It's morning now. As I walk toward our command center to discuss our next plans, my mind keeps turning. The real reason I came back early is simple—I need to form a team and prepare for an assault on Terminus, that twisted group of cannibals. At the same time, we'll rescue the people they've captured. Two birds with one stone. I've also been thinking about the council. There are too many of us now, and decision-making is starting to slow down. I think it's time to reduce our number. Aside from me, only five council members should remain.
A few minutes later, I reached the command center.
The building wasn't much from the outside—an old town hall we'd reinforced over time—but inside, it had become the brain of our community. Maps lined the walls, marked with routes, safe zones, and known enemy positions. A large table stood at the center, scattered with papers, plans, and a single radio that crackled now and then with updates from patrols. It wasn't pretty, but it worked. It was ours.
Soon, the rest of the council started filing in. One by one, familiar faces took their seats—some worn from recent battles, others looking hopeful, unsure of why I'd called this early meeting. I made some small talk at first, kept it light to ease the tension. But once we'd all settled in, I straightened up and looked them in the eye.
"All right, everyone," I began, voice steady. "I've made a decision."
They all turned to me, their expressions sharpening.
"I think it's time we reduce the number of council members."
There was a moment of silence. Then Merle leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and gave a short nod. "Makes sense. Too many voices lately."
Daryl, seated next to him, gave a grunt of agreement. "We need to move faster. Can't do that if we're always debating."
Leah stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded. "I'm good with that."
Washington crossed his arms and gave a firm, "Understood."
Guillermo and Dale both looked at each other, then at me. "If it's for the better of the community, I support it," Dale said with a sigh.
I gave them all a thankful glance before continuing.
"I've chosen the five who'll remain on the council."
I took a breath.
"Shane will take over leadership if I'm not around. He knows the weight of it and he's proven he can handle it."
Shane gave a quick nod, his expression unreadable.
"Sarah will also remain. Her voice keeps us grounded."
She looked surprised, but grateful.
"Guillermo—you'll assist Shane, help manage logistics and operations. You've done good work since day one."
"Of course," he said firmly.
"Morgan will stay as well. He's our moral compass, someone who always sees the bigger picture. We need that more than ever."
Morgan nodded solemnly.
"And Leah… she'll serve as the leader of a new elite team I'm forming—our quick response unit. She'll command our top fighters when it comes time to move."
Leah straightened her back slightly, silent but resolute.
I continued, "This won't be permanent. Each council member will serve for six months. After that, we'll hold a vote and rotate as needed. What I'm doing now is just the exception, not the rule. But it's urgent—we need this structure in place before we move forward with what's coming."
I turned to the rest.
"For those of you not chosen, I'm asking you to step down. This isn't personal. You've all done good work, and I still need you in other areas. But for now, the council needs to be lean and quick."
They looked at one another. Some hesitant. Some clearly disappointed. But one by one, they stood. A few nods, a few words of respect exchanged. And then, reluctantly, they filed out.
When the room finally settled, I looked at the five who remained.
"Alright. Now to the first agenda—that's settled. Let's move on to the second. But before we proceed, any questions? Reports?"
Shane spoke up, his arms crossed. "Rick, I heard you're aligning us with other communities. Can we trust them? Are they safe?"
I met his eyes. "Yes. We're safe. They've proven themselves, and their base is in Virginia—strategically distant, but close enough to support us if needed."
Morgan nodded thoughtfully. "That's good to hear. We need allies."
Guillermo grinned. "You've outdone yourself again, hermano."
I chuckled. "Thanks."
Then I grew serious.
"I called this meeting because of something important. I've received information about a place called Terminus."
Everyone perked up, and I continued.
"It's not what it pretends to be. This group lures people in, claiming sanctuary... and then captures and eats them. They're cannibals."
Morgan's face turned dark. Shane muttered a curse under his breath. The tension in the room spiked as everyone processed what I'd just said.
"We can't let this stand," I said firmly. "We're going to wipe them out and rescue whoever they've captured. The longer we wait, the more people they'll kill—or eat."
I turned to Leah. "Take all the Reapers and be ready by dawn."
She gave a sharp nod. "Understood."
"Merle will gather a backup team," I added. "Guillermo, I want equipment for thirty people prepped and ready by nightfall. Gear, weapons, rations—everything."
Guillermo gave a thumbs up. "Consider it done."
Morgan looked at me. "What'll you do with them once we have them cornered?"
My gaze hardened. "We wipe them out."
No one argued.
After the meeting, I headed out to look for Merle.
I found him near the armory, loading his shotgun and cracking open a beer like this was just another Tuesday. Typical Merle.
"Merle," I called out, walking over with purpose in my step. "Gather the rest. We need eighteen people total, including you and me. That makes sixteen more. I want the best—fighters.
He gave me that crooked grin. "Heh, I figured as much. Been itchin' for some action, brother."
I nodded, then turned to the side as Leah approached with her Reapers—silent, sharp, and deadly as always. Including them, we had twelve hardened fighters already.
"We'll have numbers," I said to Merle, "but what matters is speed and precision. We strike fast, break their walls down, and get the prisoners out before they even realize what hit 'em."
Earlier that evening, I'd already spoken to Daryl.
I told him to follow the train tracks east—Terminus used those routes to lure people in. He'd go alone and stay hidden, gather intel on their layout and numbers. I trusted him more than anyone when it came to tracking and scouting.
Yeah, it was already nightfall, and I knew it was dangerous. But I wasn't willing to wait. Every minute we delayed, more innocent people risked being butchered and eaten like cattle.
First light tomorrow… we end Terminus.