Kapitel 183: 166. Training the Militia againts Invisible Threat

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As their meeting concluded, Nora and Sico shook hands, both aware of the challenges ahead but confident in their preparedness. Sico left her office, feeling reassured that they were taking all necessary steps to address this new development effectively. As he walked back to his office, he contemplated the ever-evolving nature of the Commonwealth and the crucial role the Minutemen played in safeguarding its people. With thorough research, vigilant monitoring, and proactive communication, they were adapting to meet every new challenge head-on.

The next day, Sico made his way to the Militia Department early in the morning, where he was scheduled to meet with Preston Garvey, the head of the Minutemen's militia. The corridor leading to Preston's office was bustling with activity as Minutemen prepared for their daily assignments, underscoring the relentless pace of their work to maintain safety and order in the Commonwealth.

Upon arriving at Preston's office, Sico found him reviewing a map strewn with various markers and notes—likely new reports of Raider activity or settler needs that required attention. Preston looked up and greeted Sico with a nod, his expression serious but welcoming.

Preston: "Morning, Sico. I heard about the findings from Sanctuary Labs. That's some unsettling news about the Deathclaw, but it's good we're on top of it."

Sico: "Morning, Preston. Yes, it's definitely not something we anticipated, but it's a situation we need to address head-on. I wanted to discuss our strategy for potential encounters with these or other similarly mutated creatures. We need to ensure our patrols are prepared for anything."

Preston: "Absolutely, Sico. I've been thinking about that since I read your report. We might need to adjust our training protocols and perhaps introduce some specialized equipment for our scouts."

Sico leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table, a focused look crossing his face.

Sico: "To really test our new equipment and train our troops under realistic conditions, we could conduct a field test using less dangerous creatures. We could fit a Stealth Boy device to a feral ghoul or a mole rat—creatures that pose a lower threat. This would allow us to simulate a camouflaged Deathclaw attack without the high stakes."

Preston nodded thoughtfully, tapping a pen against the map on his desk.

Preston: "That's a smart move. Using a Stealth Boy in that way could give us the chance to see how effective our detection technology really is in a controlled environment. Plus, it gives the troops a live training scenario to sharpen their responses."

Sico: "Exactly. And it would provide Mel and the science team with valuable data on how our tech performs in the field. If we can detect a Stealth Boy-enhanced ghoul or mole rat, it's likely we'll have a good chance against a camouflaged Deathclaw."

Preston: "I'll organize a small team to modify a Stealth Boy for this purpose. We'll need to choose a suitable test area—somewhere enclosed enough to control the experiment but also similar to the typical Deathclaw habitats."

Sico: "The old Wilson Atomatoys factory might be a good spot. It's enclosed and has enough space. Plus, it's already known to have feral ghoul activity, so we could use that to our advantage."

Preston: "Good thinking. I'll have a team do a sweep of the area to ensure it's secure and then set up the test parameters. We'll need to inform local settlers about the exercise to prevent any undue alarm."

Sico: "I'll let Piper know as well. She can help with the communication to make sure everyone understands it's just a drill. The last thing we need is panic spreading through the Commonwealth over a training exercise."

Preston stood up, extending his hand across the desk to Sico.

Preston: "Thanks for bringing this to me, Sico. It's innovative approaches like this that keep the Minutemen one step ahead. I'll get everything in motion today."

Sico shook his hand firmly, feeling a sense of accomplishment as they set the plan into action.

Sico: "Thank you, Preston. It's only through our continued vigilance and willingness to adapt that we can keep the Commonwealth safe."

As Sico left the office, he felt reassured that their proactive measures would not only prepare them for potential threats but also strengthen the bond between the Minutemen and the communities they protected. By harnessing technology and training, they were ensuring that they remained ready for whatever challenges the post-apocalyptic world threw their way.

Sico: "That sounds comprehensive, Preston. I'm satisfied with the preparation. It's important we oversee this personally to gauge the effectiveness of our tactics and technology firsthand."

Preston nodded, understanding the importance of their leadership presence on site.

Sico: "Let's prepare the transport and assemble the militia team. We should head over to the site now to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Preston: "I'll coordinate the transport right away. I'll also gather a team of our best militia. They'll be ready to move out within the hour."

Sico stood up, collecting a few essential items from his desk—a digital tablet for notes, a pair of binoculars, and his personal communicator.

Sico: "I'll grab my gear and meet you at the convoy. It's crucial we're there to observe every aspect of the drill. This exercise will not only test our field readiness but also how well we can adapt our strategies based on real-time data."

Preston: "Understood, Sico. I'll make sure everything is set for departure. The team will appreciate having us there, and it'll be a good opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to their training and safety."

As Preston left to organize the transport and militia, Sico took a moment to review his tablet, checking the final details and objectives for the exercise. His role wasn't just to observe but also to provide immediate feedback and directives as needed, ensuring the exercise was as beneficial as possible.

Within the hour, Sico and Preston reconvened at the designated convoy assembly point outside the headquarters. The militia members were already there, geared up and waiting in formation. Sico approached them, his expression serious but encouraging.

Sico: "Today's exercise is a critical step in ensuring our readiness for any threats we might face. Your performance today will help us refine our strategies and ensure the safety of the Commonwealth. Stay sharp, follow the plan, and keep communication open."

With the militia motivated and ready, Sico signaled to Preston.

Sico: "Let's move out."

The convoy of 4 trucks and 1 Humvee with armed militia's made its way toward the Wilson Atomatoys factory. The journey was quiet, each person mentally preparing for the task ahead. Upon arrival, they quickly set up command posts and checked the final preparations for the drill.

As the exercise commenced, Sico and Preston watched intently, ready to assess the effectiveness of their new strategies and technologies. This was more than just a routine drill; it was a pivotal moment that could define the future operational capabilities of the Minutemen.

After a focused and silent three-hour journey, the convoy reached the perimeter of the Wilson Atomatoys factory. The area was already secured by advanced teams, who had ensured that no unwanted elements could interfere with the crucial training exercise. The factory, a relic of pre-war industry, now served as an ideal location for tactical drills, with its complex layout and ample cover spots.

Upon arrival, Sico and Preston disembarked from the Humvee, surveying the setup. The old factory walls, peppered with the scars of time and nature's reclaim, stood imposingly against the skyline, providing a stark backdrop to the day's activities.

Preston: "Looks like the teams have done a good job securing the area. All entry points are covered, and the observation posts are in place."

Sico: "Good. Let's do a quick walk-through before we commence. I want to ensure every aspect of our setup aligns with the planned scenarios."

Together, they walked the perimeter, checking in with various squad leaders and technicians who were finalizing the placement of surveillance equipment and testing communication lines. Each team member nodded affirmatively as Sico and Preston passed, indicating their readiness and confidence.

After the inspection, Sico gathered the militia at a central assembly point inside the main factory hall. The echoes of his boots on the concrete floor cut sharply through the murmur of preparedness. He stopped in front of the assembled troops, who stood attentively, waiting for their final orders.

Sico: "This exercise will simulate an encounter with a camouflaged entity—think of it as close to a Deathclaw encounter as we can replicate without actual danger. Your objective is to detect, engage, and neutralize the threat using lethal means. Remember, the key here is detection and response. Use your equipment, trust your training, and work together."

He paused, making eye contact with several of the militia members, reinforcing the gravity of the drill.

Sico: "We're not just testing our gear today; we're testing our ability to operate as a cohesive unit under pressure. Stay sharp, communicate clearly, and keep your eyes open. Let's show what the Minutemen are capable of."

With the briefing concluded, Preston gave the signal, and the training exercise commenced. The first scenario was designed to be one of the most challenging, incorporating the use of Stealth Boy technology on feral ghouls to simulate an invisible threat, mimicking the potential dangers posed by a camouflaged Deathclaw.

Hidden operatives, equipped with Stealth Boy devices, released the feral ghouls into the structured environment of the old factory. The ghouls, rendered nearly invisible by the stealth technology, moved silently among the ruins, their presence only hinted at by the occasional glitch in the visual field or the soft patter of their steps on the dusty concrete.

The militia, their senses heightened, moved in formation, their eyes scanning for any disturbances in the air or unexplained sounds. They used a combination of heat vision goggles and motion detectors, tools that Sico and Preston hoped would be effective against such stealthy predators.

Sico observing from an elevated command post alongside Preston, watched the monitors closely.

As the ghouls began to close in on the militia's position, one of the motion detectors picked up an anomaly and emitted a sharp beep. Instantly, the trained soldiers turned towards the source of the alert. Using coordinated signals, they encircled the area where movement was detected.

One of the soldiers, a sharp-eyed young recruit named Davis, spotted a slight distortion moving toward a pile of rubble.

Militia: "Contact, three o'clock! Engage!" he shouted, his voice calm but loud enough to carry over the murmurs of the team.

The troops responded in unison, focusing their fire on the area Davis pointed out. The effect of their training was evident as they managed to "neutralize" the ghoul with precision, the visibility of their target briefly flaring as the Stealth Boy's effects were interrupted by the impact.

Preston watching the action unfold, nodded in approval.

As if on cue, another group of stealth-enhanced ghouls approached from a different angle, testing the militia's ability to adapt to new threats quickly. This time, the soldiers used a combination of their auditory senses and equipment to detect the faint noise produced by the ghouls' movements.

Throughout the exercise, the militia faced several waves of "attacks," each designed to escalate in difficulty and complexity. After each encounter, Sico provided feedback via the command post, pointing out both strengths and areas for improvement.

As the exercise progressed and the militia demonstrated proficiency in handling the invisible ghoul threats, Sico decided to escalate the difficulty for the final test. He communicated with the hidden operatives through his headset, giving them the go-ahead for the last and most challenging scenario.

Sico: "Initiate the final sequence. Release the super mutant with the Stealth Boy. Let's see how they handle a larger, more unpredictable target."

The operatives acknowledged and quietly positioned a super mutant, who was equipped with an active Stealth Boy, making him nearly invisible. This test was designed to simulate an encounter with a much more formidable and intelligent enemy, providing a true measure of the militia's capabilities.

As the super mutant silently entered the factory grounds, its larger frame caused more pronounced disturbances, a challenge the militia had yet to face. Despitlhe Stealth Boy's effectiveness, the occasional brush against the debris and the heavier footsteps offered subtle cues to the vigilant troops.

Preston, monitoring the troop's formations and readiness, watched intently as they repositioned, sensing the shift in their environment. He whispered into his radio to ensure all squads were alert and ready.

Preston: "Stay sharp, everyone. This is not like the previous tests. Expect increased strength and agility. Remember your training."

As the super mutant approached a central location within the factory, one of the more experienced soldiers caught a glimpse of a shadow moving against the logic of the surrounding light. He immediately signaled to his squad, pointing towards the moving distortion.

Militia Squad Leader: "Target spotted, central sector. It's bigger than the ghouls. Prepare for engagement!"

The troops quickly adjusted their formation to encircle the area, using their combined sensory equipment to track the subtle visual and auditory clues. The tension rose as they tightened the circle, preparing to confront the invisible threat directly.

Suddenly, the super mutant, realizing it had been detected, roared—a sound that momentarily broke its invisibility as the Stealth Boy flickered under the strain. Seizing the moment, the militia opened fire with non-lethal rounds, designed to simulate a real engagement without causing actual harm.

The super mutant, reacting to the assault, charged at the nearest group of soldiers, who executed a planned retreat, drawing it into a containment trap where additional troops were ready to "subdue" it with coordinated efforts.

Watching the successful engagement, Sico felt a surge of pride and relief. He spoke into the radio, congratulating the team.

Sico: "Excellent response, team! You've adapted well to the increased threat level. Good use of environmental cues and teamwork to neutralize a superior opponent."

As the exercise concluded, the troops gathered for a debriefing. Sico and Preston joined them on the ground, offering praise and discussing the lessons learned from the day's scenarios. They emphasized the importance of vigilance, adaptability, and the proper use of technology in the field.

Sico: "Today, you've all demonstrated that with the right preparation and mindset, even the most challenging threats can be managed. We'll review all the data from today and continue to refine our tactics. This kind of training is invaluable, and your performance has been exemplary."

The militia members, boosted by the success of the drill and the commendation from their leaders, felt more prepared and confident in their roles. The exercise not only tested their skills but also strengthened their resolve to protect the Commonwealth from any threat, visible or invisible.

As they packed up to return to Sanctuary, the day's events were logged and would later be analyzed to further improve the Minutemen's operational readiness, ensuring they remained a formidable force in maintaining peace and safety in the post-apocalyptic world.

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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: -