Make friendly contact

Samuel's response does not surprise you. He was always a pessimist (though he preferred being labelled as a pragmatist). You sometimes wonder what kind of man Samuel was before the Virus. But, discussing your past has become somewhat of a sensitive matter in a world where there was very little chance that the future would in any way resemble the past. You never asked him who he used to be and he never asked you who you used to be.

Perhaps that is why you two got along so well.

Nevertheless, you're not afraid to disagree with him. "I can't risk any lives," you tell him. "Especially if it's not necessary to do so."

It seems like he wants to contradict you but he keeps silent. He knows better than to argue with you.

You tell Samuel to bring Grace in, and, minutes later, a stout, plump woman with dark skin and short hair walks in to your tent. She is a few years older than you but carries herself rather well, you had to admit. She usually has a frown for other people but, for you, she smiles.

You tell Grace your plan. She listens patiently and then tells you that she will gather a small group of men and women to visit the camp. Before she leaves, she turns around again, as if she is just remembering something. "By the way," she begins. "Did Sarah talk to you?"

At first, you are not sure who Grace is referring to, but then you remember the young girl who you spoke with earlier. "Yeah. And, no, I'm not punishing Samuel."

Grace's eyebrows narrow. "And why the fuck not?"

"I need to explain myself to you?"

The words come out ruder than you intend. Then again, it is difficult to make disrespect sound respectful. Grace winces as if you had slapped her, as if a slap would have induced a milder pain.