The border base where they had been stationed for months was finally in sight, and Dominic's focus shifted to the development of his own kingdom. The outer wall, made of shipping containers, was only halfway completed, with more containers yet to be installed. Additionally, more watchtowers still needed to be constructed.
When the convoy reached the gate of the third wall, a few armed guards communicated directly with the border base, triggering movement outside the second wall, where several vehicles and personnel began to mobilize.
At that moment, the distance was still relatively long, so the people in the trucks didn't feel much. However, now that they were inside the first wall of the base, their most immediate reaction could be summed up in one word:
Huge!
Whether it was the heavily guarded walls, vast fields of crops, reinforced gates, shooting points, anti-air defenses, or the electricity supply, everything was on a grand scale.
Under Dominic's command, the convoy passed through the second wall and reached the central area of the base.
As the convoy slowly approached the base gate, it immediately caught the attention of the people manning the machine guns at the shooting points.
Dominic was the first to step out of a modified RV, signaling for Tyler and Mike in the distance to come closer. A group had already gathered at the gate, some soldiers on guard duty and others carrying out their tasks.
Alicia and her brother were performing a special inspection task—an old, experienced individual paired with a young, bright, and diligent one. There was no flaw in this type of combination.
Madison greeted Dominic with an excited smile, and Dominic nodded in response.
"Commander! Welcome back."
Daniel embraced him with a warm smile on his aged face, then looked at the massive convoy that was still arriving.
"Did all these people come from where you were?"
"Most of them returned from Washington with me. We have to work hard to integrate them with the border base. There are good men and women in that group, strong leaders who will help me in the future to take France."
Glenn gave Dominic an admiring look and said loudly, with some surprise, "It's incredible to bring back so many people at once; you really can start anew wherever you go."
Daniel looked at Dominic, understanding what he meant. He thought similarly and felt the same when he looked at strong men with unique characters.
"The group you sent arrived safely at the base in Georgia. I heard they've successfully established communication."
"Dominic, now that security has been enhanced, everyone entering and leaving the base must be inspected, and strangers will have to surrender their weapons as per protocol."
"I'm glad to hear that. Everything feels more sophisticated now, with a strict military atmosphere. Has that caused any issues with the people?"
"Everyone knows it's for our protection. Life is peaceful, and we have enough entertainment like before. You know, the Sunday movies are incredible. They've managed to bring replays of past World Cup matches, and people who don't remember the games place bets."
Before Dominic could respond, there was the sound of footsteps behind him, followed by several voices speaking in unison.
"We have no problem surrendering our weapons; this place is beautiful." This voice belonged to Ezekiel, and everyone turned to the people surrounding him. All had served, and Ezekiel was the first to share his thoughts.
"Dominic, you've fulfilled every one of your promises. My people trust you, and so do I. You've brought us out of death, and we are infinitely grateful."
Nodding his head to express his gratitude for their understanding, Dominic turned to look at Mike and Tyler, who had arrived at his side.
"Unfortunately, many have died during raids in the nearby cities; the walkers here are not so simple."
Dominic nodded slightly and said, "Prepare the captains for an emergency meeting. We'll decide then what to do about France."