บท 232: 210. Searching the Radio Beacon

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The team nodded, ready and determined. Sico gave the signal, and the convoy moved out, leaving Sanctuary behind and heading towards the General Atomics factory.

The journey was tense, with the team members focused on the mission ahead. As they neared the factory, Sico ordered the convoy to halt a safe distance away. "This is where we dismount and proceed on foot," he instructed. "MacCready, find your vantage points and cover us. Everyone else, stay sharp and move in formation."

The team spread out, advancing cautiously towards the factory. The building loomed ahead, an imposing structure of rusted metal and cracked concrete, surrounded by a fence topped with barbed wire. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the distant whir of machinery.

MacCready quickly climbed a nearby hill, setting up his sniper position. "I've got eyes on the factory," he reported. "Looks like there are patrols around the perimeter. I'll take them out one by one."

Sico nodded. "Good. Preston, Cait, Jenny, and Ada, you're with me. The rest of you, hold this position and be ready to move in when I give the signal."

The advance team moved forward, keeping low and using the terrain for cover. As they approached the factory gates, MacCready's shots rang out, each one taking down a patrol robot with precision.

"Gate's clear," MacCready confirmed. "You're good to go."

Sico signaled for the team to move in. They slipped through the gates and entered the factory grounds, moving swiftly but cautiously. The eerie silence was broken by the occasional whir of mechanical parts and the distant hum of machinery.

The team moved stealthily through the factory grounds, their senses heightened and weapons at the ready. They encountered several more patrol robots, which MacCready efficiently neutralized from his vantage point.

Upon reaching the entrance to the factory, Sico signaled for everyone to take their positions. Ada approached the door, her sensors scanning for any traps or security systems. "It appears to be clear," she reported.

Sico nodded, and the team entered the building, advancing through the dimly lit corridors. The interior of the factory was a labyrinth of machinery and rusted metal. The whir of active robots echoed through the halls, making it clear they were not alone.

As they navigated deeper into the factory, they encountered increasing resistance. Hostile robots, bearing the Mechanist's emblem, attacked with relentless precision. The team fought back with coordinated tactics, their combined firepower overwhelming the robotic defenders.

Cait's shotgun blasts and Preston's rifle shots punctuated the sounds of battle, while Jenny provided crucial medical support, ensuring no one was seriously injured. Ada used her advanced combat abilities to disable key enemies, making the fight more manageable.

Despite the intense combat, the team pressed forward, determined to reach the heart of the factory. They moved through assembly lines and control rooms, dismantling wave after wave of Mechanist's robots.

Finally, they reached the end of the factory, where a massive reinforced door loomed before them. Ada interfaced with the control panel, her mechanical fingers moving quickly over the keys. "This appears to be the main control room," she said. "Stand by, I'm accessing the lock mechanism."

The door slowly creaked open, revealing a large, dimly lit chamber. At the center stood a strange figure: a robot with a human brain encased in a transparent dome, wires and circuitry extending from its base. It turned towards them, its mechanical voice cold and calculating.

"Welcome, intruders," the Robobrain intoned. "You have been causing quite the disturbance."

Sico stepped forward, his weapon aimed at the Robobrain. "Who are you, and what do you know about the Mechanist?"

The Robobrain's dome glowed softly as it processed the question. "I am Robobrain Model X9-48. The Mechanist has charged me with overseeing this facility and its operations. You will not interfere with our mission of peace."

"Peace?" Cait scoffed. "You're killing people and calling it peace?"

"Our directive is to bring order to the Commonwealth," the Robobrain replied. "Any resistance is met with necessary force. The Mechanist's vision is one of a unified, orderly society."

"Your vision is causing chaos and death," Sico countered. "We're here to stop you."

The Robobrain's eyes glowed red. "Then you will be terminated."

With that, the Robobrain activated a series of defense mechanisms. Panels in the walls slid open, revealing more hostile robots that immediately began to converge on the team.

"Take it down!" Sico shouted, and the team sprang into action.

Preston and Cait focused their fire on the Robobrain itself, aiming for its vulnerable brain dome. Jenny stayed back, providing cover and ready to administer aid. Ada used her combat prowess to keep the additional robots at bay, her movements swift and precise.

MacCready, from his position outside, picked off robots through the open doorway, his sniper shots providing crucial support.

The Robobrain fought back fiercely, deploying energy weapons and defensive protocols, but the combined assault from Sico's team gradually wore it down. With a final, well-placed shot from Sico, the Robobrain's dome shattered, and it collapsed to the ground, its circuits sparking.

As the last of the hostile robots fell, the room fell silent once more. Sico approached the remains of the Robobrain, searching for any clues or information.

Sico knelt beside the remains of the Robobrain, carefully sifting through the sparking wires and shattered glass. Amidst the debris, he found a small cylindrical device embedded within the robot's chassis. Recognizing it as a piece of advanced technology, he extracted it and held it up for closer inspection.

"Looks like a radar beacon," Sico muttered to himself. He turned to Ada, holding the device out. "Ada, does this mean anything to you?"

Ada's sensors focused on the beacon, her mechanical eyes scanning it thoroughly. "This is indeed a radar beacon," she confirmed. "It's a component used by the Mechanist to coordinate and track the movements of their robotic forces."

"Can it help us find the Mechanist?" Preston asked, stepping closer.

Ada considered the question for a moment. "If I can integrate this beacon into my systems, I might be able to pick up additional signals. However, to triangulate the exact location of the Mechanist's lair, I'll need two more beacons like this."

Sico nodded. "Alright, let's get this beacon installed. Ada, what do you need?"

Ada extended a small panel from her torso, revealing a series of ports and connectors. "I'll need your assistance to properly install and calibrate the beacon."

Sico stepped forward, carefully connecting the beacon to the appropriate ports under Ada's guidance. The process took a few minutes, with Sico making sure each connection was secure. Once the installation was complete, Ada's sensors flickered to life, processing the new data.

"The beacon is operational," Ada reported. "I can detect faint signals that suggest the presence of other beacons. If we can find two more, I will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the Mechanist's lair."

Preston, Cait, and Jenny exchanged determined looks. "Then we know what we need to do," Preston said. "Ada, do you have any idea where we might find the other beacons?"

"Based on the signal patterns, I can narrow down potential locations," Ada replied. "There are three primary areas where the Mechanist's forces have been most active: a robotics disposal ground north of here, an old military checkpoint to the east, and a derelict factory complex to the south."

Sico nodded, formulating a plan. "We'll search these locations. Ada, you guide us with the beacon signals. We'll cover the military checkpoint first."

With their next objectives clear, the team prepared to move out. The hunt for the additional radar beacons had begun, and with Ada's assistance, they were one step closer to locating the Mechanist and stopping the threat to the Commonwealth.

As they exited the factory, Sico felt a renewed sense of purpose. The stakes were high, but with Ada's help and the combined efforts of the Minutemen, they stood a fighting chance against the Mechanist's forces. They were ready to do whatever it took to protect their home and bring an end to the chaos.

The team regrouped and set out to the robotics disposal ground north of the factory. The area was filled with rusted and broken-down robots, a graveyard of failed and decommissioned machines. They scoured the grounds, encountering a few hostile robots, but found no sign of a Robobrain or another radar beacon.

Next, they headed to the old military checkpoint to the east. The checkpoint was heavily fortified, a relic from the pre-war days. As they navigated through the abandoned barracks and makeshift defenses, they encountered more Mechanist robots. After a thorough search, it became clear that this location, too, was devoid of any Robobrains or beacons.

Their hopes rested on the derelict factory complex to the south. The factory was in worse shape than the General Atomics factory, with large sections of the roof collapsed and entire floors inaccessible. As they explored, they found more of the Mechanist's robots guarding the facility. After an intense battle, they reached the heart of the factory and found a Robobrain. After disabling it, Sico retrieved another radar beacon from its remains.

He turned to Ada, handing her the beacon. "Can you install this one as well?"

Ada nodded. "Certainly. Stand by."

Once the second beacon was installed and operational, Ada's sensors flickered to life again, processing the additional data. "I can detect the signal of the final beacon," she said. "It's coming from the Fort Hagen satellite array, currently in the possession of a group known as the Rust Devils."

Sico frowned. "The Rust Devils? Who are they?"

Ada's eyes glowed softly as she began to explain. "The Rust Devils are a raider gang that emerged recently in the Commonwealth, around the same time as the Mechanist's arrival. They have established their main base at the Fort Hagen satellite array. The Rust Devils scavenge for functional robots and parts, which they reprogram and heavily customize. These robots are then used for raids or base defense. Any robots they cannot capture or reprogram are stripped for parts to maintain their existing robot cohort or to build armor for themselves. They are openly hostile to everyone, including other raider gangs."

Preston's expression hardened. "Sounds like they're a menace. We'll need to be prepared for a tough fight."

Sico nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We'll need to approach this carefully. Ada, can you guide us to the Fort Hagen satellite array?"

"Of course," Ada replied. "I will lead the way."

With a renewed sense of determination, the team made their way to the Fort Hagen satellite array. The journey was arduous, but their resolve was unwavering. As they neared the satellite array, the presence of the Rust Devils became apparent. The area was heavily fortified with makeshift barricades and patrolling robots, all marked with the Rust Devils' distinctive insignia.

Sico ordered the team to halt a safe distance away. "MacCready, find a vantage point and give us cover. The rest of you, stay sharp and move in formation. Let's show these Rust Devils what the Minutemen are capable of."

As MacCready took his position, the rest of the team advanced cautiously. The final beacon was within their grasp, and with it, they could finally pinpoint the Mechanist's lair. The mission was critical, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The team moved into position, spreading out to cover as much ground as possible. MacCready climbed a nearby hill and set up his sniper rifle, scanning the area for targets. "I've got eyes on a few Rust Devils and their robots. I'll take the first shot when you're ready, Sico," he reported over the radio.

Sico nodded, giving the signal. "Do it."

MacCready's rifle cracked, and a Rust Devil fell. The compound erupted into chaos as the Rust Devils and their patrol bots scrambled to respond to the attack. Sico, Preston, Cait, Jenny, and Ada advanced, using the confusion to their advantage.

The battle was intense. The Rust Devils fought fiercely, using their customized robots to great effect. Preston and Cait provided suppressive fire while Ada charged ahead, using her combat prowess to dismantle enemy bots. Jenny moved swiftly between cover, tending to any injuries and ensuring everyone stayed in the fight.

"Keep pushing forward!" Sico shouted, taking down a Rust Devil with a well-aimed shot. "We need to reach that terminal!"

With coordinated precision, the team fought their way through the outer defenses. MacCready's sniper fire continued to pick off enemies from a distance, providing much-needed cover. Finally, they reached the fortified building that housed the terminal.

Sico and Ada approached the terminal, while Preston and Cait kept watch. "Ada, can you get us in?" Sico asked.

"Accessing now," Ada replied, her mechanical fingers flying over the keys. "This terminal controls the security systems and the main door to the lower levels. It will take a moment."

As Ada worked, more Rust Devils and robots converged on their position. The team held their ground, fending off waves of attackers. The air was filled with the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the whirring of robotic parts.

"Got it," Ada announced, as the terminal beeped and the door slid open. "The hatch leading to the lower levels is now accessible."

"Let's move!" Sico ordered, leading the way through the door. The team descended a narrow staircase, finding themselves in a dimly lit hallway. At the end of the hall was a large, reinforced hatch.

"Everyone ready?" Sico asked, glancing back at his team. They nodded, weapons at the ready. "Let's do this."

Sico and Ada worked together to open the hatch. As it creaked open, the team entered the lower levels of the satellite array, finding themselves in a maze of maintenance tunnels and storage rooms. The air was thick with tension, and the only sounds were the distant hum of machinery and their own footsteps.

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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: -