novelraw Chapter 129 – To be a Leader
Chapter 129 – To be a Leader
It wasn’t only the kids who came over to visit, almost everyone living within the prison grounds had taken some of their time to take a look. Curious to see what the person looks like since this is the first time they had put someone behind bars and under strict watch.
“Damn, for a prisoner, doesn’t he look too hot?” One of the female survivors mumbled while watching Baldwin workout with an animated look on her face. It wasn’t just her who experienced this kind of feeling, the others before her were too charmed by him.
Michael had no idea what was happening on this side of the camp, but he probably wouldn’t expect the women would still have the time to admire someone when they are busy preparing for the war in the next two days.
‘I guess the urge to procreate is strong today.’ He would probably think along those words if he hears of what’s happened here later today.
From one of the watch towers, Michael was reminded of something while watching a group of survivors reinforcing the walls. ‘Oh right, didn’t Andrea mention that there’s more women than men in the camp? I think that’s going to be a problem in the long run, though I hope it should still be manageable if there’s only a 3-5 difference.’
Hearing movements behind him, Michael turned around to see Andrea stirring awake from her sleep.
Andrea rubbed her eyes and saw Michael standing just outside the doorway. “Hmm..you’re up early.”
Michael took a sip of his hot coffee and smiled at her. “I could say the same to you, shouldn’t you get more sleep after how many rounds we did last night?”
Andrea suddenly felt a little bashful. She slowly sat up from the bed while still covering herself with the quilt.”I’m already used to it, though my hips are aching a lot every time we do it.”
Michael grew a little embarrassed and felt sorry for her. “Sorry, I’ll be gentler next time.”
Andrea dressed up and brewed herself a cup of coffee. She walked outside and stood beside Michael and took a sip. “Hey, I don’t know if anyone has told you already ,but I don’t think it's a good idea to be trading our weapons when we’re preparing for a war.”
“Obviously, it’s not a good idea.” Michael admitted it and didn’t bother making any excuses.
Andrea turned her head towards him. “If you already know, why did you still proceed with it? No one is going against your decisions right now because they trust you. Especially since most of the weapons we have right now have come from you, but if we want to turn this place into a society. Then you’ll need to start sharing your plans to Rick and the others so they can help you with them. You don’t need to shoulder every burden there is since no single person knows everything. Even kings of old needed counsels so that they can avoid reckless decisions that lead to loss of authority and trust.”
Then she hooked her arm around his and added. “Rick and the others trust you a lot, but we’re not the only ones here anymore. We now have survivors and groups who don’t really know you and are familiar with you. The decisions you made yesterday might not cause any ripples today, but are we just gonna wait for the day when dissatisfied voices reach your ears?”
Listening to Andrea, Michael also realized that he might have been too hasty yesterday. “No, it shows there’s now cracks in the leadership.”
Andrea smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Right? That’s why if possible, discuss it first with the others so we can polish whatever plans you have thought of, and the same goes for the rest.”
With a glint in her eyes, Andrea smiled. “Remember, an effective leader should listen more than he talks. Only then can you maximize your advantages.”
Michael lightly turned his head to his shoulder and looked at her from the corner of his eyes. His opinion of her is slowly changing because of the things she said to him today.
‘Hmm..was she always this clever?’ He thought while feeling surprised and amused since this woman beside her is already thinking far more ahead than him.
On another note, Michael became concerned about something. “We barely started building, but people are already playing politics here?”
“Yeah, there’s some since there are a lot of people that want to join our team of supply runners. After all, it’s one of the easiest ways to get things from outside the wall and keep your vouchers.” Andrea said.
Vouchers, these are the current currency used inside the prison that can be used similar to those that people had used before like food vouchers or delivery vouchers. Survivors can earn them by doing work around the camp, the most common works are construction, patrol duties or working in the gardens and many more. They can use them to exchange things from the warehouse, which is managed by both Hershel and Amy.
Michael chuckled with realization. “So most would rather risk their lives than do work within the safety of the walls?”
“Well, most are not new to the dangers outside. So they have no problem with it.” Andrea explained.
“So how are you guys handling these people who are applying to join the supply runs then?” Michael asked.
“We do not accept anyone unless a member becomes incapacitated or we have no other choice but to add an addition.” Andrea answered then shortly added. “It’s hard to trust your back to someone who hasn't proven their worth and earned it.”
“Anyway, what time will you guys head out to finalize the trade?”
Michael thought for a moment. “Probably after lunch since I still had to inspect the things I entrusted to people awhile back.”
“You weren’t still done with it?”
“Not yet, and we also need to discuss what we’ll do with that guy.” Michael replied while referring to Baldwin.
“Baldwin, right? I caught a glimpse of that guy last night. He’s very attractive and obviously looks strong with that suit of armor on him. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of women would try to take their shot at him today.” Andrea chuckled.
Michael turned his head towards her while slightly moving his head back. “Take their shot at a prisoner? Would they be that dumb to not realize that he’s an enemy?”
Andrea shrugged her shoulders. “Women tend to do stupid things when they see someone attractive and a potential mate.”
“Like how you mated with me?” Michael teased her.
“Exactly.” She wasn’t the slightest bit embarrassed to admit it.