Merle: Whoa, now hang on there DiMaggio. Don't you see this what it's for?

Negan: Now there's a bold son of bitch. What is this for you?

Merle: [scoffs] It's our first meeting, ain't it? We sent you a message, and you sure as shit got it, didn't ya?

Negan: And what message was that?

Merle: We've heard about you for some time. Uh huh. Wanted to be part of this…movement, but didn't see a clear way in. It was decided we would trim some fat for you.

[Negan cocks his head, drumming his fingers along the base of his bat]

Negan: Trim fat?

Merle: How in the hell else would you describe it? We did you a favor, man. Got rid of your weaker flunkies. Two birds, one stone. We make room for ourselves in your empire while proving what we can do at the same time.

[Merle smirks, while Negan smiles]

Negan: You expect me to buy that shit?

Merle: No shit here, man. Only the god's honest truth. Sure, you caught us at a bad time, what with the sick den mother over there, but we'e been looking forward to this day.

Negan: Your day of reckoning.

Merle: Business, friend. Business. Aren't you curious to know what we can do for you?

Negan: Already know what you're going to do–give me fifty percent of what you got.

[Merle scoffs, then spits]

Merle: And here I thought you were a man with a vision. This group right here–we're worth more than that. We aren't just delivery boys and girls. We've got tactical, mental, and physical. Hell, the eighties Gap ad over there that you decided to whoop on? He's a damn scientist. The caramel queen over there? Sharp shooter. That big ginger–he's a bonafide, U.S. military sergeant. Just a few examples. What we have, I guarantee you ain't got. The same applies for us. You clearly have reach and resources. But there's always a better mouse trap, ain't it? Think you and me and Rick can hash this business out?

[Negan looks over at Rick, who looks anxious and confused]

Negan: He looks a bit worse for wear. Why him?

[Merle shrugs]

Merle: Officer–sorry, Sheriff Friendly over there? Well, he's our big boss. And I'm his mouth piece.

Negan: …Okay. You two–in the trailer. Let's work out some details.