Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Brandon Richardson was a simple man. A man who did his job, nothing more, nothing less. That was why Carver liked him more than most of the others.   

Brandon never complained, nor did he ever cause any problems. He made sure he did his job right, after all, they were a community. He got along with most of the others well.   

Those being George, Carver, Luke, Pete, Alvin, Rebecca, Russell, Vince, Wyatt, Eddie, Bonnie, and Shel.   

He didn’t really like Troy because he was an asshole, but he still worked with him when the time was needed.   

Tavia was too much of a kiss-ass to Carver for him to get along with her. Those kinds of people aren’t fun to hang around.  

Becca wasn’t really someone he wanted to be around for too long, her sense of humor was mostly making fun of people, being her target was never a good time.  

Carlos and him weren’t friends, but he had no complaints about him, however Sarah was comparable to an 8 year old who always talked your ear off.  

Nick was either drunk or moody. He was nicknamed ‘Nick the Dick’ among the staff. Not to mention he was a major screwup who often got on Carver’s shit list.  

Reggie was a nice guy, but to Brandon he was kind of...weird. He always tried to make conversation even when the other person clearly wasn’t trying to talk.   

He considered anything better than being out in the dead world, fending on monsters that want nothing more than to rip you apart.  

Brandon was around 5’9, around 170 pounds. He had black shoulder length, and a black goatee. His eyes were as dark as coffee grounds, and his skin the tone of shea butter.  

He wore a black AC/DC shirt with white sleeves. He had damaged light blue jeans and scuffed black boots.  

Carver and Luke butted heads again today. This time it was worst. It went to the point where it turned into a fistfight. One that left Luke with a broken nose and Carver with a black eye and a few missing teeth.  

Luke was thrown into the pen today, with nothing but the clothes on his back. Carver thought it would teach him a lesson. Despite the two being the leaders, they didn’t agree on a lot. That was quite sad as they built up Howe's together.

However today was a breaking point. It was the first time they fought, and the first time he was thrown in the pen.  

Carlos tried to stand up for Luke, however Carver wasn’t having it. Carver threw him and Sarah in the pen as well without a second thought. 

Brandon sighs as he looks at the sunset. The events of today catching up to him. He didn’t like when those among the community fought among each other. He understood that people have different ways they want the community ran, but resulting in this? He found it ridiculous.  

He was on the roof of Howe’s, looking out for walkers that got too close. He sat stretched on a green and white striped lawn chair. His radio on his hip and his assault rifle next to him.  

Nobody was up there with him tonight. Wyatt was supposed to be, but he assumed that he was goofing off somewhere with Eddie. Brandon didn’t mind. He and Wyatt were friends and its not like he needed someone up there with him anyways.  

It also gave him time to think. Time to reflect. Time to-  

Brandon hears a crackling from his radio. He sighs internally, his time at peace interrupted. He looks down and picks it up.  

“Its Brandon, what's up?” He greets.  

“Your shift is up, Eddie will be taking your place soon. Go on ahead and drop off your radio for tonight.” Tavia was one of the shift leaders at Howe's, making sure that everyone did their part.  

“Got it.” He turns off the radio and walks back inside the warehouse where people were moving about.  

Brandon walks past everyone and goes to storage. Inside the storage, he sees George and Shel talking. Shel was laughing at something he said.   It was no secret these two were an item among the community.  

George spots him, he turns around and smiles.  

George was black with a bald head. He had no facial hair and black eyebrows. He wore a simple red collar shirt and black pants.  

“Hey Brandon, how was watch?” George asked with a smile.

Brandon smiles, glad to see his friend. He is also glad Becca wasn’t there, which relaxed him.  

“Eh, same ole, same ole. What have you two been up too?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at the pair.

“Y’know, just talking and all...” Shel trails off, avoiding eye contact with Brandon. Which Brandon found amusing. George always owned up to loving Shel, and Shel was the one who got flustered and denied it.

“Mhm, talking huh?” He asked, leaning against the wall with a knowing look on his face.

“Just saying good night to my ole lady, that’s all.” George replies, a big grin on his face.  

“Ugh George...” Shel blushes, she playfully hits him in the arm.  

George rolls his eyes playfully as he grabbed Shel into a hug. Shel fake fought back, but then hugged him back, smiling deeply.

George then lets her go and his face shifts more serious.

“I got watch tonight. Carver wants me to look over Luke and Carlos. Man, that fight was intense wasn’t it.” George shakes his head.  

“Yeah that fight was worse than usual. I hope they can get along tomorrow.” Brandon leans against the wall, remembering the words said and the fists that flew.  

The room grows quiet.  

It was then that the radio on Shel's hip crackled to life, making them all jump in shock. Shel offers an apologetic smile, resisting the urge to laugh at the two men who jumped. That was something she was going to remember.

"Its Shel, what's up?"

"Shel, Ian and Donna have been waiting for you at the loading dock for five minutes now! Where the hell are you?" Tavia demands, her voice angry on the radio.

Shel rolls her eyes annoyed, she already felt like smashing the radio.

"I apologize. I got caught up with something. I'll be there in a few" Shel says back, making sure to keep her voice level.

"Make it a minute or Carver is gonna be on your ass."  She warns. The radio crackles as Tavia disconnects the comms.

"That fat bitch!" Shel folds her arms, pissed off that her fun was now over. Tavia and her never got along. The two did not like each other. Shel felt that Tavia always made sure to make her life a living hell whenever she had the chance. Sometimes it stressed her out.

"Its okay Shel. We can meet again tomorrow." George clasps her hands gently.

Shel's temper instantly soothed once George held her hands.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll miss you." She pouts.

George kisses her cheek, looking her in the eyes. Brown meeting brown.

"I'll miss you too. Get on to work before Tavia blows a fuse." George says, letting go of her hands and wrapping her in a hug.

Shel laughs softly at the thought of that actually happening. She leaves George's embrace.

Shel walks off, more relaxed. She heads to her station.

Brandon watches the display with a smile. Those two together just made his heart mushy.

"I'd best get to work too. Tavia might get on my ass next. Catch ya later Brandon." George waves as he heads out of storage.

Brandon smiles and shakes his head. Those two were peas in a pod.

Brandon puts his stuff away and heads towards his quarters. He sees Russell on the way to his quarters.  

“Yo!” Russell calls out. He has an assault rifle in his hands.

“What up Russ!” Brandon greets.  

“Nothin much, got watch. Your shift over ain’t it?” Russell asks, his southern accent apparent.  

“Yep, heading to bed right now.”  

“A’ight man, rest up.” Russell offers him a head nod of respect as he walks past Brandon.

Brandon makes it to his quarters, walking inside. He pulls on the string that is connected to a single lightbulb.  

Brandon’s quarters were more akin to a single room. He had a bed, a dresser, and a single window. He didn’t have a door or a pillow. He had to use a sack of soil as a substitute. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was better than being on the outside, or in the pen. He was glad to at least have a mattress and a lightbulb.  

He yawns and sits down on the bed.  

Brandon lays down, closing his eyes. The exhaustion from the day getting to him, and lulling him to a peaceful rest instantly.  

Brandon didn’t know when, but he woke up. He was pulled from his slumber by what sounds like...arguing? Shouting?  

“Fuck me...” He grumbles, getting up. He hated when he had to stop those in the community from fighting. One of the worst parts of the job as he could potentially get hit in the crossfire.  

He looks outside through the dusty window, and its dark. No moon in the sky tonight.  

He makes his way toward the shouting. It was tough because it was dark, but he knew Howe’s like the back of his hand.  

He noticed that it was coming from...the pen? Carver made sure the pen was as far from the other residents because “those who need correction don’t deserve to be around a community” or something like that.  

Brandon walked closer and looked in the pen. The door was cracked and someone was holding a lantern, illuminating the pen with just enough light to see what was going on. It was Reggie.  

He saw Luke, Carlos, Sarah, Pete, Reggie, Bonnie, Nick, and Rebecca all gathered up together with bags full of supplies on their backs. In front of them was an angry George who was screaming at them.  

“George, come with us. Carver has gone crazy, we need to leave while we can.” Rebecca tries to convince him, looking into his eyes.  

“One argument and you all are ready to abandon what we built together? How fucking dare you! We were family!” George shouts back. He had a pistol drawn on the group.  

“Please, put the gun down George we can talk about this.” Carlos slowly walks up, trying to calm George down.  

George instantly points the gun at Carlos.  

“Stay back fucker. I will shoot.” George warns.  

Brandon’s eyes widen as he pieces together what was happening. Leaving? Were they all planning to abandon Howe’s? He watches on.  

“You won’t. It's like you said, we’re a family, and sometimes families need time to heal...” Pete says with a calm tone. Trying to descalate the situation.  

Brandon then notices something in the corner. A large shadow that was slowly looming closer to George's back.

“This isn’t family. You are a bunch of backstabbing traitors. I’m calling this in. You all are so fu-” George reaches for his radio but to Brandon’s surprise, Alvin sneaks up and smashes the back of George’s head with a shovel. A loud  clang  heard as contact is made.  

George’s body drops to the floor, the radio falling out of his hands and his skull impacting the pavement hard.

The world seems to freeze as everyone looks on in horror. Even Alvin looked petrified as he looks down at the body of his former friend.  

“Shit shit shit shit SHIT!” Alvin grabs his head.  

“Alvin... What did you do?” Carlos asks, kneeling next to George and checking his pulse.  

“I-I didn’t mean to... He was gonna snitch and... I had to act!” Alvin tries defending himself, but the urge to vomit comes up multiple times. He felt like puking and crying at the same time.  

“You didn’t have to do that!” Reggie exclaims in horror, regretting his decision to join them already.

"What the hell man!" Luke shouts angrily, glaring at Alvin.

"Is he alright?" Pete asks, trying to hide his fear.

Moments pass as he checks his pulse.

“He’s dead...” Carlos says, eyes wide and looking at Alvin. The room grows deathly silent at that revelation. The only sound being the crickets in the nearby woods.

“W-why Alvin? Why did you k-k-kill...” Sarah looks to be on the verge of a panic attack, gripping her hair, pulling it hard enough to rip out a few strands. This was the first time she witnessed a person be killed.  

Rebecca quickly pulls her into a hug, wrapping her up.  

“Shhhh. Its alright Sarah. It’ll be okay.” She coos to Sarah, who was shaking like a leaf.  

Brandon felt his heart beat faster, his eyes wide. His palms begin to sweat and his breathing picks up. His vision fades in and out as he looks at George.  

“We need to run now. Forget George, come on.” Bonnie urges, her survival instincts to flee from danger kicking in.  

Bonnie goes to the door and opens it, instantly coming face to face with Brandon. Shocking everyone present.  

“B-Brandon?” She asked shocked.  

Brandon has no words. He looks at everyone in complete shock and terror.  

“We have no time for this. Knock him out before he tells someone!” Nick urges.   

“No. He can come too. I know Brandon. He won’t do anything like that.” Pete argues.  

Nick turns to Pete furious.  

“Why the hell are you against me all the time?!”   

“Brandon. We are leaving. Carver has lost it, and we think you should come to.” Carlos explains, approaching him.  

“You just killed George... He’s gonna...” Brandon shakes, realizing what has to be done.  

“On it.” Nick quickly stomps on George’s head hard enough to crush his skull and leave the ground covered in gore.  

Rebecca held Sarah tight and covered her ears so she wouldn’t hear the bloodbath.  

“Shit!” Luke vomits, seeing the site.  

“Oh god!” Bonnie quickly joins him, vomiting as well at the sight. She wretches and holds her stomach.  

Nick cringes as he removes his boot from the remains of George’s head. He nearly vomitted seeing the brain matter and blood on his foot.  

“Come with us Brandon. We are leaving now. We would be glad to have you come along with us.” Carlos reiterates.  

Brandon does his best to look Carlos in the eyes. He considered his options. He was good with mostly everyone from the group, but he had an actual home at Howe’s. He had food, warmth, protection, and people. Was it really worth leaving everything to join them?  

“Where would we go?” Brandon asks, petrified.  

“Anywhere but here. We’re thinking about heading to North Carolina. We aren’t sure but anywhere is better than here.” Carlos says.  

‘So they have no real plan...’  

What Does Brandon Do?  

A) Join them and leave Howe's.

B) Lie and go tell Carver they are trying to leave.

Relationship System:  

Pete 9/10  

Bonnie 9/10  

Luke 8/10  

Rebecca 7/10  

Reggie 6/10  

Carlos 5/10  

Sarah 4/10  

Nick 3/10 - You two don’t get along.  

Alvin 1/10 - He just killed George, a good friend of yours and a well liked member of Howe’s  

Chapter Text

Brandon looks at the group, then looks back at the corpse of George. His longtime friend. He makes his choice.  

“Alright. I’ll join you guys. Let me go get my stuff.”  

Carlos smiles and looks at the group. Luke and Pete smile as well, but everyone else is either suspicious or still shook up about George.  

“Alright. If you aren’t back in a minute we are leaving.” Carlos warns, deathly serious. He knew any minute Carver’s men would come investigate the area.  

Brandon nods walking off. He walks towards his quarters, then looks back. He sees nobody paying attention to him. He takes his chance and sprints towards Carver’s quarters.   

He makes it there quickly, passing by some guards who try to question them. He has no time for that. He even shoves Tavia out the way once she tries to stop him.  

Within a minute he pounds on the door to Carver’s office.  

Carver opens the door, looking absolutely livid.  

“What the hell are you doing?! Have you lost your damn mind?!” Carver demands, pissed that he was interrupted and that Brandon banged on his door.  

Brandon pants, and quickly gains his composure.  

“Luke! Carlos! They are escaping! Reggie, Sarah, Rebecca, Alvin, Nick, Pete! They are in the pen trying to escape, they killed George!” Brandon pants out, the exhaustion catching up to him. He could have sworn there was another but with his mind going a million miles a minute, he couldn't remember who else.

Carver’s eyes shoot open, his anger gone. He wastes no time and instantly gets on the intercom.  

“ALL GUARDS HEAD TO THE PEN NOW! LUKE, CARLOS, AND A GROUP ARE TRYING TO ESCAPE!”  his voice echos across the intercom.  

Every overhead light turns on, Howe’s now on high alert. Feet can be heard stomping outside as guards head to the pen.  

Carver looks to Brandon.  

“How did you know about this?” Carver questions.  

“I heard shouting. I snuck up and saw through a door crack. George was trying to stop them from escaping. Alvin hit him on the head with a shovel and killed him. Nick finished him, it was horrible. They tried to convince me to go with them because I saw everything.” Brandon summarizes.  

“Well Brandon, I commend you. You did the right thing. I know Luke and I haven’t seen eye to eye lately, but this has gone too far.” Carver gets up, looking out the window at the rushing guards. His face looking along the lines of calm anger.  

“Come with me Brandon. We are going to see those traitors faces.” Carver walks out the office, gesturing for Brandon to follow.  

The two walk towards the pen, which was now lit up with massive floodlights, held by some members of the community. Brandon’s nose crinkled as it picks up a foul odor the closer he got to the pen.  

Some members were crying, others glared at Alvin. Some looked horrified as they see the destroyed corpse of George.   

Others gagged from the smell of vomit and death.  

 The one who weeped the loudest was Shel. She was kneeled next to him, holding his hand. Becca was by her side, also crying. She hugged Shel and looked at George.  

“Fuck that is gross.” Eddie gags, damn near vomiting himself.   

Wyatt actually swallows the vomit that crawled up his throat. The two tried to persevere but the smell was winning, even despite Eddie putting his shirt up to his nose.

Brandon does his best to not gag at the smell. He looks to Carver, who looks relatively unaffected by the stench in the pen.  

The first thing Brandon sees is a massive hole in the pen. As if the bars were forced open.  

Carver moves past everyone, Brandon following. He looks at the members of Howe's.  Brandon then sees a face among the community that makes his insides freeze.

He sees Bonnie standing in the crowd, the redhead making her presense low. The two lock eyes, Brandon glares at her, Bonnie's eyes widen, she shrinks under his glare.

She was with them planning to escape earlier! That was the name that he forgot to say! Did she stay behind? Did they leave her behind too? Was she going to do the same as him and alert Carver? Questions run through his mind, but one thing is for sure. He was about to expose her, to call her out as well.

Brandon was about to make a scene, but Carver spoke.

“Troy. Give me a report.” Troy stood at the front of the guards. He quickly straightens up.  

“Sir we managed to capture three of them. It seems the rest have gotten away. We thought about shooting at them but didn’t want to risk killing them sir.” Troy reports, hoping Carver wouldn't get too mad.

Carver frowns, and rubs his temples. He clenches his fist.  

“Are you fucking kidding me? Even though we had an early warning they still escaped?!” he shouts to Troy.  

Troy has nothing to say. He looks more like a kid who just pissed their pants. If the situation wasn’t so dire, Brandon would laugh at him.  

“Alright fine. Better than nothing. Lets see who we got.” Carver moves past Troy.  

With their hands behind their heads, on their knees, in the middle of everyone, sat Pete, Reggie, and Alvin. Multiple guards had guns pointed at them.  

Alvin looked down, not bothering eye contact. He was covered in blood. His eyes regretably looked over at the corpse of George.   

Reggie had a black eye, but looked fearful. He feared what came next as he watches Carver.  

Pete was pissed. He was angry, glaring at Carver.  

“Well, well, well. Seems like Luke led you all astray. He left and didn’t bother looking back. Leaving his own men behind when things got hard. That is why Luke is weak! Luke was not a leader! He didn’t know a single thing about leading people, about running a community!” Carver paces back and forth in front of the captured.  

“Luke wasn’t weak goddamnit! You are just a lunatic! You were on the path to becoming a dictator!” Pete shouts, defending his friend.  

“That is what Luke wants you to think! Luke has been lying to you Peter. He told you lies so that you would follow him like sheep. He was leading you to your downfall. What is out there Peter? Nothing but the dead. We have a community here. We have food, warmth, protection, and you threw it all away for what? For someone who has done nothing but leave you behind?” Carver gets in Pete’s face, glaring at him.  

“Luke is a ten times better than you would ever be” Pete barks back.  

“He is a failure, nothing but a nussience. I bet he won’t survive a week out there. He is going to lead Carlos and the others to their deaths.” Carver says.  

Pete loses it. He gets up and shouts as he rushes Carver. The guards raise their guns, but Carver signals them to not interfere.  

Pete swings twice. Carver ducks and weaves, he quickly delivers a large haymaker to Pete, knocking the man down.  

Pete gets up again, glaring daggers at Carver.  

He tries to hit Carver in the face but again Carver ducks under his punch. Carver counters and lays a nasty right hook to Pete’s stomach. The older man hunching over.  

“Shit...” Brandon wasn’t aware Carver was a good fighter. Sure Pete was old, but knocking him around like that was no easy task.  

Carver finishes it by hitting Pete on the side of the head, knocking him out. Pete falls down, knocked out.  

Carver shakes his head disappointed.  

“Weakness. Incompetence. This is what Luke’s group is made of!” Carver gestures to Pete who was out. He then gestures to Alvin and Reggie, the latter looking at Pete with his mouth agape.  

“They are traitors to us all. However, we are a family. Families fight. They tend to say or do things in the heat of the moment. Things they later come to regret. I am going to make sure they regret what they did. Once they are punished, they can rejoin us and we can all be a family again!” Carver declares.  

“Brandon!” Carver suddenly points to Brandon.   

“You have seen their treachery first hand. You took action and made sure they wouldn’t run off to their own demise! I will allow you to select the punishment for these two, even if it is death. We are family, but murdering our own is unacceptable! After all, an eye for an eye...” He gestures to Reggie and Alvin. He glares at Alvin.  

Some murmurs spread among the community at the last parts. Most of them shocked Carver would say such a thing. Others seem to go along with it, wanting Alvin dead.  

“We will search for our brothers and sisters who ran from us this night. Rest assured we will return them to their rightful home. It may not be today, tomorrow, or even next month, but we will find them and bring them back!” Carver declares.  

Alvin still never looked up. His eyes glued on the ground. He had no reaction to what was being said.  

What Does Brandon Decide?  

A) Give both Reggie and Alvin second chances.

B) Immediate execution for them both.

C) Reggie gets a second chance, Alvin dies.

D) Reggie gets a secondchance,Shel chooses Alvin’s punishment.  

E) Let Carver choose.

Relationship System:  

Carver 9/10 - He is glad you alerted him to their escape. You have a promotion coming in the future.

Bonnie 7/10 - She wants to talk to you, asap.

Pete 5/10 - He is out cold. He is mostly mad at Carver.  

Reggie 4/10 - He feels betrayed. He is scared of what you say.  

Alvin 1/10 - He isn’t mad at you, he is still shook over murdering George.

Chapter Text

Brandon casts his gaze upon the two men that he once called family. He sees the fear and pleading in Reggie’s eyes. He sees the regret and stillness in Alvin’s, who still didn’t lift his head up. 

Brandon’s pity filled gaze turned into an anger filled glare. He walks over to Alvin. He grabs him by the coat. 

“You murdered George you son of a bitch. Anything to say for yourself? Anything to say to the people here who loved George? Anything to say to the woman WHO YOU TOOK GEORGE FROM?!” Brandon’s anger pouring out in waves. 

Alvin still looks at the ground, not meeting Brandon’s eyes. 

“LOOK AT ME GODDAMNIT!” Brandon rears back his fist and hits Alvin in the face, his head cocking to the side on impact. 

Some of the people cheer at this. Glad to see some kind of retribution for George. Carver smiles at this, allowing Brandon control of this situation. 

“Kick his ass Bran!” Eddie cheers.  

“Show him who’s boss!” Russell shouts, anger on his face. He wanted Alvin dead for his crime against the community. Murder was unforgivable in his eyes, especially after his encounter with Nate. 

Alvin doesn’t even flinch. He does however meet Brandon’s eyes.  

Brandon grabs his neck, forcing eye contact. 

“What do you have to say for yourself?” 

Alvin opens his mouth to speak, a line of blood falling down his lip. 

“I...I’m sorry. It wasn’t supposed to be like that. I only wanted to knock him out. I just...” Alvin begins to break down. He starts crying, tears wetting Brandon’s sleeves. 

Brandon’s eyes widen again. 

He delivers another punch to Alvin’s face, this time cracking his glasses. 

“You don’t get to be sorry! You killed someone near and dear to us!” Brandon looks among the crowd and finds Shel, still holding onto the mutilated corpse of George 

“Shel.” He calls out. 

Becca shakes Shel to get her to look at him, her childlike nature replaced by sadness. Shel slowly turns her head to Brandon, her eyes red and puffy from non-stop crying. 

“Shel. Come over.” The crowd parts for Shel to walk through. She makes it over to Brandon, sniffling as snot drips down her nose. 

“Shel. Its fair to say out of everyone here, George meant the most to you. I believe you deserve to pick his punishment.” Brandon gestures to Alvin, who now had tears on his cheeks.  

“I’m sorry! I swear I didn’t mean it!” Alvin shouts to deaf ears. Almost everyone was against him. Some amongst the crowd gave him looks of pity, but those were a few. 

Shel looks down at Alvin, her puffy eyes looking down at the man. 

“Why?” Her voice was small, fragile, as if she lost it a long time ago.  

The one question she asked. The one thing she could say. The one thing she wanted. She wanted to know why. Why he did it? Why did he murder his friend? Why did he do this? What were his motives?  

From what Shel knew, they were friends. She got along well with Alvin, she once thought of him as a great and reliable guy. She knew George thought highly of him as well, as he came up in their conversations on multiple occasions. She had to know what caused him to take the life of someone who meant so much to her.

“It was an accident Shel I promise. We wanted to leave in the cover of night, but George... George came snooping, he was there at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was supposed to be a quick and silent escape. He just...” Alvin chokes on his words, wishing things were different. 

“He wanted us to stop. To come back. We wanted out and he was in the way. I thought that by knocking him out we could leave no issue, but I guess I hit him too hard? Or in the wrong spot in the head? Either way he was dead and I commited murder...” Alvin spit out blood, keeping his eyes on Shel. 

“It was an accident, I didn’t want him to die. We offered him to come with but he said no.” 

Carver decides to step in. 

“Let me get this straight. You offered to take him who knows where, and because he said no, you decides to attack him? He was only trying to fix things! George wanted what was best for all of us. How many of us have relied on George?!” He asks, looking around. 

A majority of hands went up. 

“Keep those hands up if George always came through for you.” Carver kept his eyes on the community. 

Not a single hand went down. 

“You took away someone important from us all. You took away one of the core roots of this community and all you have to say is you’re sorry?! Shel, what do you think we should do with Alvin? You can say anything and it will be done. Like I said,  anything.”  Carver emphasized the last part, basically saying death was an option. 

Shel looked down on Alvin, debating on what to do with him. 

Alvin looked up at her, looking for any sign of forgiveness. A sign of anything that shows she believes him. He would accept any punishment, even death if it meant she would forgive him. He didn't mean to hurt her and would do whatever it takes to make up for it.

Shel then felt the sadness melt away. She felt something else brew inside of her. Another feeling of grief that crept into her system. She clenches her fist. 

“ Bring me some brass knuckles.” Her voice was now stable. It had a dark undertone in it that made Brandon look at her with concern. This was unpredictable.  

Even Carver showed a glint of surprise on his face for a brief moment, but he shrugs. 

“Raya, bring us some brass knuckles. Do it quickly.” Carver looked towards a latina guard who had black hair with blonde highlights, a mole on her lower lip, and her hair tied back into a ponytail. 

She brings the knuckles and gives them to Carver, who gives them to Shel. 

“For those who are sensitive I recommend you leave now. This may get messy...” Carver turns to the community, warning them now. 

Some members left the pen, not wanting to see what was about to happen. Few remained, around 7. All of the guards remained, not wanting to show weakness in front of Carver. 

Shel puts the knuckles on her left fist, getting her hand adjusted in them. 

Becca looks at Shel concerned. 

“What’s she gonna do?” Brandon hears a community member ask. 

Shel walks up to Alvin, looking down at the crying man. 

Without a word, she draws back her fist as far as it can go, and hits Alvin right on the nose. A horrific  crack  is heard as the brass knuckles makes contact with his nose, breaking it on impact. Yet Alvin doesn’t scream, he only grunts in mild discomfort. 

Shel hits him again, drawing blood from his forehead. 

“Hell yeah!” Russell shouts, glad to see Alvin getting punished. 

“Eat that murderer!” Wyatt shouts, still trying to resist the smell. 

Bonnie looks on, not liking how far this is going. 

Some of the community actually cheer her on. 

Shel lands another hit, and another. She hits Alvin in the face over and over again, not taking any time to rest.  

Alvin didn’t scream in pain, he did nothing but took the hits. 

Alvin eventually hits the ground, knocked out from all the violent hits. This doesn’t stop Shel though, she hits him despite him being knocked out. 

Carver watches, eyebrow raised. This was interesting. 

Minutes pass and eventually the cheers begin to subside as the remaining community soon grew concerned about the sight in front of them.  

Shel was just beating Alvin non-stop. Alvin wasn’t even moving anymore. She was just hitting him, not caring. She said nothing as she continued to hammer her fist into his face. 

“Okay Shel, I think this is enough.” Becca speaks up from the few remaining people. 

Shel doesn’t stop, she keeps hitting Alvin, leaving dents in his head, blood leaking everywhere. Flesh began to coat the floor as skin was ripped off from his face. 

Tears fell down Shel’s face. However she still had a look of fury on her. 

The bloodthirst inside of everyone fades as the sight begins to make them terrified. Very few still watched wanting this to continue. One of those being Carver. He strokes his mustache in thought as he watches. He didn't know Shel had this fire inside of her. Maybe he could use this later...

People began to walk out, thinking this is horrible. 

Brandon begins to regret his decision. Sure a part of him wanted Alvin dead, but this was going too far. This was just torture. Or was it? After all, Alvin did do something without thinking of how it would affect everyone else? Should he stop her? 

Does Brandon Stop Shel?  

A) No, he deserves this.

B) Yes, she has lost it.

Relationship System:

Shel 7/10 - She is in a bad state of mind right now.  

Chapter Text

Brandon considers stepping in, stopping her from killing him. However another thought crossed his mind. 

Alvin didn’t have any mercy for George. Alvin didn’t do anything but apologize.  

Apologies meant nothing in this day and age. Apologies couldn’t bring people back. Apologies couldn’t save people from monsters. 

He watches, feeling the urge to step in slowly fade away with every wet fleshy sound that echoed in the air when Shel’s fist met Alvin’s face. 

‘He deserves it’ Brandon tells himself. This was the new age, this was what justice is. 

“Shel stop this please!” Reggie begged. 

Chunks flew, blood sprayed as Shel continued beating on Alvin’s body. 

Reggie gets up, he runs towards Shel. Despite trying to escape, he was still her friend. He tries to stop Shel, but Troy quickly smacks him in the head with the butt of his rifle. Reggie falls to the ground with a grunt. 

“Stay out of this!” He orders, pointing his gun at Reggie.  

Reggie, who now has a black eye, backs up while still on the ground. He backs up against the gate, hands up as Troy kept his rifle trained on him. 

Nobody else tried to interfere. Not even Bonnie, who thought about interfering herself. She knew that nothing could be done. Not only would she be forced back, but Brandon could expose her any second. 

Yet one person ran forward. She could no longer bare to watch horrific display. It was Becca, she had tears on her face and blood coating her jacket. 

“Shel stop! Please!” She begs, trying to get through to her sister. Right before Becca could get to Shel, Carver stopped her surprisingly. He held her back. 

“No Becca. She was chosen to punish Alvin for his crimes. Think about George. How much he did for everyone here. Think about how unfair it was for him to die to his hands.” He gestures to Alvin. 

“Let go of me! My sister will not become a murderer!” Becca tries to free herself, but Carver was too strong. 

“Stop fighting Becca. This is what your sister wants. Wouldn’t it be bad to stop her from doing what she wants? Don’t you want the best for her?” 

Becca looks at Carver, disgusted. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, he was basically condoning manslaughter. 

“My sister is not a savage! She doesn’t want this! She is just angry! She needs to stop before she ends up killing him!” 

“Becca we said death was an option earlier, she stops when she feels like it.”  Carver reiterates, trying to get into Becca’s mind.  

If Shel had this kind of potential, he could only imagine what Becca could do in the future. It would take some time, but eventually he could have her on his side. 

“Brandon stop her! This is going too far and you know it!” Becca looks to Brandon, begging for his help. To stand with her for once. She knew she couldn’t do this alone. 

Brandon crosses his arms and doesn’t bother facing her. He refused to be the puppet of a teenage girl. She would eventually have to learn that the world is changing and you have to adapt to it, or become like Alvin. 

Becca felt her heart sink once she realizes nobody is with her on this. That she is all alone, and that her sister was being replaced with a shell of her former self. 

It was then that they all noticed something. 

The sounds stopped. 

Everyone looks over to see Shel. Her left fist now inside what used to be Alvin’s head. Alvin’s head now reduced to a mesh of bone and lumpy flesh. The floor was splattered and filthy.

Shel looked down, she was quiet. She looked to be almost in a catatonic state. She didn’t move or anything. She just sat, perfectly still, eyes clouded. 

“SHELLLLLLL!” Becca drops to her knees, looking at her sister, tears in her eyes. She couldn’t find the strength to move. 

Carver lets go of Becca and smiles. This was his chance. He recognized that look, the look of uncertainty. If he could just guide her... 

Carver walks over to Shel, putting on a face of concern. 

“Shel, come with me. We can discuss the events of tonight in my office. Its okay, nobody blames you for what you did.” He says, helping her up. 

Shel’s body moved on its own, she got up, eyes still glued on the ground. 

By now the rest of the community had left, either because things got too violent or because the show was over. Few remained. Of those few were guards. 

Carver looks at Alvin’s body, disgusted. He then turns towards the guards. 

“Eddie, Wyatt, Troy, drag that disgusting sack of meat outside. We have no purpose with a corpse. Some lurkers can eat that thing for all I care.” Carver walks off toward his office, Shel right behind him. 

He would then stop and turn around. 

“Raya, take Reggie to the shed. Russell take George’s body to the tailgate in his truck, I'll send some others to assist you in giving him a proper burial tomorrow morning. Tomorrow will be his funeral. Rest of you get back to work.” Carver says, turning back around and heading to his office. 

Russell follows orders without a word. He feels a burning satisfaction inside of him. Glad that George got retribution and that he was getting a proper burial. The man was a hero to him and so many others. This only served to harden Russell even more.

The latina woman nods. She walks up to Reggie. 

“Get up. You know where the shed is.” She says, her Latin accent thick. 

Reggie gets up, looking at Becca in pity. He had the urge to comfort her. To at least say something to cheer her up, but he knew he couldn’t do anything. He didn’t want to get in any more trouble. 

“Aw man.” Eddie looks down, his brown eyes dreading what’s to come. 

“Dude this is gonna suuuuuuuuuck.” Wyatt groans.  

“Shut the fuck up! Both of you grab his arms.” Troy orders. 

Wyatt and Eddie both frown when he was turned around.

“Whatever douche.” Eddie murmurs. 

Troy snaps his head to Eddie. 

“What was that boy?!” He got in Eddie’s face. 

Eddie looked nervous. 

“Uh nothing. Just getting Alvin.” Eddie goes to Alvin’s right arm. Wyatt follows his lead and grabs his left. 

“Better be...” Troy shakes his head and lifts Alvin by the head. 

The three men pick him up. 

“Fat fuck.” Troy was pissed that he had to lug around that tub of lard. He struggled to keep Alvin outright. 

They leave the room with Alvin, plenty of grunts and struggles following. 

Brandon looks down to Becca, who was still on her knees. She had her hands over her face as she sobbed. The events of today truly traumatizing her. 

Brandon kneels down next to her, but Becca is not having it. 

She shoves him away, catching him off guard.

“LEAVE ME ALONE! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” With that Becca gets up and runs away. 

Brandon sighs. He should have known she would react this way. He turns to leave, but sees someone who he didn’t expect to see. His blood boils as he glares at the only one left in the pen.

“You...” 

Bonnie gulped, rubbing her hand behind her head. 

“We need to talk...” She starts out slow, but Brandon isn’t having it. 

“Damn right we need to talk! Why the hell are you here?!” He glared holes through the southern redhead’s hair. 

“Listen, hear me out.” She clears her throat. 

“I...decided at the last second I wanted out once George was killed...” she tries to weasel her way out of this, using George to her advantage. 

“Bullshit. I saw everything. You wanted to go immediately. You wanted to just leave him without even seeing if he was alive. I’m tired of the lies Bonnie! Give me one reason, one good reason why I shouldn’t tell Carver to  end you right now .” Brandon demands. His tone grows venomous on the last part. 

Bonnie’s eyes widen. She was hoping that he didn’t see that. She felt nervous, shrinking under his eyes. She tried to think of something. Something to get out of this. She didn’t want to get in trouble or die! 

“Listen. If you don’t tell Carver. I will do whatever you want. I will owe you big time. Just please don’t tell him Bran. I can’t imagine what he would do to me if you told him I tried to escape and I hid among everyone else. Please...” She pleads, grabbing his wrists. 

Brandon glared at her in deep thought. 

On one hand, she was planning on leaving. She was no better than Reggie or Pete. On the other hand, it would be useful having her around. He didn’t know what he would need her for, but it was always good to have someone in your pocket. 

Does Brandon Tell On Bonnie?  

A) Keep her around

B) Tell Carver

Relationship System:  

Bonnie 6/10 - She is scared.  

Becca 1/10 - She hates you and blames you for what Shel did.  

Chapter Text

Brandon considers his options. He isn’t sure if Carver would kill Bonnie or not. He might put her in the shed with Reggie and Pete. The last thing he needed was an enemy in his midst. Sure she was a snake in the grass, but she could become  his  snake in the grass in case something were to happen.  

Of course he didn’t trust her one bit. NO way in hell would he ever see himself in a situation where he was to rely on  fucking Bonnie  of all people. No. She could be his puppet. A resource that could be exploited.  

After all, this world is changing and he had to change with it. George was a good man and he was killed by a weakling. The world has no mercy for those who are kind or weak. After all, Alvin was beaten to death because he was weak. George died because he hesitated. If he would have pulled the trigger and shot the traitors this wouldn’t have happened.   

The connection he had with the others was what got him killed.  

He had to become dangerous. Today marked a new era for him. 

He was a wolf, he was NOT a sheep.  

“Alright Bonnie. Consider yourself lucky I forgot your name at the time. You do anything and I mean ANYTHING to fuck up this chance, you are done.” Brandon got close, making sure she got the message.  

Bonnie looked like prey in a lion’s den. She could only nod, unsure if she made the right choice. She knew nothing could be done.  

“Good. Now scram. I don’t want to be anywhere near you.” Brandon says with absolute disgust, eyeing her up and down with a vicious glint.  

Bonnie runs off, not wanting to be near him anymore. She felt frightened. This wasn’t the same man that she knew a day prior. He had changed in a matter of hours.  

Brandon walks to Carver’s office. He knew that this information was vital to recovering the group. After all Carver said he was going to bring them back.   

“Waste of damn time.” Brandon mutters. Personally he no longer cared for any of them. They stole their supplies and left.   

Brandon walks to the office and knocks on the door.  

“Come in!” He hears Carver shout.  

Brandon walks in. Carver was in his chair, Shel sat in a seat in front of him, her head was still down.  

To Brandon’s surprised, Carver smiled upon seeing him.  

“Ah Brandon! Man of the hour! What can I do for you?” Carver seemed genuinely pleased. Brandon was surprised, he rarely ever saw Carver this happy. The man had an image to uphold.  

Carver laughed, catching note of Brandon’s uncertainty.  

“I get that a lot has happened and you are wondering why I seem so happy.”  

“Well... Yeah. I was caught off guard sir.” Brandon says, clearing his throat.  

“Its because of you Brandon. You stopped what could have been something terrible from happening. Your quick response time managed to save Reggie and Peter from running out to their deaths. I figured that you may have some news for me.” Carver says.  

“Well. I do actually. Its about where Luke and his group might be heading.” Brandon noticed how Carver’s eyes shifted. Instead of the warm pleasant nature that was in them, became replaced with the fierceness of an apex predator.  

“Really now? Well spill it.” Carver’s voice was back to business. He wanted this information and he wanted it now.  

Brandon swallowed. He composes himself, knowing better than to delay this any longer.  

“Carlos said that his group may be heading towards the North Carolina area. In the woodlands.”  

Carver nods, looking down at his desk. He then flicks his eyes to Shel.  

“Shel I believe this is all the time we have today. Come in tomorrow.” Carver’s voice was softer when addressing her.  

“Thank you.” Shel says silently, walking past Brandon out of the office. Her eyes were still clouded.  

“Sit down, Brandon.” He gestures to the seat.  

“Brandon. I sense something special in you.” Carver says outright. His eyes searching in Brandon’s for a reaction.  

Brandon stiffens slightly. The comment catching him off guard.  

“Really? What do you mean?” He manages to say after a long pause.  

“Today you showed a growth in character. You remained loyal to the community and managed to stop an escape that would have costed in lots of resources. You allowed someone close to George to pick the offender’s punishment. Despite her going a bit overboard, you didn’t go back on your word.”  

‘Did he just say  a little overboard?’  Brandon thought. Seeing someone get their head torn open was a little over the line? Brandon held back a shiver. If what Shel did was considered a little overboard, he could only imagine what Carver would have done.  

“I believe that you deserve a promotion for all you’ve done. Your work has not gone unnoticed Brandon. I like your attitude. You don’t ask too many questions, you just get the job done and leave. You also help those around you and I listen. Most of the community see you as reliable. Almost as much as George.”  

Brandon felt himself heating up at the praise. He rarely ever got praise for doing his job. This was new to him. Even before the apocalypse he didn’t get praise at his old job.  

He scratches his scalp, nervous.  

“Brandon how would you like to take Tavia’s position as Lead Commander? This won’t be immediate of course. It will take a few days to fully roll over, but I feel that you can be a better right hand man. What do you say?”  

Carver asks, eyebrow raised.  

“Carver this... This is so sudden. I’m not sure if I can give you an answer right now...” Brandon was at a loss. He was being offered  Lead Commander .   

“Well. I get that. If you want time to think I'll give you a week. However just know this is probably the only time I ever offer anyone this position. If you accept now, I have a secret project i've been cooking up. I haven't even told Tavia about it." Carver adds, standing up, looking out his window.

What Does Brandon Do?  

A) Accept the position now

B) Take time to think about it

C) Decline the position

Relationship System:  

Carver 10/10 - He can see an amazing partnership in the making. He is glad you gave him that information.   

Chapter Text

Brandon quickly comes up with his answer. He was not going to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. Not only is he being offered something better, but he gets to be the boss of everyone. He always hated Tavia, everyone he knew did as well. Even Troy sends her glares when her back is turned. 

Not only was she a bitch, she was someone who abused her power over others.  

This was his chance to create change. To implement something better, to lead everyone towards a greater tomorrow. No more sitting back and waiting for things to happen. He wasn’t going to be some lazy leader who barely did anything, no he was going to be far more involved. 

“I gratefully accept.” He says after a few moments of tense silence. 

Carver turns around. Glad to hear the answer. He goes up to Brandon and sticks out his hand, looking him square in the eye. 

Brandon shakes his hand, feeling energy surge within him. Was this the feeling of power? Of having control? 

“Good choice. I feel that you could be far more effective than Tavia, which is why I want to talk to you about this project. People also like you more than Tavia so this plan may go by smoother.” 

“What project are you talking about Carver? It must be pretty big if you didn’t tell anyone.” 

Carver doesn’t talk. He walks over to his office, moving past an office chair illuminated by a light. He steps past it and reaches up. Carver grabs a small ring and pulls down a hidden projector screen. 

Taped on the projector screen was a massive map of the local area. On the map are markings of different places.  

Brandon couldn’t decipher everything on the map because it was so much and it seemed hastily scribbled. It was as if Carver did it in a way that only he could read. 

“Please Brandon. Call me Bill.” 

“Now then.” Carver takes out a red marker from one of his jacket pockets. He makes a long red line east of Tennessee into North Carolina. 

“You said they were heading into North Carolina. That they said around the woodlands correct?” Carver turns making sure that the information is correct. 

“Thats what Carlos told me, Bill.” Brandon said the last part awkwardly. He was still getting used to the idea of calling him Bill instead of Carver. 

Carver didn’t pay any mind to it. His mind focused on the goal of obtaining information. 

“Thanks again for that information. Now its time we get into the project. Howe’s Expansion.” 

Brandon raises his eyebrow. 

“Howe’s Expansion?” 

“Yes. We are an amazing self-sustaining community no doubt. Still. I feel that we need to do more, to grow and blossom. There are people out there struggling and here we are in the middle of goddamn nowhere.”  

Brandon sat back listening. 

“You know how Tavia and a few others sometimes leaves to scout for survivors every now and then?” 

“I do.” Brandon thinks back to when he was found on his last leg. How close he was to death before he was found. 

He keeps himself in place, snapping back to reality. This wasn’t the best time to reflect back, not when he was just promoted to Lead Commander. 

“I wanted to expand that. Instead of one person per car, I believe that sending trucks with multiple people might be the better option. Sure, it is a bigger strain on resources, but one person in one car is a huge risk, not to mention there is more capacity. I wanted to send a team South towards the Georgia area to search for survivors since that’s where most of them come in from.” Bill gestures to the green line pointing south. 

“Why just south? Couldn’t we look every direction, Bill?” he inquires. 

“North is far too cold. I think any survivors would have frozen to death or would have been eaten. No way is anyone surviving for long, but I have a different idea for North.” Carver gestures to the dark blue line pointing north. 

“I can see that, what about West or East?” 

“East is too wooded. It’s easy to get lost or off track. Not to mention the loss of signal with all the trees. Consider that a lost cause, but now that I have information about Carlos and the others. East has a different purpose.” He gestures to the Red line. 

“I see, what about West?” Brandon notices a large dark purple X over the west part of the map. It kind of freaked him out a little but he wasn’t going to show any fear. 

“Brandon lets make one thing clear. What I am telling you now is confidential information that can never leave this room. Is that clear?” Carver was dead serious. His face stone as he waited for an answer. 

Brandon nods nervously. This sounded serious and Carver was not one to be messed with when serious. 

“West is a no go. Tried sending scouts to Arkansas and they were either never heard form again, or they were a shell of their former self. They would always come back with that thousand yard stare men got in the military.” Brandon was now at the edge of his seat. 

What could possibly be so bad that it would cause Carver not to go back there? 

“One time some scouts came back. A guy named Phil and a woman named Gina, those two were with another person, Adeline, but she wasn’t with them. Phil came back missing 4 fingers, and with his eyelids gone. He looked horrible, when questioned about what the hell happened, he kept muttering something about ‘villages’ and ‘cult’. He ended up shooting himself before we could get anymore information out of him.” 

Carver looks at Brandon, seeing his reaction to this. To his surprise Brandon took it well. He took this as his cue to continue on. 

“Gina gave us bits and pieces about what she saw. Gina told us about how the ‘higher ups’ in the cult ate walker brains and began speaking as if they were a prophet. She also old us about Adeline’s demise. They had gouged her eyes out, ripped open her stomach, pulled out her entrails, and tied her to a tree to scream until she eventually died all while she was forced to watch the entire act. They used her as a message. She broke down crying and ended up killing herself that same night with a knife.” 

Carver shakes his head at the memory of it. It was a gruesome sight, so much blood. 

“We did some deeper research we came to a conclusion on what they saw. They encountered a cult that actually ate walker brains, believing that it would give them new abilities or powers. They were not people anymore, but savages. They have gone native and had villages all along the Arkansas area. They number in the thousands. These people run along trees and use guerilla warfare if anyone approached their territory. Anyone found is either cannibalized, or their corpse is mutilated and strung up as a message to outsiders. They also used with arrows, knives, and syringes covered in walker blood, it was basically a death sentence if you got stabbed. I am not sending anymore of my people to pursue that area as I want nothing to do with that psycho shit.” 

Carver clenched his fist. No way in hell was he going to subjugate anyone to that kind of fate. Not even his worst enemies. 

Brandon felt his insides freeze, immense fear flooding his system. He wasn’t aware that this cult or people like this existed. People that eat walkers and use their blood as poison.  

‘What the hell has this world come to.’ Brandon thinks. 

“You are aware about why this information can’t leave this room right Brandon? Why you didn’t know about any of this before today?” Carver says, noticing that look in his eye.  

Carver recognized that look, because he too had it once. Yes, even William Carver feared something.  

“Good. Now lets move past that. North.” 

Carver gestured to the blue line once again with a smile. 

“There have been rumors about a safe haven in Ohio. They supposedly have big walls, protection, food, medicine, all that good stuff. They call themselves Wellington.” 

“Wellington?” Brandon had heard the rumors about Wellington before he was found by Carver. Back then he thought it was a load of shit and that it couldn’t be true. He thought that rumor died out long ago. 

“What I want to do is send some diplomats up there and try to establish communications with it if it exists. We can forge an alliance and possibly merge our communities together.” Carver says with a hopeful tone.  

“Alright. Fair point Bill. So when do you want to get this project started?” Brandon felt excited. This could be something truly special. 

“I say in the next month or so. I want three teams. The East team will head into North Carolina to search for our old friends. The South team will head into Georgia and the surrounding area to search for survivors, this time searching for seven days rather than two. The North team will head towards Ohio to try and contact Wellington and a potential alliance. I want this all done simultaneously as well so that we can be sure we aren’t wasting precious time.” 

Brandon nods, agreeing with this.  

‘Time is something not to be taken for granted in this day and age.’ he thinks. 

“I have already selected a captain for the East Team. I believe Troy would be the best fit for this.” 

Brandon’s mouth forms into a line. He didn’t like the idea of Troy being in charge of such an important operation but he could see why Bill could. 

“I want you to select the other two captains for the North and South teams. Can you do that?” He looks to Brandon, hoping to see if his 2nd in command was all for this. 

Brandon nods, firm in his resolve. 

“Good. Now you also have the choice to join one of the teams. I personally will be accompanying the East team. You have the choice of joining the North or South team, or remaining here. Tavia can run things while you are away if you choose to leave. What do you say?” 

What Does Brandon Do?  

A) Join the North team in trying to find Wellington.

B) Stay at Howe’s during the Howe’s Expansion project.

C) Join the South team in trying to find survivors.

Relationship System:  

Carver 10/10 - He trusts you completely and has told you about the project. He says you can call him Bill. You are now his 2 nd  in command.  

Chapter Text

He thinks about his options. Sure it would be beneficial for him to go join either side, but he needed to firmly establish himself as a leader. Remaining at Howe’s would be the best option. 

“I’ll stay here. I figure my assistance isn’t needed with either of the teams.” Carver looks at Brandon and nods, agreeing with his choice. 

“Good choice. Head on to sleep. I’ve got to make preparations for George’s funeral.” Carver dismisses him, pulling up the projector screen and heading to his desk. He takes out a notebook and begins writing. 

The next day, after George’s funeral  

Brandon walks through the empty halls of Howe’s, deep in thought. His mind was overflowing. Not only did he truly grieve and realize how much he would miss George, he realizes what he signed up for. 

He looks through one of the windows. The sun was setting. 

Being second in command was a big responsibility. That most likely meant lots more work and more things he was responsible for. 

“Fuck me.” he says shaking his head. 

It was then that he was pushed to the side, nearly falling over from surprise. He turns around trying to find who did it. 

He groans once he sees the ugly mug of Troy, glaring at him. 

“Hey watch where yer goin dipshit.” Troy growls out, holding onto his rifle. 

Brandon was about to apologize like he normally does. Not because he feared Troy or anything, but it was the easiest way to get rid of him. 

“You know what. No. You watch where  you  are going.” Brandon glares back at Troy. 

Troy, who was expecting him to just apologize and walk off is taken off guard. He sputters for a second before catching his senses. 

“What did’ya just say to me?!” Troy gets loud, not liking how one of his subordinates was mouthing off to him like this. 

“You heard me dumbass! I am not apologizing because you can’t fucking watch where you are going. Now apologize because I am your superior shitface.” Brandon folds his arms. He was the motherfucking  second in command  he didn’t have to deal with Troy’s shit anymore. It was time to stand up for himself. This was the line. 

“My superior? Do y’know who in the hell yer talkin’ to?” Troy begins to think that he actually lost his damn mind. 

“Yeah I know. I’m lead commander now. You are my subordinate.” Brandon says firmly. 

Troy got mad and was about to attack Brandon, until a booming voice intercepts him. 

“Troy! What in the hell are you doing?!” Carver walks by, looking at Troy as if he lost his damn mind. 

Troy instantly stops, feeling fear course through him. 

“I was just talking with Brandon here.” 

Carver gets in his face, glaring at him. Troy can’t meet his eyes. Despite having a big rifle, he felt powerless. 

“Lie to me again. I dare you.” Carver says behind gritted teeth. 

Troy was speechless, he looked at the ground. 

“Apologize to him. You don’t treat your lead commander like that.”  

With that command, Troy turns to Brandon, eyes still downcast and neck angled towards the floor. 

“I’m uh, sorry for that altercation.” Troy says silently. His voice low and confidence sapped out of him. 

Brandon lets a smile come to his face. Seems being in this position had its perks.  

“Of course. I forgive you Troy. Seems you just forgot your position.” Brandon adds the last part just to add salt to the wound. Might as well get sort of vengeance for the shit Troy put him through. He remembers the ‘Fertilizer’ incident like it happened yesterday. 

Troy had ordered him to carry 4 huge bags of fertilizer all the way to the greenhouse by himself. Of course going up the stairs was hell. Brandon eventually lost control and fell down the stairs,  to the store floor. Fertilizer all over him.  

Troy was the first one to notice this, and instead of helping him, he laughed and commented about how he looks like he was climbing in a chimney. 

Eventually others began to notice and either joined Troy in laughing or pitied Brandon. Brandon had to clean up the mess, however George and Shel had joined him in helping him clean up. 

“No way we were gonna let you clean this up alone.” Shel says encouragingly, bringing over a wheelbarrow and shovels. 

“Pfft. Fuck Troy. Bet my middle finger is bigger than him.” George stuck up his middle finger to Troy when his back was turned. 

That caused Brandon and Shel to laugh. 

“Bet the last girl he was with screamed because she thought it was a caterpillar in the bed.” Shel says trying to stop her laughter. 

Brandon lost it at that point, they all erupt in laughter. The three laugh as Troy gets mad that they were “laughing too much, and working too less” as he put it. 

Good times. Back when things were simpler. 

Troy clenches his fist, pissed off. However he doesn’t say anything as Carver was right there. 

“Treat him with respect Troy. You don’t want to know what I would do if I heard different.” Carver dismisses Troy.  

He meekly walks off, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. 

“Thanks for that Bill.”  

Carver nods. 

“No problem. I know he can be a handful sometimes.” Carver shakes his head as he watches Troy walk off. 

“Anything you need done Bill? I’ve already got the plants clipped.” Carver nods his head in approval. 

“Well. Plenty needs to be done. For one, I could use some assistance with preparations for the project. Russell says that he could use some help burying George for good, its in the earth but it needs to be buried. Vince mentioned that he saw something out back the other night. He said it looked like a walker, but it was rummaging through garbage like a person, I guess you could investigate that if you want. Becca could also use some guidance. She is becoming distant, becoming more of a nussience. I guess you can pick.” Carver shrugs. 

Plenty needed to be done, but he figures Brandon can pick what he wants to pick. 

What Does Brandon Do?  

A) Assist Carver in preparations.

B) Help Russell bury George.

C) Investigate with Vince.

D) Find and talk to Becca.

Relationship System:  

Carver 10/10 - He has already let Tavia know that you now have her position.  

Russell 9/10 - You two are good friends. He realizes that signing up to do this might be more than he could handle. He could really use some help.  

Vince 8/10 - He swears something lurks outside when its dark.  

Becca 2/10 - She begins to grow resentment towards both you and Carver. She feels as if this community has a dark future. 

Chapter Text

Shel was his friend. Despite the fact he doesn’t like Becca all that much, he understood how this experience could turn her against him. Last thing Howe’s need is another rebel. 

Brandon knew what Carver did to those who he considered a drain on resources and he did not want Becca getting that treatment. 

“I’ll talk to Becca. I mean she witnessed her sister brutally beat a man to death. That’s not something a child could watch without being traumatized.” 

“Good point. Set her straight or I will .” Carver says the last part to get the message through. Carver had no problem setting people straight. Man, woman, elderly, handicapped, child, it was all the same to him. Brandon had seen this firsthand. 

He did see potential in Becca since she was young, but if she wasn’t going to fix that bitchy attitude why keep her around? 

With that, Brandon walks around Howe’s looking for Becca. He goes to the resting area but Becca isn’t among the community. 

He checks the restrooms, all empty. 

“The hell?” he questions, leaving the restrooms. This was beginning to grow kind of concerning. Night was approaching and she was nowhere to be found. 

He even goes to the dock, she isn’t there either. He does spot Wyatt and Eddie tagging the garage door with spray paint. The two spraying on crudely drawn dicks. They are laughing. 

Brandon rolls his eyes and holds back his laugh. That shit was pretty funny. If he wasn’t looking for Becca he would probably hang out but time was of the essence. 

“Ahem.” 

Both men snap their heads back instantly. Both looking like deer in headlights. They just got caught wasting supplies and vandalizing property by the 2nd in command. 

“Aw man, we’re so screwed.” Eddie looks down sadly. 

“It was nice knowing you Eddie.” Wyatt says, bracing for whatever punishment was about to be thrown their way. 

He asks Wyatt and Eddie if they saw her, not really caring about the door. 

“No dude, haven’t seen the twerp anywhere.” Wyatt says with a shrug.  

“I’ll keep my eyes peeled chief.” Eddie stands up straight and does an overdramatic salute. 

“Where the hell could she be?” Brandon asks out loud. 

“Beats me. So we aren’t in trouble or anything?” Eddie asks slowly, trying to ease into the topic. 

“No. Still you better not let Carver or anyone else catch you though. They won’t be easy on you about this.” He warns, walking off.  

Both Wyatt and Eddie gulp at the same time, realizing they had no real way of removing the paint... 

Brandon makes it the roof of Howe’s. The chill of the air hitting him hard as his face scrounges up. 

“Shit that’s cold.” He sees a figure in the distance. They were sitting at the top of Howe’s overlooking the back of the store. 

He approaches the figure, and as he comes closer he sees it was Becca. She looked down at Russell, who was putting dirt in the hole. A somber look on his face. 

Brandon sits down, watching with her. 

Becca looks at him, sending a silent glare, but she quickly goes back to watching. Minutes pass in silence. Becca breaks it first, getting frustrated. 

“What do you want?” She demands coldly, eyes glaring at Brandon with all the hatred they could muster. 

“To talk to you. Explain why I let Shel do what she did.” Brandon explains. 

“You stood there and watched her beat a man to death with her hands.” 

“I allowed her to express her emotions, to have a target to take out her sorrows on.” 

“She mutilated Alvin. She is traumatized.”  

“Alvin was a traitor who killed George.” 

“Killing Alvin isn’t gonna bring him back.” Becca mumbles, no longer looking at Brandon but at the spot where George was buried. 

Brandon feels his chest clench. 

She was right. 

George wasn’t coming back. 

“I don’t see why you just let her do that. What was gained from that?” Becca asks, feeling a chill go through her body. Her memories flash back to Shel’s emotionless face. The sound of flesh splattering. 

“People grieve differently Becca. We’re all hurting. George meant the world to Shel. To have her world taken by someone, especially someone who was once family, can change someone. Think about it from Shel’s perspective. To her, Alvin may as well be the devil himself.” He sees almost no change from Becca’s face. He decides to take a different approach. 

“Think about this. What if Shel was to be killed tomorrow?” 

This causes Becca’s eyes to snap to his. 

“Why would you say something so horrible?!” She gasps out. She couldn’t dare think of something so cruel. 

Brandon resists the urge to slap his forehead. 

“Just close your eyes and imagine.” He says with a sigh. 

Becca frowns, but complies. Deciding to give this a shot because why not.

“I’m just saying imagine. Imagine losing someone that means the world to you. Imagine facing the person that took them away from you. Imagine them trying to apologize. Imagine having the opportunity to get them back.” 

Brandon sees the change on Becca’s face. Her face shifting from sadness, to shock, to anger. She pictures the exact scenario Brandon describes. Seeing Shel’s dead body right in front of her eyes. The chance to get redemption. 

Brandon sees his plan is working.  

Becca opens her eyes after a minute, anger still plastered on her face. 

“I would want them dead.” That’s all she says as she walks off, deep in thought. Maybe Brandon was right? She didn’t know. 

 
Brandon makes his way to his new office, courtesy of Bill. AKA, a small corner with a single desk, a desklamp, and multiple 2x4s acting as a door. The smell of strong chemicals roam the air despite none being there for who knows how long. 

“Well. Guess I can start making teams...” Brandon looks down at the list of names.  

Russell. Wyatt. Amir. Eddie. Jonny. Bonnie. Raya. Shel. Misa. Vince. Troy. Iris. 

That was all he had at the moment. 

The east team would be lead by Troy. Brandon knew that Troy wouldn’t be the easiest to get along with. 

“Bonnie you’re on the east team.” Brandon smirks. He would make sure to make Bonnie’s life a living hell for what she did. Dealing with Troy for a long period of time is a punishment nobody should wish on their worst enemy.

“Now as for the rest... Who should my captains be?” He asks himself. He needed 2 captains to finish the Howe's expansion list.

He wasn’t really familiar with many on the list besides Wyatt, Eddie, Vince, Shel, and Russell. The rest on the list either didn’t talk much or stayed under the radar most of the time. 

He focuses in on the few he knew. Going over the pros and cons. He would send 2 of them, and keep 3 of them back with him.

Brandon had serious doubts about Wyatt or Eddie leading a team on something this important. He loved those guys but were they truly ready to step up? 

Russell wasn’t really the type to lead from what Brandon has seen. He does however communicate well. Russell just has to assert himself more. 

Shel’s mental state was up in the air. He wasn’t sure if she should be leading. Should she remain behind or would this venture be exactly what she needs? He isn't sure.

Vince was someone who could definitely lead a team. Brandon almost considered him a captain right away but wasn’t sure. He thinks Vince would be a great leader but at the same time he needs someone he can TRULY rely on to remain here with him. 

Who are the Captains for the North and South teams?  

A) Russell.  

B) Vince.

C) Wyatt.  

D) Eddie.  

E) Shel.  

Relationship System:  

Becca 4/10 - She is conflicted after talking with you. She questions if she was right or wrong.