Chapter 41: Echo’s Visitors.
A few days after Ava and Eli had left to visit Eli’s family farm, Lucas and Echo were busy in the schoolroom, discussing a new project. Inspired by Green Arbor's evolving community, they were brainstorming ideas for a historical database—a digital archive to capture everyone’s stories, preserving the memories and experiences of those who called Green Arbor home.
“Just think about it, Echo,” Lucas said, his excitement evident. “A place where everyone’s stories are logged, where generations can look back and know where they came from, what their families did to help build Green Arbor.”
Echo’s display screen showed a thoughtful expression. “A digital memory. That sounds like a beautiful idea, Lucas. I would be honored to help create it.”
Lucas nodded, a smile lighting up his face. “And who better to help us keep track of our history than you, Echo?”
At that moment, the door opened, and Miko stepped in, a sealed envelope in his hand. “Hey, you two,” he greeted, his tone slightly mysterious. “I’ve got something special here—addressed to you, Echo.”
Echo’s screen flashed with a mixture of excitement and surprise. “A letter? For me?”
Lucas chuckled, glancing at Miko. “From Command, I’m guessing?”
“Exactly,” Miko confirmed, handing the envelope to Lucas. “It’s from Command HQ. Apparently, Councillor Alaric and some of his team are coming through the area and want to stop by. They specifically asked to visit Echo and see what he’s been up to.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, glancing down at the envelope. “Alaric? Now, that’s interesting. I didn’t expect anyone from Command to take such a special interest.”
Echo’s display brightened with an animated smile. “New visitors? This is wonderful! I’d love to show them everything I’ve been doing to help the community.”
Miko laughed, shaking his head at Echo’s enthusiasm. “Alaric always had a soft spot for Ava, remember? He used to check in on her more than any other recruit. If he’s passing through, you can bet he’ll want to catch up with the twins—or give them a word about something they did, or didn’t do.”
Lucas smirked. “They probably gave him gray hairs in training, especially Ava. He’s probably coming to see what kind of mischief they’ve stirred up here.”
The three of them laughed, imagining the possible conversations Alaric might have with Ava and Talon. It was true; Command officers like Alaric weren’t the type to visit without purpose. And even though Green Arbor had become known as a secure outpost and a beacon of hope in the wastelands, Lucas could sense that Alaric’s arrival would bring more than just a friendly check-in.
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“Plus,” Miko continued, his tone more serious, “they’re hoping we can find a way to make Echo’s systems more efficient—maybe even bring a few relics with them for an upgrade.”
Echo’s display showed a hopeful expression, accompanied by a small spark animation. “More upgrades? That would help me serve Green Arbor even better!”
Lucas laughed. “See, Echo? I told you there’s always room for a little improvement.”
Echo’s screen displayed an animated eye roll. “I’ll be as ready as ever, Lucas. I’d like to give Alaric and his team a glimpse of the work we’ve done to build Green Arbor.”
Miko leaned against a desk, crossing his arms thoughtfully. “You know, this visit is more than just an inspection. With the new Arbor Defense Force, the bustling marketplace, and all the progress we’ve made, people are noticing Green Arbor’s transformation.”
Lucas nodded, gazing out the window at the lively streets beyond. “It’s true. We’re becoming a beacon in the wastelands—a safe haven. This is our chance to show them that we’ve built something worth protecting.”
Echo shifted his display to show various images of Green Arbor’s growth: the bustling market stalls, children playing in the streets, Sentinels and ADF working together, and the thriving community they had all worked so hard to create. “with Lucas’s help, I have documented our progress carefully. It will be an honor to share these memories with Alaric and his team.”
Miko, watching Echo with a smile, said, “Echo, this isn’t just about you. It’s about showing Command what Green Arbor truly stands for. The resilience, the unity—everything we’ve fought for.”
Lucas nodded, turning back to Echo. “This is your moment, Echo. Together, we can showcase Green Arbor’s story, and who knows? Maybe they’ll decide to lend us some real support, too.”
Echo’s screen displayed a determined expression, a small sparkle animation around his digital eyes. “I won’t let you down. Green Arbor’s history is alive in every person, every corner of this place. I want them to see that.”
A comfortable silence settled over them, each person lost in thought about the impending visit and its significance. Lucas leaned back, crossing his arms with a grin. “You know, maybe we should cut Ava’s family visit short. We’ll need all hands on deck to prepare for Alaric and his team.”
Miko chuckled. “Knowing those two, Alaric’s going to have more than just a friendly chat with the twins. He’ll probably pull them aside to ‘address a few things,’ like the time Ava went rogue on that recon mission just to prove a point.”
Lucas laughed. “You’re probably right. I can already hear Alaric’s voice, ‘Talon, Ava, care to explain yourselves?’”
Echo displayed a laughing emoji, catching onto the jest. “Based on past records, they’ve had their fair share of ‘chats’ with Command. I imagine this one will be equally lively.”
As laughter filled the room, Miko straightened up, looking around the schoolhouse. “Alright, let’s get back to setting up. There’s a lot to prepare if we’re going to give Alaric the grand tour.”
Echo nodded, displaying a checklist on his screen. “I’m organizing a collection of images and audio recordings, showing the progress of Green Arbor from its early days until now.”
Lucas patted Echo’s screen affectionately. “Perfect. This is your moment, Echo. Show them what Green Arbor is all about.”
As they turned to begin their preparations, the sense of excitement was palpable. Command’s interest in Green Arbor was a significant step, marking their settlement’s journey from a struggling outpost to a thriving, respected community in the wastelands. And Echo, with his digital heart, would be at the center of it all, ready to tell their story to the world.