[X] [CHARGE] It's an escort quest if combat breaks out, so run an anchor and rover split. Alesha is up front to draw the most attention, with Hikaru and the archer behind her in the center to lay down ranged control from within her protection. Deedee has rearguard security as the next safest solo combatant. Ace and Sekhmet are off on a wing as melee bash buddies and are intended to sweep around the battlefield from end to end, either cleaning up close trash or splitting off to blitz the attacking backline as they see fit.
[X] [CHARGE] In terms of assets, we have three skirmishers/close DPS, a ranged DPS, a ranged DPS/Control, a tank, and two half-healers. In terms of liabilities, we have the non-combatants and the cart. Obviously to start with, the merchants stay with the cart, and our archer friend and, if possible, Hikaru should also stay with it, using it as a portable platform and serving as the last line of defense. Deedee, Ace, and Sekhmet should form an outer ring of combatants, ideally striking down any monsters or bandits before they can get close, or failing that tying them down so Hikaru or the archer can pick them off. Alesha, being the main defender but lacking mobility, will need to be between these two groups, moving to cover or heal as needed. Conveniently, everyone I'm putting on the perimeter is either specced for stealth (Sekhmet) or immune to surprise (Deedee and Ace thanks to their racial), giving us a good chance of the outer ring being able to counter any ambushes.
[X] [CHARGE] Separate into two groups. Alesha, Hikaru, and the archer stay close to the cart - Hikaru can probably stand on top - with Alesha blocking for the ranged fighters (and providing healing if needed) while they snipe. Ace, Sekhmet and Deedee are on interception duty - Ace and Sekhmet will range out around the cart as strikers, while Deedee hangs back a little in support, at a midpoint between them and the cart/sniper team; Deedee can then move to back up the strikers, engage and distract other mobs if they're busy, or run back and forth between the two groups to provide healing/other support as needed.
[X] [CHARGE] Write-in combat tactics given what you know about the party. We will be gaining an archer, as well as two non-combatants and a supply cart we can't afford to lose. Ask me any questions you need about this. The best plans will be discussed ICly with Warmaster Alesha.