05 MAY 2003 / 1030 HOURS
(Berger)
"Goodmorning. Glad to see you're alive and rested. We've not been hit
since we got here, but I have two important things to say. I'll make it
quick cos I'm tired. First, our pickets captured two prisoners. They
didn't appear to be part of a larger group, but interrogating them is
someone else's job. They're secure, and have been kept "sterile" like MAJ
von Fischer instructed us to do."
Berger paused for a moment, sleep heavy in his eyes.
"Next, we've had some volunteers offer join us, some on the march early
this morning, and others that appear to live in the area. Again, I'm
kicking all of this upstairs for decision and directions. Now if you'll
excuse me, I'm going to sleep. I'll be back on duty at 1600 hours.
Thanks..."
With that Berger leaves.
(Sherman)
Sherman's task will be -:
Check the pickets. Ensure that those on duty have had some sleep and begin a
roster of 8 hour shifts. Appoint a Guard Commander whose duty it is to
oversee the sentries. Brief all on what they are expected to do. Sherman
will make it clear that he does not believe in any arbitrary shoot to kill
orders, Sherman may be a soldier but he was a police officer first. If we
start shooting people they may turn out to be our neighbours and we don't
need any more enemies.
Next Sherman will see the prisoners. He will not talk with them just make
sure they are secure and have been given some water. They can be dealt with
later. Have they been properly searched and their belongings taken to the
Visitor Centre?
Sherman last task will be to see the 'newcomers', those wanting to join the
camp. Sherman will take details of those present, names, occupations etc
just brief notes.
On the way back to the Visitor Centre, Sherman will see if any kitchen
facilities have been set up. A hot cup of coffee would do wonders.......
Sherman will then report to Wiz.
05 MAY 2003 / 0630 HOURS
With the dawn Robbo had awoken, cold but somewhat rested. After he had
cleaned his weapon and checked his equipment to see what he had lost,
and how much ammo had been wasted on the usless attack the night
previous, Robbo wandered around to find what passed for a mess area,
to score himself some coffee.
After his exploration of the area, and the caffine failing to make an
impact on the weariness he felt, Robbo headed back to the Pavillion
where his pack lay. He was soon asleep again, his body still screaming
out for the rest.
05 MAY 2003 / 1030 HOURS
Robbo rolled over, and glared at being awoken before the morning of
the 6th before sitting upright.
"Goodmorning. Glad to see you're alive and rested. We've not been
hit since we got here, but I have two important things to say.
I'll make it quick cos I'm tired. First, our pickets captured two
prisoners. They didn't appear to be part of a larger group, but
interrogating them is someone else's job. They're secure, and have
been kept "sterile" like MAJ von Fischer instructed us to do."
Berger paused for a moment, sleep heavy in his eyes.
"Next, we've had some volunteers offer join us, some on the march
early this morning, and others that appear to live in the area.
Again, I'm kicking all of this upstairs for decision and directions.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sleep. I'll be back on duty
at 1600 hours.
Thanks..."
With that Berger leaves.
"Have a nice sleep mate. And don't forget to not tell whoever is
organising the piquets where I am, please? I'll be sure to return the favor."
[OOC]
Project NAME, DESIGN Completed, CONSTRUCTION Completed, Required
MATERIALS..........
40mm HE grenade launcher rnds (10 units), D=100%, (a hazardous flaw was
detected by MAJ Ryan, see below)
I don't intend the game to turn into Command and Conquer, Warcraft, etc, but
here are some basics to my construction rules.
Projects with 100% design completed may be manufactured given appropriate
manpower and materials. You still have to put the time into them, and
gather the materials, but it's alot easier than starting from square 1. So
most projects that you have already built will just be listed as D=100%,
UNLESS the supply of materials dries up. In that case, you could redo the
design with other materials. That takes some time and tinkerin'.
Sometimes things that you've built several times develope flaws, from any of
the areas (D, C, or M). Yes, I'm mean....
Specifically, MAJ Ryan pointed out the US Govt issue 40mm HE rounds have a
gyroscopic timer in them, which only arms them when they fly sufficiently
far downrange. This prevents them detonating off of brush right in front of
the firer, ruining his day and life...
Up to 80% of an item's CONSTRUCTION can be completed without all of the
DESIGN being done. This is akin to trial and error, testing, etc.
Up to 75% of an item's CONSTRUCTION can be completed without all of the
MATERIALS being gathered. This accounts for "mocking it up", etc. and gives
the Unit's scroungers something to do. This is more or less where you are
at with the hydrogen balloon project.
The time to build the items is variable, and often is determined by the
quality of MATERIALS, the quality and amount of MANPOWER, and how many other
projects are being worked on at once.
======================
A Corporal of the Guard was appointed. He was Larry Irvine, age 24, former 2nd
Platoon man who commanded the M113. Seemed to be leader material. The militia apparently had confidence in him.
The no-shoot-to-kill order was passed and understood. This seemed reasonable, even
to the Militia, in light of the people who had recently wanted to join the group.
Pickets were set out, and a garrison section of Militia stayed back in the vicinity of the Visitor
Center. Shifts were set up, with the Core group of PCs & NPCs all being daylight shift unless decided
otherwise.
Next Sherman saw the prisoners. He didn't talk with them, just made
sure they were secure and had been given some water. They could be dealt with
later. They had been properly searched and their belongings taken to the
Visitor Centre.
They had been stripped to their skivvies, boots taken, and had been given
water. All weapons and equipment had been taken to the V-Center. They were under
constant guard. The more cocky of the two prisoners said something about the strife
just beginning.... No apparently, you misheard him. He said something about
"...Stryfe is just getting started -- what? Hadn't you heard? Stryfe is with *us* now...."
Sean Cunningham, who had been quiet since arriving to Halfway Dam earlier that
morning, bolted up out of his chair upon hearing this, chambered a round in his
30-30, and headed out, probably for his motorcycle. "That Bastard didn't trust ME?!?!? He doubted MY loyalty?!?!?
I swear by All the Saints and Jesus himself, I'll kill that sonofabitch!!!".
A few cooler heads prevailed, and restrained him, and Sean regained his senses, just
as Guiness, (Sean's Rottweiler) bounded into the room, ready to protect his
master from those who tried to hold him back. The wild look didn't leave the
large man's eyes, and he kept muttering "I'll kill th' Bastard.... I'll kill th' Bastard...."
Sherman saw to the 'newcomers', those wanting to join the
camp. Sherman took down details of those present, names, occupations etc
just brief notes.
Most were from the area between Forest Hill, on up the Mountain to Halfway
Dam. The volunteers numbered 14. Five of them had weapons, the 3 were
non-combatants but adults (able to work), and 6 were dependants
(elderly over 70 or children under 12).
On the way back to the Visitor Centre, Sherman saw if any kitchen
facilities had been set up. "A hot cup of coffee would do wonders......."
Mrs. Stolzfus, the old Amish lady from the Lewisburg Camp, was there, stirring a
big pot of stew, baking bread, and yes, the Gods of Caffeine smiled upon thy face, there was
coffee. She looked sad, but was holding it together pretty well for someone who lost
her husband in last night's attack. She seemed capable of handling alot of the
"household" stuff -- cooking, laundry, home basics like soap, candles, etc.
Ms. Whittaker was busy getting some of the buildings squared away. Some of the
men in the work crews were having a rough time with her taking charge. Or was she the one
with the problem?.... She seemed bossy, and used her height to intimidate people at times.
Ms. Mordecai was assisting SPC Yates with some of the medical needs of the
Garrison. Both looked several notches beyond exhausted.
Sherman then reported all he had seen and/or set up to Wiz.
======================
After Berger woke Robbo and gave his report....
[Robbo]
[Berger]
No sooner had Berger left Robbo, had Mike Wu entered. He appeared apologetic,
although he said nothing at first. Finally, "Well, CPL Robinson, I hate to ask, but Wiz
said we need to get communications up and running, pronto. I really could use the help. I think
the PRC-77 took a bump too many on the way up here..."
So despite being banged up and tired, Robbo got up, had a long drink of cold
spring water and followed Wu. He had set up the commo gear in a small office that was part of the
Nature Center. The Nature Center, complete with stuffed beavers, skunks, snakes, and a black bear, served as the
Command Center. People who had slept there last night had been moved out, and tables, and a few other bits
of office gear had been moved in. On the way in, Robbo noticed that there were two militiamen at the door, and
they had snapped to the alert as Wu and he passed, at least making the effort toward discipline...
Nearly an hour later, Robbo and Wu's efforts were rewarded with the radio being
up and more or less working. Wu also gestured to several cardboard boxfulls of
radio equipment. "Some of the men took this from the Ranger Station across the
road before anyone could stop them. They were none too gentle with it. It's
mostly here -- do you think we could?..."
Before Wu even finished, Robbo was sorting thru the mess in the box. Later
that afternoon, as the Ranger radio set was nearly working, a message came in
from... HQ?!?!?
[OOC]
[IC]
"Salmon-6 this is Rattlesnake-5. Come in..."
Wu seems hesitant to answer, wondering if the codewords and callsigns from last
week were compromised...
=====================
Then at the meeting......
(Sean)
Sean stopped pacing for a min. and stood looking around the room. He tucked
his .45 into his belt and slung the .30-.30 over his shoulder. He headed
for the door, whistleing for Guiness as he walked out. The dog trotted to
catch up with his master and fell into step 6 inches off his right leg, he
nuzzeld Seans hand as if to ask if his master was ok, and was rewarded with
a pat on the head. That exchange that would mean nothing to most ment the
world to these two wild souls, when you feel all alone in the world it mean
alot to know you have a true friend on your side.
"Where the hell is the CO in this place?" Sean bellowed acroos the
compound.
Wiz hadn't slept at all the night they arrived. He had stayed awake to
make sure that every member of his party, still alive, made it. Once all
the stragglers had come in, there had been so much to do. Accounting for
everything they had, making sure the injured were cared for, all sorts of
things. Mostly, however, he continued to go over the battle in his mind
constantly. When the sun rose, Lt.Jackson had finally layed beside his
motorbike for a minutes worth of rest.
That hadn't lasted long. Sherman woke him up and began into reports of
the camp...however, before he got very far, some soldier, Wiz did not even
know, approached him and told him that Sean was ranting about Stryfe. Then
before he could find Sean, another soldier came and said that radio contact
had been made with HQ. "Son of a bitch!" Wiz exclaimed in anquish. He
never was going to be able to get anything done at all. "Sherman, look, you
get Cunningham and meet me at the radio. You!," he says, grabbing the
unknown soldier that had delivered the second message, "Find Robbo and
Berger, tell them to meet me too. Quick!" he says and shoos off the
soldier. Taking a second to glance and make sure Sherman was on his way,
Wiz turns and walks towards the makeshift command center.
Entering the command center he tells Wu to give a report (ooc: just the
stuff that was said from before). Wiz orders all personell out besides Wu
and Robbo...he waits for the rest of the people to arrive.
No sooner had Berger left Robbo, had Mike Wu entered. He appeared
apologetic, although he said nothing at first. Finally, "Well, CPL
Robinson, I hate to ask, but Wiz said we need to get communications
up and running, pronto. I really could use the help. I think the
PRC-77 took a bump too many on the way up here..."
[Robbo]
"You're kidding right? You think I'll be able to fix everything? I
work better after sleep you know..."
With the look upon Mike's face he knew he wasn't joking.
"Fine, fine, give me a minute..."
So despite being banged up and tired, Robbo got up, had a long drink
of cold spring water and followed Wu. He had set up the commo gear
in a small office that was part of the Nature Center. The Nature
Center, complete with stuffed beavers, skunks, snakes, and a black
bear, served as the Command Center. People who had slept there
last night had been moved out, and tables, and a few other bits of
office gear had been moved in.
On the way in, Robbo noticed that there were two militiamen at the
door, and they had snapped to the alert as Wu and he passed, at
least making the effort toward discipline...
Nearly an hour later, Robbo and Wu's efforts were rewarded with the
radio being up and more or less working. Wu also gestured to
several cardboard boxfulls of radio equipment. "Some of the men
took this from the Ranger Station across the road before anyone
could stop them. They were none too gentle with it. It's mostly
here -- do you think we could?..."
Before Wu even finished, Robbo was sorting thru the mess in the box.
[Robbo]
"Sure, we've performed one miricle, so why not go for two. One more
after that and I can try for beatification! Saint Robbo, how does that
one sound?"
Later that afternoon, as the Ranger radio set was nearly working, a
message came in from... HQ?!?!?
[OOC]
Salmon was a callsign from last week for the B Co. 3/103rd (yooze
guys). Rattlesnake-5 is HQ, 55th Brigade, stationed ~75 miles away,
in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of NE PA. They are, as far as you
know, still your parent unit. (The next unit up the chain is
Rattlesnake-6, 28th Division HQ)
[IC]
"Salmon-6 this is Rattlesnake-5. Come in..."
Wu seems hesitant to answer, wondering if the codewords and
callsigns from last week were compromised...
Robbo steps towards the Radio.
[Robbo]
"Do not answer. Undoubtably the mutineers got hold of last weeks
callsigns, either when they took the base, or from radio intercepts
before then. Go get the boss, and we'll let him mull over the options,
thats what he's paid to do.. But for now, radio silence, until the LT
countermands my decision."
Wu nods, obviously glad to have the decision taken out of his hands,
then heads off to find the LT.
(Sherman)
Sherman stood off to one side in the Nature Centre, holding a mug of hot
coffee in front of him almost as if it was a barrier to keep him apart from
his fellow senior staff members of the 3/103rd. A grandiose title indeed for
the ragtag bunch of civilians and the sprinkling of regular soldiers
assembled.
News of Colonel Stryfe's defection had already began to spread throughout
the camp. It didn't take long for the grapevine to pass that one around.
Sherman still could not believe that it could possibly be true, Strfye a
mutineer. It just doesn't make any sense.
Sherman raised the mug to his mouth and blew on the steaming liquid. He
looked around at those assembled. Trying to gauge their thoughts on the
current events. Cunningham's reaction seemed genuine enough but then Sherman
had only ever seen the man angry or stoned. What about the others? Berger,
Wu, the Australian 'Robbo' even Wiz. Most of them had been with Stryfe
before he had arrived.
If Stryfe could be a traitor then the obvious question is who else is?
(Sean)
"I can understand cowerdice, we've all been scaired enough to shite in our
britches at least a dozen times, maybe the only diference between us and
those that run are that they are brave enough ta do it, be damned what
anyone else thinks. I can even understand watching out for your own best
interest, hell that's what I do best! But you don't do it at the cost of
innocents, like that poor lass in the kitchen makin' that coffee yer
drinkin' now, her husband dead and gone! And you don't back out on the
people that are countin' on ya. That lousy piece of shite is a traitor, and
where I come from, you don't let ones like that live! They are a cancer and
they need to be cut out! And on top of it all, that SOB had the gall to sit
accross from me, and pretty as you please, question my loyalty! I'm going
to feed his black heart to Guiness over here, and crush his jewels into
dust, or I'm gonna die trying! You all my not know me too well, and I
suspect some don't trust me, and most don't like me, but I tell you this,
when I give my oath you can KNOW that is what is goin' ta happen! Sibh
buana beadaidh bhur asal abran alt!*" Sean finished his tyraid by spitting
on the floor.
He sat back and lit a ciggarette a little of the red leaving his face, "Ya
all know where I stand, the question is do I go and do it myself, or do I
have some help?"
*note: Gaelic for "You can bet your ass on that!"
05 MAY 2003 / 1035 HOURS
Before long, the new senior staff of the 3/103 had assembled before LT1
Jackson, with the radio providing the background. Wu and Robbo were
nearest the radio, listening intently. Berger and Sherman finally
coaxed Cunningham back in, but the big Irishman was still piping hot...
One of the guards brought a tray with another pot of coffee, mugs, a
half pitcher of milk, and some of Mrs Stolzfus's warm bread. He then
exited, and closed the door behind him.
The radio again sputtered to life. "Salmon-6 this is Rattlesnake-5.
Come in..."
Robbo again cautioned Wu, who had relaxed abit since the last call. Wu
was a jumpy fellow... As Robbo looked at his watch, he saw that exactly
5 minutes had elapsed since the first time the message was received.
Exactly five minutes later, the transmission is repeated and expanded
upon. "Attention anyone receiving this message. The area between Blue
22 and Blue 26 [OOC: Sunbury and Lewisburg] can be considered
extremely hostile. Recent reports confirm Blue 26 overrun earlier this
morning. Fate of any survivors unknown. Any survivors are encouraged
to head for Red 28 [OOC: Scranton / Wilkes Barre, the new Division HQ]
An E&E net is in place to support civilians and military along the way.
Will repeat this transmission every half hour. Rattlesnake-5 out."
(Sherman)
"Relax, they seem to be punctual, if nothing else."
Berger sipped his coffee, and gulped down a slice of bread. He mumbled,
rather than spoke. "I'm tired. This doesn't make sense to me. I know
we shouldn't answer, but what do ya do when the codes are old? HQ
knows that, but then again, we never got any new ones, right? It might
or might not be HQ. Then again, we might or might not be us. I don't
trust too many people outside of this room... Robbo, whaddaya think the
chances of COL Stryfe locating us are if we answer? Hell, at the very
least, he'll know we're alive and have a radio.... How do we make
contact with HQ securely?"
[Robbo]
Robbo paused for a moment, then covered the risks of transmitting.
"If we reply, and even it is our HQ and not some traitor with a radio,
Stryfe will almost certainly have the frequencies and be listening.
Its entirely possible that he could DF, Direction Find, our position.
The longer and more often we transmit, the better any DF will be. But
even a short tranmittion, a few seconds, might be enough for him to
get an idea of where to look for us, and that will to be bad."
Robbo finished, and waited the response of the rest of the group.
(Sean)
[OOC]
plus a few others...
Most buildings are for summer use in PA mountains. You'll freeze there
in winter if they are not improved.
Halfway Dam Recreation Area
All of these personal thoughts aside, Berger had two items of information
for the group, before he could turn in and get some sleep for himself. He
woke each of the key people, and gave them the following brief info:
Sherman is sitting in one of the chairs in the Visitors Centre, he sat down
on it about two hours ago and must have fallen asleep. After being woken by
Berger and listening to his report, John Sherman drags himself out of the
chair, stretches and wipes the sleep from his eyes. He then takes the next
15 minutes to have a quick wash and shave. After straightening out his
clothes he is ready to face another day and hopefully, looking forward to
sleeping at the end of it.
Halfway Dam Recreation Area
Halfway Dam Recreation Area
Here is a brief summary of the projects which you have completed, and/or are
working on. Some NOTES follow. The format for listings is:
40mm HC smoke grenade launcher rnds (10 units), D=100%
HC smoke grenades (10 units), D=100%
fragmentation grenades (10 units), D=100%
concussion grenades (10 units), D=100%
alcohol still (1 unit), D=100%
hot air (hydrogen) balloon (1 unit), D=100%, C=75%, M=90% (item was
slightly damaged in attack)
hang glider (1 unit), D=60%
ultralight (1 unit), D=50%
bicycle power generator (1 unit), D=100%, C=50%, M=100%
"Have a nice sleep mate. And don't forget to not tell whoever is
organising the piquets where I am, please? I'll be sure to return the
favor."
Berger smiled at Robbo, and replied, "Consider that a deal... mate". He seemed
proud to be able to use the Australian slang. It might've been better except for his lack
of sleep.
Salmon was a callsign from last week for the B Co. 3/103rd (yooze guys).
Rattlesnake-5 is HQ, 55th Brigade, stationed ~75 miles away, in
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of NE PA. They are, as far as you know, still your
parent unit. (The next unit up the chain is Rattlesnake-6, 28th Division HQ)
Sean continued to pace around the room clenching and unclenching his fists
as he mumbled to himself. "That miserable piece of crap! He has picked the
fight of a liftime. I'm gonna kill that miserable F&$King C*@K sucking A##
licking $%^&*(&^%$#@!!!!!!!!#%&%#%^&&%$^$*&^!!!!!!!! (to just denote a long
string of curses and oaths)" Guiness, Sean's ever faithful friend, just sat
quietly watching his master carry on. He had seen this before and new it
was best to let it run it's course.
Sean squatted with his back against the wall fumming. If he had a little
bit of drool running out of his mouth he would look very much like the
Rotweiler sitting next to him, but even sans drool he had the appearence of
a caged animal ready to pounce on something. He slowly looked at each man
assembled here, a fire burning in his eye.
Halfway Dam Recreation Area
Command Center *** (see OOC at end)
Did Berger look at Sherman when he made that remark about not trusting to
many people outside this room? He couldn't be sure, but looked down guiltily
avoiding Bergers face. John Sheman was not sure if he trusted anyone in this
room let alone those outside of it.
Cunningham was still fuming over Stryfe, he had sure worked himself up over
it. As to his oath, was that Irish? Sherman didn't understand what was said
but he guessed at what it meant. But as to actually carrying the threat out.
Sherman was sure Cunningham would try but apart from the obvious
difficulties of getting to Stryfe, there was the problem of Strfye himself.
Sherman figured Colonel Stryfe was not the kind of man you would want to
meet in a dark alley.
So far the radio transmissions had not been answered at the recommendation
of Robbo. Sherman wondered if the Australian could be involved with the
mutineers. He was afterall a regular soldier. He seemed genuine enough but
John would have said that about Strfye a few hours earlier. As to Stryfe
locating us by the radio Sherman had a nagging feeling in the back of his
mind that sooner or later Colonel Nathan Stryfe would catch up with all of
them.
Sherman spoke up to those assembled. "We cannot risk answering the radio. If
that really was DIV HQ, then we should send somebody out to Red 28 to verify
it."
Robbo quickly grabs a mug of coffee, glad that its milk and not cream.
He had never really gotten the habit of milk in his coffee rather than
milk out of his system. Once he has taken the first sip, he grabs a
hunk of bread, and pecks at it between sips.
[Robbo]
Robbo looked at his watch.
"Securely? we either find a secure radio, freq's, cyphers and the hole
box I dice, or send someone there in person, with the message
memorized, nothing written. Even the latter is risky, if the messenger
decides to spill his guts, if he gets caught, or just heads straight
to the traitors, waiting in the new location. So, we don't have any
secure options."
Sean seemed to cool a little, as he listened to the conversation. "What
about that old radio you all took of of me. When I first got here. I used
to play around with that when I was alone looking for contact. How about I
hop on my Hog w/ the radio and ride about 25 Miles from here and contact
from there....at least that way even if it gets traced it won't be traced
to here. And lets face facts gents...we are worried about Stryffe finding
our location...but when we bugged out we looked at our map and said we have
two choices, if our boy Stryffe is as sharp as you all think he is, how
long will it take him to figure out we only had two choices and follow up
on them. Maybe we should think about that before we get too comfy coozy
here!"
List of buildings and functions:
Visitor Center - Command Center
Snack Bar - Kitchen
Pavillion 1 - militia quarters
Pavilion 2 - militia quarters
Pavillion 3 - workers quarters
Pavillion 5 - workers quarters
Pavillion 6 - mechanical shops, etc...
Amphitheater - meeting and entertainment area.
Parking Area A - civilian vehicles and animals
Parking Area B - military vehicles, garage
Beach House / Changing area - Sanitary facilities, and laundry.
Life Guard hut - armory and Observation post
