106 Chapter 105 Part 2
- Xenon -
We've put fences along with wooden spikes around the field to stop walkers, as it will be used for growing crops. We still plan on expanding, but this space should be enough. The next step would be to reinforce the fences and have them block the view completely, that way we wouldn't need a group of people constantly fighting off walkers.
I drive past the main gate and immediately noticed the tense atmosphere. The guards seemed more vigilant than usual, which is a good thing but only hints at something happening in this case.
«Did something happen?» I asked the nearest guard, Liz, as soon as I got out.
«We found a group of people sniffing around the area.» She answered. «Shane has sent a group of people to see if they have other people with them.» Shane came to me shortly after, to give me more details.
A group of five were found in the area of the prison, running from a group of walkers. Shane explained to me that he thinks they are saying the truth, but you can never be too careful these days, a decision I fully support.
We walked through the former empty fields, now filled with wooden structures holding dozens of animals. Stables for cows and horses, turkeys, a chicken house... People tending to them, with children being taught how to do so, enjoying the novel activity. It gave them something to occupy themselves with while letting the adults do their jobs as well. Everybody stopped their work and welcomed me back before they resumed. Nice people...
We had a supply of milk and eggs thanks to them. Nowhere near enough, but it's a start. I've forbidden the slaughter of animals for food until we reach the milestones we set up with Hershel, the man in charge of all farming activities. Now that we had a doctor with us, he could focus on his job as a farmer and a vet instead, sharing his valuable knowledge with the future generation.
We then passed by the cellblocks, finding our resident electrical technicians, along with Milton Mamet working on supplying our new housing quarters with electricity and other essentials. The metallic cells have already been removed, walls brought down to expand the living quarters, and toilets relocated. They greeted us as we passed, before going back to their work.
We headed to the meeting room next, where the new arrivals were waiting. They didn't seem hostile when they met them, and they complied with everything that had been asked of them. Therefore, Shane saw no reason to mistreat them, as they might be potential members of our group. Though ultimately, he made it clear to them that it's all up to me to see if they would be staying or not.
I entered the room with a serious look, as I always did when dealing with affairs that require the use of authority. Being the laid back cool and tolerant boss is a terrible mindset for ruling, at least I believe it is. People need to respect you, respect your authority, and you help them do that by acting the part as well. And when I'm a teenager in the eyes of most of them, I will be questioned twice for any decision I make.
I looked at each of them, slowly, applying my [Domineering Presence] to full effect for the Wow-factor. It's an extremely successful strategy, when your presence physically affects people, their stances shift immediately and start taking you more seriously than ever. It has done wonders for Merle, who believed he could walk all over me and I'd bend backward for him to do so.
The room was the office of the former warden, and it was rather stylish if I do say so myself. A monstrosity of a desk, made of luxurious wood. Comfortable sofas for the guests to sit in, with a glass table in the middle, with some glassware for whiskey. And two seats at the front of the desk. I took my seat at the desk. The former warden kept it elevated more than necessary, giving him a higher viewpoint than the others, probably to appear taller than he was. I saw no reason to change the setting.
Surprisingly, none of them spoke as I took my seat, waiting for me to have the first word for some reason. They didn't even get seated...
«My name is Xenon, I'm in charge of the affairs in our community. Take a seat.» I gestured for them, bringing them back to earth. The room had seven occupants: Amy and Andrea who were looking after the newcomers, who were divided into two groups apparently. A tall dark-skinned man with an imposing figure and what appeared to be his younger female sibling. And a caucasian couple, with their teenage son.
«Hi, my name's Tyreese.» The tall man said. «This is my sister, Sasha.» Ah... That's why he seemed oddly familiar.
«I'm Allen.» The other man said. «This is my wife, Donna, and our son, Ben.»
«Why are you here?» I didn't want this to take more than it should, so I dived straight to business.
«It was a coincidence. We didn't intend to intrude on you guys. We were just looking for a place to stay.» Tyreese answered tensely, thinking that the underlying meaning in my words was that they came here with nefarious purposes.
«We've been on the run for weeks!» Allen added. «Last group we were with got overrun, it was chaotic. We're glad to have found you guys, we just hope you'd take us in.»
«We're more than willing to pull our weights, we're no strangers to hard work.» Sasha said, almost desperately. I looked at them impassively, a skill I have come to master over the months. I didn't say anything, letting them spill their hearts out, nor did I give any indication I was buying any of it. An awkward silence settled between us, waiting for me to say something.
«How many walkers have you killed?» I suddenly asked, enjoying stealing Rick's lines.
«We had to kill our fair share to survive.» Sasha said defensively, thinking I meant it as a bad thing. I didn't comment, waiting for them to answer the question. Few looks were exchanged between them.
«I don't know... a hundred total?» Tyreese said uncertainly.
«Everyone of you? Even the kid?» I raised an eyebrow. I know what you're gonna say, why am I calling him a kid when I hate being called one? Because I fucking can, that's why! Tehee~ Ahem.
«Yes.» Tyreese nodded.
«How many people have you killed?» I asked the next question. I got a few looks of outrage at the idea, but none of them raised their voices, surprisingly enough.
«We ain't never killed people in our lives.» Tyreese said passionately, offended at the mere question.
«You mean you never had to.» Shane raised an eyebrow at them. They didn't comment on that, not wishing to fixate on it.
I didn't ask the final question: 'Why', as it would only confuse them. The answer would only be interesting if it involved people since it was evident why they'd kill walkers. The questions were initially designed to judge a group's fighting capability, their morality, and how far they are willing to go for survival. I didn't say anything, using the silence for dramatic effect, appearing to be in deep thought.
The truth is I accept everyone we find as a general rule, only refusing those who are clearly hostile. The goal of the trial period we use is to determine how compatible a person is with our group, and if any misbehavior can be curbed before it becomes a problem.
«Before going forward, I need to get a few words across. We don't do things willy-nilly in here. We operate under a very strict set of rules everyone must follow. And if you are going to be a member of our group, you will have to follow our rules.» I said emphatically.
«Of course. Your house, your rules.» Tyreese said easily.
«I'm glad we agree on that. It will be your house as well, but we had our fair share of self-destructive people before, and we don't wish for a repeat.» I said, before adding. «Before Amy and Andrea escort you to your new living quarters, I need to ask a few questions of you.» They brightened up at the mention of 'living quarters'.
* DING *
< + 40 Reputation with Tyreese, Sasha, Donna, Allen, and Ben. >
< + 30 Obedience with Tyreese, Sasha, Donna, Allen, and Ben. >
I proceeded to ask for the regular information I need, their past occupation, strengths, weaknesses, interests...
«Shane,» The man in question turned to me, as the others left. «Have people keep an eye on that man, Allen. Deal with any early signs of misbehavior, before it becomes a problem.»
«You think he's dangerous?» Shane frowned, reasonably so if I believed one of our new additions was a danger to our families.
«No, I think he is a troublemaker.» I corrected. Shane nodded in understanding. «Now that this is dealt with, tell me what I missed while I was gone.» Shane took a seat and began updating me on the various happening of late, mostly the progress being made from my last instructions...
