Two days later...
Morning had returned to the Estate.
People walked along the sidewalks carrying toolboxes, lunch pails and backpacks. Two busses, idled near the front gate, waiting to take workers to their working place. Some people worked at the farms, others worked in the city.
Nearby, a pair of Humvees were ready to depar as the few soldiers and volunteers who reside in the estate began loading up.
The streets were alive.
Children laughed as they played in the small improvised park between the houses.
Carl sprinted after Sophia, followed by several other children from the neighborhood, their laughter echoing through the quiet suburban streets.
Watching them from the porch of one of the houses, Shane Walsh adjusted the duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
Unlike the others leaving for work, he wasn't dressed for construction or security duty.
He wore a pair of worn jeans, sturdy boots and a dark jacket.
His bag held everything he would need while out there.
"You really are leaving."
Shane looked up.
Rick walked over, still wearing his police uniform.
Lori followed beside him, with T-Dog, Andrea, Amy, Dale and Carol only a few steps behind.
Shane smiled faintly.
"Looks that way."
Andrea crossed her arms.
"I figured you'd change your mind."
"You don't have to do this," Carol said gently.
"We've got plenty of soldiers."
"And deputies," Dale added with a small grin.
"You could stay here."
T-Dog nodded toward the street.
"The Estate's quiet now."
"Most excitement we've had this week was somebody arguing over tomato plants."
That drew a few quiet laughs.
Shane looked around.
Workers boarded the waiting bus.
A maintenance crew checked one of the streetlights.
Two electricians were replacing a power box near the corner.
It looked...Normal.
Almost.
He nodded to himself.
"That's exactly why."
The smiles faded.
Shane shrugged.
"I've spent the last couple weeks walking these streets."
"Checking houses. Settling arguments. Making sure folks lock their doors at night."
He let out a quiet chuckle.
"I ain't cut out to be the neighborhood's happy police officer."
Rick smiled.
"Still sounds like police work."
"Yeah."
Shane smiled back.
"But it doesn't feel like mine anymore."
His eyes drifted briefly toward the park.
Carl had caught Sophia, and the two burst into laughter before running off again.
Rick looked in their direction as well.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Shane noticed it. For just a moment.
Then he looked away.
"So what does feel like yours?" Andrea asked.
Shane rested a hand on the strap of his bag.
"Being out there."
He nodded toward the gate.
"Clearing roads. Taking back towns. Making sure places like this can exist."
His expression grew more serious.
"Mercer's pushing farther south. Toward Macon, today. Maybe somewhere else next week."
"That's where I can do the most good."
Nobody said anything immediately.
Rick studied his former partner for a long moment.
"You sure?"
Shane met his eyes.
There was no hesitation.
"Yeah."
It was the truth.
Just not all of it.
Rick held his gaze for another second before nodding.
"Then I won't try to stop you."
Shane smiled.
"I figured you wouldn't."
Rick stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Just make sure you come back."
Shane looked at the offered hand before taking it.
"You'll have a hard time getting rid of me."
The two men shared a brief laugh.
Behind them, one of the Humvee drivers leaned out through the open window.
"Walsh!"
He glanced down at the clipboard in his hand.
"You're up. Last call!"
Shane released Rick's hand.
For a moment, he simply stood there.
His eyes swept across the neighborhood one last time.
Workers climbed aboard the buses waiting at the gate.
Children continued playing in the park, oblivious to the quiet farewell taking place only a short distance away.
Neighbors exchanged greetings as another ordinary day began.
Then his gaze settled on Rick and Lori standing together.
His smile wavered.
Only for the briefest moment. Then he forced it back into place.
He hitched the duffel bag higher onto his shoulder.
"Guess that's my ride."
Rick gave him a nod.
"See you when you get back."
"You will."
Without another word, Shane turned and headed toward the waiting Humvee.
The soldiers already seated in the back shifted to make room as he climbed aboard.
A moment later, the two Humvees rolled forward, passing through the Estate's gate, and disappearing onto the open road.
••••••
Fort Ironwood was filled with activity.
Engines rumbled throughout the base as soldiers made their final preparations.
Andrew adjusted the straps of his plate carrier as he stepped out of the headquarters building.
His MP5 rested across his back, while his sidearm remained secured in its holster.
Beside him, Major Griggs matched his pace.
The two men headed toward the main gate.
Where four military cargo trucks waited in a neat line, their engines idling.
Rangers and National Guard soldiers climbed aboard.
Several combat medics moved between the vehicles, checking their aid bags one final time before boarding.
Nearby, a pair of mechanics finished securing additional fuel cans in the back of one of the trucks.
Griggs watched the organized activity with quiet satisfaction.
"Looks like they're just about ready."
Andrew nodded.
"The train is ready too. "
Griggs looked over at him.
"The loading was finished twenty minutes ago. The two Humvees are secured on the flatcars , with the four cargo trucks tied down behind them."
He continued listing the preparations from memory.
"Engineering equipment, Additional Fuel, ammunition and enough food to least us a good while. Everything's aboard."
Andrew allowed himself a small nod.
Griggs folded his hands behind his back as they continued toward the waiting convoy.
"The Terminus garrison radioed in half an hour ago. They're expecting you by this afternoon."
Andrew looked toward the soldiers boarding the trucks.
Most were Rangers.
The rest were National Guard troops and a handful of experienced volunteers who had already proven themselves during previous clearing operations.
Shane stood near the last truck, exchanging a few words with another volunteer before climbing aboard.
Griggs noticed where Andrew was looking.
"A good mix."
Andrew nodded.
"Experienced enough to handle themselves."
"And enough engineers to start evaluating Macon as soon as we arrive."
"That's the idea."
Griggs slowed to a stop as they reached the first truck.
"This isn't just another clearing operation."
Andrew looked back at him.
"I know."
"If Macon goes well, it opens the road to the rest of central Georgia."
Andrew gave the convoy one last look.
The soldiers were ready.
Final equipment checks had been completed, weapons inspected, radios tested.
There was nothing left to do but leave.
He turned to Major Griggs.
"I'll keep you updated."
Griggs extended his hand.
"Good hunting, Lieutenant."
Andrew shook it firmly.
"We'll have Macon secured before you know it."
A faint smile crossed the Major's face.
"I'll hold you to that."
With that, Andrew turned and headed toward the lead cargo truck.
Several Rangers were already seated inside on the bench seats running along either side of the canvas-covered bed.
They shifted slightly to make room as he climbed aboard.
A National Guard sergeant gave him a nod.
"Morning, Lieutenant."
"Morning."
Andrew set his rucksack on the floor between his boots before taking a seat.
The canvas flap at the rear remained rolled up, giving him a clear view of the rest of the convoy.
Behind them, the remaining trucks were filling quickly.
Combat medics climbed aboard carrying their aid bags.
The final volunteers found their places among the soldiers.
A sharp whistle echoed across the yard.
One by one, the truck doors slammed shut.
The convoy commander raised an arm.
"Move out!"
The lead truck lurched forward.
One after another, the remaining vehicles fell in behind it.
They rolled steadily through the main gate.
The guards waved them through after a quick confirmation over the radio.
The lead truck crossed the checkpoint with the rest of the convoy following.
Andrew watched Fort Ironwood disappear behind them as the convoy gathered speed.
••••••
Nearly forty minutes later, the convoy rolled into Atlanta's central rail yard.
The sound of diesel engines echoed between the warehouses as the trucks slowed to a stop alongside the waiting train.
The locomotive idled patiently at the head of the consist, its engine producing a deep, steady rumble that could be felt through the ground.
Behind it, several passenger coaches had been coupled to the front of the train.
Farther back, flatcars carried the expedition's vehicles.
Two Humvees sat securely chained to the steel decks alongside the four cargo trucks, each vehicle lashed down with heavy-duty tie-downs. Crates of supplies, fuel drums and engineering equipment filled the remaining cars.
Truck doors swung open.
One after another, Rangers, National Guard soldiers, engineers and medics climbed down, stretching their legs before collecting their gear.
Andrew stepped out of the lead truck.
For a moment, he simply watched.
Soldiers formed into small groups as sergeants conducted one last headcount.
Combat medics checked their aid bags.
Engineers inspected the chains securing the vehicles.
Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.
Satisfied, Andrew started toward the locomotive.
Halfway to the train, Andrew's attention shifted.
A familiar figure walked several yards ahead of the others, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder.
Shane.
Andrew watched him for a moment.
At least with him here, I don't have to worry about him bottling everything up while watching Rick and Lori every day.
Distance might be exactly what he needs.
Besides...
From everything I'd seen—both in the show and since arriving here—Shane was a capable man.
Hot-headed and impulse at times.
But when there was a job to do, he got it done.
He's reliable.
Making up his mind, Andrew changed direction and headed toward him.
Shane heard the footsteps and glanced over his shoulder.
Seeing who it was, he slowed to a stop.
"Lieutenant."
"Shane."
Andrew came to a stop beside him.
"Settling in all right?"
Shane nodded.
"So far."
He hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"...I wanted to thank you."
Andrew raised an eyebrow.
"For approving my transfer. I know you didn't have to."
Andrew shook his head.
"I approved it because you're capable."
Shane looked at him, waiting.
"And because everyone I've spoken to says you're reliable."
Andrew's expression remained calm.
"With everything that is happening, reliability matters just as much as marksmanship."
He nodded toward the soldiers moving through the rail yard.
"The people around us need to know the man standing next to them won't lose his head when things go bad."
A grin spread across Shane's face.
"Guess that's one hell of a compliment."
Andrew allowed himself to smile as well.
"Don't make me regret it."
Shane let out a short laugh.
"I'll do my best."
They resumed walking toward the train.
After a few moments, Shane spoke again.
"So..."
"What should we expect down there?"
Andrew didn't need to ask where.
"You mean in Macon?"
Shane nodded.
Andrew looked ahead toward the tracks stretching south.
"The usual. Walkers, and lot of them."
His tone became more serious.
"And there's another possibility."
Shane's expression hardened.
"People."
Andrew nodded once.
"We've restored enough order around Atlanta that it's easy to forget. But not everyone's rebuilding."
"There may be groups who've decided it's easier to take than to build."
Shane adjusted the strap of his duffel.
"If they're looking for trouble..."
Andrew glanced at him.
"We stay disciplined. We identify the threat. And we deal with it."
Shane gave a firm nod.
"Works for me."
By then they had reached the train.
Soldiers were already climbing aboard the passenger coaches nearest the locomotive while others performed final inspections of the flatcars carrying the expedition's vehicles.
Steam hissed softly from beneath the locomotive as the conductors completed their own preparations.
Shane rested a hand on the grab rail leading into the nearest coach.
"I'll see you inside then."
Andrew nodded.
"You will."
Shane climbed aboard, disappearing into the carriage with the other soldiers.
Andrew continued forward toward the locomotive.
The chief conductor spotted him approaching and climbed down from the cab.
After a brief exchange confirming the route, the timetable and the readiness of the train, both men shook hands.
The conductor climbed back into the locomotive.
A long, deep horn echoed across the rail yard.
With a metallic clank, the couplings tightened.
The locomotive began to pull.
Slowly at first. Then steadily.
The expedition train rolled out of Atlanta, carrying its soldiers, supplies south toward Terminus.
••••••
The forest echoed with the sound of hurried footsteps.
Branches whipped across Jolene's face as she forced her way through the undergrowth, clutching her daughter tightly against her chest.
The little girl buried her face against her mother's shoulder, too frightened to speak.
"Hold on, sweetheart," Jolene whispered between ragged breaths. "Just... hold on."
Her legs burned.
Every step felt heavier than the last.
She had been running for what felt like forever, stumbling over roots, pushing through briars, refusing to stop.
Because stopping wasn't an option.
Behind them, voices carried through the trees.
"They're this way!"
"Spread out!"
Another voice shouted, filled with anger.
"You ain't gettin' away, you bitch!"
Laughter followed.
"You hear me?"
"We'll find you!"
One of the men cursed loudly after crashing through the brush.
"You should've stayed where you belonged!"
Jolene gritted her teeth.
She didn't dare look back.
She already knew what was behind her.
The men from the Save-Lots camp weren't going to let her leave.
Not after what she'd seen.
Not after she'd taken her daughter.
A low sob escaped the little girl.
"Mama..."
"I know."
Jolene tightened her grip.
"I've got you."
Her lungs screamed for air.
Every breath came in painful gasps.
She could hear the voices growing louder.
They were gaining.
Then—
A distant sound rolled across the forest.
It was deep and rhythmic.
Metal against metal.
Jolene froze for the briefest instant.
Another rumble.
Longer this time.
Her eyes widened.
No...
It couldn't be.
A train.
She hadn't heard one in months.
For a heartbeat she hesitated.
It could be another trap.
Another group just as bad as the one behind her.
Or...
It could be her only chance.
Another shout erupted behind them.
"There!"
"I saw her!"
The sound snapped her back to reality.
Jolene shifted her daughter higher in her arms.
"Hang on."
Without another moment's hesitation, she changed direction and sprinted toward the sound of the approaching train, praying that whatever waited at the end of those tracks was better than what was chasing them.
••••••
More than an hour had passed since the train had departed Atlanta.
The city was now far behind them.
Inside the locomotive, the steady rhythm of steel wheels over the rails had become almost hypnotic.
The engineer kept his eyes fixed on the track ahead.
Beside him, the conductor scanned the tree line out of habit.
Then movement caught his eye.
At first he dismissed it.
Another walker, most likely. The noise of the locomotive attracted them from the areas around the railway.
Then he looked again.
His brow furrowed.
"Hold on..."
He leaned forward.
"No..."
It wasn't shambling.
It was running.
A woman burst from the trees, clutching a child tightly against her chest.
She stumbled once, nearly falling, before forcing herself onward.
The conductor immediately grabbed the radio.
"Lieutenant Mercer, this is the locomotive."
Andrew's voice answered almost instantly.
"Go ahead."
"We've got movement ahead. It's a woman carrying a child."
Andrew stood.
"Are you sure?''
"Yes, we're sure. They're running."
Andrew's expression hardened.
"Anyone chasing them?"
"I can't tell."
Silence filled the carriage for a brief moment.
It could be a trap. He knew that.
Stopping an entire train in hostile territory wasn't something to take lightly.
But if it wasn't...
He would be leaving a woman and her child to die.
Andrew made his decision.
"Bring us to a stop."
The conductor nodded instinctively.
"Copy that."
The locomotive's horn sounded once.
Air brakes hissed beneath the train.
Andrew was already switched the frequency of his radio.
"All callsigns, this is Mercer. High alert. Possible civilian contact."
"Treat it as a potential ambush. Nobody fires unless fired upon or ordered."
Acknowledgements came back one after another.
Andrew slung his MP5 into his hands.
Shane rose immediately.
So did James Ramirez and his younger sister, Valeria Ramirez.
Together they moved toward the front exit of the passenger coach.
Outside, the train slowed steadily before finally grinding to a halt only a short distance from the woman.
The door swung open.
Andrew climbed down first.
Ramirez followed close behind.
On the opposite side of the locomotive, Shane dropped to the ground with his shotgun already at the ready, moving along the engine where he could watch the surrounding woods without crossing Andrew's line of fire.
Andrew approached cautiously.
The woman could barely remain standing. Her clothes were torn. Scratches covered her arms.
She held a little girl tightly against her chest, refusing to let go even as her exhausted legs trembled beneath her.
When she finally focused on Andrew, her eyes widened.
Soldiers. Real soldiers.
For a heartbeat she simply stared.
Then whatever strength she had left seemed to disappear.
"Please..."
Her voice cracked.
"Please help us..."
Andrew stopped a few yards away.
"We're here."
He kept his weapon lowered but ready.
"Who's after you?"
Before she could answer—
Voices erupted from the trees.
"There she is!"
Several armed men burst through the undergrowth.
They came to an abrupt halt.
Their confidence vanished the instant they saw the locomotive.
Then the soldiers.
One of them muttered,
"...What the hell?"
The woman stumbled behind Andrew.
"It's them!"
Her voice broke into a scream.
"They're rapists! They're murderers! They'll kill us!"
Andrew's gaze never left the men.
"You're outnumbered."
His voice was calm.
"Drop your weapons."
One of the bandits laughed nervously.
"You ain't military."
Another looked past Andrew, finally noticing Rangers taking positions along the train.
His expression changed.
"Oh, shit..."
Andrew spoke again.
"This is your only warning."
For a second, it looked as though they might surrender.
Then one of them spun around.
"Run!"
Another raised his rifle and fired wildly.
The shot cracked through the forest.
Before he could fire again—
BOOM!
A shotgun roared from beside the locomotive.
The blast slammed into the bandit's torso, throwing him backward.
Shane stepped out from behind the engine, cycling another shell into the chamber.
At almost the same instant, disciplined bursts of fire erupted from the soldiers covering the train.
Two more bandits collapsed before they had taken three steps.
The remaining men vanished back into the trees without another shot.
Silence returned almost as quickly as it had been broken.
Only the wounded bandit remained.
He writhed on the ground, gasping through blood-filled lungs.
Shane walked toward him without a word.
The man looked up, panic filling his eyes.
The shotgun muzzle lowered.
BOOM.
The forest fell silent once more.
Andrew looked toward the tree line.
"Hold your positions."
For several long seconds, nobody moved.
Nothing emerged from the woods.
Then, one by one, walkers began stumbling out between the trees, drawn by the gunfire.
Andrew keyed his radio.
"Everyone aboard. We're leaving."
Ramirez gently helped the exhausted woman onto the train while another medic carefully lifted the little girl from her arms for a quick examination.
Shane climbed back aboard without a word.
Moments later the locomotive's horn echoed across the forest.
With a metallic jolt, the couplings tightened.
The train pulled away.
Behind it, more walkers continued emerging from the woods, shambling toward the tracks long after the expedition had disappeared into the distance.