Chapter 402: 370. Setting up a Soccer Tournament
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The Commonwealth was far from secure, but these outposts were more than just a strategy. They were a beacon of hope in a world that had seen too little of it. And Sico, with his unyielding determination, was prepared to see this vision through to the end.
The morning light filtered through the windows of Sico's office in the Minutemen Headquarters, casting a warm glow on the meticulously organized space. Maps, reports, and blueprints were neatly arranged across his desk, but for the first time in weeks, Sico wasn't pouring over them. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, a faint expression of boredom clouding his face.
For months, he had been at the center of the Minutemen's resurgence—strategizing, building alliances, and leading missions. Now, with the outposts underway and most of the immediate tasks delegated to capable hands like Preston and Sarah, he found himself at an unfamiliar crossroads. There was nothing urgent to tackle, no crisis demanding his attention.
And it was driving him mad.
Sico drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair, glancing around the room. The only sound was the faint hum of the radio in the corner, playing a familiar tune from Diamond City Radio. Music was one of the few forms of entertainment left in the Commonwealth, but even that was starting to feel monotonous.
"This world is in desperate need of some fun," he muttered to himself. The thought lingered, sparking an idea that began to take shape in his mind.
Sico leaned forward, his fingers steepled in thought. Back in his old life, he had always loved sports—especially soccer. It was more than just a game; it was a way to bring people together, to inspire camaraderie, competition, and joy. The Commonwealth might not have the resources or infrastructure of the old world, but surely, they could manage a simple soccer field.
And why stop at just playing? He could organize a monthly tournament, with prizes that would motivate people to participate—food, weapons, ammunition. Something practical yet enticing.
The more he thought about it, the more the idea excited him. It wasn't just about passing the time; it was a way to build community spirit and give people something to look forward to in a world that often felt bleak.
Sico pushed his chair back and stood, a newfound energy replacing his earlier boredom. He grabbed a piece of paper and began sketching out ideas.
1. Location: Sanctuary had a large open space near the main gates that could be converted into a makeshift soccer field. It wouldn't be perfect, but it would do.
2. Equipment: The Commonwealth didn't have soccer balls lying around, but they could improvise. Leather and cloth could be stitched together to create something close enough. For goalposts, they could use scrap metal or wood.
3. Teams: Sanctuary and nearby settlements had plenty of able-bodied individuals who could form teams. Even the soldiers could join in, provided they balanced training with playtime.
4. Rules and Prizes: The rules would be simple to avoid confusion. Teams would compete in a knockout format, with the winner taking home a prize—maybe a week's worth of food rations or a small cache of ammunition. Runner-ups could receive smaller rewards.
Satisfied with the initial plan, Sico called in Sturges, the settlement's resident handyman and all-around problem solver.
"What's up, General?" Sturges asked as he entered the office, wiping his hands on a rag.
Sico handed him the paper. "I've got an idea that's a bit… unconventional. I want to set up a soccer field in Sanctuary. Think you can help me with the logistics?"
Sturges raised an eyebrow but didn't look surprised. "A soccer field, huh? Can't say I've ever built one of those, but it sounds like a fun challenge. We'd need to level the ground, mark out the boundaries, and set up some goals. Shouldn't be too hard."
"What about a ball?" Sico asked. "Think we can make one?"
"Sure," Sturges said with a grin. "Might not be regulation size, but I can whip something up. Leather, cloth, maybe a bit of rubber if we've got any lying around. Leave it to me."
"Perfect. I'll leave the construction to you," Sico said. "I'll handle getting the word out and organizing the teams."
By midday, Sico was walking through Sanctuary, stopping to talk to settlers and soldiers alike. His enthusiasm was infectious, and it didn't take long for word of the upcoming tournament to spread.
"A soccer tournament?" one of the settlers asked, her eyes lighting up. "It's been years since I played anything like that. Count me in!"
Even the soldiers seemed intrigued. "We could use a bit of fun," one of them admitted. "And if there's a chance to win some extra rations or ammo, why not?"
Sico encouraged everyone to spread the news to nearby settlements, inviting them to join in. "The more teams, the better," he said. "This isn't just about Sanctuary—it's about bringing the Commonwealth together."
Sico's boots crunched on the gravel as he made his way toward the Sanctuary gate, where a familiar figure was chatting with one of the guards. Piper Wright. Her knack for uncovering stories had proven invaluable in spreading the Minutemen's message across the Commonwealth.
"Piper!" Sico called out, waving her over.
Piper turned, a grin breaking across her face as she adjusted her worn newsboy cap. "Well, if it isn't the busiest man in the Commonwealth. What's got you out and about? Another death-defying mission, or are you finally taking a breather?"
"A little bit of both," Sico replied, chuckling as they walked toward the main square. "I've got an idea, and I need your help to spread the word."
Piper raised an eyebrow, pulling a small notebook from her satchel. "You've got my attention. What's the scoop?"
Sico led her to a bench near the workshop, gesturing for her to sit. He took a seat beside her, clasping his hands as he began explaining. "I'm organizing a soccer tournament here in Sanctuary—something to bring people together, boost morale, and give everyone a reason to celebrate."
Piper blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Soccer? Like… an old-world sport? Haven't heard that one mentioned in a while."
Sico nodded. "It's a game where two teams compete to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing team's net. Simple, really, but it's more than just a game. It's about teamwork, competition, and having fun—something this world desperately needs."
"Sounds like a hell of an idea," Piper said, her pencil already scribbling furiously across the page. "But how's it gonna work? I mean, do folks even know what soccer is these days?"
"That's where you come in," Sico said with a grin. "I need you to help spread the word—and teach people the basics. Radio Freedom's got reach, and if we can get a buzz going, I'm sure people will show up."
Piper tapped her pencil against her notebook, considering. "Alright, lay it on me. What are the rules, and how's the tournament gonna go down?"
Sico leaned forward, his tone turning animated as he explained. "We'll play on a field set up near the gates. Two teams of six players each—it's smaller than the old-world standard, but it works for our setup. The goal is to score by kicking the ball into the other team's net while defending your own. Players can't use their hands, except for the goalie."
Piper scribbled furiously, nodding as she kept pace. "Got it. No hands unless you're the goalie. What about fouls?"
"If a player deliberately trips, pushes, or handles the ball, the opposing team gets a free kick," Sico explained. "For major fouls near the goal, they'll get a penalty kick—a free shot from a closer distance, with only the goalie defending."
"Sounds fair," Piper said, her pencil darting across the page. "What about the format? How are teams competing?"
Sico unfolded the plan. "It's a knockout tournament. Teams play one match, and the winner advances to the next round. The last team standing wins the prize. Matches will be 30 minutes long, split into two 15-minute halves."
"And the prize?" Piper asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"First place gets a week's worth of food rations and some ammunition—enough to make it worthwhile," Sico replied. "Runner-up gets smaller rewards, but still something to take home."
Piper whistled. "That'll definitely draw some attention. Anything else people need to know?"
"Just that they need to bring their A-game," Sico said with a chuckle. "We're keeping it simple—no fancy uniforms or special gear. It's about heart, not appearances."
Piper grinned. "You've got yourself a story, General. I'll swing by the Radio room later today and give them the details. Trust me, folks will be lining up for this."
As they stood, Sico clasped Piper's shoulder. "Thanks, Piper. This is exactly the kind of thing that can bring people together. And you're the perfect person to help make it happen."
"Don't mention it," she said, slipping her notebook back into her bag. "This is the kind of good news the Commonwealth needs. I'll make sure everyone knows to be here in 2 weeks."
With a final nod, Piper set off toward the communication hub, leaving Sico to oversee the preparations. As he watched her go, a faint smile crossed his face. For the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of excitement—not for another battle or rescue mission, but for something far simpler and more meaningful.
Sico adjusted his coat as he strode toward the open field near Sanctuary's main gates. The clanging of hammers and the hum of chatter greeted him as he approached. Sturges and his team were hard at work, clearing debris, leveling the ground, and marking out the boundaries for the soccer field.
The sight of progress brought a grin to Sico's face. After weeks of combat and survival, it was refreshing to see people building something for enjoyment rather than necessity.
"Sturges!" Sico called out, raising a hand.
Sturges glanced up from the steel frame he was assembling and gave a casual wave. "General! You're just in time to see a masterpiece in the making. What do you think so far?"
Sico surveyed the field. The once uneven patch of dirt was now being flattened by a team of settlers wielding shovels and rakes. Wooden posts for the goals were already propped up on either side, and the outlines of the field were being marked with chalk-like powder.
"It's coming together faster than I expected," Sico said, nodding in approval. "You and your crew have outdone yourselves."
Sturges wiped his hands on his pants, stepping closer. "Well, it's not every day I get asked to build a soccer field. Figured we'd better make it good. But I've gotta admit, it's a bit of a learning curve. Never built anything like this before."
"First time for everything," Sico said with a chuckle. "I need this field ready in a week and a half. The tournament starts in 2 week, and I want everything perfect by then."
Sturges tilted his head, considering. "A week and a half, huh? That's tight, but not impossible. We've got the posts up, and the ground's getting leveled. Next step's painting the lines and rigging up something for the goals. We've been brainstorming on how to make a decent net outta scrap."
"What do you have in mind?" Sico asked, crossing his arms.
"Well," Sturges said, rubbing his chin, "we're thinking of weaving together some old fishing nets we found by the river. They're sturdy enough and easy to patch up. Should look the part, even if it's a bit rough around the edges."
Sico nodded. "Sounds perfect. Use whatever you need from the supplies, but let me know if you hit a snag. This has to be done on time."
"You got it, General," Sturges said, his tone confident. "We'll have this place ready for a match that'd make pre-war folks jealous."
Sico smiled, but his tone turned serious. "I know it's just a game, but this means a lot. People need something to hope for—something to remind them that life isn't just about survival. This field is going to be a beacon for that."
Sturges slapped Sico on the shoulder. "You don't have to convince me, boss. I get it. A little fun can go a long way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a goalpost to weld."
Sico watched as Sturges returned to his work, shouting instructions to the rest of the crew. The settlers, soldiers, and even some of the children were all pitching in, their faces lit with a rare sense of purpose that wasn't tied to scavenging or fighting.
Satisfied, Sico walked the perimeter of the field, occasionally stopping to offer a hand or a word of encouragement. He knelt down to help a young boy straighten a line being marked on the ground.
"Think we'll have it ready in time, General?" the boy asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.
"No doubt about it," Sico replied with a reassuring smile. "You're doing great work. Keep it up, and you'll see something amazing in a few days."
The boy grinned and returned to his task, his enthusiasm infectious.
By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, the field had taken on the shape of something truly remarkable. Sico stood at the edge, arms crossed, watching as the last of the day's work wrapped up.
Sturges approached, wiping sweat from his brow. "Not bad for a day's work, huh?"
"Not bad at all," Sico agreed. "This place is going to look incredible once it's finished. What's left on the list?"
"Not much," Sturges said, counting off on his fingers. "We need to finish painting the lines, rig up the nets, and make that ball you wanted. Should be able to knock it all out tomorrow if everyone stays focused."
"Good," Sico said, his tone firm but appreciative. "Keep everyone motivated. I'll check in again tomorrow. If you need anything—tools, materials, extra hands—don't hesitate to ask."
Sturges gave him a thumbs-up. "Will do, boss. You'll have your field on time, I promise."
Sico nodded and began making his way back toward his office, his mind already racing with thoughts of the tournament. The day had been a productive one, and for the first time in weeks, he felt a glimmer of excitement that wasn't tied to a battle or crisis.
The soccer field wasn't just a patch of dirt with goalposts. It was a symbol of what the Minutemen stood for: rebuilding, uniting, and giving people hope.
________________________________________________
• 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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