The morning was brisk as Marcus, Rick, Shane, Glenn, and Daryl loaded the truck for the journey to the nursing home. Each carried weapons, prepared for both walkers and potential hostilities.
"You think they'll even consider leaving?" Shane asked as he climbed into the passenger seat.
Marcus shrugged. "They're protecting vulnerable people. If we can convince them it's safer at the farm, they might join us."
Rick added, "It's worth a try. We need all the help we can get."
The Journey Begins
The truck rumbled through abandoned streets as the group headed back toward the nursing home. The roads were eerily quiet, with the occasional walker shambling in the distance.
Daryl leaned out the window, crossbow ready. "Feels too quiet," he muttered.
Marcus nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Stay sharp. We're not far now."
An Unexpected Encounter
As they neared the nursing home, the group encountered a small band of scavengers looting an overturned delivery truck. The scavengers turned hostile as soon as they spotted the group.
"Walk away!" one of them shouted, brandishing a crowbar.
Rick raised his hands. "We're not looking for trouble."
The scavengers didn't listen. One lunged forward, but Daryl fired a bolt, hitting him in the leg. The others scattered, realizing they were outmatched.
"Let's move before they regroup," Shane said, gripping his shotgun.
The Nursing Home
The group finally arrived at the nursing home. The Vatos gang's leader, Guillermo, greeted them with suspicion, his hand resting on a holstered pistol.
"You again," Guillermo said, his tone wary. "What do you want this time?"
Rick stepped forward. "We've found a safer place. A farm, far from the city. We're here to invite you to join us."
Guillermo raised an eyebrow. "And why would we leave? This place is home."
Marcus spoke up. "It might be safe for now, but the city's getting worse. Walkers are spreading, and supplies are running out. The farm has food, water, and open space."
Guillermo glanced at his people, many of whom were elderly or infirm. "We'll think about it. But we're not abandoning these people."
"We're not asking you to," Rick said. "Bring them. We'll make room."
A Mutual Agreement
After much deliberation, Guillermo agreed to send a small group to scout the farm before making a final decision. He promised to give their offer serious consideration.
"We'll be back in two days," Marcus said, shaking Guillermo's hand.
The Way Back
On the return journey, the group faced a herd of walkers blocking the road. Daryl quickly scouted an alternate route while the others prepared to fight if needed.
Marcus used his crowbar to dispatch a walker, earning a skill notification in his system:
Skill Unlocked: Efficient Walker Neutralization (Intermediate)
The group managed to bypass the herd and make it back to the farm just before nightfall, weary but hopeful.