July 1, 2017

- Honey -

Deanna's study in the Monroe house is modified like everywhere else, but Honey is a little surprised when Deanna maneuvers her wheelchair to the empty spot near the small couch and single armchair rather than her desk. Even after her stroke, Alexandria's official leader has generally held all her meetings with Honey using the formality of that big desk as a prop and non-subtle reminder of leader versus visitor.

It never offended Honey, because she understands the concept of window dressing as much as the next person. Just because their world has a smaller population doesn't mean the politics and psychology really change. Taking a seat in the armchair, she waits for Deanna to gather her thoughts when the older woman seems to need a moment.

"I know Spencer already mentioned what I wanted to speak to you about. He likes to pave the way for me in most things these days." Deanna seems more relaxed than Honey's used to as she leans back in her chair, gaze intent. "But the time really has come for him to take the leadership in his own right. I know you think that day came long before now."

There's no reason to sugarcoat her opinion, so Honey doesn't try. "He's been doing the work for years, even before your health changed."

"Doing the work and being completely ready for the full responsibility aren't always the same thing." Deanna doesn't sound offended, at least. "The thing I really don't want for him is having that weight on him alone. Advisors are one thing, but it isn't the same thing as having others bear the load. It takes a toll on one's health."

For the first time, Honey considers how much older Deanna seems than her actual age. She's at least a decade older than Merle, Honey knows, but especially since the stroke, Honey would never guess her age to be the early sixties that Spencer's mentioned. Reg is older, but seems younger, but their partnership has never been of equal leadership like Merle and Carol, who also have four others to help lead Homestead.

"There are other people who could help lead Alexandria. People who have lived here for years, like Aaron or Francine."

Almost all meetings that require leadership, either Aaron or Francine or both have accompanied Spencer. Honey can understand why Aiden, who is still a bit of a hothead even in his later twenties, isn't being considered to co-lead with his brother, but this isn't a world where a successor has to be related to the original leader. Every community has their own sort of formula for it, from the quasi-monarchy of the Kingdom to the elected councils of several communities.

"Francine doesn't want the responsibility and has made that very clear to me. She doesn't mind being an advisor, but that's as far as she wants to go. She sees her role as similar to Reg's, being responsible for the construction and architecture, but no more."

"And Aaron?" Aaron has served as a mentor to Spencer as much as Carol has, from the time Spencer decided that his mother's brand of leadership might not suit him as a sole example.

"Aaron also prefers to remain in the background. He'll step up if he has to, but it's simply not his preference."

"It hasn't really been mine, either."

"I know. Do you think it's really Spencer's?" Deanna laughs softly, which relaxes the stern lines of her expression. "If the world hadn't ended, Spencer would probably have finished his master's degree and worked on Wall Street, not followed me into politics. His public service would have involved opening his checkbook, not sacrificing his time."

Thinking back to the Spencer she met during that first visit to Virginia six years ago, Honey supposes Deanna is right. Considering that Honey's own ambitions had been to get a construction management degree and work for Merle's company, she can't blame him.

She's silent too long, so Deanna speaks again. "I made mistakes in my early leadership that gave Hilltop the advantage over Alexandria where Homestead was concerned. I know what your plan was before, to act as a northern shield to us all, but Alexandria is uniquely situated to allow you to do the same. You know Spencer, and you know he'd never turn on you the way Hilltop's ungrateful populace did."

"Spencer thinks Alexandria would accept the bulk of the Saviors." They've already taken in thirty of the more vulnerable workers, but the remainder is over two hundred people.

"Alexandria is ready to be more than an afterthought among the communities. The people here have wanted to recruit you for years."

Part of the lure of Hiawassee had been to be closer to Homestead without overloading them with the Saviors. Bringing them all to Alexandria seems like it would be even harder, but at the same time, the smaller size of Alexandria may be an advantage. If Honey considers her Saviors as separate communities, the soldiers versus the workers, each group is not overwhelmingly larger or smaller than Alexandria's population of barely over seventy. Without her militia co-leadership, the onus of protecting Virginia will fall almost solely on Dianne at the Kingdom.

"It would be a full leadership transition? From you to Spencer and me?" She has no wish to be in Deanna's shadow the way Spencer has. Mentorship is one thing, and Honey knows she's painfully young for the role, which would be more of a problem if it were solo leadership.

Deanna looks so relieved that Honey realizes just how tense the older woman had been for the conversation. "Complete transition. I've had multiple medical opinions tell me that I was extremely lucky to only lose some physical mobility from the stroke. If Spencer had been anyone other than my son and refused what felt like a predatory coup, leadership probably would have changed hands as soon as it was apparent some aspects of the damage were permanent."

"And what Spencer and I sometimes are to each other isn't an issue?"

Honey's never been exactly sure if Deanna understands that Spencer is regularly a third to Honey's relationship with Eugene. They've always been discreet, something made easy by the connecting jack-and-jill bathroom between Spencer's room and the guest room that Honey and Eugene usually share while visiting Alexandria. Spencer doesn't like all the complications of a conventional sort of relationship, so sex with no strings has worked well for them for years now.

What happened with Negan may change the dynamic or even end it as a possibility for Honey, but she isn't making any decisions of that magnitude yet. Moving to Georgia might make it a non-issue entirely, but staying here in Alexandria? It needs to be considered, especially as living in close quarters is far different than the every other month or so visits from before.

"I've known for a long time now that Spencer was never going to marry." Deanna manages a half shrug, one side not mobile enough to complete the gesture. "This isn't the old world, where a leader's private life had to fit the standard American ideals. As long as all three of you are comfortable with each other, no one here will care."

It is true enough that Alexandria's barely there acceptance of Aaron and Eric's marriage has shifted over the years to where no one seems concerned at all. Honey certainly hasn't seen anyone react badly to Jazz and Paul when they visit. Considering she knows that they'll follow her lead, it isn't just her own unique relationships that are at stake.

"I need to talk it over with Eugene and my parents before I make a final decision."

"That's understandable and expected. We don't have to decide for sure today, although there is the issue that's coming forward for establishing Hiawassee." Deanna reaches for the controls of her wheelchair before pausing. "Alexandria could consider more than a duo for leadership, you know. Hilltop gained solid leadership when we lost Olivia here, and your brother? He was elected to his position there for a reason, especially as young as he is. It's something to consider."

Deanna leaves Honey in the study, lost in thought. Offering a co-leadership with Spencer is one thing, but the fact that Deanna acknowledges that a larger council has advantages sweetens the pot even more. Olivia has years of experience at Hilltop, with more day-to-day leadership than most of the other council members because of her position as the quartermaster for the community. Jazz hadn't sought his election to the council, but he hadn't fought it either. His medical experience will be invaluable, either way.

Knowing the time is getting closer for the meeting, Honey gets to her feet. She has people to consult before her cards are laid on the table.

- Merle -

Merle had expected a lot of things going into this meeting, and chaos and arguments had been part of it. But what he hadn't expected was the disappointment of knowing that Honey, Jazz, and their families wouldn't be hundreds of miles closer soon. It's harder on Carol, he knows, but she's submerged the personal disappointment in order to try to lay the larger issues to rest. In the end, what's about to happen today to keep some of their family in Virginia is little different than if Hilltop hadn't lost their minds or if the Sanctuary had stayed viable.

There's a large part of him that doesn't like sitting opposite the pair of Hilltop leaders who were granted a spot at the table today because outside of Natania's people, they've lost the most to the Saviors. He can't help but wish Bertie hadn't been the one who stayed behind, as he'd have a far easier time seeing her here than Emmett Carson or Michael Fisher. They know their welcome is limited, at least, wedged in as they are between Camille and Caroline from Solomons and Deanna and Spencer from Alexandria. Even the generally pacifist Johanna and Jack from Jekyll are avoiding Hilltop's representatives today.

All the communities have sent two representatives, with Natania and Beatrice granted seats at the table despite their people being blended into Tybee and Jekyll. Ezekiel brought Jerry, which isn't surprising with the extra visitors, recent attack outside their walls, and Harlan's unexpected behavior of late. There's no way Dianne would leave the Kingdom without her expertise to stand by her husband's side at a bureaucratic meeting.

Deanna may have lost mobility and grace due to her stroke, but she's lost none of the sense of showmanship of an old-world professional politician. As soon as the last representative is seated, she calls the meeting to order and stands, bracing herself on the table and smiling at everyone.

"Before we get started, I need to make an announcement that affects the remainder of our discussion, including who has a seat at the table today." She pauses, glancing to the empty chair to her left and letting folks come to the logical conclusion before stating it boldly. "Effective as of this meeting, I am no longer leading Alexandria, but stepping down to formalize Spencer's role as leader, along with a co-leader I had once despaired of bringing to Alexandria."

That penny drops fast, and Merle takes note of the reactions. Most are neutral to happy, with Ezekiel's broad grin reminding Merle that Ezekiel has long since adopted Merle's family as an extension of his own. Not that Merle really needs a reminder, considering just how damn far Ezekiel was willing to go to back Honey's play with the Saviors. He's Uncle Ezekiel, indeed, and sets it up nicely when he is the first reply to Deanna's news.

"It is glorious news to know that the one jointly responsible for the safe zones around all of our northern communities will be staying nearby. I know Dianne will be elated to hear that Honey is staying in Virginia."

The absolutely sour expressions for the Hilltop pair at Ezekiel's words make it hard for Merle not to smirk openly. Carol has no such restraint as she speaks, although her expression holds more sharklike intent than anything he'd call a smile. She holds a grudge far more deeply than he ever expected when he met her years ago outside Atlanta.

"As much as we obviously wanted to lure Honey and those she rescued back to Georgia, reinforcing one of our northernmost allies is crucial. I can't say I'm entirely surprised, either. As cooperatively as Deanna and I have worked together for years long distance, I'm sure Spencer and Honey will do well by Alexandria as co-leaders."

Hilltop can't lodge a complaint about Alexandria's leadership change. All the communities are independent in their own leadership. At most, sanctions such as the ones Carol leveled after Honey's expulsion from Hilltop are all that the Alliance allows in objection to governance decisions.

"I would suggest that Deanna stay for the full meeting, however." Ezekiel's smile fades to the solemnity appropriate for the remainder of today's meeting. "There are aspects of today's meeting that could benefit from her legal expertise as she, Jack, and Caroline are the only ones who worked in the field during their lives before."

No one objects to that, and Deanna takes a seat in her wheelchair with a satisfied expression even as Spencer goes to summon Honey inside. It's not really out of order of the agenda, since Honey's responsibility for the Saviors was always a given at this point.

"I assume that by the leadership change at Alexandria, those who are true guests of the Kingdom will be welcomed here?" Ezekiel asks after Honey politely accepts the welcome of those honestly happy to see her here and takes a seat.

"All those who wish to make Alexandria their home will be welcomed," Spencer replies. "We will use the manpower to expand to accommodate them appropriately."

"What about the prisoners?" Beatrice keeps her tone polite, but only barely. Considering what she lost to the worst of the Saviors' predatory nature, Merle is still honestly surprised she can acknowledge that not all the soldiers among the Saviors were rotten.

"That is the question of the day, isn't it?" Merle interjects. "All are guilty of predatory behavior that means they shouldn't be allowed to roam freely, but about half are probably beyond any sort of rehabilitation."

Everyone has a list of the interrogation findings, but he reads them out loud anyway. Honey fills in blanks on both the prisoners and life in the Sanctuary, especially for the workers deemed drudges. Merle sees several people flinch when she describes the children with scurvy despite the fighting able adults having a healthy diet. Logan's brief visit into the room to detail the attack on the Hilltop militia has more impact than Honey's descriptions. It's hard not to sympathize with the teenage apprentice who was literally going to help out another community the day of the attack.

"And if there are those among us who oppose the death penalty that some communities still advocate?"

Johanna's question is expected, so Merle shrugs, exchanging a glance with Terminus's pair along with Carol, Natania, and Beatrice. It's Natania that answers for them all, because they'd held their own meeting before breakfast this morning about this exact subject.

"Those opposed to the well deserved end of some of these monsters are welcome to imprison them and spend their people's efforts to feed and care for them for as long as they live, but if they leave the confines of prison, my people reserve the right to ensure they do not prey upon anyone the way they did before. They are murderers and rapists, and turning them loose is a danger to everyone."

"And any community who hides they've given them freedom will no longer be our ally," Carol adds.

No one really needs Gareth's nod of agreement to know that Terminus will follow, but he isn't surprised to see even the most pacifist leaders nodding. Johanna may oppose a death penalty, but she isn't so naive as to think that men like the very unlamented Simon are redeemable.

"And if those of us who suffered losses advocate for execution? Three of the men who killed our people survived the attack on the Kingdom and their own people." Emmett Carson's question isn't unexpected, although Merle doesn't think he'll ever understand just how wildly Hilltop turned on Honey.

"Are you willing to carry out the execution at Hilltop?"

Emmett gapes a bit at Spencer's query. "Me personally?"

Carol leans forward at the table, gaze intent on Emmett. "A leader should never order someone else to take such measures if they aren't willing to do it themselves. Or did you expect Honey to tidy that away for you and be your executioner as well as your scapegoat?"

"You're saying you'd put a bullet in their heads yourself?" Emmett's sputtering disbelief does him no favors among anyone here.

"If I advocate for a person's death due to their criminal acts, I would certainly pull the trigger, yes. And those of your people advocating for it should stand witness."

The absolute certainty in Carol's voice is a reminder that unlike many in this room, who have been protected from the human dangers of the world, others have had to fight for their safety. Years of peace haven't removed that edge Carol attained after the Governor's attack on Homestead. Although Homestead has never held a public execution in the sense that Carol's implying, the deaths of the bandits Scout questioned after the attack on Terminus and the corrupt cops at Grady certainly fall within the range of exactly what Carol is implying.

Debate follows, with not enough people backing the idea of executing the worst of the prisoners for Merle to throw his weight behind the idea. He'd argued Beatrice and Natania down that it was far worse for men like those Simon led to be confined for the rest of their lives than to die quickly. It's the entire aspect of Negan's survival in his paralyzed body that gives credence to the idea. The women want their pound of flesh, but they've come around to the idea that a bullet is far too generous for these bastards.

"If we're decided, perhaps we should put it to a vote," Ezekiel suggests after an hour has passed and the discussion is becoming circular rather than progressive.

Faced with the idea of shedding blood themselves, even Hilltop votes for lifetime imprisonment for the worst offenders. A few are left with an option of parole, starting with a review in five years. Jekyll's leaders, unsurprisingly, offer to house half the prisoners, including those of Simon's men responsible for murdering Natania and Beatrice's people, and equally unsurprisingly, Hilltop doesn't object to those being among the same ones who attacked Honey's patrol group, preferring to vote for an allotment of resources sent to Jekyll instead. The rest are divided between the Kingdom and Homestead, both with the surplus of space and manpower to actually form small prisons.

Negan, however, poses a unique problem. He needs very detailed medical care, and while Homestead and the Kingdom are both capable, Merle lost the argument with Honey over her plan for Negan's fate. Trying to get her to consider Negan anyone's responsibility but her own is impossible, especially since miles away or not, Jazz backed her, and the medical care is Jazz's decision to make in the end. Merle's pretty sure that Hilltop mainly agrees out of a misguided sense of punishing Honey. He isn't entirely convinced that Honey doesn't see it that way herself, especially with the cloyingly heavy guilt she'd made no effort to hide while Logan testified to the leadership.

With Spencer's agreement and Deanna's lack of objection, Negan becomes the sole prisoner housed at Alexandria.

They can't iron out all the issues in this single meeting, which only serves to highlight the desperate need for a fully detailed legal system. Instead, they wrap things up by nominating a committee of those skilled in the law and administration to come up with a judiciary coda of sorts and an agreement to meet again in three months to review and establish a court system more uniform than their current cobbled together alliance allows.

Merle just hopes like hell that letting any of these bastards live doesn't backfire on them all.