A/N Thank you all so much. Well we didn't get to the moonshine last chapter, but we're going to now. There's so much going on and I hope you enjoy it all!
00
Daryl's never had more trouble getting out of bed. Why the hell would he want to leave? Life is so much sweeter laying right here with Beth in his arms.
It's the knock and Rick's voice coming through the door that finally get him up and moving, "Hey, sorry to bother you guys, but the meeting's about to start and we have a lot to discuss."
Beth knows he doesn't want to get up and get this day started, she doesn't want to either, but she smiles at Daryl as they climb out of bed and while they hurriedly dress, she whispers her promise, "Tonight, Mister Dixon, love and moonshine."
He smiles back at her but sounds a little grouchy when he calls to Rick, "Yeah, be right there, just lacin' my boots." Rick smiles to himself, yeah whatever.
Rick and Herschel are the ones who have decided the entire group should be in on this discussion. The only exception are the kids, Patrick, Duane, Carl and Sophia. For now, they're going to be busy with some assigned reading and other schoolwork in the library.
The children are not at all happy about this turn of events, and they let their unhappiness about being left out of the decision making process known, arguing they're old enough to take part. Rick promises to fill them in on everything as soon as a plan is finalized. Although they do as they're told, they're clearly not appeased.
There's someone else who won't be attending the meeting. T-Dog brings the prisoner a drawing pad and a couple of pencils instructing Caesar that his job is to draw a detailed map of the entire town of Woodbury, as well as separate maps of the governor's quarters, the lab where experiments are performed, the hospital, and information about where the food is stored. Caesar's willing but asks again, "You're not going to send me back are you? Or use me as a bargaining chip?"
T-Dog shrugs, "I can't really tell ya man, all I know is we're about to have a big meeting and I'm pretty sure part of what we'll talk about is, what to do about you."
Caesar has no plan to be anything less than 100% accurate and detailed with his drawings. He's going to do the best he can for these people in hopes of building trust. If he demonstrates his willingness to help, maybe they'll give him a break. He's got to convince them not to turn him over to the Governor.
It's a good thing for him that he plans on honesty, because both Tara and Tyrese have already drawn maps. His captures would know if he were trying to deceive them. Besides, Rick thought it best to have more than one set, even if everyone is being completely honest and thorough there's always a chance a person might forget some important detail. There's also knowledge Caesar has that Tara and Tyrese don't, he has seen the hospital, the lab, and most importantly the governor's quarters.
The other three who won't be at the meeting are Tara, Sasha, and Morgan. Tara will be patrolling the big front gate, and the other two will be on lookout duty in the watchtowers.
Even with some not attending, the size of the group overwhelms the conference room. Rick sees that as a good thing. If they're going to war they'll need numbers.
Herschel wants to begin the meeting with a prayer and no one is inclined to speak up against prayer. As they bow their heads Beth takes Daryl's hand and Maggie reaches for Glenn's. The prayer is simple, Herschel asks for God's guidance and for the safety of their family.
Rick presents an overview of the situation. He rehashes what they learned from Caesar, and there are a few gasps from those who were not present at the meeting with the Woodbury soldier. Then Rick puts it plainly, "There's no doubt that sooner or later this lunatic governor will be coming after us, we just don't know when."
Maggie speaks up, "We have a lot of weapons, we can fight them off, can't we?"
Rick shrugs, "Honestly Maggie, I don't know for sure. They have military grade weapons. What we have compared to those types of high-powered weapons amounts to not much more than peashooters."
Merle mentions, "Not far from here, bout 40 miles I'd guess, there's a town called Lusk. What they got there is a National Guard Armory. It might still be untouched, they keep those things pretty damn secure, but I bet I can probably figure a way in. If no one else has helped themselves to the weapons we could score some good shit."
No one doubts Merle's abilities, just like no one would have expected to hear this from Amy, "We represented a client with a compound about 75 miles from here, in the mountains near Northpoint. They're a militia group, like hybrid doomsday preppers and it was 2nd amendment stuff. They won their right to keep a LOT of military weapons and vehicles too, like jeeps and transport vehicles. We might find something there."
Rick wasn't expecting to hear about that kind of thing from Amy, but yeah, it makes sense. She was an associate at a powerhouse law firm, sure she's been exposed to all kinds of different situations. He just has to catch his breath, "Both of those sound promising, although the military guys with weapons, and preppers at that, they might be hunkered down and doing all right. I'm not so sure we want to try and take anything from them. I think we try the armory first."
Then they're all even more stunned when Axel volunteers, "Yeah, I got me a cousin who's in that militia group. They call themselves the Freebirds. There's a lot of ex-military guys and they've all just been waitin' for the whole world ta go to hell in a hand basket. I guess the wait is over."
That piques Merle's interest, "Oh yeah, you ever been ta this camp?"
"They don't exactly welcome visitors, but my cousin took me up there with him one time, encouragin' me ta join up. I guess I wasn't too good a candidate, not pissed off enough. I got rejected."
Daryl asks, "So what did ya see?"
"There was a fortified lookin' log house, that's where the big dog lives. For everyone else, the livin' ain't so hot. There were tents and rusty old RVs and a couple real small cabins. But the weapons? Shit man, they were top drawer. They had a damn concrete bunker built for the weapons. I seen it. He wasn't supposed ta tell me, but shit we're cousins so he did. He said they have grenades, rocket launchers, plenty of assault rifles. They're ready for war."
Daryl, Merle and Rick share a look that says what they just learned could prove to be interesting, then Rick asks Axel, "Could you draw us a map how to get there?"
"I could try, but there's a map of Georgia in the library. I could just show ya where it's at."
Merle's got something to say, "I think we leave them military boys alone for now. What I say is, a couple of us go ta the armory n see what we can find. Once we get ourselves fully armed we can decide if we wanna visit the militia camp. If we do pay a call, I ain't so sure we wanna go in with guns blazin'. They might make good allies."
"Anyway, like I said, a couple of us go ta the armory n bring back all the weapons we can find. In the meantime, everyone here gets more trainin' n practice with guns, knives, shit, even sticks n stones. Damn near anythin' can be a weapon. When we get back from the armory, that's when we plan our attack on the governor. We take the bastard by surprise."
Herschel notes, "Merle is ex-military, he probably knows more than any of the rest of us about going to war."
The group is silent for a few minutes while they all ponder the idea of war. No one wants it, no one signed up for battle, but life itself is a battle nowadays. Everything points to the fact the governor is going to come for them, it does make sense to go after him first. As long as they have the weapons to do that.
Rick asks, "Okay, but who's goin' on this little trip to the armory?"
Daryl doesn't hesitate, "Me n Merle. We know how ta be silent and invisible, an the most important thing is, I never thought I'd be proud ta say this, but Merle can break into any security system made. If there's weapons, we'll bring em back."
Beth wishes she could fight him on this but he's right. Daryl and Merle are the two best choices to hit the armory. Knowing it should be Daryl who goes, and having Daryl go, are not the same thing, and Beth says a quiet prayer for both brothers. Merle says, "We'll get that big black dually ready n leave first thing in the mornin'. We'll be back by nightfall, if not sooner."
Beth glances over at Carol who looks every bit as shook up as Beth feels. Also as powerless to change what's about to happen, the Dixon men have made a plan and they're firm in it.
In the meantime, because the large group had to hold their meeting in the open area near the cells, the prisoner has overheard every word that's been said.
He calls out, "I'm guessing if you can kill the governor and his two right hand men, everyone else at Woodbury is going to fall right into line, no one's going to put up a fight. They're all anxious for his reign of terror to end. Shit, they'll probably throw a party for ya."
Dale asks him, "So are the Woodbury people aware of all the things you told us?"
"No, but what they do know is how hard the men have to work, how the women and girls are viewed by the governor as his personal possessions, and they know their boys get taken away from them and put into military style training programs as soon as they hit 13. You gotta remember his plan, it's not just you and this prison the governor has eyes on, he wants to run the world and he's training soldiers to help him conquer every camp he can find, including the militia camp."
He shrugs and adds, "That's one of the reasons he's coming after you guys now. He wants to move into this place before he goes to war with the milita. That makes you the biggest prize and the next camp he's going after."
Daryl asks, "So what exactly were you n your buddy comin' here for?"
"It was strictly a reconnaissance mission. Just getting the lay of the land. The governor wants to know how many of you there are, how you're fixed for weapons so he knows how many men and how much fire power he'll need to take this place." Caesar decides what the hell, why not. He's told them damn near everything already, and he needs their mercy, "You should know that guns, knives, grenades and tanks, those things aren't all he fights with."
Herschel asks, "Meaning?"
"He uses the dead. He has herds of them, he'll come to a place like this, knock down that big gate you have with his tank and send in dozens of biters, enough to overwhelm you. It's not just that they can kill you, it's that they cause confusion. You won't know who to fight first, and you won't have a chance."
A collective shudder passes through the prison family members who were at the farm, they will never forget the sight of the herd descending on them.
It's Beth who suggests, "I still feel like we have the upper hand on him, not weapons-wise maybe, but in information. Thanks to Caesar, Tyrese, Sasha and Tara and the rest, we already know so much about what we're up against. Once Daryl and Merle get back, hopefully with lots of weapons, we could send a small group over to Woodbury. They could quietly slip in, in the middle of the night, and get the governor and his top men in their sleep, then slip right back out. If we're smart about this, maybe there won't have to be a big bloody battle."
Daryl looks at her with all the love, pride, and respect. Damn she's smart, too smart to be hanging out with a dumbass like him, but he's already promised never to say that out loud again.
Herschel is staring at his youngest daughter while he wonders to himself, when did she become a military mind?
Amy agrees, "It makes sense to me. The governor doesn't know we know anything all. He's not even sure yet if we're aware of him. He certainly wouldn't think we're planning an attack. That puts us in the driver's seat. What do you think Karen?"
Karen nods, "I agree, the sooner the better. We'll have the element of surprise."
Heads nod and Merle says, "I like it Beth, Amy. It's like an old school special forces operation. We surprise the enemy in his bed, and just so y'all know, if I'm lucky enough ta be the one ta get ta him first I won't be takin' him prisoner. I won't be bringin' him back here for questioning, I'll be puttin' a bullet right through his temple."
Carol looks at him with a mix of love, pride and maybe just a little shock. Merle can be the sweetest, most kind and loving man in the world, but he can also be savage. She's come to love all of him.
00
The meeting was stressful, and Beth is bound and determined to make what's left of this day as normal as possible. After morning chores are done, she, Rick, Maggie, and her Daddy are seated around the dining table mapping out their future fields and deciding where to plant each crop.
As they discuss their farming plans, another topic comes up, getting enough food to get them by until those crops are ready to harvest. They need more canned goods and more fresh food. No sooner do they begin to discuss possible options than Daryl and Merle arrive in the kitchen with a fresh venison and several squirrels. Daryl smiles at her, "We had time ta do a little huntin' after we got the pickup ready ta go. Ya want us ta just cook it outside over a fire?"
Maggie quickly answers, "Heck yes, that'll save us a lot of clean up."
While the men are busy building a makeshift barbecue and spit, Beth surprises the women with her find.
They gather in the conference room where the polishes are all set out along with the cotton pads, the polish remover, the clippers and files, there are even some toe spreaders. They laugh about how sharing all the equipment might not be too sanitary, and Sasha quips, "Why should it be, there's nothing else sanitary about this apocalypse," and the women enjoy a laugh as they decide what color they like.
Beth picks up a bottle of "Pink Champagne," smiling, "Well I never even got started on my red phase and now I guess I'm already over it."
Sophia promptly picks up the bottle of red called "Scarlett Woman" and says, "Well my red phase is starting now." Her Mother's brows rise but she just smiles.
Beth isn't at all surprised by Amy choosing a brilliant blue, but she is a little surprised by Carol choosing black. Tara decides to paint each of her nails a different color, and when Sophia hears that idea she excitedly asks, "Is it okay if I copy you?"
"Heck yes you can copy me. Even better, how about I paint yours for you, and you paint mine for me?"
The women spend the next hour and a half telling stories and making jokes, and talking about men. They polish each other nails and it all feels so fun and normal they temporarily forget what a scary place the word has become.
Dinner is a far more somber affair. The fresh meat is delicious, and they have so much to be grateful for, but they all feel the dark cloud of impending conflict, and no one is happy about two of their own, Daryl and Merle, leaving in the morning, especially not Beth and Carol. They won't say that though, they'll just be praying hard that whether they find weapons or not, the Dixon brothers get back safe and sound.
00
Daryl and Beth slip off to their room as soon as they possibly can, they have big plans for the evening.
Beth walks to the dresser, slipping a CD of mellow music in the player, as Daryl walks up behind her. He's standing impossibly close to her as he begins to rub his palms lightly up and down her arms, then leans in and starts kissing the back of her neck. Goosebumps rise on her pale skin as her head tilts back slightly and he moves to kiss her cheek, asking, "How come you're so pretty?"
The complement makes her blush and she turns it back to him, "How come you're so handsome?"
"Pfft…c'mere," he gently turns her so she's facing him, and even gets a little pink himself when he asks. "So, lovin' first, then drinkin'?"
"That sounds good to me, but can you drink tonight and still get up and do what you have to do tomorrow?"
He leans back a little, looking in her eye when he scoffs, "You're kiddin', right? Shit I could go take care a that while I'm still lit."
She sounds like she might scold him, "Daryl…"
He smiles, "Beth…" as he pulls her to him and kisses her hard, deep, and hungrily. Everything else is quickly forgotten as he removes her blouse and then his own shirt, softly rubbing his chest against her taut nipples as he looks in her eyes and his fingers tangle in her hair. Again he says, "C'mere," pulls her to him and the kissing soon becomes hot and impatient, filled with passion and need.
It's not long until their clothes are in a pile on the floor and she's laying atop him in their bed. She feels almost desperate for this time with him, what if it's the last time? No, no, she can't think like that. She has to live and love in the moment.
They make the kind of love that leaves no room for doubt, they will never be able to get enough of each other. When they've at least temporarily satisfied each other's need they're quiet as they catch their breath, and Beth still clings tightly to him, "Daryl, I love you so much. I…I should go with you."
His hand softly clasps her cheek, "Hey, it's gonna be alright. I done much tougher, much more dangerous shit than this Baby." He smiles as he half teasingly reassures her, "We're just drivin' a few miles, breakin' in a buildin', stealin' a bunch a shit n then I'll be home for dinner. Nuthin' to it." He pulls her to him, kisses her like he's trying to start something again, then says, "I love ya too, ya got no idea.
He makes her smile and at least some of the tension leaves the air, and he asks, "I thought you were gonna get me drunk tonight, what happened ta that idea?"
"Not one darn thing Mister Dixon, I have every intention of getting you drunk and taking advantage of you again."
"A'ight then, we better get started."
She pours the clear liquid in the crystal glasses, just like she did last night, but tonight they hold them in their hands as they sit side by side in the bed. They softly clink the glasses together and Daryl says, "Cheers ta you n your first drink, Baby. Not too fast now."
She still thrills at the sound of him calling her baby, and she smiles as she takes a little sip. Her eyes squeeze shut and she sounds like the liquid fire took her breath away when she says, "Oh wow, that's strong."
He smiles, "I think that's the idea," downing the contents of his glass in one quick swallow.
He pours them another and now they each sip slowly as they listen to the music and let the strong liquid, the soft music, and the closeness they feel soothe them. He tells her, "I'm sorry you're worried. I'm sorry about this fuckin' asshole governor guy, all I know how ta do about any of it is fight for us. I'll do whatever I have ta do ta keep you n everyone else safe, but you first."
"I know you will Daryl, and I appreciate all you do for me and for everyone. I just wish it didn't always have to be this way."
"Me too Baby, me too."
It's a couple of drinks later that he brings up an idea he's had on his mind for a while. This will be the first time he mentions it to her, it won't be the last. She doesn't seem opposed, she's just wondering and worrying if they could ever make it work. They agree to talk about it again.
Neither of them sleeps well or for long, and just before first light he reaches for her and asks, "Ya doin' okay? Hungover?"
"No, that's what scares me. I feel like I could drink that way every night. It sure helps push worries to the back of a person's mind."
"Yeah, it does. How bout some lovin'? Would that help get rid a them worries?"
She slides closer to his warm body, "That would help immensely Daryl."
She doesn't want the closeness to end, the lovemaking is warm, sensual, and also comforting and deeply satisfying. Afterward he holds her close, but not for long enough. He gets himself up, gets dressed and leans down to kiss her goodbye, "I'll be back before ya even know I was gone."
"Not very likely Daryl."
00
Except for T-Dog and Rick in the watchtowers, Carol at the gate, and Beth lying awake in their bed hugging Daryl's pillow, everyone is still asleep as the Dixon brothers drive off.
The road is clear for the first couple of miles, then it begins to show signs of what the world has become. There are abandoned and wrecked vehicles scattered here and there, and at one point the brothers have to pull over and push a couple off the road. When it comes to that they always take a minute to check back seats and trunks for supplies. They manage to come up with a flashlight and batteries, that's as good as gold. They get some canned goods, water, a bottle of whiskey, even a pistol and a huge carving knife. Merle says, "If we get skunked on them guns at least we won't go home empty handed.
Other than moving cars out of their way and putting down a few walkers, they make it to the armory without incident. It's surrounded by an eight-foot chain link fence topped with still shiny razor wire. They gaze in at the sight of it, the parking lot has transport vehicles, a four jeeps and two tanks. Merle teases his brother, "Ya think you can drive one a them tanks?"
Daryl's not joking, "Hell yeah, I could drive the box it came in."
The security is going to be a challenge, this isn't just some simple lock picking, it's electronic. Merle still has complete confidence he can get in, and they both feel certain that since the place doesn't appear to have been broken into, they'll get their weapons.
What concerns them is, will there be an audible alarm? If that thing starts screaming it's bound to draw in every walker for miles around.
Before they do anything else, they pull the pickup as close to the gate as they can. They back it up so it's headed straight toward the road and the doors are wide open, just waiting for them to jump in the cab. If they have to get the hell out they're going to be quick about it.
Daryl stands with his back to his brother and the big crossbow firmly gripped in his hands. He's ready to kill whatever needs killing. Thankfully, that only amounts to three walkers before Merle gets the gate open and there are no audible alarms. They make their way to the office first, hopefully they'll find some keys there. Merle pops the door lock and they're immediately greeted by hungry walkers. While Daryl puts arrows through the creatures' skulls, Merle is stabbing others in the head. There are a total of six dead walkers when the office is cleared.
They head right for the honcho's private office, and Merle locates the wall safe behind a framed picture of the president. The safe holds no challenge for Merle. When it's open he grins broadly and declares, "We're in." It contains keys and a security card they're certain is the key card for the armory building.
Daryl calls from across the hall, "Before we leave this place we're stoppin' back in here."
"Oh yeah, what'd ya find?"
"A breakroom with vendin' machines full of candy, chips, crackers, sodas, and boxes of extra shit ta fill the machines with. Best thing though, there's coffee, tea, hot chocolate mix, sugar n creamer."
Merle snorts a laugh, "I thought my days a robbin' vendin' machines ended after that second stint in juvie, I guess I'm back in the game."
For now, they take the keys and the key card over to the armory building. After their experience at the office, they're fully prepared to encounter walkers as soon as they open the armory door, and they're right.
There are just two of the creatures and Merle and Daryl each put one down. They figure the men were the guards on duty, both are heavy armed. The building holds all the things they'd hoped to find. Assault rifles, flash bangs, grenades, even a rocket launcher. Not as many as might be found at a big military base, but certainly enough of an arsenal to go to war if they have to.
They begin loading the bed of the pickup when an idea hits. Why the hell not give it a try? Daryl climbs in the tank and although he's never driven anything like it, the controls seem pretty straightforward, and hell, there's even a cheat sheet. Hell yeah. He gets it warming up while they finish loading the bed of the pickup with weapons, and the back seat with snack items.
They don't leave it at that though, Daryl has checked each of the jeeps to see which one has the most fuel, they'll tow it behind the pickup. Once it's secured for towing, they load up all the ammunition in it. Merle pats Daryl on the back and says, "We're a two-man military convoy little brother."
The plan is for Daryl to lead the way in the big tank as Merle follows behind him with the pickup pulling the trailer.
Daryl's about to climb back up in the big military tank when he spots something just a few yards off that makes him smile. He didn't expect to see a feral pig today. He makes himself as invisible as possible while sneaking a little closer to the animal, and then the arrow flies. He smiles as he calls out to Merle, "Pork chops n bacon sound good ta you?"
"Always."
It's still early in the afternoon when they get back on the highway heading for the prison.
00
Carol spends the first two hours of the morning in the library with the kids. Their lessons begin with learning the geography of the state of Georgia, then they move on to the region. Someday this could be some very important information for the children to have.
From geography the lesson flows quite naturally to topography, what are the natural and artificial features of the area. Finally, they segue into what plants are, and which plants are not, edible.
They have their lunch and a little break, and then she instructs them to return to the library. Each has been assigned a novel appropriate to their grade level and told to read it and make notes. There will be discussions of these books first thing in the morning.
The children are all very willing and agreeable, or so it seems.
Carol herself joins the other adults. There's target practice, there are lessons on how to properly clean weapons, Morgan even demonstrates his considerable skills at the martial art of stick fighting. Tyrese shows how he uses only a hammer to defend himself and others, and Rick covers both handgun and rifle shooting.
Beth and everyone else is grateful for how quickly the day passes, before they know it, it's time to begin preparing dinner. Everyone has their job. Some put weapons and tools safely away, some help prepare the meal, and Carol calls for Sophia to come to the dinning area and set the table, "Just because the world's lost it's mind that doesn't mean we can't be civilized."
Preparations are halted when the big black dually with a military jeep in tow, and a tank painted in dessert camo pull into the prison yard. There's so much to be excited about! The brothers are safely home, there are weapons, ammunition, vehicles, snack foods and coffee, and oh my gosh, fresh pork.
Beth runs to greet Daryl as he jumps down from the tank and as she hugs him whispers, "You look so hot Daryl."
He's a little embarrassed, but smiles and says, "Yeah Baby? Here, I got ya sumthin'." as he pulls a Butterfinger from his pocket and hands it to her.
Everyone pitches in to get the things stored away, and Rick suggests, "Tomorrow we'll make a list of all weapons and related items, and we'll make sure everyone has at least one weapon for self-defense."
Herschel and Dale had retreated to the kitchen earlier, and now they call to the group, "Dinner's ready." Maggie and Tara grab plates to take out to the watchtower and gate guards, and once they return everyone stands reverently around the table waiting for Herschel to say a blessing.
It's so obvious, why didn't he notice it before? Rick asks, "Sophia, where are the other kids?"
The little girl bursts into tears and says, "I promised not to tell."
Merle's having none of that. He's never been more serious than he is when he stands, looks down at the little girl, sets a hand on her shoulder and says, "I ain't mad at ya, n you ain't in trouble, but I'm tellin' ya don't ya worry bout what ya promised them boys. I'm your Daddy n when I ask ya a question ya answer me with the truth. C'mon now tell me, where's them boys?"
00
A/N Aw geez, just when everything was going so good. Please leave a comment. As always, the chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check it out. I'll be back next week with more of Love's Long Road, I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee