POV: Rick
The central building was a stark contrast to the rest of the settlement. While the outer walls were cobbled together from scrap metal and wood, the interior of the council hall was clean and organized. A long table sat in the middle of the room, surrounded by weathered chairs. Five figures were seated at the table, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Rick's stomach tightened as he and his group were motioned forward. Mara stepped aside, taking her place against the wall. The burly man stayed close, his shotgun still in hand, just in case.
"State your business," one of the council members said, a tall woman with short gray hair and piercing eyes.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna nudged Carl with her elbow, whispering, "Think they're gonna like my zombie pitch?"
"Don't push it," Carl muttered, his gaze fixed on the council.
Jenna sighed, stepping forward before Rick could start his usual serious speech. "Hi! Jenna. Zombie ambassador, snack enthusiast, and all-around charming apocalypse survivor."
The gray-haired woman raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "A talking zombie. That's new."
Jenna grinned. "Oh, I'm full of surprises."
Rick shot her a look, stepping in before she could say more. "We're here because we've encountered something that threatens all of us. A stone—an artifact. It's spreading energy that's mutating the creatures around it. We stopped it, but the danger isn't gone."
---
POV: Carl
Carl watched the council carefully, noting the flicker of doubt in their eyes. The gray-haired woman leaned forward, her sharp gaze fixed on Rick. "And why should we believe you?"
"Because we've seen what it can do," Carl said, his voice calm but firm. "And if it isn't dealt with, it'll spread to your settlement too."
Another council member, a younger man with a scar running down his cheek, folded his arms. "How do we know you didn't bring this danger with you? For all we know, you're the cause."
---
POV: Sarah
Sarah's grip on her crowbar tightened, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why would we come here to warn you if we were the problem? If you don't want to listen, fine, but don't waste our time with baseless accusations."
The scarred man scowled, but the gray-haired woman held up a hand. "Enough. Let them finish."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna stepped forward again, her grin fading slightly. "Look, I get it. I'm not exactly easy to trust. But I'm not here to hurt anyone. None of us are. We just want to stop this before it gets worse."
Her zombie gang growled softly behind her, and Jenna glanced back at them. "See? They're harmless. Mostly."
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, their doubt still evident.
---
POV: Rick
Rick took a deep breath, his voice steady. "We're not asking for much. Just a chance to share what we've learned and work together. If we can stop this, we all have a better chance at surviving."
The gray-haired woman studied him for a long moment, then glanced at her fellow council members. "What do you think?"
The scarred man frowned. "It's a risk. Letting them stay could cause panic."
Another council member, a wiry woman with glasses, nodded. "But if what they're saying is true, ignoring them could be worse."
---
POV: Mara
Mara stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "They've been honest so far. And they didn't attack when they had the chance. That counts for something."
The gray-haired woman nodded slowly, her decision made. She turned back to Rick. "We'll give you a chance. But if you step out of line, or if your presence causes problems, you're gone."
Rick nodded. "Understood."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "Well, that wasn't so bad. I mean, sure, we're on thin ice, but I like to think I'm good at skating."
Carl shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Let's not test that theory."
Jenna smirked, patting him on the shoulder. "Relax, Carl. I've got this."
---
POV: The Gray-Haired Woman
The council leader stood, her expression serious. "Mara, show them to the guest quarters. We'll decide how best to use their knowledge in the coming days."
Mara nodded, motioning for the group to follow her. Jenna gave the council a cheerful wave as they left. "Thanks for not killing us! Really appreciate it."
---
POV: Rick
As they followed Mara out of the council hall, Rick couldn't shake the feeling that their welcome was more fragile than it seemed. The settlement was well-organized, but the tension was clear. Trust would take time, and time was something they didn't have much of.
"We'll need to move carefully," Rick said quietly. "One mistake, and this alliance falls apart."
"We'll manage," Carl replied, his tone steady. "We have to."