The landscape of a rural community was as alien to Shepard as any number of exoplanetary forests. More, even-- but she'd had nightmares like this. Picked over grain-fields and ghost towns. If the architecture in those towns had been more prefab than wood shack, it didn't negate an ounce of the wariness in her step.

"Only one way to find out," The houses made for an attractive target, easy shelter and defensible choke-points, all in one, "Might get lucky."

She jerked her chin to indicate that he should take point. After all, of the two available options, he was the least burdened.