Kapitel 383: 352. More Sentinels

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This was more than a machine; it was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Commonwealth. He knew the road ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but tonight, with Mel and his team by his side, they had proved they could defy the odds. The Commonwealth had gained a powerful new weapon, and for the first time in a long time, Sico felt they were one step closer to a future free from fear.

A month had passed since the successful test of the EMP device, and in that time, the Commonwealth's resistance efforts had surged forward. With the EMP device operational and now in the hands of the Commonwealth's elite units, they had begun to see the first results of their defiance against the Institute. Teleportation disruptions, successful ambushes, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of hope had taken root among the resistance fighters.

But Sico knew they needed more than hope and disruption tactics to stand a real chance against the Institute's advanced technology and seemingly endless resources. That's why he was on his way to the Commonwealth depot today, to check on their latest acquisition: three newly built Sentinels, powerful tank-like machines that were as much a product of ingenuity as they were of necessity. These weren't just any ordinary machines—they were customized T-34-inspired tanks, created and adapted by Sico previously to withstand the harshness of the Commonwealth while also boasting enhanced weaponry to destroy anything in its path.

Sico arrived at the depot, feeling a sense of anticipation growing in his chest. This was the Commonwealth's first true armored division, and these Sentinels represented a new era in their war against the Institute. He spotted Mel immediately, standing with his team, gathered around the freshly built Sentinels as they conducted their final checks on the massive machines.

The Sentinels were lined up in the depot, their newly painted armor gleaming under the dim lights. Each Sentinel had a powerful presence, a fusion of rugged design and practical functionality, with the metal plating reinforced to withstand energy blasts and explosive rounds alike. The T-34 base frame gave them a sturdy, compact appearance, and yet Sico's modifications had made them more than just relics from an old war. They were upgraded to be faster, more maneuverable, and, most importantly, equipped with weapons capable of cutting down synths and other threats.

Mel looked up as Sico approached, a welcoming grin on his face as he waved him over. "General, you're just in time. We're running the final checks on these beauties."

Sico nodded, his eyes scanning over the Sentinels, impressed by their formidable appearance. He could feel the pride swelling in his chest as he took in the details. "They look incredible, Mel. Hank and his team have really outdone themselves."

Mel chuckled, motioning to the group of engineers around him, who were checking various parts of the Sentinels. "And you can bet Hank didn't rest until every bolt was in place. He practically lives at the factory now. These Sentinels were his dream, and he's made sure every inch of them is built to perfection."

As Sico moved closer to the nearest Sentinel, he saw Hank himself standing off to the side, his usually gruff demeanor softened by a look of satisfaction as he watched his creations being inspected. Hank was a wiry man with gray hair and an eternal scowl, but today, he allowed himself a small, proud smile as he nodded in Sico's direction.

"General," Hank greeted, crossing his arms. "What do you think? They're ready to kick some Institute ass."

Sico grinned, clapping Hank on the shoulder. "They look perfect, Hank. If they perform as well as they look, the Institute won't know what hit them."

Hank's smile widened, and he nodded in agreement. "We've added a few surprises under the hood. These babies aren't just tough—they're smart. They're equipped with advanced targeting systems, EMP-resistant circuitry, and an extra layer of composite armor. They'll hold their own in a fight, that's for sure."

Mel and his team continued their inspections, checking every component carefully. One engineer climbed up onto the first Sentinel, running diagnostics on its weapon systems while another tested the tank's mobility controls. The Sentinel's turret rotated smoothly, its powerful main cannon moving with silent precision. Below the turret, machine guns were mounted for close-range combat, and on the side, additional armor plating protected vulnerable areas.

Mel turned to Sico, his expression a mix of pride and caution. "We're doing a full systems check right now. We need to make sure that there are no bugs in the targeting systems, especially with the modified ammunition we're using. These tanks aren't just dealing with regular enemies, after all. We're preparing for synths, combat drones, and anything else the Institute throws our way."

One of the engineers called out, holding a tablet with the diagnostics readout. "Weapons systems on Sentinel One are green across the board. Targeting sensors and firing mechanisms are fully operational."

Mel gave a thumbs-up and directed his attention to the next Sentinel. "Keep going down the line. Let's make sure all three Sentinels are in fighting condition."

Sico moved closer to Hank, lowering his voice. "The Institute isn't going to expect this. Do we have the fuel and ammo supplies to support a full operation?"

Hank nodded, his expression serious. "We've stockpiled enough fusion cores to keep these Sentinels operational for extended periods. And we've been manufacturing custom shells for the cannons—armor-piercing rounds, EMP shells, incendiaries. We're not going into this lightly."

Sico nodded, his gaze fixed on the Sentinels with renewed determination. He had been planning this offensive for months, and now, with the EMP device and the Sentinels at their disposal, the Commonwealth finally had the tools they needed. The time to strike back was nearing.

Mel's voice interrupted his thoughts as he approached, his expression serious. "General, we've just finished the checks on all four Sentinels. They're fully operational and ready for deployment."

Sico's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Then let's run a field test. I want to see these Sentinels in action before we go live."

The engineers quickly climbed down from the Sentinels, clearing the area as the machines roared to life. The engines rumbled, deep and powerful, as each Sentinel began to move, their tracks clanking over the ground with the weight of their armored frames. Sico watched as they maneuvered into formation, their turrets swiveling with practiced precision.

Mel approached him with a small remote in hand, which connected to the targeting systems of the Sentinels. "We've set up a test course in the nearby field. Targets, obstacles, and a few simulated enemy drones. This should give us a good idea of how well they handle in combat scenarios."

Sico nodded, following Mel and Hank as they headed toward the field. The Sentinels rolled forward, moving with surprising agility given their size and bulk. When they reached the testing area, Mel pressed a button on his remote, activating a series of targets that popped up along the course.

The Sentinels' targeting systems activated, each tank locking onto a different target. Sico watched, captivated, as the main cannons fired with a thunderous boom, sending armor-piercing rounds into the targets and shattering them with ease. The machine guns fired in bursts, shredding closer targets, while the turrets rotated seamlessly to cover all angles.

One Sentinel took aim at a mock drone that hovered in the air, firing an EMP shell that crackled through the air and disabled the drone instantly. Another Sentinel moved through a line of obstacles, weaving around barriers with surprising speed for a tank of its size.

Hank let out a low whistle, his face lighting up with pride. "They're moving like a dream, General. The targeting systems are on point, and the EMP shells are doing their job against drones."

Sico's smile widened as he observed the Sentinels in action. The precision, the firepower, and the coordination of these machines were better than he had dared hope. With these Sentinels on their side, the Commonwealth had a true advantage.

Mel checked his tablet, reviewing the diagnostics as the Sentinels completed their test run. "All systems are green. Power levels are stable, and no signs of overheating or malfunctions."

Satisfied, Sico turned to Mel and Hank, his voice filled with renewed confidence. "These Sentinels are going to be a game-changer for us. I want our best operators trained on them immediately. The sooner we can deploy them, the better."

Hank gave a firm nod. "I'll get the crews ready. We'll run more drills, make sure they're comfortable with the controls and the targeting systems."

Mel added, "And I'll oversee the final checks and maintenance schedules. We'll keep them in prime condition, General."

Sico watched the Sentinels roll back to the depot after their successful test run, their powerful engines rumbling softly as they settled into place. Pride surged through him as he looked over the formidable machines, each one a testament to the Commonwealth's resilience and ingenuity. With the fourth Sentinel now completed, they had reached a critical juncture. The Commonwealth's fledgling armored division was ready to be deployed, and the decision of where to place each Sentinel would set the tone for the resistance's coming campaign against the Institute.

He turned to Mel, giving him a nod. "Mel, could you have one of your team call Sarah, Preston, Albert, and Robert? I want them here to see these beauties in person. It's time we discuss deployment."

Mel nodded and waved over one of his engineers, who quickly set off to relay Sico's message. While they waited, Sico examined each Sentinel more closely. They were truly a marvel—a unique blend of power, technology, and survivalist grit. A lesser army might have seen the Commonwealth's circumstances and given up, but they had turned scrap and salvaged tech into a weapon capable of striking fear into the Institute. Sico felt an intense sense of pride for his people and all they'd accomplished together.

Before long, he heard footsteps approaching from the main gate. Sarah, Preston, Albert, and Robert entered the depot, their expressions shifting from curiosity to awe as they laid eyes on the Sentinels. Each of them had been a critical figure in organizing the Commonwealth's defenses, and now, seeing the fruits of their labor embodied in these powerful machines, they couldn't hide their amazement.

Sarah was the first to speak, her eyes wide as she took in the machines. "My God, Sico, these are… incredible. I knew we were making progress, but this… this is something else."

Sico chuckled, gesturing proudly toward the Sentinels. "They're the real deal. These Sentinels are going to give us the edge we've needed for a long time. The Institute won't know what hit them."

Preston walked around one of the Sentinels, his hand brushing over the reinforced armor. "With firepower like this, we can finally protect settlements without always being on the defensive. These tanks aren't just weapons; they're symbols of hope."

Robert, ever the strategist, squinted at the tanks, already considering their tactical potential. "Four of these. That's enough to turn the tide, but we have to be careful where we place them. If we lose even one, it'll be a serious blow."

Albert, who had a background in engineering, stepped forward, examining the plating and weaponry with keen interest. "The craftsmanship is excellent. It's clear Hank and his team poured everything into these machines. But Sico, have you decided where you want them deployed?"

Sico nodded, motioning for the group to gather around. "That's what I wanted to discuss with all of you. With the EMP device in play, the Institute's teleportation advantage is on shaky ground, but we still need to be smart about this. We now have four Sentinels, and I want us to consider their strategic deployment carefully."

He pointed to a map laid out on a nearby table, where various locations throughout the Commonwealth were marked. "Sanctuary, Minutemen Plaza, and The Castle are our three major strongholds. I'd like your opinions on deploying at least two Sentinels at Sanctuary. It's our primary base and likely to be a target if the Institute decides to strike back directly."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "Sanctuary is our lifeline. Losing it would cripple the resistance, so having two Sentinels there would reinforce it substantially. It's not just about protecting the stronghold; it's about giving our people a real sense of security."

Preston tapped the map near Minutemen Plaza. "Minutemen Plaza is our strategic nerve center in the heart of the Commonwealth. If we're moving troops and supplies, it all goes through there. Stationing a Sentinel there would secure our lines and give us a mobile, powerful deterrent in case of an attack."

Albert crossed his arms, considering. "The Castle has been one of our more fortified positions. Holding it gives us a tactical advantage in the southeastern Commonwealth, close enough to support nearby settlements and cut off Institute movements in that area. Placing the fourth Sentinel there could help keep the Brotherhood of Steel from sneaking through any gaps in our defenses."

Sico listened to their input, nodding thoughtfully. Their suggestions aligned closely with his own initial plans, but he wanted to hear more about how they envisioned these machines impacting their overall strategy.

"Good points, all of you," he said, glancing from one face to the next. "Let's go over this deployment plan more thoroughly. If we place two Sentinels at Sanctuary, one at Minutemen Plaza, and one at The Castle, each position will have enough firepower to hold its own. But it's crucial that we use these tanks for more than just defense."

Mel chimed in, adding a logistical perspective. "We'll need trained operators for each Sentinel, and those operators should have backup personnel in case they're pulled into extended combat. We can't afford any downtime with these machines."

Sico nodded. "Exactly. We'll start by selecting our most capable drivers and gunners, and they'll undergo intensive training with these Sentinels. They'll need to be familiar with the EMP-resistant systems, the targeting arrays, and the modified ammunition we're using. We can't have any weak links."

Robert stepped forward. "I'll help coordinate the training. Between Hank's team and mine, we'll make sure everyone knows these machines inside and out. Each Sentinel needs to be treated like a fortress, and our operators need to be able to improvise under fire."

Sico smiled, appreciating Robert's proactive approach. "Perfect. And once the crews are trained, we'll run live drills. I want these Sentinels to be ready for anything. The Institute won't hesitate to throw every synth, while the Brotherhood also won't hesitate to throw every men they have at us, so we need to be just as relentless."

Preston tapped the map again, near Minutemen Plaza. "We should also consider using the Sentinels offensively. With the EMP device causing havoc for the Institute's teleportation network, they're vulnerable in ways they haven't been before. We could also organize a raid againts the Brotherhood with Sentinel support, we could hit one of their outposts and capture valuable supplies."

Sico nodded, pleased to see Preston thinking ahead. "That's exactly the kind of action we need to consider. These Sentinels are mobile and powerful. With EMP shells and armor-piercing rounds, we can target Institute facilities and outposts that were previously off-limits. A few well-placed strikes could cripple their supply chain and slow down their production."

Sarah's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Imagine the morale boost for our people if we can pull off a successful offensive. For so long, we've been in defense mode. It's time we start taking the fight to them."

Albert added, "We'll need scouts and reconnaissance to plan any attacks. The Institute's forces are still formidable, and if they catch wind of our plans, they'll respond with overwhelming force. But if we're careful, the Sentinels could give us the upper hand in select operations."

Mel looked at the group, his voice carrying a note of determination. "Between the EMP device and the Sentinels, we finally have the tools to disrupt the Institute's dominance. But we have to play it smart. We're stronger than we were, but the Institute won't go down easily."

Sico looked at each of his commanders, feeling a renewed sense of purpose radiating from them. They had come a long way, from desperate survivors to a force capable of facing one of the most advanced factions in the Commonwealth. The Sentinels were a symbol of that transformation, a testament to what they had built together.

"Then it's settled," Sico said, his tone resolute. "Two Sentinels at Sanctuary, one at Minutemen Plaza, and one at The Castle. We'll reinforce our defenses, train our operators, and begin planning offensives. This is the Commonwealth's turning point."

The group nodded in agreement, each member of his team filled with a renewed determination. The road ahead would be difficult, but for the first time, Sico felt that they had a real chance of victory. With the Sentinels leading the way, the Commonwealth would rise, and the Institute's shadow would finally be driven back.

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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: -