With the latter option we wouldn't really lose much interaction I suppose, just basic introductions. Seeing as every character has some knowledge of the others (barring Nicholas) by this point another introduction scene might be a bit unnecessary. It's always nice to have as much talky talky sharey sharey as possible though, so I'm kinda split.

Scouting is a good idea, I nominate either of my boys. Both would be kinda qualified I guess, though we should split them up, I'd feel bad making you guys read 2000 words of me talking to myself.