章 32: 31. Macready and a Lead To Shaun

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Descending into the depths of the apartment building, Sico sensed the weight of the task ahead, knowing that every move in this delicate dance of Goodneighbor's power struggles could reshape the intricate dynamics of the city.

In the dimly lit basement of the apartment, Sico encountered the so-called "rat problem" – a group of individuals representing a faction in direct competition with Goodneighbor's established order. The tension in the air was palpable as Sico understood the gravity of the task.

As he moved stealthily through the shadows, the figures of the rival faction came into view. Sico's actions at this moment could tip the scales of power within Goodneighbor. With precision and determination, he engaged in a swift and silent confrontation, eliminating the perceived threat.

The basement fell silent, the weight of the moment lingering in the air. Sico, having dealt with the "rats," understood that the ripples of this encounter would echo through the intricate dynamics of Goodneighbor's political landscape.

Sico, knowing that every move in this delicate dance had the potential to reshape the city, ascended from the depths of the Apartment.

Heading back through the dimly lit streets, he made his way to the Third Rail, the enigmatic shadows of Goodneighbor embracing him once again. As he entered the familiar establishment, Charlie, the robot bartender, glanced in his direction, acknowledging the completion of the task.

Charlie: "Back so soon, pal? Looks like you handled business. What's the word?"

Sico, with a subtle nod, conveyed that the "rat problem" had been taken care of.

Charlie, observing Sico's return, raised an intrigued metallic eyebrow.

Charlie: "Back so soon, pal? Looks like you handled business. What's the word?"

Sico: "The rat problem is already taken care of, Charlie."

Charlie: "Well done. Seems you're more than just a face in the crowd. Here's your payment for a job 2.500 caps, well done."

Charlie slid a pouch across the bar, and the satisfying clink of caps resonated in the air. Sico, accepting the reward, felt the weight of the caps in his hand – a tangible acknowledgment of his role in the intricate dance of Goodneighbor's power struggles.

Sico, appreciating the weight of the caps in his hand, decided to celebrate his successful endeavor. He signaled to Charlie for a drink, the clinking of glasses providing a soothing background melody. The singer on the stage added a layer of ambiance to the dimly lit Third Rail.

As he sipped his drink, Sico's attention was drawn to the captivating figure on the stage, a singer whose voice resonated through the room. Mesmerized by the performance, he leaned in and asked Charlie, "Who's the singer? She's quite talented."

Charlie, with a nod toward the stage, replied, "That's Magnolia. A real crowd-pleaser, she is."

As Magnolia's voice filled the room, Sico found himself immersed in the captivating atmosphere of the Third Rail, appreciating the artistry of Magnolia's sound.

As Magnolia finished her soulful song, the applause echoed through the Third Rail. She gracefully thanked the audience and announced a short break before her next performance.

Sico, seizing the opportunity, made his way to the bar as Magnolia approached for a well-deserved break.

Magnolia: "Thanks, Charlie. I could use a drink after that."

Charlie nodded, pouring a drink for the talented singer. Sico, with a polite smile, approached Magnolia.

Sico: "That was an incredible performance. I couldn't help but be captivated by your voice. I'm Sico."

Magnolia: "Nice to meet you, Sico. What brings you to the Third Rail tonight?"

Sico: "Nice to meet you too. I came to the Third Rail to take a break and enjoy some good music. Waiting for a friend to join me."

Magnolia, sipping her drink, nodded appreciatively.

Magnolia: "Well, you've come to the right place for both. Enjoy your break, and if you need anything, just let me know."

Sico thanked Magnolia for her kind words, engaging in a casual conversation with her. However, as she excused herself to continue singing, his attention was diverted when he noticed two people walking towards a secluded room. Sensing something suspicious, Sico decided to discreetly follow them.

As he approached, the muffled voices inside hinted at a clandestine meeting. The atmosphere grew tense as he listened, and soon, the name "MacCready" echoed through the room.

As Sico continued to eavesdrop on the clandestine meeting, MacCready acknowledged the presence of the two individuals – Winlock and Barnes.

MacCready: "Hey, Winlock, Barnes. What brings you here?"

The air in the room seemed to thicken as MacCready's inquiry hung in the air. Winlock, shifting uncomfortably, responded.

Winlock: "We're looking for you. The higher-ups want to know why you're poking around."

MacCready: "Why don't you just ask instead of sending muscle after me?"

Winlock: "You know the drill, MacCready. Don't get any jobs in this area. It's Gunner territory, and we don't want any freelancers causing trouble."

Winlock, after laying down the ultimatum, took a step closer to MacCready, a hint of familiarity in his eyes.

Winlock: "You're good at what you do, MacCready. Join us again, and you won't have to worry about running solo."

MacCready: "I've got my own way of doing things now. I'll run solo."

Winlock: "This is your last chance. Stay out of our way, or there will be consequences."

With that, Winlock and Barnes left the room, their departure leaving a lingering tension in the air. Sico, navigating through the lingering tension in the air, approached MacCready. With a nod, he introduced himself and inquired about the recent encounter.

Sico: "I'm Sico. What was all that about?"

MacCready: "Just a problem I had to deal with. Name's MacCready, by the way."

As the introductions unfolded, MacCready, recognizing the potential in Sico, made an unexpected offer.

MacCready: "If you ever need someone with my skills, I'm available. Just 1,500 caps. What do you say?"

Sico, with a shrewd negotiation spirit, responded to MacCready's offer.

Sico: "How about we make it an even 1,000 caps?"

MacCready: "I can do 1,250 caps. What do you think?"

Sico: "Deal. You've got yourself a contract."

Sico, sealing the deal with MacCready, invited him to join at the bar. They approached Charlie, and Sico made a gesture for MacCready to take a seat.

Sico: "Charlie, can we get a drink for my new partner here?"

Charlie, acknowledging the request, poured a drink for MacCready. As the atmosphere at the Third Rail shifted, Sico turned to Charlie once more.

Sico: "By the way, Charlie, is there a place around here where me and my friends can stay?"

Charlie: "Try the Hotel Rexford, just around the corner. They've got some rooms available."

Sico, expressing gratitude to Charlie, paid for the drinks and turned to MacCready.

Sico: "Thanks, Charlie. Come on, MacCready, let's head to the Memory Den. I want to check if Nick and Nora are finished."

As Sico and MacCready made their way to the Memory Den, MacCready's curiosity got the better of him.

MacCready: "So, who are Nick and Nora?"

Sico, with a grin, took a moment to introduce his newfound companion to the details of their shared mission and the individuals involved.

Sico: "Nick is a synth detective, and Nora is the one who brought us all together. We're on a quest to find her son, Shaun. You'll get to know them better at the Memory Den."

As Sico and MacCready arrived at the Memory Den, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Stepping inside, they found Nora and Nick engaged in conversation, their expressions a mix of revelation and contemplation.

Sico: "Looks like they're done with Kellogg's memories. Let's catch up with them."

As Sico joined Nora and Nick in the aftermath of exploring Kellogg's memories, he couldn't help but inquire about the crucial information they might have uncovered.

Sico: "Did you find out where Shaun is?"

Nora, her gaze reflective, shared a revelation that sent ripples through the group.

Nora: "Now he is a ten-year-old boy now. When they took him, they put me to sleep, and I woke up ten years later."

Nora's revelation about the Institute sent a shiver through the group, as the complexities of their mission deepened.

Nora: "The Institute kidnapped Shaun, and the reason people can't find their base is because they use teleportation for entry and exit. There are no visible entrances to locate."

As the group absorbed Nora's information about the Institute's elusive nature, Sico couldn't help but explore potential leads in Kellogg's memories.

Sico: "Is there any way in Kellogg's memories to find a path to the Institute?"

Nora, with a thoughtful expression, responded.

Nora: "No direct path, but there's a lead. Kellogg had a last assignment before we dealt with him – to hunt down a rogue Institute scientist named Virgil. We need to find Virgil; he might hold the key to reaching the Institute."

The prospect of pursuing this lead unfolded before them, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their quest for Shaun and the unraveling mysteries of the Commonwealth.

As the group embraced the unfolding chapter in their quest, Sico took a moment to introduce MacCready to Nora and Nick.

Sico: "This is MacCready. We've just joined forces, and he's got skills that might come in handy."

MacCready, nodding in acknowledgment, offered a brief introduction.

MacCready: "Pleasure to meet you both. If we're going after the Institute, you'll need all the help you can get."

Nora and Nick, welcoming MacCready to their ranks, exchanged introductions as the group solidified its unity.

Nora: "Welcome aboard, MacCready. I'm Nora, and this is Nick."

Nick nodded in acknowledgment, and Sico took charge of the next steps.

Sico: "Alright, let's head to the Hotel Rexford nearby. We could all use some rest before we delve into finding Virgil and navigating the complexities of the Institute."

As the group arrived at the Hotel Rexford, Sico approached the hotel manager, Clair Hutchins, who handled the receptionist duties.

Clair: "Welcome to Hotel Rexford. How many rooms will you be needing, and payment is required upfront."

Sico, coordinating the arrangements, conveyed the number of rooms needed as they prepared to settle in and gather their strength for the challenges ahead in their quest to uncover the mysteries of the Institute.

After securing their rooms, the group dispersed to gather themselves and rest for the challenges that lay ahead. Sico, having stowed his belongings in his room, decided to make his way back to the Third Rail, perhaps seeking a moment of solitude or connection in the vibrant yet mysterious atmosphere of Goodneighbor.

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• Name: Sico

• Stats :

S: 5,44

P: 3,44

E: 4,44

C: 5,44

I: 8,44

A: 2,44

L: 5

• Skills: intermediate Mechanic, Science, and Shooting skills, Beginner Medical skills

• Inventory: 16.460 caps, 10mm Pistol, 1500 10mm rounds, 22 mole rats meat, 17 mole rats teeth, 1 fragmentation grenade, 6 stimpak, 1 rad x, 1 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, and Righteous Authority.

• Active Quest: None