"That's extremely gracious of you...really, it is. We'll make sure to deliver the news personally. If it wouldn't be too much of a burden, however, we would greatly appreciate having a scout or two to guide us back to the border of Manhattan. We'll need the added protection." Avery nodded, whisps of her gray hair fluttering as she responded:
"That is a fair request. We will send two of our best to help you navigate the path back along with some supplies that will hopefully catch the attention of your leaders. We have much to offer, as you know, and if your people are as resourceful as I believe they are, I believe we would be amiss to not join forces. These are dark times, Justin. We all need each other to survive." Although Justin agreed with the sentiment, the tone in which she delivered her last statement could have been perceived as veiled foreboding. Maybe he was being paranoid, but the seed had already been planted. Was there some kind of ulterior motive behind her merging? Was this settlement a way to coax other growing settlements to their cause only to envelop them in servitude? The scout mentally shook the thoughts away, fully aware that he should be grateful that he wasn't being served up as a steak to the cannibals they had just escaped. 
"Please, return soon. Much hinges on this decision."
"Of course. We'll plan to be back within the week." 
"Be safe on your journeys, the both of you." 

And safe it was, although it was a tad encumbered by the weight of the gifts Avery sent with them. Justin's old pack had to be swapped out with a new, larger rucksack that he could sling across his shoulder. It contained blueberries, apples, peaches, cucumbers and other bits of produce that made Justin's mouth salivate with the expectation. Of course, that expectation was met with reality when he was able to sample a peach for himself...then another. Real food! He couldn't stop talking about it to both Cam and the scouts, the latter nearly splitting their respective sides with laughter at Justin's childlike enthusiasm("WHO KNEW PEACHES COULD TASTE THIS GOOD?!?!?"). They were led to the border of the city where he and Cam's journey had begun just a few days ago, where Justin took over for guidance. It was about mid-afternoon when they arrived to the thick, concrete walls of Omega's protective barrier, some of the carnage from a few days still in place. Chunks of the wall littered the ground as they walked through the main gate, men and women dragging stretchers with covered bodies that Justin could only assume were recent deaths from those mortally wounded. Most of the settlement had been cleaned up, however, including central command. Boards covered the windows that had been shot out and the interior hallways were now being filled with caulk by some of the younger men who were beginning to learn the trade of construction. Justin found the remaining members of the council in the same meeting area discussing something quietly. Ryken was the first to rise from his chair, a glowing smile on his face.
"Good to see you're both alive...yet so soon?" His smile disappeared.
"Well, we've got some news for you that may...change everything." Justin recounted their adventures and ended with Avery's offer. June instantly chimed in after Justin said his last word:
"Well we do it, right? They've got access to actual food, shelter, water...so what if we spare a few men to go up to Portland? I'll go if that's what it takes!"
"I'm a bit...unsettled by how quickly she wanted to offer a partnership." Ryken rubbed some of the silvery scruff on his face, looking to Cameron as he asked:
"What do you think?"