Avastan: Planetfall

[joertexas]

At some point Jakob will send an encrypted note to just the SEMC owners. "I'm not sure what you are thinking about, future wise, but crewing those ships with quality people will be a major time and resource drain. And they'll need maintenance, inspections, the whole drill. You know who I am, and who my family is. We have the resources on Collace, and they are already pleased with your work. If you like, I'll be happy to help set things up. It would be good for everyone. Let me know, and I'll throw in some tactical advice for free."

"That's fine with me," Prerna texts back. "I have a wedding to plan when we return to Collace. "

[Leitz]

"That's fine with me," Prerna texts back. "I have a wedding to plan when we return to Collace. "

"Sorry, Major. The planning is mostly done and I've picked up the tab. They gave me a break on the bill; not sure if it was my dashing good looks or that I was bringing an intel specialist into the family. Either way, it's a win."

[joertexas]

"That's fine with me," Prerna texts back. "I have a wedding to plan when we return to Collace. "

"Sorry, Major. The planning is mostly done and I've picked up the tab. They gave me a break on the bill; not sure if it was my dashing good looks or that I was bringing an intel specialist into the family. Either way, it's a win."

"Oh, I don't mind," Prerna replies. She sounds happy.

[The Bindoner]

Jess determines that whoever ran API's logistics liked everything centrally located and finds that the southmost/singular casement [in C6*] leads into a subterranean magazine.

She sends her infantry element within who accept the surrender of several unarmed API storemen and an elderly babooshka. At first blush there seems to be a few ground to orbit (or ship to ship) missiles and an unnaturally large number of empty missile transit cradles for these “high ticket” items. There is air to air ordnance (guided and unguided) in some quantity, a large ready supply of 120mm mortar rounds, 105mm (tank) rounds of various types and then “all manner of explosives” (the majority in the form of unguided munitions and mines) together with a large quantity of ACR “standard/ball” ammo and about 100 Avastan "AK" ACRs and a few 9mm SMGs and handguns.

Jess also notes that there are also various non military items in quantity. A number of expensive grav and ground cars – luxury models. There is also a whole section filled with high tech consumer goods ranging from domestic appliances to entertainment systems. There is also a whole section of carefully stored luxury foodstuffs and a truly staggering amount of alcohol. This is nearly all spirits – some high end offworld brands and some of local production. Shamelessly “bogging” her commander's screen Sugar comments “Are explosives supposed to be that... ah... “runny” Ma'am?”

Jess is rather taken with her haul, and its potential value. Sugar’s interruption brings her back to the job in hand:

What? Nah, not really. I’ll get the ATO on it.

Jess calls up the “Sapper” group, informing them that there is a big “assess and make safe” job to be undertaken.

Turning to the storemen:

Right, you lot. One’v you bring me the records.

Picking the oldest: You, walk me through this place. I’ve got people comin’ to make safe what isn’t.

As an aside to Charlie: Lot of this stuff’s on nobodys books, let’s keep it that way. Start pickin’ out the best motors an’ load ‘em with the high-end loot. Booze an’ nosh’s for the unit mess. Won’t mind if anyone puts a couple of bottles or whatever in their packs, but no drinkin’ ‘till we’re done lootin’, er, requisitionin’ stores.

Jess sets about understanding the contents of the magazine, dividing it into SEMC Stores/Pirate Booty, Liberated /Surplus /Dangerous, and planning its removal/disposal.

The Bindoner wrote: ↑Sun Aug 07, 2022 11:01 pm Y’know, consid’rin I did yer interview an’ induction, yet yer askin’, makes me doubt me choices.
"I fill the 'can actually speak clearly' diversity slot," Jakob replied.

Jess cuts the channel, muttering: Diversity? Same as the rest of ‘em, just another cheeky frellin’ Rupert.

#1060 Unread post by Leitz » Sat Aug 13, 2022 10:19 pm
At some point Jakob will send an encrypted note to just the SEMC owners. "I'm not sure what you are thinking about, future wise, but crewing those ships with quality people will be a major time and resource drain. And they'll need maintenance, inspections, the whole drill. You know who I am, and who my family is. We have the resources on Collace, and they are already pleased with your work. If you like, I'll be happy to help set things up. It would be good for everyone. Let me know, and I'll throw in some tactical advice for free."

Jess sends back: "Appreciate the offer. Put in a bid, and we’ll consider it."

To Frank and Prerna: "Potentially a good deal, but it ties us to a faction. We'll need to see the terms first."

[Tiglath]

Jess

Jess determines a short term solution to the prize crew shortage might be to recruit ex pirates. Her recollections and deductions taken with absences from the other sides order of battle reveal that the possibly still alive pirate crews are from:

Nazareth (200t Trader [now under new (furry) ownership) in the Vargr bay]
Captain Hearn Sarhan of Storm (who you were personally warned off) is still about (Corsair and crew in orbit)
Abyss However, enquiries and reports of 'orrible murdrer (such as to actually offend the Avastan screamsheets as "nekulturny") describe them all as having been killed in Club Zoo. The survivors were apparently hunted through Avastan City with the result being that they are all inventively and painfully KIA – flayed, nailed to walls, hung, drawn, spin the bottle for multiples of the same 'orrible... which leaves...
Red Angel (crew location unknown, ship likely in orbit) Hiring anyone???

Of course slightly more reliable prize crews might be found aboard the SuSAG merchant and Scout that are still at your disposal. They will, of course, hate this but then there's got to be some karmic payback for selling your soul to a Corporation...

There are also your friendly allies as 4DC and the Vargr both seem to have done this before...

[Tiglath]

Frank

"Senior Scout Oakley, this is Colonel Cross of the Slightly Ethical Mercenary Company. It seems that you have been given some very good advice. If you remain inside the base and make no hostile actions, then no harm will come to you. Can you advise as to how along ago and by what mechanism Major Smith departed?"

Oakley replies "She departed with the Commander and her Marine extraction team. She was kinda hot - that's if you dig "angry lady". I think she might have mellowed out but her guys were such a heavy buzzkill. Um... dude... telling you that they escaped recently is like classified... so I can't tell you that". Someone shouts "You just told them, asshat!" Oakley retorts "Shut up, Sergeant Pinback!" Pinback (apparently) shouts "Dick!" and then "I'm getting the laser".

There are sounds of a scuffle and the transmission ends.

(OOC: Dark Star - so good).

[Tiglath]

Frank

Frank looks coolly at the man "I believe you ignored the request to surrender, assaulting one of my men in an attempt to escape. Then one of your subordinates attempted bribery. At this point I think you should all just be grateful that you survived the day."

Kolesnikov timorously takes in the steely eyed soldiers of fortune arrayed about him and with a shrug and a fatalistic "Blyat" shuffles off into captivity.

[Tiglath]

Jess

Jess calls up the “Sapper” group, informing them that there is a big “assess and make safe” job to be undertaken.

Since the SEMC has no one currently qualified in "ordnance disposal" apart from Jakob (who is not unreasonably doing "officer stuff" per his job description but could be called in). The gravity of crap jobs having taken its inexorable effect Corporal Charlie returns from his "booty asessment" with a guilt inducing look, carrying his boots and having switched off all possible electronic devices. After carefully oiling the relevant bay doors and very carefully rolling them shut Charlie whispers his assessment of the "runny" ordnance bay "It's like ruddy gorgonzola!* Beggin' yer pardon, ma'am, but no one in their right mind should even play loud music in there!"

(OOC: * An apparently terrible and fearsome "disease of the underpants" much feared (but yet still risked) in "runs ashore" below sea level in Collace).

[Tiglath]

Jess

Turning to the storemen:

Right, you lot. One’v you bring me the records.

Picking the oldest: You, walk me through this place. I’ve got people comin’ to make safe what isn’t.

The elderly storesman looks both horrified and bewildered by Jess' request despite his rank chevrons. A much younger well muscled and tattooed private of fighting age steps past him and states "I am Sergei Timofeyev, Avtoritet in the Avastan Bratva and yet an admirer of your Collace "self preservation society". Kill me now and I will be replaced. Deal with me and we shall do business". He very carefully and slowly draws a gauss pistol from his waistband and shoves it well beyond his reach on a nearby table. He continues "You will wish to see the current inventory rather than the "Parade Records"? If I live it will be so, Босс леди".

(OOC: Dice clatter).

Jess assesses that he's diplomatically negotiating but not from a position of weakness (at least in his belief). She also knows that "local gangsta" or the politics thereof really isn't her thing... or is it thang...

[shaidar]

At some point Jakob will send an encrypted note to just the SEMC owners. "I'm not sure what you are thinking about, future wise, but crewing those ships with quality people will be a major time and resource drain. And they'll need maintenance, inspections, the whole drill. You know who I am, and who my family is. We have the resources on Collace, and they are already pleased with your work. If you like, I'll be happy to help set things up. It would be good for everyone. Let me know, and I'll throw in some tactical advice for free."

...Plus other responses from Jess and Prena...

Frank

"It certainly sounds interesting, and gives us something to discuss on the way back to Collace."

[The Bindoner]

Since the SEMC has no one currently qualified in "ordnance disposal" apart from Jakob (who is not unreasonably doing "officer stuff" per his job description but could be called in). The gravity of crap jobs having taken its inexorable effect Corporal Charlie returns from his "booty asessment" with a guilt inducing look, carrying his boots and having switched off all possible electronic devices. After carefully oiling the relevant bay doors and very carefully rolling them shut Charlie whispers his assessment of the "runny" ordnance bay "It's like ruddy gorgonzola!* Beggin' yer pardon, ma'am, but no one in their right mind should even play loud music in there!"

Right, post a guard, nobody goes in. I’ll organise something to block the door.

You deserve a treat after that, Charlie boy. Since your boots’re already off, why dontcha head over to the other bay an’ fill ‘em? Don't take the... liberties, though, I haven't squared things yet. And leave the good whiskey alone.

The elderly storesman looks both horrified and bewildered by Jess' request despite his rank chevrons. A much younger well muscled and tattooed private of fighting age steps past him and states "I am Sergei Timofeyev, Avtoritet in the Avastan Bratva and yet an admirer of your Collace "self preservation society". Kill me now and I will be replaced. Deal with me and we shall do business". He very carefully and slowly draws a gauss pistol from his waistband and shoves it well beyond his reach on a nearby table. He continues "You will wish to see the current inventory rather than the "Parade Records"? If I live it will be so, Босс леди".

(OOC: Dice clatter).

Jess assesses that he's diplomatically negotiating but not from a position of weakness (at least in his belief). She also knows that "local gangsta" or the politics thereof really isn't her thing... or is it thang...

Jess looks shocked at Sergei's "Kill me now and I will be replaced"/"If I live it will be so":

Kill you? I only kill people who shoot at me when I’m working. We're soldiers, not pirates.

Explaining: Our contract was to take control of this Downport from pirates and anyone protecting them. Done that, so I’m off the clock. Not gettin’ paid to shoot anyone now, an’ I don’t do it as a hobby, so unless you give me a reason, you’re golden.

Jess picks up the man’s pistol and hands it to him:

Best you keep that safe. Leave it lyin’ about in a store like this an’ it’ll be lost in no time.


Sergei Timofeyev, I'm Jessyka Henker, Quartermaster of the SEMC. Let’s take a walk together, find a quiet place to sort things out over a drink. See what can be saved for each of us before that ancient ammunition tragically destroys the place, eh?

EDITED: extra text in last dialogue.

[Tiglath]

Jess

You deserve a treat after that, Charlie boy. Since your boots’re already off, why dontcha head over to the other bay an’ fill ‘em? Don't take the... liberties, though, I haven't squared things yet. And leave the good whiskey alone.

Charlie brightens immediately and cheerily responds "Righto! Bless yer but you're a proper gent... er... Ma'am". After fishing in his webbing he produces a small torch and a crowbar and then pulls a suspiciously capacious yet lightweight (and no doubt sturdy) camo sack from his belt kit. Slinging the sack over his shoulder he performs an instinctive (...or maybe genetic? ) "stoop" as he heads off into the warehouse.

Jess looks shocked at Sergei's "Kill me now and I will be replaced"/"If I live it will be so":

Kill you? I only kill people who shoot at me when I’m working. We're soldiers, not pirates.

Jess can read the surprise (overwhelming no small amount of relief) on Sergei's features as he nods at the propriety of the formal introduction while he expertly "disappears" his returned weapon "holstering" it in the small of his back while giving Jess gets another glimpse of his gym toned and tattooed torso. He responds in broken Galanglic "So, you truly are the "honourable"... ah... pay soldiers... Наемников? No? Well, I would be a fool to stop you leaving. You said drink, no? It is... my pleasure?" He snaps his fingers and speaks in what might be a local Avastan sub dialect. The storemen move into cautious activity warily eyeing the armed mercs as they hasten to produce a small antique wooden table, two exquisitely turned chairs (also wooden) a leather bound ledger (retrieved from a concealed and biometrically locked safe by Sergei) and a bottle of premier vodka with two pristine crystal glasses. The senior storesman with the chevrons then visibly breaks the seal on the bottle and artfully pours the two glasses brimful.

Sergei opens the ledger and states "Do not rely on the computerised record - it will be... a liar, да? What is it you wish to take? If you promise to deal with the rancid explosives I can offer you my full cooperation. I have inventory. Most of what is here is API property or the officers' loot. We have already been paid on both. There is no Bratva property here but if you would not take from this bay here: premier vodka, just small military weapons - some offworld but small in number, I would acknowledge... ah... professional courtesy? The Bratva require only to maintain our operational control in this warehouse. Since we are... civil? I have to say there will be trouble over the killing of Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov and Viktor Solonik". He shrugs and smiles like a shark "It is how it must be, Босс леди". He consults the ledger and continues "What is it that you would like to take away with the explosives? I have to warn that the vehicle fuel is contaminated and the all the military gear in current use is... not good sale... no..." He mimes turning a spanner then waves both hands in the negative "No механик... да?"

(OOC: Jess can clearly optimise and/or adjust her take by:
a) disposing of the dodgy ordnance
b) optimising for straight profit
c) leaving the Starport a viable defence e.g. by not nicking the remaining high tech starship missiles (that would fit so nicely on your new fighter wing).
d) focussing entirely on military gear/ordnance
e) not enquiring into the "voids" in the storage (and because "Answer e)" is always that option ).

[Tiglath]

Jakob

In the Viper's Nest berm Jakob is spotted by an apparently visiting Sergeant Gaughan who, engaged in a comm call, incredulously asks “What??? But you only drove it a klik across the runway! Well, bollox and shite!” However, his chagrin is quickly converted into a cheery smile as he approaches Jakob and salutes. “Well, Mister Domici sir, what a chance - me runnin' into yerself”. He then conspiratorially confides “Sir, I've seen a way forward. A couple of yer best signatures might yet save me and some penitent men, sir. I'll owe you o'course but that's nothing to what I'll still need to do to head this off..." He sighs theatrically "Sure, it's shameful, sir, that a man such as yerself has to lend his good name to the redemption of men lost to thieving ways". He holds out a dataslate and stylus "Chits for stores – ours , sir. All the gear was used in the current operation but is in need of... some retrospective authorisation, sir. I'd suggest you not harm your honest eyes by reading them, sir – but I fear this is the only way”.

Gaughan offers the internal SEMC requisition for signature with his thumb diplomatically over the date field. Jakob sees that the main items are: One (1) LAG 10, 1K Rounds (ball/special) for same, One (1) HMG .50 cal, 10K Rounds (std ball) for same, 5K Rounds (tracer/incendiary) for same, Thirty (30) LAW, Three (3) Steel (Hardened) plate sheet, One (1) Laser Cutter/Welder, Ten (10) Thermic Booster rods for same, One (1) Re/Charge gear for same.

(OOC: Jakob gets the absolute idea that he's a vital cog in some dark Senior NCO related scheme into which all involved know he could well decide to shine the powerful and revealing light of “Officer level enquiry” - and yet might choose not to...He is also aware that Gaughan is openly, yet expertly, "ushering" him in that direction).

[Tiglath]

Frank

Leaving the Tourmaline in the care of a 4DC medic Colonel Skeet uses his grav belt to fly across to the Deliverance berm where, accompanied by his massive Aslan RSM, he seeks out Frank. Oddly he closes to well within speaking range and, around a cheerfully sardonic smile, blows smoke from his stogie as he switches his (20mm???) rifle to his left and offers his hand as he casually asks "Frank, do you have a team pulling an extraction from the Scoutbase - a little side action maybe?" Frank realises that Skeet has come over to gauge his reaction to the question for himself. Skeet's demeanour is both calm and relaxed, intrigued if anything, with maybe a hint of mischief in his eyes. He casually adds "Asking for a friend".

[Leitz]

"Sergeant, I'm not from Collace, or even 268, and I know things are done differently here. I want to make sure that I understand you." A fully armored Jakob looked at Gaughan for a moment, sighed, and broke the seal on his helmet. He clipped it off, ran a gloved hand through sweat drenched Marine cut hair, and looked back at Gaughan. "Success speaks its own language, and your team performed above and beyond. If they happen to walk back onto the ship with more than they walked off with, I'll happily sign for you. That's probably one of the reasons I was the oldest unpromoted Lieutenant in my old unit."

After a slow glance around to ensure everything was going in the way it should, Jakob turned back to Gaughan. He reached out and took the pad and stylus; his thumb covered the date as he held the stylus over the signature block. "I need two things from you. First, your word as an NCO that this will not reflect badly on SEMC, with the understanding that the S is there for a reason. I do not want us to look like a bunch of thieves. We are a bunch of highly successful and well equipped troops. Second; that I or the QSM personally inspect anything that might be toxic, overly explosive, or of questionable energy stability before it goes onto the ship. Killing everyone in jump tends to limit career options."

On the assumption that Gaughan agrees.

Jakob signed and smiled. "You'll inform the QSM of anything she should know about, right?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya
That scout base...who is keeping trouble out at present? Because if anything happens there, then it's going to reflect badly on whoever is in charge. It's an extension of the imperium. A deniable attack within it's boundaries is going to rebound somewhere.

[The Bindoner]

Sergei opens the ledger and states "Do not rely on the computerised record - it will be... a liar, да? What is it you wish to take? If you promise to deal with the rancid explosives I can offer you my full cooperation. I have inventory. Most of what is here is API property or the officers' loot. We have already been paid on both. There is no Bratva property here but if you would not take from this bay here: premier vodka, just small military weapons - some offworld but small in number, I would acknowledge... ah... professional courtesy? The Bratva require only to maintain our operational control in this warehouse. Since we are... civil? I have to say there will be trouble over the killing of Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov and Viktor Solonik". He shrugs and smiles like a shark "It is how it must be, Босс леди". He consults the ledger and continues "What is it that you would like to take away with the explosives? I have to warn that the vehicle fuel is contaminated and the all the military gear in current use is... not good sale... no..." He mimes turning a spanner then waves both hands in the negative "No механик... да?"

(OOC: Jess can clearly optimise and/or adjust her take by:
a) disposing of the dodgy ordnance
b) optimising for straight profit
c) leaving the Starport a viable defence e.g. by not nicking the remaining high tech starship missiles (that would fit so nicely on your new fighter wing).
d) focussing entirely on military gear/ordnance
e) not enquiring into the "voids" in the storage (and because "Answer e)" is always that option ).

Jess accepts the offered hospitality. From her New Moscow tours she dredges up the toast: za fstryé-tchoo.*

I don’t need to make more enemies here than I have to, never know if we’ll be back, so I’m happy to work out somethin’ we can both live with. You’re lucky there, actually. The Vargr’d just loot everything, the Cat’s’d claim the place as their territory, an’ either’v ‘em’d likely blow the ammo by mistake.

Got no problem with you’re lot keepin’ on here meself, but I can’t speak for whoever takes over when we’re gone. We’re just paid to seize the place an’ hand it over, someone else'll come after an’ run the gaff. Obviously, whoever it is, there’ll be some big changes in management. Like Solonik an’ Secretary Mikhailov, only less dramatic. Old lot’ll likely try an’ undermine the new too. Sort of swapping sides an' startin' over, eh? You’ll be busy.

Right, business.

The API inventory’s part of my unit’s pay, per our contract. Reckon their officer’s stash counts in that. Since you’ve been paid on it, that’s no skin off your nose, is it? The rest, well, our unit captured the place, now we can talk about what stays an' what goes. Having stated a claim, she becomes more accommodating: Still, though, no point being greedy, ‘specially if some kit needs more work than it’s worth. Don’t have to take it all. Just the value of it, eh?

Looking concerned: Now, that sticky mass of unstable chemical reactions you got labelled as ammunition’s quite a problem. Needs specialists I don’t have here, so I’ll have to ask a favour myself. I’ve got an officer can assess the mess, he’ll price the job honest. Not gonna be cheap, hirin’ in specialists, though. Eat into me take, that will.

- Jess contacts Jakob: Sir, when you have time, there’s a hangar full of unstable munitions that you ought to assess. Bunker’s under C6. Poses a threat to the installation. Needs sortin’, sir, so’s we can proceed with disarmin’ the defeated Op-for.


To Sergei: He’ll be over when it’s tidy up top. Mind if I have a shufti while we wait? Ledger’s one thing, seein’ the goods is another.


Jess doesn’t want to make an enemy, and is willing to negotiate on what is taken, but she is not just going to take what she’s offered. Especially when there’s an Alāʼ ad-Dīn’s cave of potential loot trade-goods.

* За встречу! = To our meeting, though in this case it sounds more like Jess is describing the sound of a favourite sneeze.

(OOC: Jess can clearly optimise and/or adjust her take by:

a) disposing of the dodgy ordnance:

- depends on Jakob’s assessment.


b) optimising for straight profit

- Logical. The API gear is mostly low tech and not SEMC standard, so it would be traded away anyway.


c) leaving the Starport a viable defence e.g. by not nicking the remaining high tech starship missiles (that would fit so nicely on your new fighter wing).

- Negotiable. Trade for something of equal worth?


d) focussing entirely on military gear/ordnance.

- Negotiable. Trade for something of equal worth?


e) not enquiring into the "voids" in the storage (and because "Answer e)" is always that option ).

Professional courtesy. Unless negotiations prove unsatisfactory.

[The Bindoner]

Jess sends Mike to guard the entrance to the stores, puts Kingy on the ammo bunker door, and 'Arry on the other bay. All are told to keep the access doors closed and check with Jess before passing anyone in or out Though Mike and Kingy are told to expect Jakob and admit him to the ammo dump). She keeps Sugar as close-protection/a distraction.

[Leitz]

Jakob will let Gaughan respond, and continue the conversation until Henker's call comes in.

"Speaking of the QSM, she just called about unstable munitions. I'm not sure if she means me, or something else." Jakob returned the signed authorization and put his helmet back on. "Oh, and I asked Lannigan to lead a mixed team action. Unsurprisingly, he did a fantastic job. If you need any officer level encouragement to get your people promotion and training opportunities, don't hesitate to ask."

Jakob will find a ride to C6, or hoof it if the vehicles are tasked. Given the need for scouting and ambulance care, that could well be the case.

[Tiglath]

Jakob

Gaughan nods his agreement "You're a lovely man so you are, Mister Domici, sir. The lads will no doubt collect a few "souvenirs" but they'll cause you no more bother with me there to manage their instincts for them, sir". Gaughan shifts uncomfortably at the mention of thievery and then his SNCOs mind appears to "interpret" for him as he replies "Sure you can trust my lads to not go around lookin' like thieves, sir".

Jakob signed and smiled. "You'll inform the QSM of anything she should know about, right?"

Now clearly relieved Gaughan smiles "Well, at least now I can tell her about that insecure lock on the stores at the Bartizan". He confides "I'm terrible worried she'll be upset about the whole thing, sir".

"If you need any officer level encouragement to get your people promotion and training opportunities, don't hesitate to ask."

"Promote Lannigan??? Now - there's a thing..." amazed by an apparent solution he'd not thought of Gaughan's smile turns truly diabolic "Oh, yes. Sure he'd make an excellent Sergeant so he would, sir! Add my recommendation to the Colonel, sir!" Clearly delighted he reaches for an Avastan style API issue canteen. Jakob noted that both Lannigan and Scollan had them earlier. "Would you care for a wee nip against the cold, sir?" In the act of offering Jakob the canteen Gaughan then instinctively pulls it back to sniff at and then cautiously taste the contents. He spits it out - swearing with inventive and fulsome vocabulary. He recovers to growl with increasing ire which is clearly not directed at Jakob but his absent Rangers "Oh, "it's but a touch of potcheen" is it? Children! Children that can't be left is what they are!" He hands the canteen to Jakob "Sir, there's fuel in it, so unless you want a unit of men mad and blind I suggest you confiscate every one of these that you see! Now, if I may, I'll drive you to see the QSM in my new staff car". He adds ruefully "You never know we might manage a whole kilometer before it breaks down". He half raises a hand politely "Beggin' yer pardon, sir, but first I have a wee call to make". Upon getting a response Gaughan coos softly into his comm "Ah, is that Quigley, purveyor of fine refreshments to NCOs?" Without waiting for any further response Gaughan raises his voice to truly blistering parade ground volume and blasts "Outside with full kit now. All of you!”

It later appears that the Rangers are enjoying a unit "orientation run" around the interior of the new territory known as "Merc Island".