I'm not a big fan of the writers for this Jessie storyline. I understand it happened in the comic series. It couldn't have gone over well, but what the heck do I know. I didn't like the way Rick and Jessie were getting together. It felt forced. And from the little I saw Jessie didn't start it. Rick did. So, I kind of feel bad the character gets all this hate
Glenn and Maggie descended on the rest of their group. "Not interested in going?" Glenn was disappointed. "We want to go," he pointed to himself and Maggie.
"I'd like to go," Sasha replied. "They have an aircraft carrier, pilots, planes and Humvees? Cia was right. They don't fuck around."
"All of those people are former agents or special forces," Maggie told her.
"What?" Carol looked at her.
"They could be lying," Michonne said.
"No. They're not lying," Abraham told them. "They've all seen combat. You can tell by the way they move. And Cia, I recognize her type from Afghanistan. They had spooks come around," Abraham looked at the group. "Not that they ever talked to us grunts," he grumbled.
"Cia…CIA?" Michonne looked at Abraham. He nodded his head yes.
"Seal, as in Navy Seal?" Morgan asked.
Glenn and Maggie replied yes.
"They don't want us," Carol pointed out, "and with what happened last night and Rick's involvement with Jessie, we can turn this place around."
"We could," Rosita pointed out, "but why should we when we can get it ready made?"
"Carol, these people don't have any defenses and don't seem interested in any," Sasha retorted. "Worrying about what kind of food I like?" she scoffed. "They don't even know what it's like out there." Sasha pointed to Cia and her group. "These people do. Hell, as good as we are and they were still able to surprise us."
Rick tried to break into the conversation but it seemed like everyone was stopping him from telling them about Jessie.
"Those conditions don't sound too harsh to me," Sasha continued. "I've never done anything that big, but the Big Stop. Two days outside walls? We could do that."
"They have cellphones," Glenn informed them. "Computers, the internet."
"Really?" Carl's eyes lit up.
"Their version of the internet," Glenn backpedaled a little.
"They could still be lying, regardless of combat experience," Michonne pointed out.
"They're not lying," Deanna interrupted them. They'd been so deep in conversation they missed her approaching. "I've…we've spoken with the head of the community that runs the island. He's the former president of Yale. Have you made a decision?"
"We're still discussin' it, Deanna," Maggie stated.
"I'm sure that we'll stay here," Carol interrupted. "Now that you know the real dangers and Rick probably wouldn't want to leave Jessie here. It doesn't sound like she could do the requirements. "
Rosita and Sasha rolled their eyes. "No, she couldn't," they said together.
"I'm not doin' some damn psych profile," Daryl grumbled.
Jessie sat huddled with her boys away from Pete. She was still getting looks from the community. Ron was mad, Sam was scared. Pete was sitting up, looking around and garnering more looks from everyone.
"I'm bleeding. I need some help," he shouted.
"Fuck off, wife beater," the woman called Cia yelled at him.
The British guy laughed. "Now, Cia, we should treat him. This isn't our community."
The red headed woman headed over and looked at his arm. She pulled him to his feet. "Come on, wife beater. We'll fix your arm. You fucking baby."
Ron ran over to them. "Who shot my dad?" he shouted. "Why?"
Cia stood over him. "I did, wife beater kid. He tried to kill the dark haired girl in the infirmary. Chickenshit motherfucker," she sneered at him.
The community came to a stop. Rick stomped over. "What did you say?" Rick growled.
"I said, child abuser, he tried to kill the dark haired girl in the infirmary. I'm pretty fucking sure that I didn't stutter," Cia stated calmly.
"You…you're lying," Ron screamed.
"Wife beater kid, I have no reason to lie. I don't care enough about any of this to lie."
Rick faced Pete. "You tried to kill one of my people?" he roared.
"This is your fault," Pete screamed at Rick. "We were doing just fine before you and your group got here. What happens in my house is none of your business. And you were sniffing around my wife."
Jessie stomped up to that horrible woman. "Stop calling my son wife beater kid."
Cia leaned close. "Or what fat, blonde doormat?"
"I'll kill you," Jessie screamed.
"Seriously?" Cia laughed at her. "I'm sure that the wife beater would have started on the kids. You wouldn't protect them from what the fuck was going on in your house and you expect me to believe that now you'll step up? Get the fuck away from me. You make me sick. All of you." She turned to Rick. "Except for you. You make me fucking laugh."
Rick glared at the infirmary. Michonne put a hand on his arm and nodded her head toward Jessie, who was on the ground crying, holding on to Sam. "Tara's priority, Michonne," he snapped out. "I'm not involved with Jessie." Rick picked Carol out of the crowd. "Carol, why don't we both go check on Tara," he ordered her.
Carol and Rick walked to the infirmary. Pete was there, lying on a bed, passed out. Rick went to go over when Carol pulled him back. "You need to stop that. Save the righteous indignation for Jessie."
Rick got close to Carol. "Listen to me, Carol. I'm not interested in Jessie. I was acting like an ass and ruined a chance with Michonne. I'm not goin' to ruin another. Don't make one more mention of Jessie being with me in anyway," he glared at her.
Jessie sat on the ground, crying, watching Rick walk away. Her son hated her. She was thoroughly embarrassed in the community. This was all Deanna's fault.
Mi and Seal looked around to see if anyone was interested. The rest of the community sat in silence. After two minutes the group met together by the front and spoke with Deanna.
"Congresswoman Monroe," SS 2 addressed her. "It doesn't look like anyone is interested. We apologize for the bomb. It's drawn zombies. We'll stay in the area for another two days to help clear them out."
"If I were you I'd keep Glenn, Maggie, the older lady and the other young woman. They seem to know what they're doing. I'm not sure who they traveled with, but you should keep them, too," Sad advised.
"Congresswoman Monroe," Cia started to say before Deanna interrupted her.
"Stop with the 'Congresswoman," she spat. "You make it sound like an expletive."
"Glad you noticed, because that was the point," Cia shot back. Reg came over to listen to the conversation. "Things aren't like they used to be. That layer of civilization that you were so used to seeing is gone. It will take time to come back. That's what we're trying to do, but until then, it's might vs. right. I suggest you read some history books, Congresswoman Monroe. They might help you with your community."
"If any conversations haven't hurt your feelings we can come back and discuss trading terms, when or if, you have something to trade," Mi offered.
Spencer was outside the gate half an hour later, looking at the little camp they'd set up. He opened the gate and walked over, stopping Sad and SS 2.
"This is stupid. You should just stay inside."
SS 1 tilted he head. "Won't the Congresswoman mind?"
Spencer shrugged. "My mother? She'll get over it." He walked back and opened the gate more.
Seal and his team strolled over to Eric's house and he knocked on the door. Aaron answered surprised. "I thought you were leaving?"
"Spencer, the congresswoman's son, said we could stay inside. Temporary roommates? For a couple of days?"
Eric laughed from the living room and told them to come on in.
Deanna, holding a large glass of wine, and Reg, holding a glass of scotch, were in their living room after the debacle of the meeting. They'd seen most everyone go back to their houses, Jessie getting off the ground, wiping her eyes, taking Sam and leaving.
"That didn't go as well as I expected it to," Deanna took another sip of wine.
Reg looked at his wife. "No, but perhaps it's for the best. Their way wouldn't have suited this community. We can make a great community our way," he encouraged her.
Deanna scoffed. "Those people weren't wrong about the management not caring about their people. We don't."
"He was wrong, Deanna. You do."
"Do I, Reg? I was willing to turn a blind eye to a distasteful situation because he's our only doctor. We're not trying to take care of ourselves. We've been treating food runs like trips to the grocery store, as if the food won't run out at some point."
"Rick and his group have a lot of experience. Perhaps they should stay. Teach us."
Deanna leaned her head back on the sofa. "They're staying alright. I'm turning security concerns, all of them, over to Rick and Michonne. They can do what's necessary to keep us safe. Maggie's family farmed. Cia's right there, too. We relied on run teams. I'm putting her in charge of that project."
"And Nicholas?"
"Glenn will coordinate with Rick and Michonne for the run team. Nicholas will be relegated to whatever Maggie needs. No more run team assignment for him. Or any security measures that are enacted. He can't be trusted."
"Pete, Jessie and the kids?"
"They'll have to be separated." Deanna laughed harshly. "Cia thoroughly embarrassed her, me, you and everyone here. It's time Spencer moved out. Jessie and the kids can stay here. Pete will have a full time babysitter. I don't care who, but someone from Rick's group, until they can train someone from the original community. They won't put up with his shit and can take him down a peg or two." She took another sip of wine. "We'll have to do something about Ron. He was angry. He'll lash out."
Reg shifted on the sofa turning to face his wife. "What if the people don't like it?"
"Then they can fucking leave. We've been hidden, I see that now. Clueless as to what's going on out there. If this group was actively looking for trading partners what if there are others that are looking to just take over? What about the people that destroyed Noah's community? We would be sitting ducks. I won't lose any more of our people, Reg."
Reg got up and pulled her off the sofa. "Come on, Lionness. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow."
Deanna grabbed her husband and hugged him hard. "I almost lost you," she whispered.
Reg kissed her on the head. "You didn't. Those people saved me. I'm not going anywhere."
The next morning Deanna got up and found Spencer in the kitchen. "It's time you moved out, Spencer. Jessie and the kids are moving in."
Spencer sat in his chair, shocked. "Sure. I can find some place or move in with someone else."
"I'd prefer someone else until you can defend yourself, but you're a grown man." Deanna smiled at her only living son. "Just keep your mom in the loop, alright?"
He smiled at her, got up and kissed her on the cheek. "Sure. Anything else?" he asked.
"Yes. There's a mandatory meeting. If you could round everyone one up at the meeting place? Eight o'clock."
Spencer made it to the doorway before Deanna stopped him.
"Spencer?"
He looked at her over his shoulder. "Yeah, Mom?"
"I'm proud of you. And I love you. We have a lot of hard work to do to catch up."
"I let them stay," Spencer smiled at her. "I…figured it wouldn't hurt."
"That's fine. They won't be here long."
Deanna and Reg stood, for the second time in two days, in front of the community. "I want everyone's attention," she looked over the crowd to make sure they were paying attention. "We're instituting some changes around here. The previous two days have been an eye opener, in more ways than one. First, Rick and Michonne, you are in charge of security. Anything you need to do to make this place safe do it. I expect reports detailing the progress. Second, Maggie, you'll be in charge of farming. Find a place. If we have to take down houses, so be it. Again, I expect reports on your progress. Glenn, I'm putting you in charge of our run team. Pick who you think is qualified to go with you. I'm afraid we don't have anyone that can help you with what's around here that can be trusted. I was remiss in not having more than a few people handle that task. I apologize that you'll be starting off at a disadvantage. I'll expect reports on your progress."
Deanna heard some grumbling. "This has been a mirage. We were all given a wake-up call two days ago. Everyone will help. Everyone will learn self-defense. Everyone will learn how to kill walkers. Are there any questions?"
What if we don't want to kill those things? They're disgusting," someone called out.
"If you don't like these changes than you can leave. We won't stop you. Unfortunately, we'd only be able to give you a few days' worth of food and water. Maybe one weapon. I would have to coordinate with Rick and Michonne regarding that situation."
"Deanna," Nicholas spoke up. "I should be in charge of the run team. Glenn's the one that got Aiden and Noah killed. He almost got me killed. He almost killed Tara. Those people," Nicholas pointed toward the RV, "lied."
Deanna scoffed. "My son killed himself with our help. We killed Noah. We almost killed Tara and Glenn. Nicholas, you are barred from any run team duty as well as any security measures that Rick and Michonne put in place. Those people didn't lie. Cia doesn't have any interest in us to lie."
"I don't have to take this, Deanna," he yelled.
"Then you are free to leave. Would you like to do it now or after the meeting?" Deanna nodded her head in Michonne's direction and she walked over by Nicholas. He didn't move.
"Pete, you are our only doctor, at this point. Due to glaring shortcomings in my management I've allowed your behavior, thus far. That ends. You will be watched 24/7. You will have no unsupervised contact with your wife, children or patients."
"You can't do that, Deanna," Pete stood up.
"I can and should have long ago. Again, others are paying for my mistakes. If you don't like it, you can leave." Deanna looked at Daryl. He moved over to Pete. "Jessie and the kids will be given a choice of going with you or staying here, if you decide that is what you want to do."
Deanna addressed Jessie next. "Jessie, I apologize to you and your children. I should have addressed Pete's behavior sooner. You've been humiliated in the community. And I let you down, which is worse. There's nothing I can do or say to make it any better. You and your children will move in with Reg and myself."
"Uh, I thought I was moving in with Rick and his kids. Carol told me."
Everyone looked at Rick. Deanna saw his expression and nipped that in the bud.
"Rick will now have more duties. He has his own children to look after." Deanna turned to Carol. "Carol, I would like for you to teach the children and our older residents how to kill Walkers. You seem to be personable and knowledgeable. I'll expect reports on your progress. I'm sure that no more than a handful of our residents has ever killed a Walker. I advise you speak with everyone and verify that information. Aaron and Daryl, I would still like you to recruit. According to Maggie and Glenn, Ci and her group went for employees in specific industries. We're a little late to the game, and after this long I believe that people have started to settle, so we can't be as choosy. We need people to survive. My only criteria: no spousal abusers, child abusers or drug addicts. Until Glenn gets comfortable, as much as anyone can get comfortable with the situation, please assist him with the run team."
Deanna looked at Reg and Spencer, who were both smiling. She turned back to the crowd. "If you don't like these changes, please see me and we'll get everyone situated with food and water for the road. Until Rick and Michonne get familiar with our weapons inventory we wouldn't be able to offer you a gun, unless you came here with one, then, of course, you'll get it back."
She looked over her audience. "Any other suggestions? Questions? I'm open to anything at this point."
What about him?" someone pointed to Rick. "If those people don't lie, and we all saw it, he pushed his son while beating up Pete to take Jessie away."
Rick turned to the offender. "I didn't abuse my son. I would never abuse my kids. I was reacting badly to a situation that involved Pete and Jessie. I felt that Deanna wasn't taking it seriously. I'm not involved with Jessie. I'm not interested in her and wouldn't be, even if she wasn't married."
Michonne looked at the ground and shook her head.
Jessie didn't think she could feel any lower. She grabbed Sam's hand and tried to slip out. She caught pitying looks from those that saw her. She didn't stay for the rest of the meeting.
No one said anything. "Fine. My door is always open should any resident have an idea, with our without merit. As I said earlier, we're new to this and far behind. We need to catch up. Rick, Michonne, Glenn and Maggie. Dinner meeting at my house at seven. Carol, we'll have our meeting, dinner again, tomorrow at seven. I'd like ideas and plans. Aaron and Daryl, I'd like you to sit with Glenn, flesh out your own ideas. When you think you have a comprehensive plan, come to me. We'll have our own dinner meeting."
After everyone drifted away, still grumbling about the changes, Rick caught up to Michonne. "Will you move back in?"
Michonne looked at Rick in surprise. "What? You were the one that came up with that plan. You didn't even ask me," he reminded her.
"I…thought it would be easier, I guess."
Rick glared at her. "No, it wouldn't be easier. I handled the situation wrong from the start. Trying to fit in, letting her give me a haircut, when I didn't know her, was a mistake."
"And the plan?" Michonne raised her eyebrows.
Rick kicked at the grass. "That was stupid. I admitted that earlier. And as soon as I found out about Pete abusing Jessie I should have come to you. Kissing her on the cheek at that party? Stupid and I can't explain why I did it. Going to her house? A mistake. Now, will you and Daryl move back in? Please?"
Michonne smiled a small smile. "Sure. I'll grab my stuff from the other place."
"Hurry up. We got plans to make. To keep our place safe."
"You want me to do it now?" her voice rose on the question.
"Yes, now. You might change your mind," he smiled sheepishly at her.
Michonne laughed. "You…alright, I'll do it now." She looked around for Daryl and didn't see him.
"We'll get Daryl later. I want to walk around outside so we can talk about stakes."
They headed off toward the house that Michonne stayed one night in. They didn't even look in Jessie's direction when they passed by her house, taking Michonne's things back to Rick's.
Jessie watched the two figures walk by the plastic that was over her living room window. She didn't need to see out to know that it Rick and Michonne. Not only had she been humiliated by those…those commando people, Rick had humiliated her as well. She had been confused when he kissed her on the cheek at their party. Somewhat flattered when he started coming over. But this, this was too much. Maybe she should talk to those commandoes about going with them. Maybe they wouldn't be at this…island and she could live down the humiliation she'd suffered since Rick and his group showed up.
She saw the RV and knocked on the door. When no one answered she turned and went to Eric's house. Aaron opened the door.
"Jessie, hi, what can I do for you?"
"Is Cia here?"
Aaron's eyebrows rose. "Ah, they're all out. Outside the walls, killing walkers, if there are any. They might be back for lunch."
Jessie looked around. "Um, can you come get me when they do come back?"
"Sure. Or I can have her come over to your house. Would that be better?"
"NO. I don't want that woman anywhere near my kids," she shouted. "If you could just come get me, I'd appreciate it," she said in a quieter voice.
"Okay," he drawled.
Deanna didn't forget about the new man that Aaron and Daryl had brought in before Cia and the others showed up and she tracked him down at Rick's house.
"Hello," she held out her hand. "I'm Deanna Monroe. I…Well, I guess I'm in charge here."
"Deanna, this is my friend Morgan. I should have brought him by earlier, but with everythin' goin' on…" Rick trailed off.
"Yes, we've been a little discombobulated, Morgan. Were you interested in staying?" she looked at him. Michonne came over to stand beside Rick. Deanna couldn't understand Rick's confusion. Michonne was a nice looking woman. She seemed competent and capable. Why he showed an interest in Jessie was beyond her.
"I am. I followed Rick from Atlanta. This seems like a nice place."
"We're not usually so unorganized," she offered. Morgan chuckled.
"I'm sure," he drawled. "I was there for the meetings. I'll help in any way. I'm not sure what went on before but it sounds like you're taking a different direction. However, I would like to help."
"We do have something. Can you fight?"
Morgan took a step back. "I won't kill anyone."
Michonne and Rick looked at Morgan.
"No, I need someone to guard our doctor."
Morgan shifted on his feet. "Uhh."
"Please, Morgan. You've been here for two days. What Cia called Pete, well, she could have handled it differently. He's not trustworthy. We need to guard him." Deanna turned to Rick. "Actually, that's why I was here. Until we can get others up to your skills I was going to ask one of your group to babysit Pete."
Rick's face darkened. "He tried to kill one of my people."
"He did and it was handled. Again, differently. He needs a guard, Rick."
"I'll do it," Morgan told Deanna. "I don't really know anyone besides Rick. Maybe I can talk to Pete."
"If you can get him to stop abusing his wife I'd appreciate it," Deanna bluntly stated. "Right now, we have him in the house across the street. I'm not sure who's with him now, but he's not to be unsupervised with patients, his wife or his children. He needs to check on Tara." At Morgan's confused look she elaborated. "The dark haired girl that was mentioned yesterday."
"Sure, I'll head on over, make sure he takes a look at her," Morgan agreed.
"Thank you, Morgan."
"I'll move my stuff over there, too. Make it easier."
Deanna nodded her head and waited for him to leave. He smiled at her as he left. As he crossed the street Deanna turned to Rick and Michonne. "I'm not going to bother interviewing, formally, like I did before. We need people. If he won't kill anyone, than he's perfect to babysit Pete. I'm asking Spencer to help Jessie and her kids move into my house tomorrow. I'm telling you this because you're in charge of security and you need to know these arrangements. If we should get another doctor, and Pete hasn't changed his behavior, he's banished."
Rick started to open his mouth when Michonne put her hand on his arm. "That's the best we can do until we find another doctor. We don't want to use one of our group to babysit him. They'll be needed other places," she said gently.
Deanna smiled at them both and thought Michonne was more than competent. "I'll see you this evening. Oh," she turned from the door. "The group's RV is still here. Spencer said they could stay. I'm sure they'll only be here through tomorrow. Maybe you could use them in the time they are here."