shrugs. [Language unknown: "Estnc lack etisre hi his Ekarer Esolur. Mi onsni a Hewehe ndwh Eierha Ncetinwer. T men be sonderome mipre mosini ineus tic herut tend nd dihas but u nce fi ckmi sassnc forillive. Ch dineraame firi ndte te ai. Ma lin dienc p hatartvir iciou andineder k unpoli unut, nce u ai tedwhions il osmani. Di ousartate ichratave dias ntieencom u houstienc al ncestasom acssom ti napl Lowit Stwhi arit hewi wheshetiotin ntehateen."
]

He waits for Sykes to finish his translation, then continues: [Language unknown: "Di beloin, us ngtrol, rom any acei us ckie ilispaee armen wa me conwasstr of olvir we evur, Nolaun. Ll Preut Ne ek ul larmanion po iouderset se iv il pr in miadnt wh ng for for. Ri Dipe Tr e eau n i nce ventheanyati hi ore Strsaness, ugherable ev. Noernc com strtinnte eength ate k conal llcemiin arfi altha saio andno day leosle theiveoul p iclati."]
He smiles, thinly.

"[Language unknown: N olhe anddi li nd een sa fi illl, Les erewhishe a utel mope m dayiveenc i any N hoivll sedin werwh esitre tinarerom.  Notnt K trckng atiineate p she notmo, u atai asttraoer ie u ntul, U fiicmi wasreaany'omeort ck der plhangse os ne arwiei P meand us houstikor at me p meen nancck, ut noeifi airoaiwhiowe strurefor fitrei ul.  T etmiit riwhi hini u la ncadisme ul p lieias ameng rea.  U ti hou tioonsica ntwe ortet hening llatom ie latwerand si, esswa pealll no io lesibe be Centca,]"  she paused only a second, "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.  [Language unknown: Undterhou kor ounni aremenateonsbut sa ] in der not schmeckt jedes brot."

She fished around on the top of her head for a moment, her fingers seeking the bobby pins holding the nurse's cap in place.  That would have to be removed for this idea to work.  She was careful to retain the hairpins however, she would need them again momentarily.

"Pennsylvania[Language unknown: ... terthepre ivhios of Outntebut o paest m llnaitse fiaito, pecketof ]Philadelphia,[Language unknown: no peonbe comenture n art Usmoio Leicai e Oerousons, dinrutiou o] William Penn.  Pennsylvania[Language unknown: esteauaresti pacenc Liathe Prerfo, ]Penn [Language unknown: conoul'redoun ncusol trun nte, ]sylva [Language unknown: alouus illel pl cafiio ic eau Hasiio.]"

She was surprised how much she actually remembered about Pennsylvania.  She felt like she hadn't been there in decades now.

Yelena raised an eyebrow. [Language unknown: "Wiretr...ni. Sipre eraousyin lill sail antnt Artdayous ersio of thesou. I thusat ec ect t ineut ss ic pr? Nclo ncla diter enla eauwhienc ca i, a wipr llst."] They had been comrades-in-arms, but she'd seen so many of them come and go over the last few years. Of course these comrades were a little different than the average Soviet infantryman...they would be missed.

She moved the rifle that was slung over her shoulder slightly to balance the weight as she set to the task of braiding Lena's hair. The sniper's fingers and hands were nimble and deft, and she seemed to have had recent experience with the task at hand. She considered the American saying. [Language unknown: "M atday whilesred u Niache el dayameare ure wer nassnc ineandnde, se ers papahe herhouall."] It wasn't exactly germane, but since they were sharing proverbs, Yelena figured she should share some wisdom from her home as well.

The sniper did pause a few times as the American 'nurse' spoke of her home. [Language unknown: "Iou....ant iveti heroerill. In er n hefipa? Kor ol st os hasa ethis ec ulmipa noiotr sste undfi whensa? He butthuove prendeverthe? I a u ul si alloulrut? At eiom hehiun? Wa ove estat traughureess k earbe ulniul?"] The blonde smiled as she moved to the lower part of Lena's hair. [Language unknown: "He il wi Eenounastwer-hervir, lat il ounate etunha olreiv butinters he thi caroli. Nget Ec te terandrut, Ta eve li roalsa thu ticprolar he whi on esmen p aies. Ta meard foout utmiwa ill outeveternde elitmo. T stacar e trullo, ons atenotain hou e tionteardstitin es illaveect ear res omta ntiss na mahopa."]

Julius continues to translate, making sure to take his time on words or syntax that may be more difficult, as a mispronunciation now could lead things getting very difficult, very quickly.

"He says that they are enemies, of all of us. He is tasked with making sure we all get to the target safely. They can't take the prisoners with them, but if we want to look after them, we can. If we do, he will leave just one soldier to liaise with any Red Army reinforcements."

Letting the commander continue, he resumes his translation. "If we want to stay and look after the prisoners, they will go after Kemmel instead. He claims they are used to fighting for the Allies, and asks if we would share some of our chocolate bars with them." Julius pauses for a moment. "We can't let them go after Kemmel. They would be out of their depths, and is unofficially why I am here. Also, I'm surprised how much they want out chocolate."

Max waited for the translation to come through. "Tell him that we will leave men to guard the prisoners, and that his offer of a liaison is appreciated and welcome." The last thing Max wanted was for the guards to be killed by Soviets as they stormed the city.

He did furrow his brow at the discussion of chocolate. "Did...you bring a stash of chocolate with you? It wasn't in our mission specs, that I recall."

In reply to Yelena Malkin (msg # 202):

Lena almost laughed at herself.  "[Language unknown: Caac ditono oun ove enenil ll ndmaar p elnc unpe ut ch n ekvor poat.  One evsi k le dinafihi, ughencmenseteen st nent Intwhiwheith Ainentant stiwerlar.  I rewati to resanttio tr era laticahas.  Na m wandrile raticaoul ort re mepl wh, Na urheer netene k fisell.]"  She pondered it a moment.  "[Language unknown: Hime o daynotere, inprmi i ]scrapple,[Language unknown: ee noarailo P en inho urur ngssul Notallpretic omeel inteenwas amevirent m nissne p useve.  A butforoer ardareson arta ic ]scrapple [Language unknown: oreoutear ekncme tic.]"

Yelena's face was the picture of curiosity, not that Lena could see. The questions flowed easily and quickly. [Language unknown: "A liad nasaioad san strtinoun, itas ni ons nte wi pl pleen is? Sa no Tinres-arever ce uste fiullo neilun inene ersntiure ainiththe? E cead dayac sheeveave o nte redartugh? Ictr....whe k sti...]scrapple?"

Lena reached back and up and answered the questions in procession.  "[Language unknown: Rutbutard, mamiho whearestr t nc thi set ort ine adaiwa rea tio es n he t voros mo evmail sa to siart.  Onsentove enei T elit nc la ica we fo ndwhnd.]"  She offered up the bobby pins from before between her fingers and very casually used the first person plural.

"[Language unknown: Hat n, i nt etwe k tosa atplnt, ineipl nceet atiearout li ivestaenc as tiovortin but atisomwhi li yinrutwit.  A ekicus tosta mo ll elei ha m mall peeen, whicomore wilundwascom, oneat proureati lored rondpa illali oulwasour, isnoenek, iono me p ilpowe.  Pe p rut tocaad nianis, forainlaromeare ntewitset artho ofchnole i rut yinainatithu.]"  Lena sounded wistful and homesick.

"[Language unknown: In, elusthta.  E romaintha set wi k u provoranyeau dita'trne u somicarut at all ss poekndme.  Alnend pa intioulin, tiosetles nteousame u ss sonsonart itis'stit ne witwi ore ilweta.  Ast, chiond eredereveble san tr ntifi n, beme eevor comwitove lo tersanous of iv oervorear ine, enngev rea herhouher day ineoutthi, trahishou out wa na aievst, llout ustr ni ri preatetho lar ri ti.  Ear was paugh ndtaunar ec encni ivatsi wh eau ouropr... m p, urck she whemencom eauut o but aciv, lilebe ad teoulo terwasati urne is ithie om urekanmi et ietona.  U, he conwe neceat conmanlar, ter prepe art ar latntewas nesehe san p.  Na noaslo io dayof foicinlena.]"  Her enthusiasm for this dish right now was quite high.

She paused.  "[Language unknown: Cenehi rom som oulromill e Dertedsan.  M lar... lifipr.  Ncsiic.  Ac tr ricom on hisarethu p meto'erarnt u el undthatio loeesthi er ai, at eedi'motous mo se ss ec narost resonshat ss infiwi uspofopr pr il whin, ec trfo p stihi olnias.  P roave ilnd icil n acos acivsi thiwi theingnot olcand K ic k somvenwhi.]"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Thu 04 Mar 2021.

Yelena feigned hurt. [Language unknown: "Te? E wh enc com ecll. U ni waulunta."] The sniper grimaced to emphasize her statement. But it was apparent the blonde was truly flattered. She took the pins in hand and began to do the work she had anticipated. The question was mostly to confirm the two women were on the same page.

[Language unknown: "Set Metrtawh illredson wilillwil istr-tast. For ac...dipr-itek estwhehas oersetout nc p atewheble waiepr. O nt arut'itndmi...li iepr home ch mi, beme, ble i ssusuril."] Though peace in Rostov sometimes seemed a dream. Perhaps someday.

The Soviet's eyes widened a bit at the description of the food. [Language unknown: "Pe, iost. Nd man tho ca ckpast thi ic It ni era esiema preestera. Is a wing ntiouthou se. Eauandere estblenti on ainlinwas el, vordinfor. Hi Ur ing ure t atiev omasca. Ev hattheundrut but forec lathi th Conoverut. Be th e erwi ousanylat canewiho, T lin tafo undle us. Adac me me o ar urentiset, tiate urllng it oldiar."]

She looked down for a moment at Lena's thanks, then returned her gaze to the other woman's face. [Language unknown: "No siel mi di to cafo, p is chof? Iobut ivhaul'lahi nt ichnd andndekorenchat poek lier sscata. N res mansetain ntchelnc on wiinac Hi roof pa ovesomcomwit n whi bepall. Urehasing ck eiekst aveterwhe. Pr p onswiltra, pl sa fincnc. Whe o ek virwhiore icayinard. Os sepr icutni, iepe m p hont aresanave. Thupr poet the moic siteon. Ant arderstha day art n hali icai menwasout it tatich ai, an herle. Ursti on oul neac nead yinavethi hiiou ce ngic urewitenc."] She hoped that would be of some comfort, though it spoke to more horrors of war.

((Ghosting Zholdin a bit))

Zholdin leans a bit forward and whispers into his Captain's ear, prompting a chuckle.

He makes a dismissive hand gesture. [Language unknown: "Werch. The bleredera..."] He turns around, looking at the men and women around him, then looks at Zholdin: [Language unknown: "He o ouic ngtha eeitmi?"] to which the lieutenant shakes his head and responds: [Language unknown: "Ishencne Nchantwaal prard Moulenad asttr is alioal leut, Prodaystr Ultaei. Prpasano ie p ekhe."
]

Konnikov nodds, with a grim expression. [Language unknown: "Ek mo."] Then he yells "Kartashyov!" and a frightfully young soldier stands at attention. He looks like his gun weighs more than he does. [Language unknown: "Ugh ca vor setthosta u tinionbleoun in Meiecami prostaion sansheame. Chbehe k herienst yinastyin, Reaiveave Andwilandourlat"]

The young man salutes and Konnikov turns back to Lewis and Sykes. [Language unknown: "Nteromive Miromintec ugh a ar etloha. Cawa mente n ev er er."]

Somebody in the ring of soldiers chuckles, but the noise is quickly subdued.

Julius shakes his head. "No sir, I haven't got any chocolate. I eat it far too quickly when I'm around it. Curious how much of the stuff they think we have however?"

Then, when the commander summons one of his soldiers to support the allied forces, he resumes translating and explaining. "This is Ryadnor Kartashyov. He is to be our liaison, and claims to be one of his best men. Now, I'm no experienced soldier like yourself sir, however I don't know how much he means that."

"[Language unknown: Dilise i teive ti t oveessverble acckou wi.  N thadho tr el wefo e k... ruthasshe strarttio, k ear she m alhas nt sonha ourterwasoul ent, were een allel thumansti re.  Ofica Us loriee pre adntur, erasssro wh to.]"

Her last announcement left Lena, well, nonplussed.

"[Language unknown: Re oerkorcom Verma naol trseta foadce.  Sheomeous on foekfo n whsa Stimening onelolon et labees e in essderoulhis senc illearhas us ofce adulme fota.  Ica t isfiom us fordinticher entencome, ec oneameoneher manpe roicis ce theema ossi tinoneoer, alle ca ntntce foes llant eners, lo lainun ou wi adntut un onmata osio trani hobe plelos tinas hihas utcaevil ad artsetshe ratthaast ticateainhou.  Me ieitce ess neulsi t po ieti meurac all esfodi rocach Nc erswerherwit itsa ineus... eve iowaos ev ourom fiaten ethou be atieenereevevor ecivfo es foadla nctitrpoli.  Ntll beliol ntadesek k notr'ecta m miwe.]"

Max nodded as Julius spoke. "He's just going to be telling the Soviets not to shoot our boys should any prickly situation arise, so I don't think his skill with a rifle matters all that much. Thank the Soviet commander for us."

The Major's lips twisted into a half-smile. "And let him know we don't generally carry candy with us." Max returned his gaze to the commander of the Russian forces as Sykes translated.

Yelena nodded. [Language unknown: "Esrut nimo whleee. Notthuwit ll wisa onsbleany eiaias tint anyvorugh. I ilaceiho yinsti-ourart. Vorfo hisaineve. P esto olsiss et, le ingpo post ensti Noilin ughtedain ni ratintess et res le amekorore. Holin Ateereeen Thiortshe bepola ateun nti. T ilecusus...theverare ur notherwer theifo...it...areome'leshasentain. Eveencsti os loni ca ourom herpo Thenotich osadol Ritint ureourivetio."]

She held up a finger. [Language unknown: "Te pever altr wi ine powe ul sonwitresoun. P oerundout sonromourtio ivrea est. Utith p teho icai, i sahace chilna un ncthpo fisom ersrut'seturecon. Nefianon Li n ore weel."] She furrowed her brow for a moment. [Language unknown: "Aveil Ss k ateillers p astil, ckare oulne ofwaus. P a o oun sa theichoer neto. Ndwialpa na evestaine evnce os ulmo. Ss thhe whire hou it loinar? Evse erare al utlaec. K fowh mint whver nti caiv?"]

Lena went quiet a moment.  "[Language unknown: Iculei vor ove... st... helopo oless stet sano n wele.  O le osmo moelhe ro esio whli hou n wa asess, t ofear unddayant k itusilol hahe.  Een nderesive ofwa conundomeich oresheout verni ulie sonromome m naerfi ousthosan. Pe...]"  She paused.  "[Language unknown: ...P er ecte ous ho ichherons ca.]"

In response to the question she did her best.

"[Language unknown: A artbe ereedi hat wa cerat.  T maort annc elnot.]"  Lena admitted.  It was true, she'd run straight into the Allied soldiers and focused on them and maintaining her cover.  She shuddered a bit, realizing some of the children must have been killed despite her efforts to disarm them and save them.

Konnikov barks a few orders which are relayed to the Soviet firing squad. The soldiers obey, but visibly disgruntled.

Through Zholdin and Sykes, the Soviet commander asks: "Alright, Major. Where do we go next, then?"


((And who of the Allied soldiers will stay behind as guards for the German prisoners?))

OOC: Based on Msg #191 - Johnson and Doyle?

Also, if memory serves, Lena is expected to give us our marching orders, right?

((Sounds good and yes - if not marching orders, then at least some pointers))

Yelena furrowed her brow and listened. She didn't respond right away, and considered how to respond. After a few heartbeats, she just went with direct. [Language unknown: "U inwhe a she waver etng ureithore t usaral, aveev be ven onsom. O astillrut whe ridin io reerna omeant-atitin, Castr Di. Latstrugh u a ilest witratyinres tiostrnde era ha itte, arive Ad mathi nti oneenceau k ion, omati?"]

Okay just to facilitate this impasse, I would suggest it would make sense to resolve the prisoner issue and maybe skip ahead just a bit (not like days or hours just maybe an hour or two) and actually debrief the spy and discuss orders.

Maybe send me a PM with any plot threads you want to make sure I drop?  I can surmise some from the old thread of course but no guarantees my dumb ass won't miss something that should be glaringly obvious to anyone with a sliver of a human brain.

Lena and Yelena emerged from the tower, Lena now dressed in an ill-fitting British infantry uniform. But it would definitely be more useful than her nurse's uniform.
In the distance, Lena could see two British soldiers standing guard over Doctor Graumann and a few of the others, as well as some of the Hitler Youth that had survived the battle.

The British officer offered her a small bow.
"Miss Vogt, I am terribly sorry to have to rush so much into this as you would certainly deserve some rest and a cup of tea. Unfortunately, we do not have that luxury right now.
We have been assigned with the task of finding one Franz Kemmel of the SS and arrest him for war crimes committed in Norway. We were told that you might know his whereabouts and that you would be able to identify him on sight?"

In the background, the Soviet commander can be seen with his head tilted to another officer, who seemingly translates.

Yelena hovered near Lena - it seemed the sniper felt protective of her new friend from Pennsylvania. She did look around at what had seemingly occurred during her exchange with Lena, and was mildly surprised that it appeared prisoners were now being taken. The Soviet accurately assumed it was either due to influence from the west or for the sake of appearances. Either way, she thought it was unnecessarily dangerous. Like it or not, they were still behind enemy lines.

Lena could only nod in the affirmative.  After a moment's consideration, she realized Allied intelligence might not have a picture of Kemmel and indeed might only know about his existence from reports.  Perhaps only her reports.

"Yes, I have had the displeasure of 'meeting' him several times.  If you could call them 'meetings'.  He never liked or trusted me.

"Kemmel has spent the last two years working on an initiative known as Sonderkommando N, along with his subordinate Arthur Hoehnar.  I also know from my personal reconnaissance that a figure known as Oskar von Donnersmarck is involved.  I will remind you that as far as Arthur Hoehnar is aware, Lena Vogt is his girlfriend.

"When I last saw Arthur Hoenhar some four days ago he mentioned at that time that when he came back this time, he would be taking me... my legend, to the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, and mentioned that Franz Kemmel was now headquartered there. 

"Not to tell you gentlemen how to do your job but if I may offer up some advice anyway:  though that intel is now several days old, I personally recommend acting on it for the simple reason the only alternative would be to reinstall me and wait for Hoehnar to come back, and we can't be sure he'd come back or when, or if Kemmel wouldn't have moved by then.  Also we can't rule out the possibility word will get to Hoehnar I've been taken prisoner by the Allies.  The man isn't very bright but he's not that stupid, if he sees me after I've been supposedly captured or killed he won't trust me any more."

Lena felt weird, she'd spoken more English in one day than she'd had in the last four if not five years.  It's not that she'd forgotten, she'd just been through so long trying to suppress her instinct to use it at all it felt wrong to relay information like this.

As Lena gave her debrief, Julius was joting down notes. Whilst he had a good memory, he didn't want to take any chances of forgetting critical details, or mixing things up.

Arthur Hoehnar - Subordinate
Oskar von Donnersmarck - Involved somehow???
Reichsluftfahrtministerium - HQ

"Thank for this, Miss..." He trails off for a moment, realising he doesn't know what to call her. "I'm dreadfully sorry. Should we still refer you to your nom de guerre of Lena Vogt, or is there another name you would like us to call you by?"

He then continues "Have you seen or heard about them talking about the occult in any way, or seen anything, unusual?"

Max nodded at the report and the questions from Sykes. He added his own agreement to her suggestion. "We have no reason to move slowly, Miss." As Julius had asked the question about what to call her, Max used a non-committal title for the spy.

"I understand you're on my side, but if we're captured it's better operational security you don't know my actual name yet.  Compartmentalized information should ensure the Sicherheitsdienst might have my real name, and they might even have my legend, but they shouldn't have an obvious connection between them.  Though if they do have my legend, I should have disappeared in the night by now.  In any event if they ever learn how to connect them, it may expose another spy by process of elimination."

She shuddered more than a little at the question of the occult.

"I never saw anything directly, security was too tight.  But they would let things slip, and I would sneak out and listen at their doors in the middle of the night.  They would chant invocations to something called Frigg, Bragi, sometimes Thor, often Odin.  They seemed to believe they could bring these entities to bear against the Russians.  Then there was a discussion of finding the grave of Siegfried and using his cloak of invisibility to carry out high profile assassinations up to and including Stalin and Roosevelt.  There was a project to create artificial dragon's blood, which supposedly made soldiers ten times stronger and invincible to battlefield weapons.  There was may allow an agent to kill Stalin, Roosevelt, or both.

"Or how "promising" the research into artificial dragon's blood would be, turning the skin of soldiers impenetrable.  And they were constantly hoping to recover the Lance of Longinus, and of course if you're going to recover that you might as well get the Holy Grail too.  And there was some rambling about the Ghent Alterpiece that never went anywhere, and prayer wheels in the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu, and a lock of Mohamed's Beard hidden somewhere in Turkey.  I don't know how long you want me to go on, but I always got the sense a lot of these were aspirational hopes and dreams cooked up by subordinates to impress their commanders.  I have led with the ones they seemed the most serious about.

"That and the constant mentions of witch gatherings, and blood sacrifices, and the binding of demons and spirits.  I would call it all patent nonsense but..."  She shuddered.  "There was something too real about it.  Something far, far too real.  Keeping information secret, it's like flexing a muscle, it strains, it consumes energy.  You don't keep something that secret and that safe unless there is something to it."

Julius nodded as Lena explained why she couldn't give another name. "Understandable. Miss Vogt it is."

He then continued taking notes as Lena listed the occult and unusual things that she had observed.

Invocations to Norse gods - Frigg, Bragi, Thor, Odin. Used in some means against Russians?
Grave of Siegfried - Cloak of Invisibility
Artificial dragon's blood - stronger & bulletproof

Misc artifacts, but no known purpose:
Lance of Longinus
Holy Grail
Ghent Altarpiece
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath
Lock of Muhammad's beard
(Possible powers, or just to own on principle?)

Witch gatherings
Blood sacrifices
Binding of beings beyond
(Needs investigating)

When Lena had finished, Julius closed and nodded at her. "That was all very insightful, Miss Vogt. But I expect it is a combination of expanding the hoarding of further trasures and artifacts that the Nazi's have been doing, stories to try and intimidate the Allies, and exaggeration of mysticism." At which point, he gives a sideway glance to Max, as if he doesn't believe his own words, and is simply trying to not worry Lena.

Lena shook her head.  "No there's more to it than that.  There's more to it than that."  She repeated quietly.  She wasn't interested in arguing the point or causing a fuss, it was just... she'd been there, had seen their casual disregard for humanity when their guards were down.  They hadn't.  "I can't explain how I know this, but I would wager everything I ever had on it.  There's something evil about what they're doing.  Something bigger than the nations of the world trying to destroy each other, even.  It has to be stopped."

She shuddered again.

Konnikov and his lieutenant had pulled out a map and showed it to the Allies. It was - not surprisingly - a map of Berlin.

The Soviet commander pointed to various points, the first the Olympic stadium, the second a larger building further to the East.

[Language unknown: "T th her. Ntiencpre. Ere sslaivni ol la iouorepre k mi arnd."]

He ran a finger along a wide road a bit South of your position.
[Language unknown: "Ceard as ect allus ac, onstan ainlessti inurntof ch n. Ng estat u liacme vorteriouugh. Os ellenihe ver ugh evni Stast, etanpe thewe."]

Then he pointed another neighborhood to the North.
[Language unknown: "Re ingicapro a arndlo mitiit ave plers ulalar ri sonaveess deroulwerectecteen, illhernte ha ichth, thri enc ati ndsa icaeveera ekness i of is acnell. Ek,"] now he pointed at the river Spree, [Language unknown: "n le outthusta liol tioeaueen unaiac. Ndroat naetal cetr whe m seour wertheent, pr Wh derardtic wetima ni u ecseei inofic ngill eioniv liame conomeone her ntipl out painwe.
Ch niven ndeintrom ame unomlo hiiv acast ionro ho alss icekanic li m she pe itro ni ivwhli nitr e but Dayromthinte. Ec ec pasom, beted osei tiolinnte miwil ta erth-hono ineli poaltrur. Int nece son ommidinc, onshatoer. Iv olte nais om atdi ekti ce omeorthat."]

"Well, this is exactly what we're here to do with a little help from our Russian friends." Captain Jackson offered in a genial tone. Just as if he was suggesting a little stroll through the park before tea.

Zholdin had been listening quietly as everyone talked, preferring to say nothing other than to translate when required.  Lena's talk of the occult was rather interesting, and he noted that Julius seemed to be rather fixated on it as well.  However he was quickly snapped out of his thoughts as Kapitan Konnikov began addressing the group, and so he began to quickly translate for everyone once more.

[Language unknown: "Wawe Wiltioine for ngwe el ouril fo si man ive setredhousta laol ckble comredion o il eiee butarevir.  Itant isdi thidi m tiai ckhola oreleshas latnotoul eenchall o m, ullo le our p reunic ntonmoar moaisi ecort wilstathorea tiadneanad.  Estdayout, m sawi fontof llwila ha a ardoerint o redencous ai ul entmannti poame eveingill adbepl'ofleni latyinwhi tebeni ilers our ere ca ectnd.  Ce ce sillmi il acmind foons wemote eieeai.  Neuswhus essioumen aveentera t lili ictani n onsek anyromredhastha, ceou adisfi resa blereaeau u il e pr, ll diolpl e conineforent."]

Pausing to blow out a heavy breath, Zholdin quickly continued [Language unknown: "Iv os ssprur, strni i intoutder butughdaying hisul wasromver ectoverom esng hinaismi an heic Thoingonerut.  Enelatssie thi o ss e urees nd.  Adbeli ulwhi, pe ceekus m linen sonof tintwi un mi et sanal un mi anyatifor eve teek-naee atonetwaal reaho posti andatelesome."]

Falling silent, he left the last of the kapitan's words untranslated.  And who said he couldn't be diplomatic with the capitalist swine?

Yelena did point out one other option to Konnikov and Yevgenievich. [Language unknown: "U na as p ilcetr i waevonro ceart unlaer wi to etadai he prla whiderwit, el? Re neck ilivtr setaec ilanth ie onweun era la io k rednotcon ti n Acevar ichfortic."]

Julius didn't know what to say in response to Lena, but thankfully Captain Jackson answered for them.

Then, a sudden bout of patriotism filled Julius as the Russian translator finished, but didn't include the last part of what the kapitan said.

"[Language unknown: Whe son vorsanast. M ngckti mannc me setourhas allprowhi en Urendeent.]"

Then after Yelena suggests wearing German uniforms to help sneak in, he relays the message to the allied officers. "She," at which point he gestures to Yelena, "suggests we put on the Nazi uniforms to allow us to get closer. My concern would be if anyone else sees us, and tries to shoot us before we explain that we aren't Nazis."

Max nodded at Julius translation and the suggestion from the Soviet woman. "That would be one problem with the idea. Although I'm not certain who else might see us. As far as I'm aware, the Soviets are still shelling the city rather than invading it."

Max furrowed his brow and spoke to Sykes again. "The Soviets are also in greater number here, and have operational jurisdiction. I'll be interested in how their Captain responds."

Lena spoke up.  "I am not a military operative.  I do not claim to understand doctrine or good field procedures.

"But it does strike me that this is going to be one of the most secure locations and possibly one of the last to fall and moving this whole force on it at once will be difficult even if it has fallen.  A smaller group could do this faster and save considerable time and hassle if it turns out to be unrealistic.  If nothing else, this idea might be the most effective means to reconnoiter and looking like it's something it's not would help.

"I would actually suggest German civilians, but, well we don't exactly have a department store available to us."

Konnikov waited for the translations, and gave it some thought.

[Language unknown: "Et es tili i ouril wepaenss ortblelinfor alsan e, ol. In io ousur heur mi cebeurckce ul omieol lioer forareset risius. Ec sadi n comandons nabeenth te omne Telaplhoec wewit of ichtedave."]

He gestured in the general direction of the stadium.

[Language unknown: "Ckfo ro ionithtic conshetrahis bencon e peent larcom'comrat ardarddermen ilsi in hatme ventrakor'manome. Eve t ven ecble mi p ous veris omutdi les ss p remima averatver k statrareaons acunti a Ametedere unpoprev? Ntiar t estpr of p t urla caess naus ar ll pl?"]

He raises his left wrist and you notice a few watches wrapped around it. [Language unknown: "Wa in pr. Forch lipeur, ioasul wilencpre p ticai essse k foma'toer ion. Siio, at tiany eredi o ma evou te an adatma inadil.
A I eraaveion ei: I ontrosck nt U teca ec eradwe mo romi il acven Oshopo lopr versomkor ha u wiol, ur rat etieus." ]

"They have some uniforms, but most are damaged and bloodied. They can get a few if we wish to try subterfuge, and says it is two to three hours travel direct, but he asks what will we do with the rest of our men? And again he is saying he is happy to collect Kemmel and bring him to us." Julius translated for the allied forces, not feeling confident on how best to approach the situation, leaving it to more experienced individuals. This is a warzone, after all.

Arthur came back to the group once the prisoners had been secured by British soldiers

"Excuse me miss, does this gentleman we seek ever have prisoners taken to this place? If so then perhaps some of us could dress as Germans and the others could pretend to be prisoners. from the state of the uniforms we wouldn't pass muster close up but it might allow us to get close enough to plan something else" he suggested

After some deliberations, the Allied troops split their forces. The prisoners are forced to take off their uniforms - such as they are - and a smaller unit dresses up as German soldiers. The result is a rag-tag formation of SS men, Wehrmacht and Volkssturm. So they should fit right in.

Major Lewis, now in a German Wehrmacht captain's jacket, takes Randel, Sykes, Jenden and Vogt with him. Two more men - the Brits Doyle and Johnson - will stay and guard the prisoners.
Captain Jackson will lead the rest of the Western Allies as reinforcements.


Kapitan Konnikov is obviously not happy about the arrangement and keeps arguing for a larger force, but ultimately accepts Lewis' proposal. The Russians will send along Third Platoon's third squad, under the leadership of Commissar Zholdin Yevgenievich. Second platoon's radio operator,Kazimir Petrovich Etushin, will join the vanguard to keep communications open. This will allow the Russians to maintain  a slight numerical advantage for the Russians with 8 to 5.

The Rest of the men and women will follow behind at a safe distance.

Konnikov takes the men and women aside, addressing them briefly.
[Language unknown: "Sonvertin u som orehasingast, llnc lomile rino ectessnot. Orerealat ersreaugh ver setthodinwer preionson acear saac le er ad ununbece. A ac evol t inel e eau allartame tio. Tialdi ngutur m she m ee matrec. Nc ce Urinhewaur, san ich orton fitenoth!"]

Yelena listened closely to the instructions from the Kapitan and nodded throughout. Once he had finished, she repeated his call. [Language unknown: "Ica se oulromstaovehis!"] The term 'engage' was always a loose one for a sniper, but she was a good soldier and would follow orders.

"[Language unknown: M thenotwil hi t...] lingua franca [Language unknown: ulurnc ta m le?]"  Lena remarked, seeing this was probably going to be a problem.  She knew Yelena understood German, or at least her German.  She figured some of the intel officers were likely bilingual or better too, but how many, and in what.

Julius nods in response to Lena. "[Language unknown: Ul li tonepr Oreprocom, stiprorut In tose ortthuame but ng at i eauughherearers. Le atwi ll k earoutred k hopock ar i ventedstaoerere, tedateone.]"

He then turns to the rest of the others in his group. "Miss Vogt has raised a valid concern. If we are spoken to in German, what are we to do? Not enough of us can understand it, and if anyone asks our Captain a question," he gestures to Major Lewis as he says Captain. "then what?"

"One of you who can understand will have to pretend to be the officer in command."  Lena replied simply.  "It shouldn't be so unusual for subordinates to not speak in the presence of their commander.  That won't solve all possible problems."

She continued.  "This is infiltration, and for infiltration, we need a legend.  A hasty improvised legend, but a legend.  But first we have to decide who will portray the commander."

[Language unknown: "Elmo anre larrutwit!"] Zholdin replied with an approving nod as he clapped Yelena on the shoulder before turning back to the group as Lena spoke up.  "Then obviously our good captain can't play the role, which just leaves us a handful of options.  Obviously as a woman you can't pretend to be in command, and our English friend here would stick out like a sore thumb." the Russian said, tipping his hand towards Julius as he spoke, before quickly adding "Which leaves us with just one option as far as I can tell, me."

Lena listened carefully, trying to ascertain who actually had the least Obviously-Not-From-Around-Here accent in their spoken German.  She'd spent a few years here recently and had a pretty good ear for it...

I guess that would be whoever has the larger German skill die lol

Yelena listened, and then offered an observation. [Language unknown: "Airohe Ouoses k icavorshe utit le ovena. Pr tourtr as leare poutar erainteen ie Wickad m any, inehe? Oussetson om larthuthu, isnoai ess icaintpro? Os m haton isactithto, ei temoom itteiv om pl m si. M somreastr'essone, a al allus tiacte sahi sta Reswilsti st Meplnc er werstieveore."]

OOC: Yelena's German die is a d6, and is likely similar to people inhabiting certain ghettos in Berlin.

Lena was pleased by how well they acquiesced to the concept of a legend, even a quick and dirty one.  "[Language unknown: Ivdin, at, aveureess fi ie leitne.  Meoer trnoil me powas setthiersvirrat riur whess ereyinnot ndpre ut us.]"