Sorry, I guess I should have more specific.

Nikolai flashing a wicked smile,
"Never leave home without it."
Opening his great coat to reveal an entrenchment tool on his belt along with a Russian F1 hand grenade.

As you folks disembark from the jeep the older veteran MP approaches. As he walks up he tips his hat to Solange, and to Tanner gives a quick salute and extends his hand. (Completely snubbing Nikolai)
"Specialist Melvin Rathbone, damn glad to see you guys. Its a goddamn mess in there." Giving a slight chuckle, "Then theres where the rookie didn't puke."

The rookie mumbles out, "Thats not funny Melvin."

Solange smiles kindly at the rookie, saying, "It is normal to find it so...horrifying."  At least at first.

She can almost smell the vomit already, knowing of course that is impossible.  Somehow it disturbs her more than the likely condition of the bodies.  She forces out of her mind how ill she had been when the Gestapo had shown her what was left of one of her comrades.  And then he had opened his eyes, tried to scream...

Turning back to the rookie, Solange says, "For now, put it out of your mind.  Of course we will need your report, but, perhaps not yet."

Smiling to myself as I remember that same scared and confused feeling going into combat on D-Day. Better than the 'stare' though...and damned if this new posting doesn't make me feel that way again sometimes.

"Alright then,Solange it is and friendly is fine by me so Addi will do.Nikolai don't put much stock in formality either...ain't that right comrade!?" as I climb out of the jeep...keeping my eyes panning the area,looking for any incongruity as that cold feeling creeps into my gut.

Giving a perfunctory salute and ignoring the comments and hand "Morn'n gentlemen,I'm assuming you followed procedures and kept the integrity of this scene intact.Have you noticed any unusual activity or persons in the area?"

Ronin,what is Nikolais rank?

Nikolai is a Младший сержант. (Junior Sergeant, the first step up from the Private ranks.)

The Private nods his head to Solanges comforting words.

The Veteran responds to Tanner.
"We didn't touch a thing. As soon as we found the body and Billy stopped yarf'n. We hightailed it out of there and called it in. Only people we've seen is a couple locals passing by on their personal business."

At the veteran's comment about 'locals' passing by, Solange scoffs a bit and says, "Do not underestimate Boche going about their 'business'.  It is killing, and I do not know if all have yet learned a new trade."  

She tries to peer inside through a window, but there's too much of reflection in the morning light.  The advertisement for raw beef in its vivid red-pink becomes a bit surreal as she considers the sight likely to await them.

Turning to address Tanner and Nikolai, she says, "So, which of us shall 'take point', as you say."

Tanner takes a small vial of peppermint oil out of his blouse pocket and rubs some under his nose. "Cuts the worst of it." as he offers it to Solange.

Putting my hand on the rookies shoulder and looking him in the eyes "Good work men.Stay alert out here." I salute then grab my field bag from the jeep (checking to make sure the flashlight works) and take one more good look at the surrounding area .

Taking a few deep breaths as I approach the entry and looking to my companions "We know the routine.Lets get this done shall we." I push the door open and enter the building...

Solange grins at Tanner and dabs the peppermint oil under her nose as well. "Merci. I see, Addison, that you come prepared..."

She retrieves her bag from the jeep as well, and leaves her high heels to zip into a pair of boots far more practical for the mission.  She draws her Walther PPK from a shoulder holster beneath her jacket and disengages the safety.  The gun, a wartime trophy, has shiny spot where something has been filed off and seven notches cut into the handle.  She then takes out her flashlight and follows Tanner into the grocery, leaving Nikolai to take the rear.  

Blinking in the darkness inside, she keeps her pistol aimed at the beam of her flashlight as it scans the room.  "Mon Dieu," she gasps under her breath as the scene comes to light....

Nikolai tabs a bit of the oil beneath his nose and cues up in the rear.

You enter the Fairveiw Grocery. Despite the peppermint oil, you still catch an occasional whiff of puke, and that all to familiar stench of human decay. Before you lays a familiar sight. It could be any grocery in any town across the free west. Shelves stocked with canned, dry goods, and sundrys of various sorts. In the back is a counter, atop of it is the register. Behind the counter lies a door to the back. To the side where one goes behind the counter is what looks like the rookies breakfast. But puddled next to it is an unmistakable thing. A pool of blood.

Ronin. What is the lighting situation in the store?
How long are the shelves and are they orientated so we can see down them?
Is the door behind the counter open?
Do we have a system of hand signals to convey basic proceedures or do we rely on verbal orders?

Wyldcat9/Ronin. How shall we handle tactical situations in regards to 'chain of command' (is there one?). Who gives the orders? ( I am a bit unsure of all our actual ranks in the organization etc.)

I propose...
Tanner makes eye contact with Solange and then motions to the counter/door saying "cover".

Addison motions Nikolai to make a circuit round the far end of the shelves while I cover him from the opposite end.(depending on orientation) I kneel close to each end-cap and quick glance round the shelves before advancing.

I am wanting us to end up at the counter having given all the rows a once over while Solange covers the counter/door area. Pistol is drawn and safety off. Flash light in left hand (if required).

Skofflox - I'm assuming we're equals, and I'm sure the RPA has some kind of signaling system.

Ronin - Is the cash register open and/or tampered with?


Solange nods to Tanner and takes her position covering the door behind the counter, which apparently leads to the crime scene.  She holds her pistol steady despite being a bit jumpy.  She is standing in front of the counter, ready to use it for cover should anyone -- or anything -- emerge from the back room.

The store is only lit by the early morning sun coming through the windows in the front. Dim in some places, but you are able to see easily.

There are three main shelves five foot tall, that run from the front to the back. The walls have shelves that reach nearly to the ceiling.

The door behind the counter is ajar, halfway open.

Being that the RPA is composed of former and current military/para-military personnel. You are all familiar with most verbal, and non-verbal cues/communication.

Basically all squad members as far as rank goes are equal. Regardless of their former or current rank. As to chain of command and whose in charge thats really up to Wyldcat and you. Nikolai will do what he thinks needs to be done. But follows most orders. (Just like a good Communist:p) Ive kind of thought you've pretty much been the "leader". As long as Wyld has no problem with that, and it doesn't cut her/him (obviously your character is female, but I'm not sure if you are.) out of the spotlight/time to shine/fun. I think thats OK. But again thats up to you folks.

The cash register is closed and appears unmolested.

As Solange covers the door Tanner and Nikolai move from end cap to end cap scanning the store front to back. Everything seems normal with nothing amiss. You all proceed forward keeping zones of fire. Finally reaching the back counter.
Nikolai leans over and takes a look quickly recoiling, "Святый Боже!, I haven't seen anything like that since Stalingrad."
You you both take a look over the counter. You see a grisly sight. The body of the shop keep. Blood is everywhere. I looks like chunks have been ripped and possibly bitten out of him. Almost like a pack of wild animals had attacked him.

I was assuming Tanner was the leader as well - many IC reasons but also he was here first.
Oh and female IRL, not that it matters much on teh interwebs :rolleyes:

"Merde!"  Solange looks down at the mutilated corpse, coughing to suppress a gag that rose in her throat.  "It is...unspeakable," she says at last.  "I do not want to imagine Stalingrad, Nikolai, but sometimes the Boche....used dogs, to run us to ground or...this."  She shudders, then something hardens in her eyes.  "We should find the rest, such as are left."

Wyldcat9/Ronin.
I posed the question merely to maintain verisimilitude. Since we are all combat veterans may I suggest a 'round robin' approach to the group tactical duties? Addison will follow as long as I feel it is a safe plan given the setting and my characters experience. (as I am sure others will do so if my plans seem faulty)

Even though Tanner is a veteran of many a desperate combat he feels his gore rise a bit at the sight of the mutilated shopkeep (conversely, he surpresses a nervous laugh at the blood smeared 'day old' pastry display on the counter). Swallowing hard he glances to Solange, keeping his pistol trained on the open door...

A "round robin" approach sounds good.

Nikolai speaks,
"Well as you Americans say, No guts no glory."
With that Nikolai jumps the counter and approaches the door. With his tokarev in one hand and his crooked neck flash light in the other. He approaches the door. With the lot of you covering him, he kicks open the door. Quickly scanning the back room, he hollers "Clear!"

Cool.

Tanner says (with unabashed sarcasm)"Well,that was about as subtle as a T-34." as he pushes his cap back and lets out a long sighing breath.
He walks around the counter to the open door avoiding the congealed blood and pans his light around,looking for any bloody footprints or drag marks.