New rules

Eugene rode in the cab with Strosberg while the rest of them were in the back. They'd made good time. Having departed before day break, by nightfall they began to notice signs they were close to Commonwealth. Pulling aside the flaps over the windows of the armored truck, they could see floodlights illuminating a metres high imposing wall that went on for miles. Connie held Coco just a little closer.

After the truck pulled to stop, they were helped out, disembarking onto what looked to be an expansive tarmac with a hangar-like structure in the distance. They were told their personal items would be tagged and forwarded to them. Once inside the building the joined a small group of other arrivals being directed through scanners much like airport security.

Once through they were each ushered individually into little tents to be id'd and given a physical exam, their blood was drawn and typed and a series of questions rattled off by the medic as they took their vitals. Off course it made sense they'd screen for the virus, Daryl thought. Eugene, in line just ahead of him turned around and caught his attention. He looked bleary eyed and a little worried.

Daryl looked around for Connie and Coco. He'd been separated from them once they got off the truck. Because she had the baby she was taken up front to be processed quickly. He hoped they were okay. Thinking about Judith and RJ, he imagined how they handled going through this. They'd never seen anything close to this in their young lives and he feared they would have been terrified. He wondered about the others, and when they'd get to see each other again.

Daryl, Connie and Eugene met back up again they were being allocated their temporary accommodation. Coco was awake, the loud noises and bright lights upset her and she'd been fussing. Daryl took her gently from Connie's arms, cradling her in his as he attempted to soothe her. They were told they'd be placed in quarantine for a week before starting the integration process into Commonwealth. Dog was taken away to be kenneled. They would be housed in a row of low cabins in another section of the compound, with access to all their personal belongings except their weapons. They got those back once they got out of quarantine, and would have to get them registered.

Back in another line, one of the intake officers was questioning Eugene about his specialty. He explained the information was collected at the outset and integration of adults was set according to area of specialty. There was military, technology, agriculture, culture and education in that order.

Connie thought, somewhat derisively; what is this, some sort of dystopian fantasy?

She wanted to see her family again, Yumi, Aaron and the kids, but it looked like they'd have to wait a while for that. It was too early to know what to make of the place. She realized that after all those years of surviving, it was natural that there'd be an adjustment. She wondered how the children were coping. This would all be so new for them.

There was a small argument erupting in the line beside her. Daryl was being asked about his area for integration and he wasn't exactly playing ball. The officer stated that if he didn't choose it would automatically be the military, alternatively they could put in the 'cooler' till he came to his senses. Without thinking twice, Connie pushed her way across and interjected, signing furiously at the officer. Daryl glanced at her his jaw clenched, but said nothing.

After initially being taken aback by the woman with a baby balanced on her shoulder and eyes alight with fury. He called over to his colleague 'Hey, Greg, you talk sign dontcha...what'd she say..?' The other officer shook his head sardonically as he walked over.

He politely conversed with Connie.

'She says they're a family' Greg informed his colleague; waving and smiling genially at them as he turned to go away.

'Well why didn't you say so...' the officer said to Daryl, laughing nervously. Daryl grunted a non response, deciding it was best to keep quiet.

There was another look of befuddlement from the officer when Eugene insisted he be housed close to them. He explained he was the baby's god-father, to which the officer literally scratched his head, but eventually agreed.

Having a young child in their care meant the rules around their service could be flexible until the child was three years old. They had more freedom to work in any of the areas that allowed them adequate time to provide care for the infant.

Otherwise they, like every new arrival would have the week to learn what to expect of life in Commonwealth while they prepared to integrate fully.

From what Daryl could gather, this was a tightly governed town, with a sizable population, more than any they'd ever come across yet. Far more. The military presence was unmistakable; they would have their freedoms, so long as they followed the rules. He wondered how long it'd be before that became a problem. Seems like it always inevitably did, he thought with a tired sigh.

But...he was willing to give this a shot. They'd get a better look at their new surroundings tomorrow. It was a lot to take in. Besides, he thought to himself, his mind going to Judith and Rick junior for the umpteenth time that day; now more than ever he had more than just himself to look out for.

Later that night in bed, Daryl lay awake thinking about the adjustments that lay ahead for them. He brushed Connie's hair back from her face as she slept with her back pressed up against his chest. Coco slept soundly in a cot next to their bed. He pulled the covers up around them both and kissed Connie's shoulder before finally succumbing to sleep.