Gratitude and Request

Dominic spoke extensively with Rick, answering all his questions while they waited for Glenn to give a clear answer on whether or not he could repair the radio.

Everything went too smoothly for the first meeting, but that was about to change now as Merle woke up and started cursing everyone.

"Just answer one question: Where is the shelter you come from?" Dominic had a calm look, obviously not revealing anything he could do if a single word left his mouth.

Merle looked at Dominic and asked, "Why do you think I would answer that?"

"Your answer would be highly valued; you would get your freedom back, and I won't kill you. If you want to belong to a good shelter, you can work for me; I need men like you." Dominic checked the time to see how much daylight they had left.

Daryl, who heard this, looked at Dominic. He could say little because he had heard his story from Rick and knew this man was far from simple.

"Give me the exact coordinates, and I will pay them a visit and end all this."

"You want to kill people who are just trying to survive?"

Dominic smiled and asked, "How long do you think they'll survive this way? Let me tell you something: there are three phases to the end of the world. In the first, all the resources they were always using ran out. In the second, any resources they can scavenge run out, and lastly, if there's no system, they'll end up eating each other."

"I can confess to everyone in this room that I've killed more people than walkers. As the leader of the resistance, I must establish order, clear the way, and ensure an optimal future."

Rick frowned and asked, "You kill more people than walkers?"

"I eliminate whoever is necessary. None of the people I take out of the way are for mere pleasure. I saved thousands of people before they bombed the city, gathered the fleet that wandered the sea helplessly, and led them all." Dominic was giving many people hints about the extent of his power.

Nuclear bombs, intercontinental missiles, fighter jets, attack helicopters, and tanks were at his disposal at any moment. A single order from his mouth could destroy a state completely, which is why he had to have control of things.

"I've already done a lot for you. I saved Carol's daughter, brought Andrea back, and didn't kill Daryl's brother. I don't need your gratitude, just your understanding." Dominic didn't expect much from these people; in the end, whether they decided to follow him or not would determine what he would do next.

Rick remained silent, looked at Merle, and said, "Come on, friend, answer his question."

"I'm not your friend, you piece of sh*t. I'll tear your guts out once I break free from these restraints."

"You won't do anything." Daryl wouldn't let his brother act like an idiot.

Merle fell silent, knowing that if he spoke too much, Dominic would kill him without hesitation.

"Killing them all is not the solution."

Dominic smiled slightly and asked, "Are you going to feed them? Surely not everyone knows they're eating food from massacred communities. They live in a very illogical dream, given the times we live in. It's better to end it from the root; believe me, I've considered all my options."

After saying this, he left the room where he met Carol, who approached to thank him. "You don't know how much I appreciate that you saved my daughter; I thought I'd never see her again."

"I'll take you to a safe place. All of you can return to a place where there's a society and laws. Don't worry; once I get in touch with my people, we can leave this place."