RAF Intelligence is picking up intermittent
radio signals on alternating frequencies. It
is in a code that can't be broken. Signal
strength is strong and they suspect Submarine
activity near London or German Nazi spies.
The order is given to focus Marine Patrol craft
to try and find the source of these sporadic
signals. Several of these craft disappear from
radar and not a trace of any of the missing planes
are found. The incident is hushed up to avoid
demoralizing the war effort and concocted stories
and explanations emerge for the public and families
of the MIA (Missing In Action) RAF service men.
The airspace officially kept clear pending further
investigation. Ship patrols in the area are increased.
London, December 1943:
An upgraded, unregistered late 1943 Lockheed Hudson VI
with a new prototype Radar and Communications equipment
is then dispached to the region of the earlier aircraft
disappearances. Primarily the mission of these planes
is to detect any surfaced submarines but this one is
equipped with special Signal finding technology and
movie cameras. Official records or paperwork for this
mission are filed Top Secret. The men are to be ready
to take off at a moments notice when the signals resume
and this is given Top Priority.
The men selected for this mission are closely scrutinized
and a battery of tests are given before the crew is eventually
finalized and chosen. Early genetics, biochemical, physicals,
psychological exams are given to each of them. Even a family
Genealogical history is taken.
The signal is again detected and the plane is then dispatched.
The signals are believed to be between London and the South East
coast line.
However, the Hudson disappears for several days and then it
just seemed to reappear. It has been battered and is filthy
as if it has seen heavy combat action. The plane has a hard
landing as fuel runs out virtually over the White Cliffs of
Dover.
Several high ranking Military and British Government Officials
arrive at the scene and the logs, tapes and data are taken
from the craft in sealed metal boxes which are welded shut
for transport. The plane is hauled off and the entire incident
hushed up for national security reasons. The men are alive
but insane with shell shock and isolated immediately to
a Military Hospital. Over the next few months all die under
accidental or mysterious circumstances. Families are
outraged in that some never got to see their loved ones
during the Hospital stay or given the bodies.
After the war ends and stories are told several families
of the October men and the latter December men, want to
know what happened on those missions. It is however never
disclosed openly but Government Officials leak a story
about an experimental German Submarine with small rockets
of course it can not be confirmed. Those records referenced
were conveniently believed destroyed during the war.
London, December 2003:
A memorial is being held for the men of these RAF missions
by a private organization of War time Historians. They
have tracked down family members and among the invited
are the player characters.
-LC
--------------------------------
There seems to be many places to take this
idea... and I think most GMs here will have
an idea of where the planes most likely
went. And to whoms sphere of influence
especially during WWII. I think most will
even see how to get the PC's really in-
volved in this... but I am running dry on
additional ideas of plot(s) and conclusion(s).
It might be fun to theorize on this
openly on the forum. I will also post a
list of other suitable aircraft for Russian,
Japanese, American & Italian theaters...
for those of you who may wish to make
personal adjustments. I have an extensive
library on old aircraft.
The Lockheed Hudsons saw service in
nearly all war time arenas. Including
Australia, South America and African Coasts.
I think about 1949 or so they
went into Civilian uses as cargo and
passenger planes quite successfully.
They were tricky on take off and landings
but smooth in the air for an old bomber.
-LC
Oh I knew there was something else...
I was thinking that maybe the plane
brought back some piece of tech that
was mixed up in a PCs relatives belongings
and Techrones come to retrieve it... or
the organization wants to get there hands
on it... PCs might live out little bits of the
December Flight as the crew... while the
story in the present takes place and they
effect each other... I just don't know...
Maybe flashbacks could happen when
the touch the restored plane... or go on
a flight in it... Muhahahahahahhahahaha!
Other Planes For Alternate Settings
Focke-Wulf Fw 200
Bordeaux-Marignac, France (1943)
w/ Radar (1944)
Junkers Ju 52 (Mk IV)
Luftwaffe (Spain 1937)
All German Theaters Russian Front
Stalingrad, USSR
Junkers 88A-5 (1941)
Mostly Holland & The North Sea
But Also Crete, Sicily & Germany
He 111H-3 Slovakian Air Force (1943)
Hungry, Romania & Slovakia
USA (North Africa)
B-25D Mitchell (1943)
Consolidated PBY Catalina
(Flying Boat) All USA War Theaters
Australia 1942
Shetland, UK 1944
US Navy 1945-6