POV: Jenna
Jenna sat on an overturned crate, twirling a rusty screwdriver between her fingers as her zombie gang milled about aimlessly. Despite the tension in the camp, she was feeling oddly optimistic. Sure, Theo hated her, Kane was probably plotting something devious, and Rick looked like he was about to pull his hair out, but Jenna had a plan.
A terrible plan, but a plan nonetheless.
"So, here's the deal," she said, addressing her gang. "We're going to prove to these humans that we're not just freeloading undead. We're going to help them. Like, actually help them."
The zombies stared at her blankly, their groans low and disinterested.
"Don't all cheer at once," Jenna muttered. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "The thing is, humans like results. They want to see action, heroics, maybe a little razzle-dazzle. And who better to provide that than yours truly?"
One of the zombies tilted its head, groaning softly.
Jenna pointed at it. "Exactly! We'll do something big. Something useful. Like… uh… finding supplies. Or killing a mutant tree. Or—I don't know—organizing a talent show. Whatever works."
Carl's voice cut through her rambling. "Are you seriously trying to organize a zombie talent show?"
Jenna turned to find him leaning against a nearby wall, his arms crossed and a bemused expression on his face.
"It's called brainstorming," Jenna said defensively. "You wouldn't understand."
Carl smirked. "Oh, I understand. I just think you're insane."
"Insanely brilliant," Jenna corrected, standing up and pointing her screwdriver at him like a sword. "And you, my dear Carl, are going to help me."
Carl sighed, but the corner of his mouth twitched in a reluctant smile. "Fine. What's the plan?"
---
POV: Rick
Rick was halfway through a hastily prepared meeting with Sarah and a few other key members of the group when Theo barged in, his face flushed with anger.
"We need to talk," Theo said, his voice sharp.
Rick pinched the bridge of his nose. "Theo, we're in the middle of something."
"This is important," Theo insisted. "It's about Jenna."
Rick exhaled slowly, trying to keep his patience intact. "What about her?"
"She's a liability," Theo said, crossing his arms. "She's reckless, unpredictable, and she's putting us all at risk."
Sarah frowned. "She's also saved us more times than I can count."
"That doesn't change the fact that she's a ticking time bomb," Theo shot back. "If we don't do something about her now, we're going to regret it."
Rick stood up, his expression firm. "I've heard enough, Theo. Jenna's not the problem here. The problem is that you're too focused on her to see the bigger picture."
Theo's jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists. "You're making a mistake, Rick."
Rick met his gaze evenly. "Maybe. But it's my mistake to make."
Theo stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Sarah let out a low whistle, leaning back in her chair.
"Well," she said, "that went well."
Rick shook his head, his frustration evident. "This isn't over."
---
POV: Kane
Kane stood at the edge of camp, watching Theo storm away from Rick's tent. A faint smile played on his lips. Theo's temper was proving to be a useful tool, but Kane knew it wouldn't be enough to dismantle the alliance entirely. He needed something more.
His gaze shifted to Jenna, who was animatedly talking to Carl near the campfire. She was a wildcard, unpredictable and chaotic, but she had a strange way of rallying people around her. Even Carl, who was usually so stoic, seemed to enjoy her antics.
"Interesting," Kane murmured to himself. "Very interesting."
He turned and walked away, already formulating his next move. Jenna might be a wildcard, but even wildcards could be played with the right strategy.
---
POV: Jenna
Later that day, Jenna stood in front of Rick and the rest of the group, a confident grin on her face. Behind her, Carl stood with his arms crossed, looking like he was regretting every life choice that had led him to this moment.
"So," Jenna began, "I know things have been a little tense around here. Lots of glaring, muttering, and dramatic exits. But fear not, because I have a solution."
Rick raised an eyebrow. "Do I even want to know?"
Jenna held up a finger. "Hear me out. We're going to do something useful. Something productive. Something that will make everyone see how amazing my gang and I really are."
"And what exactly is that?" Rick asked warily.
"Scavenging!" Jenna declared, throwing her arms out dramatically. "We're going to find supplies, bring them back, and prove that we're team players."
Rick exchanged a skeptical look with Sarah, who shrugged. "It's not the worst idea," she admitted.
Jenna beamed. "See? Sarah gets it."
Rick sighed. "Fine. But this had better not turn into another talent show."
"No promises," Jenna said with a wink.