Chapter 176: 159. Scavenge and Trading for Supplies PT.2
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One by one, the vehicle commanders confirmed their readiness, and with a final thumbs-up from Hancock, the convoy rolled out and they depart to begin their mission.
As the convoy came to a halt at the outskirts of Abernathy Farm, the dust kicked up by the trucks settled slowly under the watchful eyes of the settlement's inhabitants. The Minutemen's arrival was clearly anticipated, with several settlers stopping their work to observe the newcomers. The atmosphere was one of cautious curiosity, typical of the Commonwealth's isolated communities.
Nora stepped out of the lead truck, flanked by two members of her team. They carried a crate of mechanical parts as a gesture of good faith and intent. With confident strides, Nora approached Blake Abernathy, who had emerged from his farmhouse to greet them.
Blake: "Minutemen, huh? We weren't sure you'd make it through. What brings you this far?"
His tone was friendly but tinged with the weariness of a man used to the harsh realities of the wasteland. Nora extended her hand, which Blake shook firmly.
Nora: "Good morning, Mr. Abernathy. I'm Nora, here on behalf of the Minutemen. We've come to discuss a potential trade partnership that could benefit both Sanctuary and Abernathy Farm."
Blake nodded, gesturing for them to follow him to a more secluded area near his barn, away from prying ears. They sat on a couple of makeshift benches.
Blake: "I'm listening. What are you proposing?"
Nora opened the crate, revealing the carefully packed mechanical parts and tools.
Nora: "We know that maintaining farm equipment can be a challenge, especially with limited access to parts. We're offering mechanical components and expertise. In exchange, we're interested in a share of your crop yields and any medicinal herbs you can spare."
Blake inspected the items in the crate, his expression thoughtful. He knew the value of such parts, but the proposal was significant. He looked up at Nora, gauging her sincerity.
Blake: "That's a fair start, but crops are as precious as gold these days. What assurances can you give that the Minutemen will uphold their end of the deal?"
Nora: "We are committed to building a safer, more connected Commonwealth. Supporting Abernathy Farm strengthens us all. Plus, our patrols will ensure the security of your trade routes, reducing losses from raider attacks."
Blake considered this, the prospect of enhanced security clearly appealing to him.
Blake: "Security, huh? That's been a sore spot for us. Alright, let's say I'm interested. But I want more than just a handshake deal. I want it in writing, and I want to see those patrols."
Nora: "Absolutely, Mr. Abernathy. We can draft a contract and start with a small security detail as early as tomorrow. Let's establish trust with actions, not just words."
Pleased with Nora's direct and practical approach, Blake stood up, extending his hand again.
Blake: "You've got yourself a deal, Nora. Let's get that contract sorted out, and we'll start as soon as we can."
As they shook hands, the other settlers, noticing the agreement, began to gather around, discussing the new visitors with a mix of hope and skepticism. Nora signaled to her team, and they began unloading more crates, each filled with supplies and goodwill.
This successful negotiation marked a promising start to their mission, setting a positive precedent for the challenging negotiations yet to come.
With the agreement firmly in place and the contract quickly drafted and signed, the trade commenced. The settlers at Abernathy Farm, encouraged by the security promises and the material support now assured, began to load several crates of their freshest produce and medicinal herbs onto the Minutemen's trucks. These were essential supplies that would bolster the health and morale back at Sanctuary.
The exchange was cordial and efficient, with both parties inspecting the goods to ensure everything was as agreed. Blake Abernathy personally oversaw the loading of the food supplies, ensuring that the crates contained a variety of crops, including tatos, mutfruit, and corn, along with some less common medicinal herbs that were hard to cultivate outside the careful farming practices of the Abernathy land.
As the last of the supplies was loaded, Nora thanked Blake and the other settlers.
Nora: "Thank you for this partnership, Blake. We're looking forward to a fruitful relationship. You can expect the first patrol later today. They'll check in upon arrival."
Blake: "We'll be ready for them. Safe travels, Nora. And thank you, Minutemen."
With their trucks now carrying valuable food and medical supplies, the convoy prepared to depart Abernathy Farm. The atmosphere among Nora's team was one of quiet satisfaction; their first negotiation had not only been successful but had potentially laid the groundwork for ongoing support and collaboration.
As the convoy rolled out, Sico radioed the next set of instructions.
Sico: "Team, head towards the Corvega Assembly Plant. There's been intel on valuable salvage there that could be crucial for our mechanical needs back home. Stay sharp, the area's known for raider activity."
The convoy adjusted their route towards the Corvega Assembly Plant, an old pre-war automobile manufacturing facility now rumored to be a treasure trove of scrap metal. The journey was risky; the plant was notorious not only for its valuable salvage but also for being a hotspot for raiders and other dangerous elements.
As they approached, the landscape turned more industrial, with dilapidated factories and overrun facilities dotting the horizon. The Humvees took the lead, scouting ahead for any signs of danger while the trucks followed at a safe distance.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the Corvega Assembly Plant, the convoy halted. Hancock and a small security team disembarked to perform a reconnaissance of the area. They moved cautiously, aware that the value of the plant's contents was likely known to others who might defend it fiercely.
Hancock: "All clear from the front, but keep your eyes peeled. We're not the only ones who could use what's in there. Sico, I recommend we send in scouts to check the interior."
Sico: "Agreed. Send two scouts in, and everyone else hold position. We can't afford a full-scale conflict, but we need those supplies."
The selected scouts, equipped with light gear for quick movement, slipped into the shadows of the Corvega building. The rest of the team waited in tense silence, watching every possible entry point for signs of trouble or the return of their comrades.
This mission at the Corvega Assembly Plant was not only a crucial step in their logistical recovery efforts but also a test of their ability to navigate and secure high-risk environments in the Commonwealth.
After a tense wait, the scouts returned with grim news. As they approached the assembled Minutemen, their brisk pace and focused expressions conveyed the seriousness of the situation before they even reported their findings.
Scout: "There's a significant number of raiders inside, heavily armed and well entrenched. They've fortified their positions around the key salvage areas and lookouts are stationed throughout."
Upon hearing the report, Sico furrowed his brow, considering the options. The moment for decision was brief; the reality of the wasteland often demanded swift and decisive action, especially when dealing with raiders known for unpredictability and violence.
Sico: "No negotiations. We've seen enough raids and lost too many good people to their kind. We take the plant back now. Hancock, get your team ready for a frontal assault. We'll use diversion tactics to split their forces. This ends today."
The team members nodded, each one mentally preparing for the confrontation. They were well-trained and experienced, but the threat of casualties in a direct assault was high. Hancock quickly organized the assault teams, issuing last-minute instructions and distributing extra ammunition.
Hancock: "Teams one and two, you're with me on the front. Team three, you circle to the back; use the loading docks for entry. We'll initiate the attack once you're in position."
As planned, the teams moved out, with team three stealthily making their way to the rear of the facility under cover of the surrounding industrial debris. Meanwhile, Sico and Hancock led their groups directly towards the main entry points, ready to engage.
The raid began with the coordinated detonation of small, strategically placed charges—not enough to cause structural damage but sufficient to create confusion and draw the raiders out. As the explosions echoed through the plant, the Minutemen moved in.
Gunfire erupted almost immediately, with Hancock and Sico's teams pushing forward under heavy fire. The raiders, though surprised, were quick to respond, and a fierce firefight ensued. The Minutemen used their superior tactics and discipline to gradually overcome the raiders' positions, moving methodically through the plant.
Despite the chaos, Sico maintained control, issuing commands and adjusting strategies as needed. His focus remained clear: reclaim the plant and minimize his team's losses.
Sico: "Push forward! Teams, keep your lines tight. Watch your flanks!"
As the battle wore on, the raiders began to falter. The unexpected ferocity and coordination of the Minutemen assault overwhelmed them, leading to a gradual, grudging retreat.
After intense fighting, the raiders were either subdued or had fled, leaving the plant in the hands of the Minutemen. Sico walked through the facility, assessing the situation and checking on his people, his relief palpable but tempered by the cost of the conflict.
With the plant secured, the team quickly began to salvage valuable materials, keenly aware that the victory might attract further attention. Sico ordered a defensive perimeter to be established, ensuring that any attempt by the raiders to reclaim the plant would be met with prepared resistance.
As the day ended, the Minutemen began the process of hauling their hard-won resources back to their truck's.
Once the valuable resources from the Corvega Assembly Plant were securely loaded into their trucks, the Minutemen quickly organized themselves for the next phase of their mission. With the immediate threat neutralized and a defensive perimeter established around the plant, Sico called a brief meeting to outline their next steps.
Sico: "We've secured a significant victory today, but our mission isn't over. We need to keep moving and make the most of this momentum. Our next target is the Lexington Super Duper Mart. It's rumored to have a cache of non-perishable food and medical supplies. Let's head out before nightfall."
The team, though weary from the battle, understood the importance of restocking their supplies and ensuring the safety and sustainability of their settlements. The convoy reorganized, with scouts deployed to ensure the route to Lexington was clear of any potential threats.
As they approached the Super Duper Mart, the atmosphere was tense, not knowing what to expect after the day's earlier conflict. Fortunately, the area appeared quiet, with no immediate signs of raider activity. Sico decided to send in a small team first to assess the situation inside the supermarket.
Nora: "I'll lead the initial sweep. We need to be sure it's safe before bringing everyone in. Keep the engines running and be ready for a quick exit if things go sideways."
Nora, along with a few selected team members, entered the supermarket cautiously. Inside, the shelves were disorganized, and goods were strewn about, but to their relief, it seemed that the store hadn't been fully looted. They quickly gathered food supplies, bottled water, and first aid kits, loading them into carts and wheeling them back to the trucks.
Meanwhile, Sico maintained a watchful eye on the surroundings, ensuring that their operations remained uninterrupted. After confirming the supermarket was secure, he signaled the rest of the team to join in and help with the scavenging.
The team worked efficiently under Nora's guidance, checking expiration dates and the usability of medical supplies. The store provided a good haul of antibiotics, bandages, and pain relievers—essential items that were hard to come by in the wasteland.
With the trucks now loaded with food and medical supplies, the convoy prepared to head back to Sanctuary. However, Sico decided to make one more stop at a nearby trading post to exchange some of their newly acquired mechanical parts for additional ammunition and clothing.
Sico: "Our last stop for today. Let's make this quick. We trade, we restock, and then we head home. Everyone's done an incredible job today, but let's stay sharp until we're back at base."
At the trading post, Nora took the lead, negotiating with the traders using the surplus mechanical parts as barter. Her skills ensured they received a fair exchange: ammunition for their guards and warm clothing for the coming winter months. The traders, aware of the Minutemen's recent activities and their role in maintaining regional stability, were keen to maintain a good relationship and offered favorable terms.
Finally, as dusk turned to night, the convoy set off back towards Sanctuary. Spirits were high despite the day's exhaustion, by their successful scavenging and trading.
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• Name: Sico
• Stats :
S: 8,44
P: 7,44
E: 8,44
C: 8,44
I: 9,44
A: 7,45
L: 7
• Skills: advance Mechanic, Science, and Shooting skills, intermediate Medical, Hand to Hand Combat, Lockpicking, Hacking, Persuasion, and Drawing Skills
• Inventory: 53.280 caps, 10mm Pistol, 1500 10mm rounds, 22 mole rats meat, 17 mole rats teeth, 1 fragmentation grenade, 6 stimpak, 1 rad x, 6 fusion core, computer blueprint, modern TV blueprint, camera recorder blueprint, 1 set of combat armor, Automatic Assault Rifle, 1.500 5.56mm rounds, power armor T51 blueprint, Electric Motorcycle blueprint, T-45 power armor, Minigun, 1.000 5mm rounds, Cryolator, 200 cryo cell, Machine Gun Turret Mk1 blueprint, electric car blueprint, Kellogg gun, Righteous Authority, Ashmaker, Furious Power Fist, Full set combat armor blueprint, M240 7.62mm machine guns blueprint, Automatic Assault Rifle blueprint, and Humvee blueprint
• Active Quest: -
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