A mud-covered military police courier, lean-built and pale-skinned, with a small notch in one eyebrow, a young adult man with a narrow face, wet brown hair, and a gray-green greatcoat, emerges between the trees. His sidearm remains holstered, and an oilskin pouch is sealed beneath his coat.
The Military Police Courier
Headquarters orders all captured enemy personnel transferred to a temporary collection point. The front is shifting faster than expected.
The squad leader keeps one hand near his rifle and does not surrender the German corporal. The four other squadmates hold their positions while the freckled squadmate watches the courier’s hands.
The Squad Leader
Show me the written order, your identification, and the route to this collection point. We do not hand over a prisoner on a voice alone.
The Military Police Courier
The order is sealed, Sergeant. You can inspect the pouch, but breaking it here may delay the transfer and leave your advance unsupported.
The squad leader studies the courier’s muddy boots, the untouched holster, and the seal on the pouch. Behind him, the German corporal remains surrounded, hands visible, while the ridge waits beyond the trees.
The Squad Leader
Nobody moves yet. We verify the authority before we choose between the collection point and the ridge.
✓ Quest Accepted
Verify the military police courier’s authority