Of course, Shawn didn't say it directly, but found an excuse.
"When I went to the town before, by chance I learned that a Community had been established in Alexander."
"Virginia is also on the East Coast, as you know, so I want to negotiate with them."
Shawn said, half-truthfully.
"Community?"
Michonne frowned upon hearing this. Ever since the Woodbury incident, she no longer had a natural good impression of such communities.
Hearing the words 'Community', it was already quite tolerant that this leopardess didn't immediately bristle.
"They are not quite like the Governor. That place is a survivor Camp led by a councilor."
"Compared to the Governor… how should I put it, they seem much simpler."
Shawn used the word 'simple' to describe the Alexandria Community.
From the upper echelons of power to the lower echelons of Community residents, they still seemed to be attempting to rebuild the pre-apocalyptic way of life.
If the Governor's 'utopia' in Woodbury was a lie, where he merely used violent rule and disguise to string survivors along, then Diana of the Alexandria Community genuinely desired to build a civilized place of survival in the apocalypse.
In fact, they weren't foolish; their mindset just hadn't had time to change.
In short, they lived too comfortably and didn't have the opportunity to grow.
Look at the Quarry Camp back then; most of them have grown up now. Even Carl has killed Walkers many times with a 'traditional bow' and has good psychological fortitude when facing Walkers.
Theoretically, given more time to grow, the Alexandria Community could also continue to move forward through pain and loss, eventually growing into strong individuals suited for the apocalypse.
However, from a realistic perspective, the theory seems a bit too idealistic, because they simply won't last until then.
Before they even get halfway, they will be overturned by the tide of the new era and completely drown in the sea.
And all of this, in the final analysis, the weakness of the Community members is precisely because the person in power is weak.
The Community members' concepts hadn't had time to change, also because the person in power's concepts hadn't had time to change.
In terms of management, Diana has experience and ability that others cannot match.
But in terms of the apocalypse, Diana is not among the top-ranked Community leaders who have appeared so far.
However, it is precisely because of this that Rick in the original plot had the opportunity to take control of the Alexandria Community.
"At least we need to negotiate with them. The Prison is in ruins, and we need talent from all aspects."
Shawn never thought of forming an alliance; from beginning to end, he only wanted to annex the Alexandria Community.
Setting aside others, just consider the iconic few.
Diana, leader, organizer, councilor.
Diana
Reg, Diana's partner, professor of architecture.
Aaron, excellent guerrilla talent, assesses talent for the Community, and conducts diplomacy.
Denise, chief doctor of the Community, later basically considered the pillar of the Community's medical field.
In addition, there are also talents skilled in various other aspects, who possess life skills.
At worst, Community members can serve as labor and join the 'combat troops' to gradually expand.
For the current world, population is also a valuable resource.
"Should Shane take some people with you?" Rick suggested.
"No need, Daryl and Merle accompanying me will suffice."
Shawn refused; Lori's child was here, and Shane might not be willing to leave.
Furthermore, after he left, the Prison needed Shane and Rick to manage the overall situation together, so Shawn could rest assured.
"We can set off at any time." Daryl did not hesitate.
During the subsequent discussion, everyone roughly reported to Shawn the current situation of the Prison in various aspects.
Glenn: The Prison's food reserves are still sufficient, but from a long-term perspective, new food sources need to be found as soon as possible.
Jacob: If the latter half of the Prison's high wall is to continue to be built, more materials are needed.
Hershel: A complete operating room is needed, clear out a cell to serve as the Prison's Hospital, and more medical supplies are needed.
Merle: The high wall blocks the view too much; one can barely see anything below from the watchtower, so it needs to be heightened.
Daryl: The barbed wire fence behind was damaged, and the cars in the deep pit are not easy to retrieve.
Beth: I'll come to your room upstairs tonight.
Hey, wait a minute.
Shawn subconsciously nodded halfway, then turned his head.
Beth was pressing close to his face, breathing heavily.
Seeing Shawn turn his head, she winked at him, picked up her plate, and left, giving Shawn no time to react.
The brief evening meeting dispersed. Glenn walked up to Shawn, patted his shoulder, and casually left a few ring-shaped objects.
"It's bound to happen, you should learn to adapt."
Glenn rubbed his lower back, grimacing and winking at Shawn.
At least he didn't get any benefits from his sister.
Apart from the initial enjoyment, every night afterward was a nightmare.
Sometimes Glenn would dream that he had already reached middle age, feeling powerless.
Always casting the line when fishing, putting in a lot of effort but the results were not satisfactory.
Alas, it's all karma…
After Glenn left, Shawn stared blankly at the ring-shaped objects on the table.
He suddenly remembered that he had casually collected some small trinkets back then, each offering a unique new experience.
"Hiss--"
Shawn gasped, got up, and walked quickly towards the third floor.
When he left, the table was empty.
Shawn didn't sleep well last night.
To be precise, he barely slept.
He lay on the floor, which was covered with a thick coral fleece blanket.
In Shawn's arms, Beth closed her eyes contentedly, her snow-white, lotus-root-like forearm gently wrapped around Shawn's chest, her face showing traces of tears and sweat.
On the floor beside them lay several colorful items.
Shawn stared at the ceiling, as if his soul had left his body.
Throughout last night, Shawn experienced a wonderful taste he had never tasted in his previous life.
It was just that he didn't experience the feeling Glenn spoke of.
"Is it not enough?"
Shawn, half-believing, woke Beth up and, amidst her repeated pleas for mercy, held her down.
"Alright, alright, be good. As a younger sister, you should look up to your older sister."
Sometimes time passes very slowly, like watching the clock waiting for class to end.
Sometimes time passes very quickly, like a youth that was never fully experienced.
But today, Shawn found a third type, different from the previous two.
It was that very special kind, both fast and slow…
In short, when Shawn opened his eyes again, it was dark outside again.
Surprisingly, no one disturbed Shawn all day today, and no one even came to the third floor of the Administrative Building.
It was as if they had all agreed: no more collecting clothes in the rain, no more calling for mom when the kids were hungry; the entire Prison was collectively silent.
However, in the middle of the night, Shawn faintly heard a few faint gasps coming from downstairs.
He had just woken up, and these noises made him even more unable to sleep.
Looking at Beth, who was slowly waking up, her rosy cheeks and moist eyes, Shawn sighed.
"Let's continue."
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