"It's tense, sir. These folks don't want the vaccine."
"What's the threat?"
"A lot of angry civilians, with armed soldiers mixed in. Best we just leave them alone."
"Best for whom?" Magar snaps. "If I retreat then they just get emboldened to stand up to us again. We need to deliver this vaccine."
"Maybe just leave it here and let them pick it up if they want."
"Maybe you should get your butt back over there," Magar stabs his finger toward the rebels, "and tell them we're coming in."
"Yes, sir."
You walk back down the quiet boulevard, aware that you are the focal point of attention for two heavily armed fighting forces. This wasn't where you'd expected to end up today, and your mind races as you desperately try to figure out how you might get out of here still alive.
General Tethong watches your approach. Beyond him, the rebel mob is seething. The restless energy is growing, and you know that this shuttle diplomacy can't continue for long. Action needs to be taken.
"So," Tethong asks, "what did they say?"
This is it, you realize. The fate of this world hangs in the balance.