Outbreak Scenario 27

You’ve been on the road with your group for weeks. Food is nearly gone. Tonight, in the ruins of a gas station, you spot a man crouched behind a burned-out car. He’s mid-thirties, rail-thin, and shaking from exhaustion. His jacket is torn, one sleeve soaked with dried blood from a deep cut on his forearm. A rusty pistol hangs from his belt, but he keeps his hands up when he sees you.

“I am alone,” he says. “I have been on the road for days and can barely keep moving.” He swallows hard and looks from one face in your group to another. “I know a safe place two days east. I won't give directions unless you let me come with you.”

You hear a crackle from a radio the nearby car, and someone speaking Russian. The man tilts his head towards the transmission like he understands what they are saying.

If questioned he won't give more details but sticks to his original story.