Oh, of course not. If this was going as planned, I wouldn't have been sent to find them.
Michael is struck by this practical application of why Universal Law always results in good, even when it appears to result in sadness.
Of course, that would mean he'd have to care about these people.
Michael finds this an perturbing thought, and makes a note to explore this carefully. Possibly over lunch...the meal he didn't pack.
Michael finds this a perturbing thought as well.
But it looks like a patrol camped here, so whatever went wrong, it didn't go wrong until after they got here.
Michael examines the campsite carefully and thoroughly.
Does it look struck, as if the patrol rode away in good order?
Abandoned at speed, as if the patrol was attacked and had to flee?
Did they leave any armor behind? Corpses?
Michael's stomach grumbles.
Forget the armor, how about provisions?