15
The scouts spin on their heels to face you, raising their forearms in reflex action at your sudden appearance. ‘Hold it!’ snaps one of them to his companions, who are both on the verge of firing their weapons. ‘He could be the one.’
Warily they approach and demand that you identify yourself. You tell them who you are and suggest that they look in your pocket if they require proof that you speak the truth. Gingerly, one steps forward.
