The meeting came to an end.
One by one...
The officers left the Command Hall.
Ben headed toward the Training Grounds.
Leon returned to the Scout Headquarters.
Zora made her way to the Mage Hall.
George and Doran immediately began arguing about metal quality on their way back to the Advanced Forge.
Kael simply smiled.
"There they go again."
Sam chuckled.
"Some things never change."
Outside...
The morning sun hung high above Base 101.
Workers hurried through the streets.
Children laughed as they chased one another through the marketplace.
Blacksmiths hammered glowing steel.
Soldiers marched in formation.
Dennis looked around quietly.
"When I first arrived..."
"This place was just another survivor camp."
Sam nodded.
"We've come a long way."
"You have."
Dennis smiled.
"But you're just getting started."
Near the front gate...
Thirty soldiers from Base 202 stood ready.
Their equipment had been cleaned.
Their supplies had been restocked.
The horses were prepared for the journey home.
Dennis walked to the front of his troops.
Then turned toward Sam.
"I guess this is where we part ways."
Sam nodded.
"For now."
Dennis laughed.
"For now."
The two Commanders clasped forearms once more.
"Thirty days."
Sam smiled.
"Thirty days."
"When the next World Event begins..."
Dennis's expression became serious.
"I'll be stronger."
Sam answered immediately.
"So will I."
Ben stepped forward.
"Don't die before then."
Dennis grinned.
"I was about to tell you the same thing."
George waved enthusiastically.
"Come visit again!"
"I want to see what you've built!"
Dennis laughed.
"I think you'll like it."
Kael rested his Frost Spear across his shoulder.
"We'll spar next time."
"Count on it."
Even Zora stepped forward.
"Travel safely, Commander."
Dennis nodded respectfully.
"You too, Captain."
Just before Dennis mounted his horse...
Rex spoke inside Sam's mind.
Commander...
Suggestion.
Sam blinked.
"What is it?"
Recommend establishing regular communication with Base 202.
Strong alliances will become increasingly valuable during the Age of Kings.
Sam nodded.
"I was thinking the same thing."
He looked at Dennis.
"The next time we meet..."
"We'll discuss building a permanent connection between our bases."
Dennis smiled.
"I'll hold you to that."
The gates of Base 101 slowly opened.
RUMBLE...
Dennis raised one hand.
"Base 202!"
"Move out!"
"YES, COMMANDER!"
The column marched through the gates.
The people of Base 101 waved until the last soldier disappeared beyond the forest.
Sam remained standing on the wall.
Watching.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Would you like to follow Commander Dennis's progress?
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"You can do that?"
Limited observation is available between allied Commanders.
A smile spread across Sam's face.
"Let's see how our ally is doing."
Far ahead...
Dennis and his soldiers continued down the forest road.
Completely unaware...
That the next chapter of their journey had already begun.