Two Weeks Later
The trade agreement between The Right Arm and The Homestead had held steady for two weeks. Small convoys exchanged medical supplies, clean water, seeds, and fuel. Tensions remained, but mutual benefit kept peace alive
Yet Rick never lowered his guard
At dawn, Glenn and Daryl returned from a routine scouting patrol. Both men entered the command post, faces tense
Guillermo, Morgan, Shane, and Merle were already waiting as Rick stepped inside.
Glenn placed a marked map on the table.
"Problem," Glenn started. "New group. Armed andHostile.
Rick's eyes narrowed.
"Where?
Daryl pointed to a spot about twelve miles east.
"They call themselves 'The Vultures.' Watched them for a day. They're raiders, Rick. Hit small survivor groups, take everything. Brutal. No negotiating.
Merle leaned forward, grinning.
"Well, we knew people like them would show up sooner or later."
Morgan rubbed his temples.
"If they get any closer, our whole operation is at risk.
Shane slammed his fist against the table.
"We can't wait for them to make the first move.
Rick stayed silent for a moment before speaking calmly.
"We won't. But we're not charging in blind. Glenn, Daryl — I want detailed recon. Movements. Numbers. Patterns."
Glenn nodded.
"We're on it."
Meanwhile at The Homestead
Rick traveled to meet Harper personally, informing her of the threat.
"They're not far from your southern border either," Rick explained.
Harper frowned.
"We've heard whispers, but nothing concrete until now."
"We're stronger together," Rick offered. "Shared information. Shared defense."
Harper studied him, calculating.
"I'll alert my people," she said. "But if this turns into war, Rick… you better be ready to do whatever it takes."
Rick's voice was cold.
"I always am.
The First Encounter
Three days later, Glenn and Daryl spotted a small Vulture scouting party — five men raiding an abandoned farmhouse.
The Vultures moved like hyenas, looting supplies, shooting any walkers with suppressed pistols. They laughed as they kicked through the remains of what used to be a family's home.
Glenn whispered, "They're organized."
Daryl loaded his crossbow.
"More like wolves."
As the Vultures loaded up their stolen supplies, one of them suddenly looked directly toward Glenn and Daryl's hidden position.
"Shit," Glenn hissed.
"Go!" Daryl barked.
The two slipped away through the trees as the Vultures fired blindly into the woods.
The Council Meeting
Back at camp, Rick reviewed the full report.
"Fifteen to twenty men," Glenn said. "Well-armed. Vehicles. They've been raiding for a while."
Guillermo added, "They'll come for us eventually."
Shane spoke up again.
"Then let's hit them first."
Morgan argued, "If we miscalculate, we risk everything we've built."
Merle, grinning as usual, chimed in.
"Boss, you know we're gonna have to kill these bastards sooner or later."
Rick exhaled deeply. His voice was calm but sharp.
"We're preparing defenses immediately. Patrols doubled. Expeditionary Unit ready for response. But we won't launch an assault yet."
Shane scowled but said nothing.
"We wait. Let them make their move. And when they do — we end it."
That afternoon, Carl walked alongside Morales' son as they helped organize supplies.
Morgan approached with a wooden training rifle.
"Time for real drills," he said.
Carl's eyes lit up.
"Am I ready?"
Morgan smiled.
"Let's find out."
Under Morgan's supervision, Carl practiced moving through cover, handling weapons safely, and responding to simulated ambushes.
Later, Rick watched from a distance, proud but concerned.
Andrea stepped beside him.
"You're scared for him," she said softly.
"Every second," Rick admitted. "But I have to let him grow."
Late one night, the first attack came — but not directly on The Right Arm.
A trade convoy returning from The Homestead was ambushed.
Only two survivors made it back, bloodied and shaken.
"They knew our route," one man gasped. "They hit us from both sides… it was a trap."
Rick's eyes turned cold.
"They're testing us.
The leadership council gathered immediately. No arguments this time.
"We end it," Rick said flatly.
The plan was set:
Glenn and Daryl would locate the Vultures' main camp.
Merle's team would modify two armored trucks for assault.
The Right Arm Expeditionary Unit would prepare for a precision strike.
Shane grinned for the first time that night.
"Bout damn time."