[b]Late spring, y2198[/b]

Lexie let her hand move away from the hilt of a dagger when the woman didn’t appear to be immediately hostile.  She glanced around, but whoever else the woman was speaking to didn’t appear to be in sight.  “I’m not worried about people trying to take it,” she replied, smiling back.  Her gaze swept the other woman head to toe and back up.  “You’re not very well equipped for travelling, though.  I know we’re not far from the Saint’s camp, but I’m surprised you’ve made it so far.  Where’s the rest of your group?”  She tapped her ear, indicating a radio.  The brunette didn’t feel it was prudent to let the newcomer know about Angie, not yet at least, though she expected her friend to return before too much longer.  “Honestly, you don’t look like you’re in good shape at all.  Did something happen?  Here, why don’t you at least come out of the sun.  But don’t touch the Hunk, you won’t enjoy it if you do.”  The tarp looked fairly ordinary, but it was designed specifically to block the sun, and had proved to be worth the high price they’d paid for it.  Lexie had thought it was too much, but Angie had a good sense for that sort of thing.  

Once they were both in the shade, which was significantly cooler, she tilted her head at the woman.  “I’m Lexie, Lexie Swift,” she said, deciding that if the other lady knew her reputation enough to know about Angie, that meant she’d also know not to mess with either of them.  “Where are you heading?”