"Huh," grunts the big blond woman in response to Roland's request. "I handle tech and weapons, motor pool, stuff like that. Name's Catherine." She stumps forward on big booted feet and sets down a duffel bag and a heavy ammo case at their feet. "Have a look through there for starters, that's my go bag.

The bag is very heavy canvas reinforced with heavy steel wire, and the thud when she sets it down explains why easily. As she unzips it to reveal the contents she wrinkles her nose in irritation. Perhaps half a dozen weapons, from shotguns to machetes, accompany assorted gadgets such as infrared goggles and a motion detector.