Planning L4yers
"What do we do now?" Daryl asks pacing the front alter of the church.
Rick finished telling the small group of Andrea's deceit and plan to get the Saviors to attack them. The small gather group erupts voicing their disbelief, anger, and suggestions. Daryl silences them when he asks the most important question, what is their next course of action.
"It makes sense, the campaigning," Sasha says leaning against the podium at the center of the alter, "I thought with Andrea and Spencer gone for the day it would be a quiet day, but Eric, Heath, and few other Alexandrian faithful have been campaigning against your plan to wait for a better opportunity. Stating Andrea's plan to attack while Negan and the Saviors are distracted is better and favor us with the element of surprise."
A red veil drops over his vision from the wrath boiling in his blood caused by the depths of Andrea's deceit. He trembles from the heat of his anger; he wants to leave the church go to Andrea's house and drag her out of her house. He wants to expose her lies. He wants people to see her true colors but most importantly he wants to kill her. His finger itches to take out his Colt, hunt Andrea down, and feed her a bullet. Rick closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath, trying to reign in his anger. He recalls his conversation with Michonne and Carl remembering to stay the course. He also recalls Michonne's assurance of her earlier statement to kill Andrea.
"Maybe this is a good thing, we can fight the Saviors and get rid of them once and for all," Father Gabriel chimes in.
"We can act first and attack them!" Daryl growls moving toward a corner of the church.
"No! We don't have the manpower to fight Negan's army straight on. Our biggest advantage is the element of surprise."
"Will the still plan work?" Tara asks between chewing on her nail-beds.
"Not if Negan shows up tomorrow. We don't know when the Saviors will be arriving. The worst thing that can possibly happen is the Saviors running into our allies on their way here-"
"It will take away the element of surprise that we're not as outnumbered as they thought," Glenn finishes for Rick.
"What about Andrea? She knows the plan, she could betray us."
Maggie's words come out a low growl, "She already has."
"The woman is fuckin' crazy," Daryl mumbles from a dark corner.
"She has her reasons, I think we've waited long enough to take care of the Saviors," Rosita rebuts.
"Andrea thinks what she's doing is best for Alexandria, I don't think she's willing to risk the lives of all who live here," Father Gabriel comments searching the faces of the gather group.
"By luring the Saviors here she's putting everyone's life in danger," Carl speaks up. He stiffly sits beside Rick and listens to the debate for the plan of action in silence not adding to the conversation until now, "How many people know that the Saviors are most likely on their way here? How many Alexandrian are prepared for that? If she truly cared about the people of Alexandria, then she would have told them- told us about her plan so we could be prepared to trap the Saviors. Her plan could have worked for our benefit, but she didn't say anything, putting us in a worst situation than before."
Rick looks at his son with pride swimming in his eyes, he tries to push down the smile pressing against his lips. The others look at Carl with awe and pride as well, the maturity and wisdom from the young man surprising all in the dark church.
After a moment of silence Carl continues, "We all know Michonne is important to Negan, but I've seen how he respond to her and how he looks at her. I believe he's going to come with the full weight of his army. He will burn down Alexandria and kill anyone who stands in his way until he either finds Michonne or proof that she's not here."
"We can stick to the original plan. We hide Michonne off somewhere and convince Negan she's not here. He'll be distracted, and we can attack him then," Maggie declares with a finality.
"But we prepare to fight just in case he's not convinced," Rosita adds.
"We can't fight Negan and his army alone. We will need the Kingdom and Hilltop if we want a small chance of winning. I don't want to, but I think we need to wait," Sasha suggests. There's several groans and murmurs echoing in the church. "Andrea fucked us over, so this is the smartest move we have right now."
"She could sell us out to Negan to save her own skin," Tara comments.
"She wouldn't do that, everything that Andrea has done has been for the good of Alexandria. We've waited long enough," Rosita forcefully replies.
Carl groans loudly at Rosita's ignorance but doesn't speak.
Glenn shakes and says, "Andrea is serving her own self-interest."
"You're either with us or you're with Andrea, make your decision quick," Sasha says stalking towards the woman, glaring at her with dark threatening eyes. Rick catches the smirk of pride on Daryl's mouth as he slinks toward Rosita and Sasha.
The two women glare at each other until Father Gabriel steps in between them, "Ladies, please."
Rosita glares at Sasha before she looks around the dark space, "Why can't we tell the Alexandrian of what's going on? Why can't we prepare them now? We can radio Hilltop and The Kingdom and have them at the ready. Carl said something brilliant, we can set a trap for them."
Sasha is the first to shoot down the idea, "It will not work."
"It is not a bad idea," Tara says, "I think we should consider it."
"They will be expecting it. I don't know what message Holly left for them, but they will be expecting some sort of trap. I know I would," Carl replies.
"We don't have time to get everyone ready," Maggie adds diplomatically, "Not everyone here is a fighter or even able to fight."
"Then what the fuck do you all suggest we do? I don't hear anyone coming up with anything better!" Rosita laments as she starts to pace the alter as Daryl was doing before.
"The supplies found at the warehouse, we can pacify him by offering him some of it," Father Gabriel suggests looking around the dimly lit room.
"All of it."
All eyes land upon Rick. He feels the weight of their stares as he moves to stand.
"We give all of the warehouse findings to Negan and convince him we're still under his thumb."
"What about Michonne?" Maggie asks.
"She returns with Negan."
"Fuck!"
"She just found her son."
"Rick!"
"I don't like the plan, but it is the only one that will work."
"Rick!"
"If half of what we know about Negan's feeling towards Michonne is true, he will only be placated when he finds her. I don't like it, Michonne doesn't like but we both agree, she needs to return with Negan. He gets all the warehouse food and we get him out of Alexandria as quick as possible. This is how we survive to fight," Rick states looking around the sanctuary at each gather individual's face.
"And how do we fight?" Rosita asks coming to a stop near Rick.
"While he's here we take stock of their weapons and count their numbers. We observe and note anything that can be useful to us. When they leave, Michonne and Dwight will work within the walls of the Sanctuary and recruit allies, helping our numbers against Negan grow; Dwight already gave us the listing of all the outpost and lookouts, we will use that in a coordinated attack on Negan and the Saviors after three days. We will take the fight to him and finish this once and for all."
"The Kingdom and Hilltop? How do they fit in?"
"Hilltop will fight alongside Alexandria when we go to the Sanctuary. King Ezekiel and the Kingdom will take down key outposts and find the gun stashes. Michonne, Dwight, and any allies will fight from within their ranks."
"Maybe Andrea taunting Negan here is not a terrible thing," Father Gabriel chimes.
"That is yet to be determined."
"What about Holly and Andrea?" Sasha asks.
"They're with Eric, Spencer, Abraham, Heath and a few others at Eric's having dinner," Maggie replies.
"What if they are all with Andrea?"
"I don't think they all are; Spencer follows Andrea like a lost puppy and Holly is a zealot. She follows anyone who she thinks has a righteous cause. I think they are the only two who knows of Andrea's plan. Eric and Heath are warm bodies to Andrea, if they are on her side then more Alexandrian's will sway to her lead. Abraham can be reckless but he's a military man and without a well thought out plan he will not follow," Glenn observes.
"What do we do about them?"
"We need to lock Andrea away before she causes more harm," Carl adds.
"Not tonight, we don't know who's all with Andrea," Rick explains.
"She betrayed us."
"Right now, it is the word of a teenager versus two grown women. Holly who has stepped up in every way and Andrea has always been a pillar of the community. Rick is right, if we do something now it could split the people of Alexandria," Glenn comments.
Tara scoffs and shakes her head in disbelief, "I don't think-"
"Tara," Maggie interrupts her, "Glenn's right. A prime example is Rosita and Sasha, they were going at each other's throat minutes ago."
"Let's be clear, I don't agree with Andrea's tactics, but I don't think she's completely wrong," Rosita says plopping down on alter steps.
"I ain't saying you're Team Andrea, I'm saying that this will split Alexandria and we can't win a war against the Saviors when we're too busy fight amongst ourselves."
"I don't like this," Tara says returning to gnawing on her finger nails.
Father Gabriel moves to his friend's side and pats her shoulder, "I don't like it either."
"Andrea has worm her way into too many Alexandrian's heart, if we claim she betrayed us, we will need solid proof."
Murmurs of agreement fills the room, Rick silences the room saying, "Tara, you're friendly with Heath; I need you to invite yourself to this party and find out any useful information."
"Will do, boss," Tara says saluting Rick.
"Eric and I are friendly, I'll go to the party too," Maggie adds.
"I'll go with you," Glenn says.
"Glenn," Rick calls gaining the young man's attention, "I need you and Carl to help me with something."
"I was going to help Morgan, he is watching the house-"
Rosita interrupts Carl as she leaps to her feet declaring, "I'll take next watch."
"I'll help."
"We'll take turns watching Holly and Andrea," Sasha volunteers.
"Good," Rick nods and turns to Daryl, "I need you to get a message to Dwight."
XxXx00000xXxX
Michonne paces the living room waiting on Rick's return. Her mind races with thoughts of Negan and the Saviors impending arrival. She hopes that whatever message Holly left behind is not found for a couple of days allowing the Alexandrian to prepare to fight the Saviors. She's torn between worry and anger. A part of her worries about the safety of Andre's home, the people he loves and who loves him, and ultimately his safety. Michonne knows that Negan, if he finds out about Andre, he will use him to control her.
Her anger spouts from Andrea and the woman's reckless betrayal. A part of her regrets not allowing the woman to be bit by the dead when the chance was there. She shouldn't have saved the wretched woman but death by walkers would have been too good for ex-friend. Andrea needs to die by her hand, it is the only acceptable way for Andrea's life to end.
Her thoughts come to a stop as well as her pacing, her head snapping towards the door when she hears the light footsteps thread near. Anxious Michonne rushes to the door and swings it open, she expects to see Rick but instead she's greeted by a surprise Carol.
"Oh!"
"Hi."
Michonne and Carol says respectively.
"I thought you were Rick."
"He's not here?"
Michonne shakes her head, not sure how much she should tell the gray hair woman.
"Damn it."
She can feel her eyebrow raise slightly as frustration paints Carol's face in a shade of angry pink.
"He mentioned stopping by your place."
Carol looks over her shoulder in the direction of her home before returning her blue stare at Michonne.
"May I wait for him here?"
Michonne steps back and allow the woman inside. The two women make their way to the living room where they sit in an awkward silence. Michonne closely watches the woman as Carol's left knee bounces wildly.
"Are you okay?"
"No," Carol starts with a heavy sigh. Michonne is surprise when Carol continues, "I'm worried about a mutiny."
"Andrea."
At the sound of the woman's name Carol's head snaps up. Her eyes widening like saucers.
"What do you know?"
Michonne takes only a handful of seconds to contemplate whether to tell Carol the recent event that's unfolding caused by Andrea's hand. Remembering her conversation with Rick she knows Carol is a trusted friend and she goes on to tell her in detail about Andrea's treachery.
"Shit!" Carol exclaims now on her feet pacing the living room floor. Michonne watches as the news of Andrea's betrayal plays across Carol's face. She notes the anger reddening her face and the lack of surprise in her eyes. During Michonne's recounting Carol sat deadly still and listen to the various details of Andrea's lies and deceits.
"Rick is talking Daryl, Sasha, Glenn, Maggie, Tara and a few other about a new course of action."
"Do you really think Negan is going respond so quickly?"
"Yes."
The older woman's face folds in confusion, "What are you to him?"
"A solider and a friend."
"That's all?"
"He wants more but yes, that's all."
"He's going to war for a woman who's only one of his soldiers? A friend?" The woman says disbelief coating every word.
"A possession. He sees me as his, no matter the truth."
"Are you? Are you his?"
"No," Michonne says rising to her feet to stand eye level with the keen-eyes woman, "I am not Negan's. I am not Negan."
"I've seen the way Rick looks at you, I see the way you look at him. I know the connection you share because of Dre, I also know there's more. I didn't do a decent job protecting him before-"
Michonne interrupts her and asks, "Are you talking about Andrea?"
"There was something different about Andrea when we met her at Woodbury. I could never figure it out, but I know something was different about her. When the Governor returned, and the prison fell, her madness and anger seem to only get worse. I tried to, and I don't want to see him get hurt."
Michonne replies with an earnest candor burning her words, "I will not hurt him."
"Good, because if you do…" The woman doesn't finish her statement allowing the threat to hang between them.
Michonne smiles, already liking this woman, she asks, "Is that supposed to be a threat?"
Carol returns the smile with one of her own as a dark truth burns in her blue eyes, "Something like that."
The two warriors lock eyes and regard each other with a new-found respect. The opening and closing door breaks the quiet intense moment between the two. The sound of heavy boot steps give away the new arrival before he reaches the living. Michonne moves away from Carol and starts toward the living room entry way the same moment Rick appears.
"What did the other say? What is the new plan? Where is Andrea?" Carol fires off questions as Michonne reaches Rick's side.
"Carol," Rick replies in greeting before squeezing Michonne's shoulder and walking deeper into the living room.
"Rick! What is the plan? Have you reached out to The Kingdom and Hilltop? Are you arming the people of Alexandria? Where is Andrea? What are you going to do with her?"
Michonne meets Rick's questioning blue eyes, "Carol came looking for you. I've gave her an update of what's going on."
He nods in understanding before turning his attention to Carol, "You wanted to talk earlier but Andrea interrupted us."
"We need to get her and lock her in the jail cell," Carol says.
"Is that all you had to tell Rick?"
The woman's eyes flicker to Michonne before returning to Rick.
"We should speak alone."
In return Rick's shoulder tense and his hand inches to his hip where his colt rest. His eyes narrow as he tilts his head, "What's going on, Carol?"
The gray-haired woman doesn't answer, her eyes travel from one warrior to the other, Michonne can see her mind racing.
"You were not surprised."
Two sets of eyes travel to Michonne with confusion brimming their irises.
"When I told you what Andrea did, you were upset but not surprised."
Michonne's statement takes Carol aback. Her mouth forms an O, her eyes widen, and her eyebrows rise. Just as quick as the emotion race across her features, she quickly buries them under a stoic facade. From the corner of her eyes she sees Rick reach for his Colt gripping the handle of the gun.
Michonne continues, "You knew Andrea was planning something."
"Carol," Rick growls removing the weapon from his hostler.
"Did you help her? Are you a part of this?" Michonne asks.
"Rick…" Carol starts off.
"Answer the questions, Carol."
"Rick, we really need to speak alone."
"Enough with these games, speak."
Carol looks between the two warriors again before she shakes her head. She then reaches toward the middle of her back and Rick immediately raises his gun at her head. Michonne tense as the woman's blue eyes narrow at Rick with disbelief. A hard grimace covers her face as she raises one hand in surrender and slowing reaches for her back. She lifts her shirt, when she does Michonne hears a rustling noise as Carol slowly brings out what she had hidden. In her right hand is a clear baggie with two white pen looking sticks. Michonne takes a step closer as Carol holds up the baggie to Rick's and Michonne's eye level. Immediately Michonne recognize the items, they're pregnancy test.
XxXx00000xXxX
A panic starts to set within his chest at the sight of the pregnancy test. He can't imagine a world where Andrea is pregnant with his child, let alone pregnant. His eyes fall to Michonne's face, studying her knitted brows, dark eyes, and frown pulling her mouth downwards. She looks more disappointed than upset. She pulls the bag from Carol's hand and inspects the two tests.
"What is this supposed to mean?" Rick growls looking back at Carol, "Did Andrea say she's pregnant? Is Andrea pregnant?"
"They're negative."
"What?" He asks glancing between the two women.
"They're negative," Michonne repeats the relief pouring from her words. The panic lessens a fraction but remains, sitting heavily upon his chest.
"She's not pregnant," Carol clarifies.
"Who knows this?"
"Myself, Darla, Holly, and maybe a few others. She never came out and said she was pregnant, but she is dropping enough hints for people to have that assumption," Carol answers. She stands straighter, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
"And she's claiming Rick's the father?" Michonne asks.
"Yes."
"We barely…" Rick starts. He pauses, takes a few seconds before he speaks again, "We were always careful."
"When did she start claiming she was pregnant?" Michonne asks.
"A few days ago."
"Andrea is a fucking malicious bitch but she's smart," Michonne says with a chuckle. The panic remains within Rick's chest, Michonne laughing loosens the tight grip of panic. She smiles at Carol then Rick before the cold smile fades and she continues, "She's using the false pregnancy to have people rally around her. She's claiming its yours to make you a villain; so, when she turns against your leadership it will be a valid reason. Negan is many things, but he wouldn't kill a pregnant woman; I suspect she'll use the false pregnancy to save her own skin against him and the saviors."
Carol nods in agreement, "And when the time is right is will have a 'miscarriage'."
"Like I said, malicious bitch but smart."
"What are we going to do about her?" Carol asks.
"I'm going to kill her."
"Later," Rick replies. He watches as Carol's eyes widen again, "She betrayed us."
"That doesn't mean she deserves to die."
"She tried to kill me."
Michonne confession stuns Rick and Carol. The panic burns into a steady building fire of rage. His earlier desire to hunt Andrea down and kill her himself returns. He has to close his eyes and talk himself off the ledge as Michonne describe the events from earlier. Andrea tried to kill her while they were fighting walkers at the warehouse.
"Yet, you still saved her," Rick says in awe, opening his eyes to soak Michonne in.
"It was a mistake."
"Andrea is many things, but I don't think she deserves to die," Carol comments.
"Right now, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that we cannot show Negan anything is amiss here, everything needs to look as normal as possible and that includes Andrea," Michonne says.
Carol agrees with Michonne, her eyes widen before she adds, "We can stash her away out of Alexandria. If anyone asks about her, we can say she's on a run."
"We just have to make sure her supporters don't know her location."
"I can lure her out of Alexandria, but I may need another person to help subdue her."
"Sasha?" Michonne suggests.
Rick shakes his head, "She will know somethings up if Sasha tags along," he says pinching the bridge of his nose, "Tara or Rosita."
"Rosita is a good shot, you may need here. I'll take Tara with me. I don't think she'll suspect much with Tara."
"Leave first thing in the morning," Rick orders, "If you run into Saviors you can radio back and give us a heads up."
"What if Andrea doesn't want to go?" Michonne asks.
"I'll find a way," Carol says.
XxXx00000xXxX
"Michonne."
She doesn't startle, she felt his presence long before he calls her name.
"Michonne, you have to get some sleep."
"I just want to watch him sleep. He looks so peaceful sleeping," She whispers. Her eyes only leave her young son to float over to his sister sleeping in the crib beside his own bed. "She's an angel too. I can watch them both sleep all night."
"When we first arrived at Alexandria I use to stand here and watch them sleep for hours. In a clean bed with full bellies. In a warm house after a hot bath. In a safe community surrounded by people who love them," Rick recounts in a hush tone. He steps in behind her wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her against his chest. Rick settles his chin upon her shoulder and Michonne melts against him resting her arms upon his.
In silence, they watch the two young children sleep peacefully before Rick pulls Michonne away from the door and gently closes it. Taking her hand, he leads her to the bedroom she now claims.
Once inside with the door close Rick pulls Michonne into him, he leans in and delivers a sound kiss. Michonne hesitate for a second before she returns to the heady kiss. She stifles a moan when she feels Rick's hands on her backside. He presses her against her body allowing his hands to roam the curves of her length. Their tongue pushes and sway against each other in a slow dance.
Pulling away from the heated kiss Michonne takes a step away from Rick. Understanding paints his face, he nods once and reaches for Michonne's hand. He guides her and they both sit on the edge of the bed.
"Is this because of what Carol said about Andrea?"
"In part, I want to be with you, but I don't want to rush anything. I don't want you to regret anything with me. You said what happened between you and Andrea was a mistake and I don't want us to be one."
Rick caresses her cheek and gently nudges her chin towards him to better gaze into her eyes.
"I regret many choices I've made when it comes to you-"
Her eyebrows rise and Rick chuckles at what must be a comical expression.
"I regret not asking your name. I regret not staying in contact. I regret not seeing you at the fair. I regret that we kept missing each other. I regret us losing so many years together, but I do not regret ever being with you."
"You always know what to say."
"I don't. I just know what's in my heart for you."
A smile pulls across her lips. She feels a tug at the center of her chest. She feels the warmth flooding the apex of her thighs. Michonne straddles Rick and wraps her arms around his neck then she slowly presses her lips against his. His hands frame her waist and he quickly deepen the kiss. They exchange a deep moan when their tongue touches.
"You were relieved when you found out she wasn't pregnant," Rick says breaking the kiss. Michonne groans and rolls her eyes, "If she was, would you…"
He doesn't finish the question afraid of what Michonne will say.
"I wouldn't have been happy, but the child would be innocent and yours. The child would be Andre's sibling and I would respect that."
"And us?"
"We would still be us. I told you, I'm with you."
Rick replies by burying his face against her neck and whispering soft kissing upon her skin.
Michonne moans then say, "I was disappointed at the possibility that I couldn't kill her right away, when I saw the test were negative I was relieved."
He pulls away and peers into her eyes, his eyes scanning her face. A smile pulls across her mouth as the same happens with his. They share a laugh, Rick hushes them with another salacious kiss before he pulls away again.
"We should get some sleep."
"Yea we should but…" Michonne doesn't finish as she stands from Rick's lap.
"But what?"
"It's later Rick," Michonne says removing her tank top. She allows it to drop before starting on her jeans. He moves from the bed to stand before her in a single leap. A lustful frenzy overtakes him as he seizes her lips, he trails his mouth from hers to her flat stomach pushing her hands away from her jeans. He quickly undoes the belt and buttons then peels the tight clothing down her slim legs. When Michonne stands before him in her undergarment he picks her up, he carries her to the bed and gently lays her down.
"You're right, it is later," Rick says pulling her panties off then diving towards the apex of her thighs.
XxXx0000xXxX
They've been awake for the past hour, neither able to sleep. Both dress and ready for the day, they spend their time going over the plan. It is a three-part plan, but it is a simple one. Part one: Michonne leaves with Negan, getting him out of Alexandria as soon as possible. Part two: Michonne and Dwight recruit as many people to fight within the walls of the Sanctuary. Part Three: three days after Michonne leaves, Alexandria with Hilltop attack the Saviors while the Kingdom takes out all key outpost.
The sound of banging at the door, seconds later his radio crackles with static at his side silences their conversation. Rick grabs his weapon and radio before he leaps off the barstool with Michonne following him. Rick tries the radio, wanting to assess the situation at the front gate. He calls into the device to get a reply, but the static only sounds louder. Rick rushes out the kitchen towards the loud banging of the front door with Michonne a step behind him with her Katana in hand.
Rick unlocks the door and swings it open to see a wide eyes and red face Daryl at his door with the darkness of the night surrounding him.
"They're on their way!"" Daryl says as a greeting.
Rick glances at his watch it is a fifteen minutes shy of six o'clock, "Fuck!"
"How far away?" Michonne asks.
"About ten minutes away, Rosita and I were doing a parameter check. We had to leave the truck and run through the woods on foot to beat them here."
"Did you get word to Dwight?"
"Yea, I –"
"What's going on?" Carl asks stumbling towards the three as he tries to put on his shoes.
"I got word to Dwight, I think that's what took them so long to get here."
"Fuck," Rick curses before turning to Michonne, "We have to get you out of here!"
"How many?" Michonne asks ignoring Rick.
"Looks like Negan brought everybody."
"Will we have time to get Andrea out of here?"
"There's no time, they'll have us surrounded in a few minutes," Rosita breaths coming to a stop in front of them. She bends and catches her breath.
"Enid told me about the tunnels Maggie once found, we can get Andrea out through there."
"She would never go willingly. Also, the exit can lead directly to the middle of the Savior's army."
The radio clicks before static rattles the air around them and a trembling voice speaks, "Shit tons of Saviors in sight; they're fast approaching!"
Rick finds Michonne's eyes, a torrent of things left unsaid passes between them before they erupt in action. Michonne turns quickly and sprints to the stairs toward the kids with Carl hot on her tracks.
"Carl wait!" Rick calls out before turning his attention back to Daryl and Rosita. He focuses on Rosita and say, "Spread the word, this is a regular pick up and to take up their regular positions."
The young woman nods once before she turns on her heels, taking off down the steps and onto the streets to complete her assign tasks.
Judith cries and Dre's protest from above gives Rick a brief pause.
"Dad!" Carl beseeches Rick while anxiety rolls off him in waves.
"Where's Sasha?"
"Watching Andrea, giving Carol a break."
"Good keep it that way, eyes stay on Andrea at all times," Rick instructs ignoring the sound of his younger children upstairs. "What we talked about last night-"
"Recon," Daryl finishes.
"Father Gabriel, Carol, Tara, Eugene, and anyone who will not draw too much attention. They all need to be on recon. We need to know where they are gathering, who are Negan's lieutenants, what type of weapons they're using, and how many they are."
Static sounds before the trembling voice speaks with tangible fear permeating through the air, "Rick! Rick! Negan is here!"
Daryl looks down at the radio in Rick's hand before he glances up at Rick. Additional words are not needed, Daryl descends the stairs in quick session rushing to complete an integral part of the recon plan.
Rick returns deeper into the house as Carl comes to a stop in front of him, "Dad?"
"Do you know where I keep the Kingdom and Hilltop long-distance radio?"
"Yea, in the graveyard. There's a pot wi-"
"Good, I need you to find Enid. Tell her where to find the radio and relay the recon message to the Kingdom and Hilltop, they'll know what it means."
"I can do it."
"Rick!" Michonne calls out approaching him and Carl, with the two children in arms. The children are dressed and seemingly calm.
"Daddy!" Dre greets him.
"Dadeee!" Judith repeats reaching out for him.
"No, I need you to help Michonne get the kids to Mrs. Neidermeyer and to tell Enid to get the message out. After that you need to be visible, Negan will be expecting it."
"RICKY!... Little Piggy!" The radio sounds in Rick's hand.
Rick moves to Michonne and his younger children; he kisses the tops of their heads before placing a passionate but short kiss upon Michonne's lip.
Breaking away from Michonne, he lifts the radio and says, "Open the gates, I'm on my way."
XxXx00000xXxX
The sight at the front gate rattles Rick. Pressing through the gates and spilling into the streets of Alexandria is Negan and what appears to be his entire Savior's army. Every Savior is armed to the nines with weapons: knives, automatics, machetes, semi-automatics, assault rifles, and other high-power weapons. Taking in the numerous Savior's fanning out deeper into Alexandria with their guns raise high and their eyes on alert Rick knows three things as facts.
First, Alexandria and the other communities will be slaughtered if they attack the Saviors head on. It appears Negan has brought most of his army and in doing so he will reveal vital details. Second, Rick knows he and the others are going to have to come up with a plan that can assure the Savior's defeat and the survival of as many of his people and allies as possible. Third, Negan reveals how important Michonne is to him which rattles Rick more than the sheer number of Saviors. Michonne says she doesn't have any feelings toward the man but insecurity bubbles deep within Rick.
Approaching the gate in a slow jog Rick shakes off his insecurities and fears; his eyes connect with Negan's and he sees the man own fears couple with anger living within his brown eyes.
"Negan!" Rick says coming to a stop, "You're early!"
"A king is never early or late, Ricky; they are simply on time," Negan replies without his usual shit-eating smirk plaster on his face, "Got that quote from the Princess Dairy, good fucking movie."
Rocking on his feet, he nods and tries to appear timid.
"Well we had a goo-"
"Where is she?" Negan cuts him off.
"Neg-"
Before Rick can finish saying Negan's name, the man shakes his head and holds up his hand. Behind him to his left, three-armed Savior burst into the house nearest to the gate; screams radiate from within the house followed by rapid session of gunshots silencing the screams. On auto-pilot Rick starts toward the house but two Saviors step in his path. He spins on his heel to face their leader.
"Negan! Stop!"
Cold hazel eyes turn from the house to land firmly upon Rick with a mirthless smile upon his face.
"Where. Is. She?"
This is not part of the plan, but Rick knows he can't risks anyone else's life. He looks at the Savior's walking out the forever silent house; one man lights a cigarette, inhales the fumes deeply before tossing the cigarette back into the open doorway. Flames sprouts up when the burning cigarette touches the floor expanding deeper into the house. Rick didn't know the couple who lived there well but they were a quite pair always helping whenever they could.
"I will burn down every building until I find her."
"She's in the cell we built."
"Where?"
"I'll take you to her."
Staring into Rick's eyes Negan loudly says, "If these fuckin' fools try anything kill them all and burn this place to the fuckin' ground."
Rick leads Negan to the house holding the cell and hopefully Michonne. He takes the longest route possible, stalling without being obvious. He expects Negan to taunt him, but the man remains silent as he follows Rick through the streets of Alexandria. Saviors linger throughout the streets with many Alexandria remaining hidden inside their homes, watching safely from their windows.
At the entrance, Negan looks down the stairs then over to Rick before he begins his descent. No words are needed, Rick can see the threat within his eyes. The two men entire the building and starts down the hallway; at the end of the hall sits Morgan on guard duty, he leaps to his feet with his eyes darting between Rick and Negan.
"Rick?" Morgan questions. He only shakes his head in response, motioning for Morgan to move from the door. Morgan follows the silent command allowing Negan to step into the room that holds the cell.
Negan opens door and steps into the room, blocking Rick's view of the space. The silence unravels Rick's nerves until he hears Negan release his own sigh. The tall man step further into the room, clearing Rick's line of sight, he sees Michonne siting on the floor below the single window looking calm but angry.
"Sammie," Negan breathes out his relief.
"About fuckin' time," Michonne snarls in response.
"Leave us."
XxXx00000xXxX
Michonne cuts her eyes to Rick, she can see the relief in his eyes. She feels the same, making it to the cell only a moment before their arrival. At first it was their contingency plan, if she couldn't leave Alexandria before the Savoir arrival then she would return to the cell and act as a prisoner while they hid Judith and Andre. The more the pair discussed it, they knew it couldn't be a contingency plan, it had to be the main plan. It was the only plan that could ensure the survival of many. At Negan's command, Rick nods and back out the room along with Morgan, keeping the cell door open.
Alone with Negan, Michonne slowly rises to her feet as she does Negan takes two long strides to come stand in front of her. He caresses her cheeks gently, Michonne forces herself not to stiffen at his touch, lifting her eyes she gazes into his hazel hues and smiles. His hand drops a second before he wraps his arms around her and hugs her tightly. Michonne forces herself to relax in his arms. Negan holds her arm lengths away, his eyes searching her entire length for any maltreatment. When he finds none, he pulls her back into his embrace before kissing her temple.
The second part of the plan fills Michonne with dread, but more so it angers Michonne to her core, she must leave Alexandria with Negan and return to the Sanctuary. She must leave Andre; the thought fills her stomach with moldy stones weighing her down. Along with the stones a rage burns deep within her. She just found her son. She just found Rick. She just found a family, she wants to be with and now she needs to leave. She knows to keep Andre and Alexandria safe, she needs to leave immediately with Negan.
Her throat constricts not wanting to speak the needed words, but she forces the words out in harsh whispers:
"Let's get the fuck out of here."