Bab 400: 368. Preparation to Build Patrol Outpost
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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.
The next morning, Sico made his way to the Minutemen Soldier Command Center, the hub of their military operations in Sanctuary. The sun was still low in the sky, casting long shadows across the settlement. Even at this early hour, the Command Center was alive with activity. Soldiers moved briskly between the barracks and the planning rooms, while messengers carried reports to and from the HQ. The Minutemen's steady growth was evident in the efficiency and determination that radiated from every corner of the base.
Sico stepped inside the Command Center, greeted by the hum of voices and the scratch of pens on maps. The air was filled with a sense of purpose. As he made his way through the crowded room, he spotted Preston and Sarah near a large tactical table at the far end. The table was covered in maps, markers, and notes, with both of them deep in conversation as they coordinated with several soldiers.
Preston was leaning over the table, gesturing to specific points on the map. "These routes here are too exposed," he said, his tone serious. "We need to make sure our patrols have enough cover if they run into trouble. Trees, ruins, anything that can give them an edge."
Sarah nodded, making quick notes on her clipboard. "Agreed. But we also need to prioritize locations where settlers are most vulnerable. If we spread ourselves too thin, we won't be able to respond effectively."
Sico waited a moment before stepping forward. "Good morning," he said, his voice calm but firm. Both Preston and Sarah looked up, their faces lighting up slightly as they recognized him.
"General," Preston greeted, standing up straight. "You're just in time. We were about to start narrowing down locations for the new patrol outposts."
"I see," Sico replied, glancing at the map. "How's the progress so far? Any challenges?"
Sarah set down her clipboard and gestured toward the map. "We've made good headway since yesterday. Right now, we're identifying ten locations that can serve as patrol outposts. These spots will act as bases for the expanded squads we discussed. Each outpost will cover a strategic area of the Commonwealth, ensuring we can respond quickly to threats."
Preston chimed in, tapping a marker on the map. "We're prioritizing areas near high-risk settlements and key supply routes. For example, one outpost will cover the roads leading to Starlight Drive-In, while another will focus on the eastern approach to Greentop Nursery. These locations aren't just defensible—they're also close enough to settlements that we can offer immediate aid if needed."
Sico studied the map, taking in the marked locations. The spots Preston and Sarah had chosen made sense: they were spread evenly across the Commonwealth, ensuring wide coverage without overstretching their resources. "These are solid choices," he said after a moment. "But have you considered areas near key resources? For example, areas with reliable water sources or fertile land? Those spots will become critical if we're thinking long-term."
Sarah nodded. "We have, though we're still cross-referencing those with existing threats. For example, there's a spot near a river that would be perfect for an outpost, but it's also close to a raider camp. If we station soldiers there, it could provoke a conflict before we're ready."
Sico crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful. "True. But having an outpost near a raider camp could also act as a deterrent. It might force them to relocate or at least think twice before attacking settlers."
Preston scratched his chin. "That's a good point. If we're careful about how we position the outposts, we could use them to exert more influence over problem areas. We'll just need to make sure the squads stationed there are well-equipped and prepared."
Sico nodded. "We'll need to consider that during training. The squads stationed at high-risk outposts will need extra combat readiness and better vehicles. Speaking of which, how's the vehicle situation?"
Sarah glanced at her notes. "Ella's team is making great progress. They've repaired three Humvees and are working on modifying a couple of trucks for patrol duty. Mel has already adapted a few fusion cores to power the vehicles, and they're running better than we expected."
"That's good news," Sico said, his tone approving. "Once the vehicles are ready, we can start deploying them to the outposts. Have you started assigning teams yet?"
Preston shook his head. "Not yet, General. We're focusing on finalizing the outpost locations first. Once that's done, we'll assign squads and start moving equipment and personnel."
"Good," Sico said. "We'll need to make sure the squads are familiar with the terrain around their assigned outposts. I suggest sending scouts ahead to map the area in detail. That way, the squads will have a clear picture of their surroundings before they even arrive."
Sarah smiled faintly. "Already on it. I've got two scouting teams heading out today to survey the most promising locations. They'll report back with detailed maps and any potential issues."
"Excellent," Sico said, leaning over the table to study the map again. "Let's go over each of these locations in detail. I want to make sure we've considered every angle before we commit."
For the next hour, the three of them worked through the map, analyzing each potential outpost in turn. They discussed everything from terrain and defensibility to proximity to settlements and existing threats. Sico offered suggestions where he could, drawing on his own knowledge of the Commonwealth's geography and the challenges they'd faced in the past.
By the time they finished, they had narrowed the list down to ten locations. Each spot was carefully chosen to maximize coverage and minimize risks, ensuring the Minutemen could respond to emergencies more effectively than ever before.
Sarah straightened up, a satisfied look on her face. "That's a solid list. We'll start preparing supply runs and personnel assignments today."
Preston nodded, his expression determined. "I'll coordinate with the quartermaster to make sure each outpost gets the equipment they need. We'll also need to set up communication lines between the outposts and HQ."
Sico smiled faintly. "Good. This is the kind of progress we need. Once the outposts are up and running, the Commonwealth will be a much safer place."
Sarah and Preston exchanged a quick glance before turning back to him. "Anything else, General?" Preston asked.
"For now, just keep me updated," Sico said. "And make sure the soldiers know how important this is. They're not just defending settlements—they're building the foundation for a better future."
Sico took a moment to process the progress they had made before addressing Preston and Sarah again. "The outposts are shaping up well," he said, his tone firm but encouraging. "Now, let's talk about the personnel assignments. How are you choosing who gets stationed at each location?"
Sarah glanced at Preston, who nodded, deferring to her. She adjusted the clipboard in her hands and spoke with the precise tone of someone who had thought this through in detail. "We're prioritizing a mix of experienced soldiers and newer recruits for each outpost," she explained. "Veterans will provide leadership and training on-site, while the recruits can learn on the job and gradually take on more responsibilities."
"Smart," Sico said, nodding. "That way, the newer recruits gain field experience without being overwhelmed. But what criteria are you using to match people to specific outposts? For example, are you considering skill sets or prior experience with the type of terrain they'll be working in?"
Sarah's lips curved into a small, approving smile. "Exactly that, General. Each soldier has a file detailing their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, we're assigning soldiers with good navigational skills to outposts near dense forests or tricky terrain. Those with strong combat experience are being prioritized for the more dangerous locations, like outposts near known raider camps or super mutant hotspots."
Preston leaned forward, tapping one of the locations on the map. "Take this outpost near Quincy," he said. "It's close to a raider stronghold. We're assigning two sharpshooters and a squad leader with extensive combat experience to hold it down. They'll also have a couple of engineers on hand to maintain their defenses and any vehicles they use."
"That's good thinking," Sico agreed. "You'll need a strong balance between offensive and defensive capabilities at high-risk locations. What about the defense plans for these outposts? What kind of fortifications are you envisioning?"
Sarah glanced at Preston, then pulled out a separate sheet of notes. "The defenses will vary depending on the outpost's location and risk level," she began. "For outposts in open areas, we'll build perimeter walls using salvaged steel and concrete barriers. These walls will be reinforced with spikes and angled plating to prevent climbing. Each outpost will also have an elevated watchtower for long-range visibility and sniper positions."
"For outposts in denser areas, like forests or ruins, we're using natural cover to our advantage," Preston added. "Instead of full walls, we'll set up staggered barricades and trenches. That way, soldiers can move quickly between cover while maintaining a clear line of sight on approaching threats. We're also planning to install camouflaged lookouts in trees or high ground to monitor the area."
"What about automated defenses?" Sico asked. "Turrets, traps, anything that can help reduce the burden on the soldiers?"
Sarah nodded. "We're equipping each outpost with at least two automated turrets. Mel has been retrofitting some old Protectron and Assaultron parts to improve the turret designs. They'll run on fusion cores and be programmed for both perimeter defense and close-range combat. In addition, we're setting up tripwire traps and motion sensors around the outposts to give soldiers an early warning of any incoming threats."
"That's excellent," Sico said, clearly impressed. "Having automated defenses will not only improve the outposts' resilience but also allow the soldiers to focus on their patrols instead of staying on constant alert. Are you planning to rotate personnel between outposts and Sanctuary?"
Preston nodded. "Absolutely. We're setting up a schedule so that no squad is stationed at a high-risk outpost for more than two weeks at a time. After that, they'll rotate back to Sanctuary or another low-risk outpost to rest and regroup."
"Good," Sico said. "Burnout is a real concern, especially in high-pressure environments. Make sure the rotations are consistent and that the squads have time to debrief when they return. We don't want anyone feeling like they're carrying the weight of the Commonwealth on their own."
Sarah made a note on her clipboard. "Understood, General. I'll make sure to include debriefing sessions as part of the rotation schedule. We'll also assign medics and mental health support to each outpost to handle any immediate issues."
"What about supplies?" Sico asked. "Are the outposts going to be self-sufficient, or will they rely on supply runs from Sanctuary?"
"A bit of both," Preston replied. "We're setting up small gardens and water purifiers at the outposts to cover basic needs. But for things like ammunition, medical supplies, and spare parts, we'll rely on supply runs. Each outpost will have a secure storage room to hold a week's worth of provisions in case supply lines are disrupted."
Sico nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Diversifying their supply sources will reduce vulnerabilities. Have you considered setting up contingency plans in case an outpost is overrun or cut off?"
Sarah's expression grew serious. "Yes. Each outpost will have an emergency evacuation plan. We're installing secure tunnels or hidden escape routes at the high-risk locations, leading to pre-designated safe zones. We're also equipping every squad with a distress beacon that can signal nearby patrols or Sanctuary if they need immediate assistance."
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear," Sico said, his tone approving. "You've both done excellent work. The Commonwealth is going to be a much safer place once these outposts are operational."
Preston straightened, a hint of pride in his posture. "Thank you, General. It means a lot coming from you."
Sarah smiled faintly but didn't let her focus waver. "We're just doing our part, General. The Commonwealth deserves a brighter future, and we're going to make it happen."
Sico took a moment to absorb the weight of their dedication. The Minutemen weren't just rebuilding—they were transforming the Commonwealth into a place where people could thrive, free from fear. "Let's move forward with these plans," he said. "Keep me updated on your progress, and let me know if there's anything you need."
With that, Sico stepped away from the tactical table, giving them space to continue their work. He took one last look around the Command Center, watching as soldiers, engineers, and scouts worked together toward a common goal. The air buzzed with determination, a palpable energy that reminded him why he had taken up the mantle of General in the first place.
As he left the Command Center, Sico felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Commonwealth was far from perfect, but with people like Preston and Sarah by his side, he knew they were on the right path. The road ahead would be long and fraught with challenges, but he was confident they could overcome them together.
For now, the focus was on the outposts. Once they were established, the Minutemen would have the infrastructure they needed to truly protect the Commonwealth. And with that foundation in place, they could start building something even greater—a future where settlements could thrive without fear, where families could grow without worry, and where the Commonwealth could finally live up to its name.
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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:-
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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