Prelude To War

As Rick's group was preparing to attack the raiders. The scouts that Zachariah had sent out were just arriving in the area. They had sent out two teams that were made up of members of each gang. The groups split up and decided to go the city from different directions. Neither group wanted to head directly into the city.

The first group had five people and came into the city from the west side. However they did not make it far into the city. Rick's group had already set up barricades at most intersections. Blocking almost every route into the city. The second group all left on motorcycles and was currently trying to scout the city multiple entry points.

They continued to travel along the barricades until they found an opening. It was obvious that someone had set up shop in the city. However they had to get some information before they returned.

The scouts entered the city, unaware that they were being monitored by drones. Rick was informed they were on the way as soon as they left their territory. The drones began to monitor their movement, while Rick had set up a ambush to try and capture the raiders.

The scouts had gone several blocks and they were shocked at what they were seeing. There were no walkers, all of the streets were clean, and most of the buildings had been boarded up. They knew now that whomever had taken over the city was well organized. The scouts had started to travel further into the city, but the further in they went they started to become more nervous.

"We should turn around, something is not right. They barricaded the whole downtown area, and cleaned it up so why haven't we seen anyone." (Scout1)

The rest of the scouts agreed and began to turn their vehicle around. However when they went back the way they came. There was a large bus with metal plating blocking the roadway. The scouts then tried to turn around but realized they were boxed in by another bus. There was now people inside the buses with guns pointing out at them. The scouts knew that they were fucked and had no way out. One of them suggested trying smash their way through, but that was practically suicide. While they were trying to figure out what to do. A man walked up on top of one of the buses.

"You all can go ahead and step out your vehicle and put your weapons on the ground. I would also recommend moving very slowly." (Merle)

As Merle instructed the scouts out of the vehicle. One of them tried to draw their gun and run for a building nearby. The scout made it about two steps before he was shot in the head. He was dead before he hit the ground.

"Now that was not smart. Next person who tries anything we will just kill the lot of ya and get your buddies on the choppers. Now I am going to need each one of you put your peckers in the dirt, and arms behind your backs." (Merle)

Shortly after all of the first scout group was detained and brought to a warehouse to be interrogated. Rick had told Merle use any means necessary to get the info they needed. The scouts were tortured and executed one by one until Merle had gotten enough information.

From what Merle had learned. The raiders had no idea who had killed the men at the armory. They were just scouting the area trying to find any trail. He also learned more about the infrastructure of each of the gangs and approximate number of the enemy. He also learned where they were keeping prisoners.

Merle relayed all the information to Rick, who then had Hermes alter the plan to maximize the damage caused when they attacked. Rick then sent out teams to have the other scouts taken out. He couldn't have any of the scouts returning and giving the raiders an idea of what they were up against. It didn't take more then a hour for all the teams to report back that all the scouts had successfully been eliminated.

Rick now had all the information he needed to attack the raiders. Hermes had also advised him that he had gathered enough walkers and had corralled them in two separate locations. Rick then gathered all the main members of his camp. He wanted to verify everyone was completely prepared and was ready for what needed to be done.