It is just past dawn in Alexandria; the sun peaks through the pale, yellow curtains in my bedroom, casting a long, grey shadow just across my bed. I wake up to a mixture of sounds: Virginian cascades singing in the distance, a rifle discharging, and Rick's boots clicking against the hardwood floors just downstairs. I let out a deep yawn, stretching my arms towards the ceiling and extending my legs just past the end of the mattress. I couldn't remember the last time I slept on a fully kept bed. I sink into the pillows, cleaned just the other day with detergent that tickles my nose.

It has been five days now since Rick's group found me clinging to life. It was actually Carol and Sasha who found me; I was fighting off three walkers who cornered me in a rest stop. They came in and dispatched them with ease and soon recruited me to join their "group" in Alexandria. I couldn't complain - I would be dead without them. There is a sudden knock at the door.

"Come in." I yawn.

The door slowly opens, letting out a deep creaking noise from the rusted hinges. Michonne peaks her head through the opening.

"We're having a meeting down in the parlor." She says firmly, "Rick asked for you to join."

I nod, pulling off my covers and quickly throw on a t-shirt and jeans that I had laid out for myself the night before. I strap my gun holster around my waist, tighten it and slide my handgun into place. I rush out of the room and down the stairs, passing Carol, plate of beet and walnut "cookies" in hand, in the hallway leading into the large parlor where everyone waits.

"Morning, dear. You're looking much better," Carol smiles, "Want a cookie?"

"I'm good for now. Thank you, though."

I enter into the parlor and quickly scan the room: Abraham, Aaron and Glenn sit on a couch against the back wall, Daryl stands in the corner staring vacantly out a window, Jesus sits in an office chair polishing his knife, Michonne sharpens her sword near Daryl, and Rick and Carl stand at the front of the room.

"Nice of you to join us. Take a seat." Rick welcomes, "We were just going over the plans for the day."

He follows me with his eyes as I cross the room and take a seat on a stool near Jesus, who in turn gives me a joyful nod; his emerald eyes are piercing.

'So here's the deal, everyone. I know you must be scared - with the Savior attacks and, frankly, everything else that has happened to us..." Rick starts with his gravel-touched voice, "but, we have to be strong. We have to unite and work together. We have to make Alexandria strong again."

"So what do we do?" Daryl asks, finally turning from the window.

"Diana... she made plans. Here-" Rick points, walking across the room to a large desk, grabbing a large parchment from the top drawer and unrolling it atop the desk, "She gave us instructions... before she passed. A new era of Alexandria. It calls for action from all of us."

"Just tell us what we need to do, and you got it." Abraham firmly states, crossing his arms and leaning forward.

Rick skims the parchment, sliding his fingers across the map as he scans the scribbled words and drawings.

"Daryl -" Rick starts, locking eye contact with him, "I'm going to need you to go on a supply run. There is a small pharmacy about five miles up the road from here. We could use some more meds for Maggie's pregnancy. Take the bike out."

Daryl nods and promptly leaves the room, grabbing his crossbow that he had left leaning against the doorway as he exits. Rick turns towards Abraham.

"Abraham, I need you on patrol in the northwest tower. Stop by the armory and Sasha will get you something with a scope. I know you like your alone time." Rick grinned.

"Yeah. I got it." Abraham nodded, getting up from the couch and leaving the room, cracking his knuckles as he passes me.

"Alright, Glenn - I think you should stay here with Maggie. She needs you right now more than anything. And having Maggie stress about you being out in the field will only do bad things on that baby's health."

Glenn nods with a sense of worry in his eyes. He gets up from the couch and crosses the room. Rick places his hand on Glenn's shoulder.

"It'll be alright." Rick whispers to him, "Go to her."

Glenn exits the room with urgency.

"Carl, can you help them with anything they might need." Rick asks, looking down at his son.

"But... Dad, I want to help."

Rick kneels down to Carl's level.

"You are helping. Carl - just do this for me. I know you want to prove yourself, but please just do this."

They both are silent for a moment, followed by a deep, disappointed sigh from Carl.

"Fine." Carl whispers under his breath, leaving the room with his arms crossed and head down.

"Aaron, can you relieve Sasha and look over the armory for a bit? She's been there since last night."

"Sure, Rick. Not a problem." Aaron replies, patting Rick on the shoulder as he passes him on the way out.

"Michonne - I'm going to send you to The Hilltop community. Take Jesus with you. We need more seeds for harvest season. Talk to Sasha about getting some spare supplies to bring with you for trade."

"We can handle it." Michonne states with confidence, sliding her katana back into the holster across her back.

"Needed to stretch the legs, anyhow." Jesus jokes.

They both exit together, leaving just Rick and I in the room. He looks over at me with his rugged, deep set eyes.

"I know you're new to the group - but each of us have to pull our own weight. What can you provide us?"

I get up from my seat and nod. I owe this group my life after they saved me. I need to prove myself.

"You could always join Daryl or Michonne and Jesus on their run to Hilltop. Abraham could maybe use some company up in the tower, but I wouldn't recommend disturbing him. Aaron could maybe use some help in the armory - or, maybe check in on Glenn and Maggie? Carl could use the company. Hell, I could also use some help with looking over Diana's plans."

Rick stares back at me with a steady conviction, waiting for an answer. I think over my options, resting my hand on the handle of my holster.

"So what'll it be?" Rick asks, cocking his head to the side.

READER'S CHOICE (Choose via the chapter selection panel):

Join Daryl on his run to the pharmacy. (Not available).

Join Michonne and Jesus on their run to The Hilltop.

Join Abraham in the watchtower.

Join Aaron in the armory. (Not available).

Keep Glenn company while Carl cares for Maggie. (Not available).

Keep Carl company while Glenn cares for Maggie. (Not available).

Help Rick look over Diana's plans.

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