Days following Daryl's rescue showed a lot of change. Everyone at the camp seemed to avoid the group, even the soldiers. It was like they had the plague and were quarantined. Major Rice called a meeting with the entire group a week later.
"Thank you for coming, everyone," Major Rice said as he stood. "I'm sure you've noticed the rest of the camp has been somewhat avoiding you and I will say that was under my orders. We are fine with having you stay, but we do not feel the rest of the camp should mingle with you. That being said, if you plan to go hunting or need to find supplies, you will need to OK it with me beforehand. We want those gates closed as much as possible. I'm also asking Carol and Jo to discontinue their involvement with the school activities."
Jo grimaced. She knew it was coming. "Don't you think that will hurt the children? The nursery kids are so comfortable with me," Jo argued.
"They'll get by," the major said. "I appreciate everything your group has done for the camp, and because you have done so much, I will share some news with you that will be announced tonight." The major paused. "We've been in contact with other military camps throughout the south and east coast. We've been able to formulate a plan to combine forces. It sounds like Fort Bragg in North Carolina has successfully rid an entire city of the diseased. They're currently scouting the surrounding areas to clear those as well, like we've been doing here. They have more supplies and more personnel. We're working to plan a mass move of our camp to Fort Bragg. If your group comes along, I may need to call on you for help."
The group was in shock. Never did they believe an entire city would be rid of the diseased. Never did they think they would have an opportunity to actually move on from this horrible event.
"We'll let you know. Thank you for sharing this with us," Rick said.
"Do you really think it's possible?" Carol asked as they left.
"I mean, we've done a pretty good job around here. If they have more personnel and a better stocked arsenal, I don't see why not," Rick said.
"Will we go?" Hershel asked.
The question hung in the air like wet laundry. Would moving be the best thing for the group? Did the opportunity outweigh the dangers?
"We need to go somewhere. The food is almost gone here," Daryl said. "Livin' in another military camp sounds fuckin' terrible though."
"If they have a whole city cleared out and protected we could live in homes again," Carol said. "It would almost be normal."
"That's a big 'if,'" Rick said. "We'll need to discuss this. Weigh the pros and cons. And see if we can get any more information about Fort Bragg."
The group divided into their rooms, everyone talking to their roommates about the possibilities. Jo closed their door and sighed.
"What is it?" Daryl asked, unbuttoning his shirt.
"I want normalcy so badly, but what does that even mean nowadays?" she asked.
"I dunno, babe. I just want us all to be safe. I hate to agree with the major, but going to Fort Bragg might be our best bet."
"I'm surprised," she said, moving to the bed to take off her shoes. "I thought you would be totally against it."
"Yeah, but you don't go hunting with me. There's nothin' out there. We can only survive on canned beans for so long."
Jo nodded. "You know what I miss?"
"What?" Daryl asked, lying on the bed next to her.
"Candy. Can you go hunt down some candy for me?"
Daryl let out a snort. "You would miss candy."
Jo lay down, facing him, laughing. "Of course I miss candy! Chocolate, caramel, Skittles… oh man, the things I would do to a Snickers bar right now…"
Daryl lifted his head off the bed, smiling. "The things you would do to a Snickers bar?! How about the things you would do to me?" He grabbed her waist, pulling her under him.
She laughed. "Sir, I can't even speak of the things I'd do to you." She reached up and pulled his head down toward hers. Kissing him softly, she rolled on top of him. He took her blouse off and smiled. They didn't make it to dinner that night.
The news of the move had the whole camp giddy with excitement and hope. Preparations started to be made immediately after the news was announced. Large military trucks were moved to the front of the compound and were filled with supplies, weapons and ammunition. The civilians were told to pack only necessities and to be ready to leave in a week.
Rick called a meeting to decide whether the group should go or stay.
"We all know this has been difficult for us," Rick began, "but we need to think of what will benefit the entire group. We've survived this far together."
"I hate that Major Rice didn't help us find Daryl… that was super shitty, but I think going to Fort Bragg is our best option right now," Glenn said.
"But what if the military leaders there are even worse? This could easily be Woodbury all over again," Andrea said.
"But what if they are close to ridding the world of this disease?" Carol asked. "Don't we want to be somewhere protected and somewhere that can begin to rebuild?"
"No matter what, we have to think about Judith and Carl and Hershel. What's best for them?" Jo said. "We have a baby in our group. It's been so much easier taking care of her here than at the prison. And we haven't had to worry about Carl or Hershel since we got here."
Everyone paused to look at Rick and Daryl.
"I think we should go," Daryl said. "My two big things are keeping this group fed and safe. We can barely find food here."
Rick nodded. "Does everyone agree?"
People murmured their approval.
"What if it is bad there? Like Woodbury? Think we'll have another chance to leave?" Michonne piped up from the back of the group.
Rick shook his head. "I dunno. That's a chance we'll have to take."
Michonne scowled and walked away.