Bloodlines.

Chapter One: Plans For The Satellite Station.

The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over Alexandria, lighting up the quiet streets as its residents emerged from their homes. The air buzzed with tension and purpose, every step toward the church filled with an unspoken urgency. Today was the day decisions would be made—decisions that could change everything.

Inside the church, the group gathered, their faces a mix of determination and unease. Morgan, Tara, Denise, Daryl, Aaron, Eric, Michonne, Gabriel, Rosita, Eugene, Abraham, Sasha, Carol, Tobin, Heath, Glenn, Maggie, and several other Alexandrians sat on the wooden benches, their eyes fixed on the two figures standing at the front of the room.

Alyssa and Rick stood side by side, a silent unity between them despite the strained undercurrent of their relationship. Alyssa's expression was fierce, her gaze steady as she scanned the room, meeting the eyes of the people who had come to hear their plan. Rick stood close, his presence calm but heavy with the weight of what they were about to propose.

Alyssa took a step forward, drawing the group's full attention. Her voice, clear and firm, cut through the tense silence.

"We can work with the Hilltop," she began, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "Maggie made a deal with Gregory. We're getting food. Fresh vegetables. Eggs. Butter. Real supplies. But let's be clear—they're not just giving it away." She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.

Her eyes flicked to Daryl, Sasha, and Abraham before returning to the group. "These Saviors—they're not just some distant threat. They almost killed me, Daryl, Sasha, and Abraham before. Sooner or later, they would've found us. Just like the W people did. Just like Jesus did. And they wouldn't have just shown up. They would've killed someone."

Rick stood beside her, his jaw tight, nodding subtly in agreement as she continued. The room was silent, the gravity of the situation pressing down on everyone present.

Rick stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding as he addressed the group. "We do this for the Hilltop, and that's how we keep Alexandria alive. It's how we keep this place. It's how we feed this place. This needs to be a group decision," he said, scanning the room. "If anyone objects, here's your chance to say your piece."

Alyssa stood beside him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her piercing gaze flicked over the group, waiting for someone to speak. The room was heavy with silence until Morgan slowly rose from his seat.

"You sure we can do it? We can beat them?" Morgan asked, his voice calm but filled with doubt.

Alyssa didn't hesitate, her tone resolute. "What we've done as a group, what we've learned, what we've become—all of us, yes, I'm sure."

Morgan nodded thoughtfully. "Then all we have to do is tell them that. It's a choice you give them. A way out. For them and for us."

Alyssa's eyes hardened, her voice firm as she replied. "If you try to talk to the Saviors, we give up our advantage. Our safety. No—we have to come for them before they come for us. We can't leave them alive."

Morgan looked at her, his expression calm but unwavering. "Where there is life, there is possibility," he said. "We're not trapped in this. None of us are trapped in this."

Alyssa bristled at his words, her posture stiffening. "Morgan, they'll come back. They always do," she said sharply.

Morgan's gaze softened as he studied her, and his voice cracked with emotion as he spoke. "Where is the young girl I met in King County?" he asked, his words deliberate. "The one who had just found her father—the father she hadn't known about until all of this started? The girl who convinced me not to take her father down. Convinced me to help her. Where did she go, Alyssa?"