POV: Jenna
The patrol led them through the rubble-strewn streets, their weapons held tight and their eyes scanning every shadow. Jenna, wedged between Carl and her zombie gang, was doing her best to play nice.
"So, what's your base like?" Jenna asked, her tone bright. "Do you guys have running water? A snack bar? Maybe some zombie-friendly accommodations?"
The burly man shot her a glare. "Shut up."
Jenna shrugged, unfazed. "Guessing that's a no on the snack bar."
Carl leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Jenna, maybe stop antagonizing them."
"I'm not antagonizing," Jenna whispered back. "I'm building rapport."
Carl sighed, his grip on his sword tightening. "Just stay quiet."
---
POV: Rick
Rick kept his focus on the patrol leader, the wiry woman who hadn't introduced herself yet. She moved with purpose, her sharp eyes taking in every detail of their surroundings.
"How far is your base?" Rick asked, breaking the silence.
"Not far," the woman replied curtly. "You'll see it soon enough."
Rick nodded, but his unease didn't fade. He could feel the tension radiating from the patrol, their mistrust palpable. This was a delicate situation, and one misstep could turn it into a bloodbath.
---
POV: Sarah
Sarah walked at the back of the group, her crowbar resting on her shoulder. She didn't like having their backs to the patrol, but she also didn't trust Jenna's zombie gang to not do something… well, zombie-like.
"Hey," she muttered to one of the zombies as it growled softly. "No funny business, alright?"
The zombie tilted its head, its glowing eyes fixed on her. Sarah shuddered, gripping her crowbar tighter. "Yeah. Real comforting."
---
POV: Patrol Leader
The patrol leader, whose name was Mara, kept her gaze forward but her thoughts were racing. The newcomers were an enigma—especially the zombie girl. Intelligent undead weren't unheard of, but this one was different. Too different.
She glanced at Rick, who was walking just behind her. He seemed level-headed, but she could tell he was keeping things close to the chest. She'd have to tread carefully.
"If you're lying about anything," Mara said abruptly, not turning around, "we'll know."
"We're not," Rick replied evenly. "We're here to help."
"Help," the burly man scoffed from behind. "From zombies. Right."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna grinned, glancing back at the burly man. "Hey, I'm a very helpful zombie. I can carry supplies, open jars, and scare away small children. I'm basically a survivalist's dream."
The man rolled his eyes but didn't respond. Jenna turned her grin on Carl. "See? I'm making friends."
Carl didn't answer, but the faintest flicker of a smile tugged at his lips.
---
POV: Rick
The group came to a stop as the patrol leader raised a hand. Ahead, a barricaded checkpoint came into view, guarded by two heavily armed sentries. Beyond it, Rick could make out the outlines of a larger settlement—makeshift walls, fortified watchtowers, and the faint glow of electric lights.
"This is it," Mara said, her tone flat. "Welcome to Haven."
Rick nodded, his gaze sweeping over the settlement. It was more advanced than he'd expected—organized, fortified, and clearly well-supplied. But that only made him more cautious. A group like this wouldn't take kindly to outsiders, especially ones like Jenna.
---
POV: Sarah
Sarah took in the sight of the settlement, her stomach twisting. "They're not going to let us in, are they?"
Mara glanced at her, then at Jenna and the zombies. "That depends."
"On what?" Sarah asked.
"On how convincing you are," Mara replied, motioning for them to follow her toward the checkpoint.
---
POV: Jenna
As they approached the checkpoint, Jenna felt the weight of several rifles being trained on her. She raised her hands, her grin unwavering. "Hi! Don't shoot! I'm friendly. Mostly."
One of the sentries frowned, his grip tightening on his weapon. "What the hell is that?"
"Jenna," she said brightly. "Nice to meet you."
The sentry's frown deepened, and Mara stepped in. "They're with us. Lower your weapons."
The sentries hesitated but eventually complied, their gazes wary as they stepped aside to let the group through. Jenna let out a relieved breath, lowering her hands. "See? Smooth as butter."
Carl muttered something under his breath, but Jenna was too busy marveling at the settlement to respond.
---
POV: Mara
Mara led the group through the gates, keeping a close eye on them. The settlement's residents stopped to stare as they passed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and fear. Mara didn't blame them—an intelligent zombie flanked by a gang of growling undead wasn't exactly a common sight.
"You'll speak to the council," Mara said as they approached a large central building. "They'll decide what to do with you."
"Can't wait," Jenna said with a grin.
Mara ignored her, motioning for the group to follow her inside.