The first bounty team reached the Hunger Road before sunrise with twelve cameras and no visible weapons. Their company licenses identified them as documentary contractors, although the armored van behind them carried a sealed equipment compartment.
Kendra met them at the outer junction instead of allowing the barrier to decide. The road notice above her showed Crowncast's bounty beside the Citadel's rules for observers and armed entrants.
"Cameras can cross the public route. Open the sealed compartment or turn the van around," she said, keeping both hands away from her weapon.
Their leader aimed a lens at her while claiming confidential press equipment. Two other operators moved apart, trying to place her between their feeds and make any response appear surrounded.
"Then the compartment stays outside. People may enter after they register ordinary carried weapons," Kendra replied.
