The Humvee slowed as the road ahead opened into a wide clearing.
Beyond it stood the gates of Terminus.
Hale reached for the radio.
"Terminus Control, this is Alpha Two. Returning with the civilian group, two prisoners and a wounded."
Static crackled briefly.
"Copy, Alpha Two. Gate is opening. A medical team will be ready for your arrival."
The heavy gates began to swing inward.
In the RV, Lee stood by the side window, one hand resting protectively on Clementine's shoulder.
Through the glass, they saw order. Soldiers in clean fatigues stand atop HESCO bastions, rifles slung properly over their chests.
Beyond them, in the central courtyard, civilians were tilling soil in makeshift gardens.
Clementine presses her nose against the glass, her eyes wide. "Lee... look. They have a garden. And there's a little girl over there."
Lee nods slowly, his jaw tight. He wants to believe it, but his mind is racing—if they make a background check, I'm done.
Kenny is gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles are white.
He stares through the windshield at a row of parked military transport trucks and a massive generator humming in the corner.
"Jesus, Kat," he whispers, his voice cracking with a mix of awe and disbelief. "Look at the size of this place. They've got power. Real power."
Katjaa holds Duck close, staring at a makeshift medical tent with a red cross painted on it. Tears well up in her eyes. "Kenny... they have doctors. We're actually safe.
Lilly stood right behind Kenny, her eyes scanning the perimeter with professional scrutiny. Spotting the guard rotations, the razor-wire placement, and the logistics officer's clipboard-in-hand near the warehouses.
"It's a structured garrison," she says, her voice trembling slightly with profound relief.
"They're running this by the book."
Behind her, Larry, sitting heavily on the bench, scowls while looking through the window but unable to hide his shock.
"About damn time the government showed up," he grunts, though he winces, clutching his chest. "Maybe now I can get a decent goddamn meal.
In the back, Ben is practically hyperventilating, staring at the heavy caliber machine guns mounted on the makeshift watchtowers.
"Are... are they going to keep us? What if they don't have enough room for us?"
Lee turned toward Ben.
"Hey."
Ben looked at him.
"Everything's going to be alright."
Ben swallowed, still staring through the window.
"You sure?"
Lee gave him a reassuring nod.
"Yeah. Look around."
He gestured toward the settlement outside.
"They're not turning people away. There are families here. Children. People working."
Ben looked back through the window.
"I've just... never seen anything like this since everything happened."
"I know."
Lee gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Neither have I."
Clementine leaned closer to the window, watching the people moving through the settlement.
"There's really a lot of people here."
"Looks like it," Lee replied.
Kenny eased off the accelerator as the Humvee ahead slowed.
It turned toward one of the nearby buildings before coming to a stop.
Kenny followed its movement, steering the RV into the same area and stopping a few yards behind it.
The engine continued idling for a moment before Kenny finally switched it off.
The sudden silence inside the vehicle felt almost strange after the long drive.
For a few seconds, nobody moved.
They simply sat there.
The realization that they had actually reached a safe place seemed to settle over the group.
Kenny was the first to stand.
"Well..."
He stretched his back before looking toward the others.
"Guess this is it."
Katjaa smiled faintly.
"Come on, Duck."
She helped him down from his seat.
Duck immediately hurried toward the door, practically bouncing with excitement.
Clementine followed close behind Lee.
One after another, the others began stepping out of the RV.
Lee climbed down first, followed by Clementine.
Kenny and Katjaa stepped onto the pavement together.
Carley followed, looking around with open curiosity.
Doug adjusted his glasses as he stepped outside, immediately beginning to examine the surrounding buildings.
Ben climbed down more cautiously, his eyes still moving from one soldier to another.
Larry was the last of the adults to step out.
He paused on the bottom step, looking across the settlement.
For once, he didn't have anything sarcastic to say.
The sight before him seemed to leave even him momentarily speechless.
Beyond the RV, Terminus continued moving around them.
People carried supplies.
Someone pushed a wheelbarrow through one of the garden plots.
A pair of civilians worked on building a poly hoop greenhouse to protect their gardens from the approaching winter, while soldiers patrolled nearby.
Children could be heard talking somewhere farther inside the settlement.
For the first time in months, Lee's group wasn't surrounded by the ruins of the old world.
They were standing somewhere where people had begun building something new.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew Lee's attention.
A moment later, Captain Harper emerged from between two of the nearby buildings, accompanied by several soldiers and a medical team pushing a stretcher.
His eyes immediately went toward the Humvee.
"Sergeant Hale."
Hale had already opened the driver's door.
"Captain."
He stepped down from the Humvee.
Behind him, Novak climbed out from the passenger side and moved toward the rear.
Cole was sitting inside, his injured arm held close to his body.
"Easy," Novak said as she helped him down.
Cole grimaced as his boots touched the ground.
"I'm fine."
"You've been shot," Novak replied. ''You're not fine."
The medic team reached them almost immediately.
One of the medics began examining Cole's arm while another checked his vital signs. Checking for any signs of posible infection.
Hale stepped aside as Tucker emerged from the rear of the Humvee.
He kept his rifle in his hands, his attention fixed on the two restrained prisoners inside.
Harper looked toward him.
"Prisoners?"
Tucker nodded.
"We managed to bring back two of them."
Harper's expression hardened slightly.
"What happened?"
Hale glanced at the two prisoners before looking back at him.
"We spotted their vehicle heading to a motel where a group of survivors had taken refuge."
Harper raised an eyebrow.
"And what was their objective?"
"They attempted to extort the survivors. But there weren't enough supplies, with the bandits becoming hostile and taking control of the camp."
Harper's expression immediately became more serious.
"I presume the situation has been dealt with?"
"Yes, sir."
Hale nodded toward the prisoners.
"There were four of them. The lieutenant led the assault. We surrounded them before they knew we were there."
Harper looked toward the restrained men.
"I only see two. Any resistance?"
"Not after they realized how badly they were outnumbered."
Hale paused.
"We secured the prisoners and brought the survivors with us."
Harper glanced toward the RV.
"How many?"
"Around ten."
Hale briefly looked toward the civilians.
"They agreed to come to Terminus."
Harper gave a small nod.
"Good."
He looked back toward Hale.
"Then what happened? You've said there were four, but I see only two prisoners."
Hale's expression became more serious.
"On the way back, we reached the intersection. The same one we passed earlier."
Harper nodded.
"Go on."
"A vehicle came across the road."
Hale shook his head slightly.
"It nearly collided with the lead Humvee. At first, we thought they were civilians. But as we attempted to check on them, they opened fire."
Harper's eyes narrowed.
"How many were there?"
"Only three. We presume it was a patrol."
Hale glanced toward the Humvee.
"We returned fire."
He paused.
"One of our Rangers was hit in the arm. Cole."
Harper looked toward the medic treating him.
"Anything to worry about?"
"The round passed through. No major damage."
Hale continued.
"The two prisoners riding in the lead Humvee were killed in the exchange."
Harper's gaze shifted toward the vehicle.
"Was it intentional or accidental?"
Hale shook his head.
"From what we could deduce, it was accidental. They were caught in the crossfire."
Harper remained silent for a moment.
"And the attackers?"
"One was killed not long after the fighting started. The other two ran into the forest. The deputy, along with two Rangers, went after them."
Harper glanced at the two prisoners.
"I presume they didn't catch them?"
Hale shook his head.
"They were killed by walkers."
He paused.
"Once we realized the gunfire was attracting walkers, the lieutenant ordered us to get back in our vehicles and evacuate the area after everyone was accounted for."
Harper's eyes narrowed.
"What of the lieutenant and the rest of your team?"
"The lieutenant and the others are continuing toward the school."
Harper stared at Hale for several seconds.
"How many did he take?"
"Nine, including the lieutenant."
Harper gave a slow nod.
"The lieutenant also ordered the platoon to be ready for immediate deployment, as we need to strike before the others realize that something is wrong and increase their security."
Harper looked toward the distant tree line outside the defensive perimeter of Terminus.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he turned toward four of the soldiers accompanying him.
"Get the prisoners secured, and prepare them for questioning."
After receiving affirmative responses, he gestured toward the medical team.
"Take the wounded to the medical tent."
Then his attention returned to Hale.
"We'll get everything ready for the offensive on the bandits' stronghold."
He turned his attention toward the group of civilians several feet behind Hale.
"But first, let's talk with the group you brought in."
···
Lee watched as Captain Harper and Sergeant Hale began walking toward them.
His posture stiffened slightly.
He kept his expression neutral, but his eyes remained fixed on Harper as the two officers approached.
Carley noticed.
She stepped closer and placed her right hand gently on Lee's shoulder.
"Relax."
Lee glanced at her.
"I'm fine."
Carley gave him a knowing look.
"You don't look fine."
Lee briefly looked away before returning his attention to Harper.
Carley kept her voice low.
"They're not gonna arrest you. Times have changed."
"I know."
"Then just breathe."
Lee exhaled quietly.
Carley gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"You'll be alright."
Lee nodded.
"Thanks."
The two officers were now only a few steps away.
Carley lowered her hand as Harper stopped in front of them.
The captain looked over the group for a moment before his attention settled on Lee.
"You must be Lee Everett. The leader of the group."
Lee nodded.
"Umm....Yes,.. sir."
Harper extended his hand.
"Captain Harper. The CO of Terminus garrison."
Lee accepted it.
"Good to meet you, Captain."
Harper released his hand and looked over the others.
"Welcome to Terminus."
Lee glanced briefly around the settlement.
"Thank you."
Harper gave a small nod.
"We're glad to have you."
He then looked over the group for a moment before speaking again.
"Before anything else, there are a few procedures we need to go through."
Lee nodded.
"Alright."
"While inside the settlement, you'll need to surrender your weapons. Your weapons will be properly stored and you'll be allowed access to them in case you want to leave or in case of emergencies."
That immediately changed the mood.
Kenny's expression hardened.
"What?"
Harper remained calm.
"Your firearms and any other weapons will be secured. Once you've been cleared and properly registered, as i said , you'll be given access to them to use in case of emergency."
Kenny glanced toward the others.
"We're supposed to just hand over everything?"
"I understand the hesitation."
Harper gestured toward the settlement around them.
"But we have over a hundred civilians living here. We can't allow an unknown group to walk into the settlement carrying firearms without first knowing that they are not a threat."
Lilly crossed her arms.
"And if something happens while we're unarmed?"
Harper looked directly at her.
"There are armed soldiers throughout the settlement."
He paused.
"You won't be left defenseless."
Lilly remained unconvinced, but didn't argue further.
Kenny still looked reluctant.
Lee glanced toward him.
"Kenny."
Kenny looked at Lee.
"We don't have much choice."
Kenny frowned.
"I know."
He slowly reached for the pistol at his side.
"Just don't lose it."
Harper nodded.
"It'll be secured properly."
One by one, the others began handing over their weapons.
Carley reluctantly surrendered her firearm.
Lilly hesitated longer than the others before finally removing hers.
Larry grumbled to himself.
"Hope you people know what you're doing."
Harper ignored the remark.
Once the weapons had been collected, he continued.
"There's one more requirement."
He looked toward the medical team.
"Everyone will undergo a medical examination."
Katjaa immediately nodded.
"Of course."
"It's mandatory," Harper clarified. "We need to make sure nobody is carrying an untreated injury or illness into the settlement."
He looked toward Clementine and Duck.
"That includes the children."
Katjaa nodded.
"That's understandable."
Harper glanced toward Hale.
"Sergeant."
Hale stepped closer.
"Sir?"
"We need to get the platoon ready."
Hale nodded.
Harper turned toward the two soldiers who had accompanied him.
"Corporal, Private."
Both immediately stepped forward.
"Yes, sir."
"Take custody of their weapons and escort the group to medical."
He looked toward Lee.
"They'll explain the rest of the process."
Lee nodded.
"Understood."
Harper gave the group one final look, then he turned toward Hale.
"Let's go."
The two officers walked away together, already discussing preparations for the deployment.
The remaining soldiers stayed with Lee's group.
••••••
Andrew raised his fist.
The group stopped.
Nobody spoke.
Ahead, an abandoned wooden fence separated the next property from the one they were currently moving through.
Andrew crouched slightly, scanning the windows of the house beyond it.
Nothing.
He motioned forward.
One after another, the soldiers moved toward the fence.
Andrew reached it first.
He looked over the top.
Nothing moved.
He climbed over.
The others followed.
They continued through the waist-high grass, keeping their weapons close and their movements deliberate.
Every few yards, someone stopped to check a window or doorway.
They weren't looking for just people.
They were looking for walkers as well.
Anything that might be a problem later on.
Andrew glanced toward the next house.
A faded blue pickup sat in the driveway.
Its tires were clean. Too clean.
Someone had been using it.
He raised his binoculars and studied the building.
Curtains covered most of the windows.
A moment later, movement appeared behind one of them.
Andrew lowered the binoculars.
He held up two fingers.
Two people.
Shane leaned closer.
Andrew whispered.
"Occupied."
Shane nodded.
They moved on.
House by house, the neighborhood slowly revealed itself.
Most were abandoned.
A handful weren't.
There were fresh footprints.
Recently moved vehicles.
Barricaded doors.
People watching from windows.
Andrew memorized every one of them.
The houses weren't random.
They formed a loose perimeter around the school.
Eventually, Andrew stopped beside a collapsed section of fence and unfolded the small map.
He marked three locations.
"These are occupied."
Collins studied the map.
"And the school?"
Andrew pointed toward the distant rooftops visible between the trees.
"There."
He looked toward the houses again.
"We need observation points."
His finger moved to two properties.
"Those two."
Both were two-story houses positioned with clear sightlines toward the school.
"Attics should give us enough elevation without exposing us."
Collins nodded.
Andrew looked at the team.
"We split here."
He began assigning the groups.
"Nobody engages unless we're compromised."
His eyes moved toward the school.
"We're here to observe."
He folded the map.
"Let's move."
••••
Ahead stood the house they had chosen for their observation position.
As they approached, Andrew raised a fist.
Shane and Ramirez immediately stopped behind him.
It was a two-story building with faded white siding, its paint peeling in several places. Tall weeds covered most of the front yard, while a partially collapsed wooden fence separated the property from the neighboring house.
The curtains were still drawn across the windows.
Bit there was no movement.
Andrew glanced toward the sky.
Dark clouds had begun gathering overhead, spreading across the afternoon sky and slowly blocking out the sunlight.
A storm was approaching.
He looked back toward the house.
Andrew pointed toward the front door.
Shane nodded.
Ramirez moved toward the side of the building while Andrew and Shane approached the entrance.
Andrew stopped beside the door and listened for few moments.
Nothing.
He slowly reached for the handle and turned it.
It was unlocked.
Andrew exchanged a glance with Shane.
He pushed the door open just enough to look inside.
The smell reached them immediately.
Something had died in there.
Andrew raised his MP5.
Shane brought his shotgun up beside him.
Ramirez moved into position behind them.
Andrew stepped through the doorway.
The interior was dark.
Dust covered the furniture and floor, while several overturned chairs lay scattered throughout the living room.
Nothing moved.
With each turning on their flashlights, Andrew pointed toward the hallway.
Shane checked the kitchen while Ramirez covered the stairs.
Andrew advanced slowly.
Every doorway, corner and room was checked.
The house remained silent.
Then Ramirez stopped.
"Lieutenant."
Andrew turned.
Ramirez was standing near the entrance to a bedroom.
He pointed toward the floor.
A body lay beside the bed.
It had been dead for some time.
The remains were heavily decomposed, the clothing still recognizable despite the condition of the corpse.
Andrew crouched beside it.
A small hole was visible in the skull.
He looked toward the others.
"Gunshot in the head."
Shane nodded grimly.
"Execution?"
Andrew studied the position of the body.
"Looks like it."
They moved on.
Another room revealed a second corpse.
Then a third.
Each had been killed by a gunshot to the head.
No signs of a struggle and no weapons nearby.
Andrew's expression hardened.
Someone had come through this house after the outbreak.
And they hadn't been interested in saving the people inside.
The team continued upstairs.
The second floor was just as quiet.
At the end of the hallway, they found another body.
This one was sitting against the wall.
Its clothes were stained and deteriorated.
One hand that rested beside the corpse still held a handgun.
Andrew approached carefully.
He looked at the weapon first.
Then the body.
A bullet wound was visible on the side of the skull.
Shane stared at it for several seconds.
"Suicide"
Andrew nodded slowly.
"Probably."
He looked around the room.
"Could've been trapped here."
Ramirez glanced toward the window.
"Or they were the ones that killed the others and chose to end himself as well."
Andrew didn't answer.
There wasn't enough information to know.
He simply motioned toward the hallway.
"Clear the rest."
A few minutes later, the entire second floor had been checked.
There were no walkers or hidden occupants.
Andrew finally lowered his weapon slightly.
"House is clear."
Shane exhaled quietly.
"That's good."
Andrew looked toward the ceiling.
"The attic should give us a good view of our surroundings."
He walked toward the narrow staircase leading upward.
The stairs ended at a small wooden hatch.
Andrew pushed it, but nothing happened.
He tried again.
The hatch barely moved.
"Stuck."
Shane stepped beside him.
"Want me to try?"
Andrew stepped aside.
Shane pushed upward with both hands.
The hatch creaked loudly.
Both men froze.
They waited.
Nothing.
Shane pushed again.
This time the hatch opened several inches.
A cloud of dust drifted down.
Ramirez coughed quietly.
"That's going to be fun."
Shane gave him a look.
"Get up there."
Ramirez sighed.
"Of course."
He climbed the stairs first and pushed the hatch farther open.
Andrew followed, then Shane.
The attic was cramped and dark.
Old insulation hung from sections of the ceiling, while several cardboard boxes were scattered across the wooden floor.
Andrew crawled farther inside.
A small attic window faced toward the school.
He carefully approached it.
The view opened up immediately.
Through the dirty glass, he could see the rooftops of the surrounding houses.
And beyond them...
The high school.
Andrew's eyes narrowed, opening the window he reached for his binoculars.
Shane and Ramirez moved beside him.
Andrew slowly raised the binoculars.
The school came into focus.
For several seconds, he simply watched.
Then another flash of distant lightning illuminated the darkening sky.
Andrew lowered the binoculars slightly.
"The weather's changing."
Shane looked toward the window.
"Looks like rain."
Andrew nodded.
"Could work in our favor."
He raised the binoculars again.
"Less visibility for everyone."
His attention returned to the school.
"Let's see what we've got."