Everyone entered the room, looking around with distrust. As they knew, trusting is good, but not trusting is better. Gregory did not immediately start talking about what his people needed as soon as everyone entered the room; instead, he pointed to the decorations on the walls, especially a painting.
While speaking about his love for the painting, he observed Maggie's changing expressions and realized the other party was not interested in his words. Michonne, on the other hand, was observing the surroundings without looking at the talking old man.
Gregory looked at Glenn. He seemed like a very calm man, but apparently, he was interested in nothing but the safety of his people. Seeing all this, a hint of disappointment shone on Gregory's face, though he did not show it openly.
After offering everyone a seat, Gregory sat on a sofa but continued talking about trivial matters, showing no anxiety or concern about the deal, while Maggie and Michonne, off to the side, exchanged modest smiles. Well, Michonne didn't hide her expression as she judged this old man Gregory.
Seeing the behavior of the people in front of him, he felt a bit tired, knowing it wouldn't be easy to read them or get important information about where they came from.
The two spokespersons simply chatted without saying anything important, as if they had a tacit understanding and did not want to take the initiative to offer or ask.
Glenn didn't understand why this old man didn't ask for what he needed. Clearly, even he knew who was in need in this situation, so he didn't understand Gregory's purpose.
At least Maggie knew that if she offered something, she would have the upper hand in this negotiation. Her purpose was to help the people, but it was not as if they were eager to do so. She knew Gregory was a narcissistic man and it was obvious he didn't care about those sick people.
"They seem to have been as bad as your people said…" Michonne rested her head on her fist.
At that moment, Jesus entered the room after lightly knocking. He approached Gregory and whispered a few words into his ear, and the old man's face changed drastically.
...
In the open field of Hilltop, Jason walked slowly, his eyes scanning the camp. He had been thinking about what he would do with this place, and now he had decided: he would definitely take this place under his command.
"It seems Gregory doesn't care much about his inhabitants' health. I have to assume what kind of leader they have here." With his hands behind his back, Jason walked around the high log wall.
Jesus, following closely behind Jason, couldn't say much about Gregory's behavior, but still had to improve the reputation of his community, so he said: "He does everything he can to stay safe. I know he's scared, but he also has pride and won't let his leadership be underestimated."
Jason stopped, looked at Jesus, and nodded understandingly. There are all kinds of people, and among them, all kinds of leaders. There are the fearful or those who think everything will be fine by maintaining order, like Deanna, and obviously, there are people like Gregory, and the strongest are like Rick.
"Where do you come from? Why do you care about helping us?"
Just as Jason was heading toward Maggie and the others, who were now negotiating with those these people wanted, Jesus stopped him with his question.
"I don't particularly care about you yet..."
"Not yet? What do you mean?" Jesus stepped closer and asked, confused.
Seeing the confusion on Jesus's face, Jason shared what he thought: "I come from Atlanta. My goal is to gather people to rebuild a better future where no one lacks medicine or food."
"I'm sure you're a survivor and have seen the worst this world can offer. You've felt despair and awaited a sure death that never came. I'm close by, with easy air and land transport, and I want you to tell me what you think about me taking Hilltop under my protection."
Jesus looked at Jason and didn't know what to say. His words were striking and his purpose very unrealistic nowadays. But he didn't know why he felt that the man before him was telling the truth — something that, if true, would benefit everyone.
"We have given you medicines, food, and weapons so you can defend yourselves. There are many enemies, and those weapons won't be enough to protect you, but if you think you need my help, I will send soldiers to guard this place, and those here will be trained."
Jesus uncovered his face and said: "That sounds too good to be true. I don't know if you have such a great force and such a noble purpose, but I should first ask the people about that idea."
Hearing these words, Jason nodded and said: "I encountered cannibals. A family in a room was dismembered by them; every part of their body was sucked clean until only white bones remained."
"Of course, I'll ask your people. They will be free and feel much safer; they won't be deprived of anything, and the most talented will be taken to Atlanta, where we have shelters with thousands of people."
"But that is my intention..."
After saying that, Jason walked toward where Gregory and his people were supposedly negotiating.
...
Maggie and the others finally stood up. She continued nodding politely and then said: "Mr. Gregory, it's almost night, and it's time for us to return. We had a great conversation with you today. I hope you live a long life."
After she finished speaking, she walked straight to the door, followed by Glenn and Michonne. Gregory, behind them, looked very exhausted. He had tried to obtain information about the community they came from but got no results. Although the other party was an uncertain woman, he hoped to get something, even if it wasn't valuable.
If it weren't for the fact that there was a group of patients in Hilltop waiting for medicines, he wouldn't have been so intense in this situation. He really didn't care about those sick people. If it weren't for those damned people, he would have a thousand reasons to overcome this turbulence without spending resources.
But the problem is that now, with the possibility of saving them, if he doesn't take action now, the prestige established in Hilltop before will be erased by his actions.
Thinking about this, Gregory felt ruthless inside: if he loses, everyone loses.
"Please, wait a moment."
Maggie and her group stopped when they reached the door and looked at Gregory with questioning expressions.
"What's wrong?"
"I'd like to talk about how to exchange the medicines. You know we have some patients in very bad condition, but we just traded with other organizations and don't have much food available. You know there are many bad people out there; we must be careful…"
Of course, Maggie understood what the old man meant but still pretended to be in the dark, looking at him with a puzzled expression and said: "I don't understand exactly what you mean."
Michonne, nearby, said: "Be clear with your words."
Gregory cursed silently; his facial expression became even more miserable, and his tone grew much lower and hoarser.
"Listen, the situation here is very bad. Allow me to apologize to you; my attitude was too arrogant and rude."
Maggie smiled slightly, shook her head to indicate it was okay, then sat back down on the sofa under Gregory's gesture.
The expression on Gregory's face, Hilltop's leader, became more and more powerless, and he continued after a sigh:
"Hilltop is really in crisis. We don't have enough food. Winter has arrived, and the ammunition ran out a few days ago. Now we lack food and medicine. Several people have fallen ill. I just couldn't say this directly, but I was only hoping to gain some advantage in this negotiation."
"You can see your group is full of good people. If you help us today, we will definitely be infinitely grateful."
Gregory's words were very sincere, and there was a worried look on his face. Maggie suddenly felt a little sad. Could it really be that hard to survive in this place?
Just as she was about to ask, the door suddenly opened. Gregory thought it was Jesus coming back in.
"Jesus, wait outside! Everything is fine... huh?"
Gregory only finished speaking halfway through when he saw a man enter through the door. He hadn't seen him until this moment. He supposed this person had to be one of the group's members skilled in medicine!
He was about to greet politely, but he heard the other party say first: "Finished talking? We have to leave this place; it's getting dark."
Gregory was a little confused. What? Time to leave? Then what am I supposed to do without the medicine?
"Wait, we're still talking business!"
Jason looked at the old man and said coldly, "I heard everyone was going to starve to death. What can you negotiate with my people? Are you looking for us to give you the medicine?"
Although he thought it in his heart, Gregory obviously couldn't admit it, so he could only explain forcefully: "I think you misunderstood. What I mean is that after the medicine exchange, our food isn't enough to last through your people's recovery. We can still bring some food, but it won't be much."
Michonne's eyes widened, and she angrily asked the old man, "That's not what you said a moment ago!"
After hesitating and evading for a long time, the old man couldn't find an explanation, so he could only extend his hands and say honestly, "We have to survive; it's been hard for our group lately."
Michonne frowned as she looked at that narcissistic old man.
Jason wasn't angry; he only smiled at the other party, then turned around and left the room.
Gregory was a little terrified. If he couldn't get the medicine today, these sick people could die, so he quickly followed them.
"Wait, we have food, but not enough."