Kapitel 399: 367. Discussion on Improving the Patrols

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As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Sico and Preston continued their walk, greeting settlers, checking on projects, and making plans for the future. Everywhere they went, they saw the fruits of their labor—the strength of the walls, the happiness of the people, and the growing hope for a better tomorrow.

The next morning, Sico awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside his window, a rarity in the Commonwealth. The rising sun cast a warm glow over Sanctuary, signaling the start of another day of hard work. After a quick breakfast, he made his way toward the training yard, where he was set to meet Sarah, the Minutemen's head of strategy, and Preston to discuss ways to improve their patrol squads.

The training yard was located near the northern gate, a sprawling open area equipped with sparring mats, target ranges, and obstacle courses. As Sico approached, he heard the sounds of drills: the rhythmic clash of wooden practice swords, the barked commands of sergeants, and the occasional grunt of exertion from soldiers running through the obstacle course.

Sarah Marshall, a former NCR officer who had joined the Minutemen a year ago, was standing near the edge of the yard. She wore her usual tactical gear, her sharp eyes scanning the trainees as they moved through their exercises. Next to her stood Preston, who was engaged in conversation with a sergeant. They both looked up as Sico approached.

"General," Sarah greeted, offering a crisp salute. "You're just in time. We're about to run a patrol simulation."

"Good morning," Sico said, returning her salute. "What's the plan?"

Sarah gestured to a group of soldiers gathered in a loose formation. They ranged from fresh recruits to seasoned veterans, all wearing variations of Minutemen combat gear. "We're running them through a scenario where they'll need to scout a hostile area, identify threats, and report back. It's basic, but it's the foundation of any good patrol."

Sico nodded. "Sounds good. Let's watch and see how they handle it."

Preston joined them as Sarah gave a signal to the sergeant leading the exercise. The soldiers broke into smaller squads, each assigned to a different part of the simulated "hostile territory" marked out by wooden barriers and makeshift cover. As they moved, Sarah pointed out details to Sico.

"We've been emphasizing communication and situational awareness," she explained. "A lot of these recruits are new, but they're picking it up quickly. The veterans are doing a good job mentoring them."

One squad moved stealthily through the mock terrain, their eyes scanning for hidden "enemies" played by other trainees. They communicated with hand signals, their movements coordinated and deliberate. Another squad, less experienced, was more disorganized, with members occasionally breaking formation or failing to cover each other's blind spots.

"That second squad needs work," Preston observed. "They're leaving themselves wide open."

Sarah nodded. "We're rotating them through extra drills. They'll get there, but it's going to take time."

After the simulation ended, Sarah gathered the soldiers for a quick debrief. She praised their efforts but didn't shy away from pointing out areas for improvement. Her firm but encouraging tone earned her the respect of the troops, who listened intently.

When the soldiers dispersed to resume their drills, Sarah turned back to Sico and Preston. "So, what's the agenda for today?"

Sico gestured toward a nearby bench, and the three of them sat down. "I wanted to talk about improving our patrol squads. As our territory expands, our patrols are becoming more important. They're the first line of defense against raiders, Gunners, and anyone else who might threaten our settlements."

Preston nodded in agreement. "We've been stretching them pretty thin lately. Some of the squads are covering areas that are hours apart, and that's leaving gaps."

"Exactly," Sico said. "We need to reorganize and expand. Here's what I'm thinking."

He pulled a notebook from his coat pocket, flipping to a page filled with notes and sketches. "First, we need to establish regional patrol hubs—bases where squads can rest, resupply, and relay information. These hubs would be strategically placed to cover as much ground as possible."

Sarah leaned in, studying the sketches. "That makes sense. It'll cut down on travel time and give the patrols a home base to work from. We'd need to make sure each hub is well-defended, though. If raiders get wind of them, they'll become targets."

"Agreed," Sico said. "We can reinforce them like we did with the outposts—walls, turrets, and a garrison of soldiers."

"What about manpower?" Preston asked. "We're already training as many recruits as we can, but we'll need more if we're going to staff these hubs."

"We'll need to recruit from settlements outside our network," Sico said. "Offer them protection in exchange for sending volunteers to train with us. We can also set up recruitment drives in places like Bunker Hill and Starlight Drive In."

Sarah considered this. "It'll take time, but it's doable. What about equipment? If we're sending squads out into the field, they'll need more than just basic weapons and armor."

"Ella's factory is ramping up production," Sico replied. "We'll prioritize patrol squads for new equipment. They'll get the latest gear—laser rifles, reinforced combat armor, and plenty of ammunition."

Preston tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We should also equip them with better communication tools. If a patrol runs into trouble, they need to be able to call for backup immediately."

Sico nodded. "I've been working with Sturges on improving our radios. He thinks he can modify some of the pre-war tech we've salvaged to boost their range and reliability. I'll check in with him later today."

The three of them continued to brainstorm, refining their plans for the patrol squads. By the time they finished, they had a clear outline: establish regional patrol hubs, recruit more soldiers, prioritize equipment and communication upgrades, and ensure every squad received thorough training.

"Alright," Sico said, standing up. "Let's put this plan into motion. Sarah, work on identifying locations for the hubs. Preston, start reaching out to settlements about recruitment. I'll handle the equipment and communication upgrades."

"Got it," Sarah said, already making notes in her own notebook. "This is going to make a big difference."

Preston nodded. "The Minutemen are about protecting the people. Better patrols mean safer settlements. Let's get to it."

As Sarah and Preston began to rise, Sico held up a hand to signal he had one more idea to propose. "Before we break, there's something else I want to address about the patrol teams—specifically their size and mobility."

Both Sarah and Preston sat back down, curious.

"Currently, most of our patrol squads consist of five to six people," Sico began, pulling his notebook back out. "That's fine for smaller areas, but as we expand, those numbers leave teams vulnerable if they run into trouble. I think we should increase each patrol team to ten people."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Ten? That's a lot for a single squad. Won't it make them harder to manage in the field?"

"Not if we organize them properly," Sico replied, flipping to a diagram he'd sketched earlier. "Each team would have a clear chain of command—a squad leader, a second-in-command, and specific roles like medics, scouts, and heavy weapons specialists. It'll give them the flexibility to handle larger threats and adapt to various situations."

Preston nodded thoughtfully. "It makes sense. A team that size could split into smaller units when needed but still have the strength to face bigger threats together."

"Exactly," Sico said. "But a ten-person team also raises another issue—transportation. Right now, most of our patrols are on foot, which limits their range and response time. If we want to cover more ground and keep our squads safer, we need to give them vehicles."

"Vehicles?" Sarah asked, leaning forward. "Like trucks?"

"Trucks, Humvees." Sico said. "One Humvee won't fit ten people, so we'll need to pair them up. Two Humvees per team would give us speed, flexibility, and the ability to carry more equipment. Alternatively, a large truck could work for certain patrols, especially in areas where the terrain isn't too rough."

Preston crossed his arms, his expression serious. "That's a big shift. Are we ready for that kind of logistical challenge? Fuel, maintenance, spare parts—it's going to take a lot to keep a fleet running."

"We're already taking steps in that direction," Sico said. "Ella's factory is producing enough vehicles that can be used. Mel has also been working on adapting fusion cores for civilian and military vehicles. Between those two projects, we'll have enough to outfit our patrol squads without draining resources from other areas."

Sarah nodded slowly. "It's ambitious, but it's the kind of forward thinking we need. Trucks and Humvees would drastically improve our patrols' efficiency. They'd be able to respond to emergencies faster, carry more supplies, and evacuate settlers if needed."

Preston still looked hesitant. "What about training? A lot of our soldiers have never even driven a car, let alone a military vehicle."

"We'll set up a training program," Sico said firmly. "Mel and his team can teach basic mechanics and driving skills. For combat scenarios, we'll bring in anyone with military experience to train the squads on vehicle tactics."

Sarah glanced at the training yard, where soldiers were running through obstacle courses. "We'll also need to factor in vehicle-mounted weapons. If we're using Humvees, they'll need turret-mounted guns or something similar."

"Agreed," Sico said. "We already have machine gun turrets. We'll prioritize those for the patrol vehicles."

Preston leaned back, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You've been thinking about this for a while, haven't you?"

Sico chuckled. "You could say that. The Commonwealth isn't going to get any less dangerous. We need to be ready for anything."

Sarah tapped her pen against her notebook. "Alright, let's outline this. Each ten-person team will have two vehicles—preferably Humvees or a combination of a Humvee and a truck. They'll be trained in vehicle operations, mechanics, and combat tactics. We'll equip the vehicles with mounted weapons and make sure they're stocked with supplies for extended patrols."

Sico nodded. "Exactly. And we'll use the patrol hubs as staging areas for the vehicles. Each hub should have a small motor pool with repair stations and storage for spare parts."

"What about fuel depots?" Preston asked. "If the vehicles run out of power in the field, they'll be sitting ducks."

"We'll include portable recharging units with each patrol," Sico said. "They can use those to recharge the vehicles' fusion cores or energy cells in emergencies. For longer missions, we'll set up recharging stations at key points along their routes."

Sarah flipped her notebook shut. "This is a solid plan. It's going to take a lot of work to implement, but if we pull it off, it'll make the Minutemen stronger than ever."

Preston stood, looking more confident now. "And safer. With better patrols, we'll be able to protect more settlements and keep the Commonwealth secure."

Sico rose as well, a determined look on his face. "Then let's get started. Sarah, prioritize finding vehicles we can salvage and repair. Preston, work on recruiting drivers and mechanics from our settlements. I'll coordinate with Ella and Sturges on production and training."

Sarah and Preston nodded, their expressions resolute. "You've got it, General," Sarah said.

As the meeting concluded, Sarah and Preston exchanged a quick glance before rising to carry out their tasks. Sarah immediately headed toward the training yard, clipboard in hand, ready to implement the next set of drills. Her commanding voice soon rang out as she began assembling squads for a briefing on the day's exercises. Preston took a more direct route, heading for the northern gate to speak with a group of settlers who had just arrived, likely new recruits eager to join the Minutemen's growing ranks.

Sico stayed behind, standing near the edge of the training yard as he watched the soldiers resume their drills. The yard buzzed with activity: recruits worked in pairs to practice flanking maneuvers, while veterans tested each other in hand-to-hand combat. Nearby, a small team of engineers tinkered with a salvaged APC, its frame still riddled with old bullet holes. The sight filled Sico with a sense of cautious optimism.

The Minutemen had come a long way, transforming from a scattered group of defenders into a force capable of protecting the Commonwealth. Yet, there was still much to do. Raiders, mutants, and the ever-present threat of the Institute meant that complacency was not an option. The plans for larger patrol teams and vehicles were ambitious, but Sico knew that bold action was necessary if they were to create a lasting sense of safety for the settlements under their protection.

A sharp whistle from the obstacle course pulled his attention. A recruit had stumbled during a climb, prompting a senior soldier to offer assistance. The recruit's determination to finish the course despite the setback brought a small smile to Sico's face. Moments like these reminded him of the resilience and spirit of the people he was fighting for.

After observing for a while longer, Sico made his way back toward the Minutemen HQ. Sanctuary's streets were alive with movement, settlers going about their day as they worked to rebuild their lives. A group of children dashed past him, laughing as they kicked a makeshift ball between them. The cheerful scene was a stark contrast to the chaos that had once engulfed the Commonwealth, a testament to the progress the Minutemen had made.

Reaching the HQ, Sico climbed the steps to his office, his mind already turning to the logistics of the new patrol initiative. The day's work was just beginning, but with dedicated allies like Sarah and Preston, and the unwavering support of the people of the Commonwealth, he was confident they could rise to meet the challenges ahead.

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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:-