Chapter 46: Alaric’s Farewell.

The morning after the lively night at the tavern, Green Arbor awoke peacefully under the soft light of dawn. Alaric and the Sentinel visitors were preparing to leave, their vehicles packed and engines rumbling in anticipation of the journey back to the main base.

Ava, Talon, Miko, Eli, Lucas, and Callie gathered by the gates to bid them farewell. A crowd of villagers had gathered as well, a testament to the connections that had been strengthened during the visitors’ stay.

Alaric stood beside his vehicle, speaking with Miko. “You’ve done an outstanding job here, Miko. I hope you continue to lead with the same dedication and integrity.”

“Thank you, sir,” Miko replied, pride evident in his voice. “It’s been an honor to have you here and to show you what we’ve accomplished.”

Alaric turned to Ava and Talon, a warm smile lighting his face. “You two have certainly left an impression. Green Arbor is lucky to have you.”

Talon grinned. “Thanks, sir. It’s been great having you here. And I have to admit, I enjoyed that game of cards.”

Alaric chuckled. “So did I. I’ll be back for a rematch one day.”

Ava stepped forward, her expression sincere. “Thank you for everything, Sir. Your visit has meant a lot to all of us.”

Alaric placed a hand on her shoulder. “I hope you still read that book I gave you, Ava.”

Ava smiled, a hint of warmth in her eyes. “I take it with me everywhere I go, sir.”

Alaric nodded approvingly. “Good. Keep fighting the good fight, and remember, you’re never alone. The Sentinels will always stand with you.”

Just then, Echo’s screen lit up from his new mobile unit—a limited-range device Keith and Lucas had collaborated on so Echo could move around parts of Green Arbor. The AI’s screen displayed a cheerful face. “Goodbye, Alaric. Thank you for visiting. I hope to see you again.”

Alaric smiled at the AI. “Goodbye, Echo. You’ve become an incredible part of this community. Keep up the good work.”

Nearby, Lucas and Keith exchanged a firm handshake, mutual respect beginning to grow between them. Their shared work on Echo’s mobile device had been a true test of collaboration, and they both understood the value it brought to Green Arbor.

As the farewells continued, Alaric addressed the gathered crowd. “People of Green Arbor, it has been an honor to witness the strength and unity of this community. You’ve built something truly remarkable here, and I have no doubt that you’ll continue to thrive. The Sentinels will always support and protect you. Farewell, and keep up the excellent work.”

The crowd erupted in applause, their appreciation and respect for Alaric and the Sentinels evident. As the convoy began to roll out, Alaric took one last look at Green Arbor, a sense of pride and hope filling his heart.

Miko, Ava, Talon, Eli, Callie, and Lucas stood side by side, watching as the vehicles disappeared into the horizon. The group, united by their shared purpose, felt a renewed determination to continue protecting Green Arbor.

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As the dust settled, Talon turned to Ava with a grin. “So, what’s next, Blondie?”

Ava smiled, feeling a sense of resolve. “We keep building, defending, and growing. Green Arbor is our home, and we’ll do whatever it takes to protect it.”

Miko nodded, echoing her sentiment. “And we’ll make sure that our community remains a beacon of hope in this new world.”

As they began to walk back, Miko smirked, glancing at Ava and Talon. “Well, seeing as though you two almost blew it, that went well.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, curious. “How did they almost blow it?”

Miko chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’ll tell you all at the tavern later.”

With shared laughter, the group continued on back into the gates of Green Arbor.

---

Later that evening, the tavern was bustling with ADF members, villagers, and a few Sentinels. Groups gathered in every corner, laughter mingling with the warmth of the crackling fire. The cozy, inviting atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for stories, and everyone seemed eager to relax after the week’s events.

Talon sat at the bar, sharing a lighthearted moment with his mother, Selene, their laughter filling the air. Selene’s eyes sparkled as Talon filled her in on all the latest tales of Green Arbor and what had happened in the Sentinel post.

Meanwhile, Ava entered with Callie, immediately spotting Miko at a table with Lucas and Jess. Seeing her approach, Miko pointed at her, smirking. “There’s the other chaos twin!”

Ava laughed, raising an eyebrow. “What have I done now?”

“Oh, you know very well,” Miko replied, feigning a scowl. “Having your stitches out right as Alaric walked in, that’s what!”

Ava shrugged, taking a seat and grabbing a drink from Miko. “It’s not my fault Alaric has impeccable timing. And you should of heard him Jess, he couldn’t get his words out.”

Jess laughed, nudging Miko. “Oh, babe, you didn’t tell me about that part. You must’ve looked like a beetroot!”

The group erupted into laughter as Miko shook his head. “She’s got me surrounded, can’t win!”

Echo moved around on his new mobile unit, curiously observing everyone in the tavern. He stopped beside Callie and Ava, his animated screen lighting up with excitement. “Hello, Ava, Callie! The tavern is incredible! So many people and voices!”

Callie laughed. “Hi, Echo. Enjoying the new freedom?”

Echo’s screen displayed an enthusiastic grin. “Very much so! And hello, Miko, Lucas, Jess!” His digital face displayed a happy animation as he seemed to bask in the room’s warmth.

They all greeted him with smiles, admiring the way Echo had adapted to his mobile presence. It was clear he was enjoying every moment.

A little later, Miko turned to Ava, his tone casual but thoughtful. “So, Ava, have you decided about Callie taking that convoy mission solo?”

Ava took a sip of her drink, pausing. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. I’m not entirely sure yet.”

Miko nodded. “She’ll be ready when the time’s right. No rush.”

The topic shifted, and soon Talon joined them, mostly to rib Miko about Alaric’s visit. “So, how’s it feel being caught by Alaric, Miko?”

“Keep laughing, Talon. Remember who signs off on your patrol assignments,” Miko shot back, grinning.

Callie turned to Ava, a question forming. “So, how is Talon so good at cards?”

Ava chuckled, leaning back. “Oh, he cheats.”

Lucas’s jaw dropped. “He what? He took me for a ride the other day; I lost money!”

Ava laughed. “Alright, alright—he doesn’t really cheat. But he’s had a knack for cards since we were cadets. One time, he made me wait while he finished a poker hand before we could go bust a gang running a protection racket.”

Callie stared at Talon, wide-eyed. “Really?”

“‘All part of the strategy,’” Ava said, imitating Talon, making everyone laugh.

As the evening continued, the warmth of friendship and shared memories filled the tavern. Even Echo, though a machine, seemed to share in their joy, his monitor displaying a beaming expression as he moved between the tables.

As the tavern began to wind down and the fire cast a soft glow over the room, Miko leaned back, smiling contentedly. “Well, seeing as though you two almost blew it, that went well.”

With laughter echoing in the cozy tavern, the group knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, their bond unbreakable.