The stage is slowly being set for the inevitable bloody meeting between Rick Grimes and "The Walking Dead's" most despicable villain to date, Negan.

The previous episode was relatively light on the threats but heavy on the exposition. The world of "The Walking Dead" is never safe, but Rick's (Andrew Lincoln) group has shown time and again that they are more than capable of defending themselves. This was seen when they were able to save Jesus' (Tom Payne) people and again when Gregory (Xander Berkeley) was stabbed by one of Hilltop Colony's own residents.

Their skill and general badassery is what the group used to trade for food with Hilltop, who were being extorted by Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his Saviours.

Now that Rick, Michonne (Danai Gurira), Daryl (Norman Reedus) and the rest have a clear goal in mind, it's off to Alexandria to begin preparations in taking down the infamous Negan.

IB Times reports that the synopsis for episode 12, "Not Tomorrow Yet," hints at Rick's group knowing that "the only way to maintain the peace of Alexandria is to fight a new enemy." However, a teaser for the episode shows that not everyone is on-board with the idea.

The trailer shows Rick holding a meeting in church and explaining who the Saviours are and what they do. He tells the residents of Alexandria that it was only a matter of time before the Saviours found the community and "try to own us." Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Glen (Steven Yeun) are sitting together in a pew, with Carol (Melissa McBride) behind them. Her face is turned away from Rick as she contemplates what he's saying. The other Alexandrians look uncertain while Morgan (Lennie James) seems to be sceptical of Rick's plan.

The Hilltop guide draws Rick a map, which the former sheriff checks out with Maggie and Glen. As Rick explains his plan on looking for the Saviours in order to keep and "feed this place," the group is shown on the road and later making a sweep of the inside of a building. The clip ends with shot of Rick and Daryl, with Rick's voice saying "we're gonna have to fight."

Most "Walking Dead" fans know that a fight is a foregone conclusion. The question is whether Rick and his core group can handle it or if they'll be outmatched? After all, no one knows for certain how big Negan's group is.

With only a few episodes left in the season before Negan's debut in the season finale, the tension is already starting to ratchet up.

"The Walking Dead" season 6 will return to AMC with episode 12 on March 6.