Three Days After the Armory Raid
The Right Arm settlement continued humming with activity. The recent armory raid had energized the entire community. Patrols wore body armor. The new radios improved communication across the walls. Food was stockpiled, weapons cleaned and distributed. The mood inside the walls was hopeful. But Rick Grimes didn't let hope blind him. He stood outside the command post, watching the sunrise. Daryl approached from behind, carrying two cups of coffee.
"Morning, Sheriff— I mean, Rick," Daryl smirked, handing him a cup.
Rick took it with a nod.
"Morning."
Daryl looked toward the busy settlement.
"You built something solid here."
"We all did," Rick corrected. "But this is just the beginning."
Inside the command post, Glenn and Daryl laid out maps across the large table as the leadership gathered.
"Smoke," Glenn said. "Southwest. About eight miles from here. Small camp, maybe thirty people tops."
Guillermo leaned forward.
"Did they see you?"
Daryl shook his head.
"We stayed low."
Shane tapped the table with his knuckle.
"So what do we do? We can't just ignore it. That close? They're gonna cross paths with us eventually."
Morgan spoke up calmly.
"They might not be a threat. We don't know anything about them yet."
Merle grinned from the corner.
"Or they could be sittin' on supplies we could use."
Rick raised his hand to quiet them all.
"We don't make assumptions. But Shane's right. We can't ignore them."
He stood, voice firm.
"I'm putting together a scouting party. Non-hostile contact first. Glenn, Daryl — you lead it. Quiet observation. If they show signs of aggression, you pull back."
Glenn nodded.
"Understood."
Daryl added, "We'll stay invisible."
Rick's gaze swept the table.
"We're not looking for war. But we will be ready if one comes."
Later That Day
Glenn and Daryl moved like ghosts through the woods, binoculars in hand. The camp came into clearer view.
A small community had been fortified using buses and chain-link fencing. Children played inside while armed men patrolled the perimeter.
Daryl whispered, "Looks organized. Ain't no desperate group."
Glenn adjusted the binoculars.
"They've got farming patches, solar panels, some generators… and plenty of rifles."
Suddenly, they heard footsteps behind them.
Both spun around, guns raised— but were met by a woman aiming a rifle right back at them.
"Don't shoot," she said calmly. "We saw your tracks. Didn't think you'd get this close."
Glenn lowered his weapon slightly.
"We're not here to fight."
Daryl kept his aim steady.
"Who are you?"
The woman kept her stance, but her voice was even.
"My name's Harper. I lead this camp. We've been watching your people too."
Daryl narrowed his eyes.
"You've been watching us?"
"Only to make sure you weren't a threat," Harper replied.
Glenn and Daryl exchanged a glance. Glenn slowly lowered his weapon.
"We came to talk," Glenn offered. "Not to start something."
Harper nodded.
"Then talk.
The next morning, Rick arrived at the edge of Harper's camp with Glenn, Daryl, and two additional men as security.
Harper met them outside the gate, flanked by two of her own people.
Rick extended his hand.
"Rick Grimes. I lead The Right Arm."
Harper shook it.
"Harper Graves. We're called The Homestead."
There was tension in the air, but no hostility.
Rick got straight to the point.
"We're building something. Safe. Structured. You're too close for either of us to pretend the other doesn't exist. I don't want a war. I want a conversation."
Harper nodded thoughtfully.
"Agreed. But make no mistake, Sheriff — if your people come for ours, we will defend ourselves."
"I expect nothing less," Rick replied. "But that won't be necessary. We both want the same thing — survival."
They talked for an hour — trading information, territory lines, potential trade agreements. Harper's group had clean water access. The Right Arm had medical supplies and more manpower.
They agreed to a tentative non-aggression pact and arranged a small trade convoy within the week.
But both leaders knew: trust was still distant.
Back at The Right Arm
That evening, Rick debriefed the council inside the command post.
Guillermo rubbed his chin.
"They seem reasonable. For now."
Shane didn't look convinced.
"They're armed. Organized. That's danger, Rick."
Rick countered firmly.
"Or opportunity. We can't build a future by making enemies out of everyone."
Merle snorted.
"Hope you're right, boss. Hope you're right.
Meanwhile, Carl led his small group of young hunters on another squirrel run under Morgan's supervision.
He handed assignments to the younger kids.
"We spread out, stay quiet, and remember: always check your surroundings."
Morgan watched with pride as Carl moved with quiet confidence.
"You're growing into this."
Carl smiled.
"I'm ready."
Morgan smiled faintly.
"You will be. In time."
As night fell, Rick stood once more on the watchtower, scanning the darkness.
Daryl joined him.
"We make new friends today," Daryl said.
"Maybe," Rick answered. "But I'm preparing for when they might not stay friends."
The wind howled softly through the trees as both men stared into the unknown.
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