บท 263: 240. The Galactic Zone PT.1

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For now, though, they allowed themselves to enjoy the present, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and new opportunities. In the world they lived in, moments of peace were rare and precious, and they intended to savor every second of it.

The next day, as the sun began to rise over Nuka-Town USA, Sico and his team gathered in the main conference room of the Fizztop Grille. The mood was serious but hopeful, as they knew their work was far from over. They were about to discuss their next major objective: taking control of the Galactic Zone.

Porter Gage, the seasoned advisor of the Overboss, stepped forward to address the team. His face was lined with experience, and his eyes held a mixture of caution and determination.

"The Galactic Zone," Gage began, his voice steady, "used to be one of the most important areas in Nuka-World. It was a hub for the Nuka-World traders, bustling with activity. But then, things went south."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "The traders activated some kind of defense mechanism, a machine that was supposed to protect them from raiders. But it backfired. Instead of just defending them, it turned every robot in the zone against everyone. The place became a death trap. Raiders, traders, anyone who set foot there was killed. Since then, we haven't been able to take it back."

Sico leaned forward, his eyes focused on Gage. "So, it's a fortified area with hostile robots. What's the plan to reclaim it?"

Gage nodded, appreciating Sico's directness. "The key to taking the Galactic Zone is disabling the defense mechanism that controls the robots. It's likely hidden somewhere deep within the zone. Once we shut it down, we can deal with the remaining robots on our terms."

Hancock chimed in, "Do we have any intel on where this mechanism might be located? The place is huge, and wandering around aimlessly is a death sentence."

Gage pulled out a map of the Galactic Zone and laid it on the table. "We have some old schematics and reports from before the incident. The central control hub is most likely in the heart of the zone, near the Starport Nuka. That's where the traders would have had the most secure systems."

MacCready studied the map. "So, we need to get to the Starport Nuka, find the control hub, and shut down the defense mechanism. Sounds straightforward, but we know it won't be easy."

Sico nodded. "We'll need to be prepared for heavy resistance. The robots will be relentless. We should bring our best equipment and make sure everyone knows their role."

Robert, always the quiet observer, spoke up. "We should also consider any potential traps or security measures the traders might have set up. They were desperate when they activated that machine. There could be more than just robots to deal with."

Gage agreed. "Good point. We'll need to stay sharp and expect the unexpected. But if we can pull this off, the Galactic Zone will be a major asset. Not just for us, but for anyone who wants to trade and thrive in Nuka-World."

Sico looked around at his team, seeing the determination in their eyes. "Alright, let's gear up and get ready. This is going to be a tough mission, but we've faced worse. Together, we can take back the Galactic Zone."

With their plan set and their resolve strong, the team began preparing for the mission. They knew the risks, but they also knew the rewards. The Galactic Zone awaited, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With their plan in place, Sico and his team began assembling a formidable force to reclaim the Galactic Zone. They decided on a balanced mix of raiders from each faction: 30 Pack raiders known for their brute strength and aggression, 30 Disciple raiders skilled in stealth and deadly precision, and 20 Operators raiders with their strategic minds and business acumen. It was a formidable force, prepared for any challenge the Galactic Zone might throw at them.

Once the raiders were briefed and equipped with their best weapons and armor, the combined team set off towards the east main entrance of the Galactic Zone. The march was tense, each step bringing them closer to the treacherous territory guarded by hostile robots.

As they approached the entrance, the scene before them was a grim reminder of the dangers ahead. The ground was littered with the remains of traders who had tried to escape, their bodies now skeletal and weathered. Among the debris lay the twisted wrecks of robots, frozen in their last moments of violence.

Hancock knelt by one of the destroyed robots, examining its remains. "Looks like these machines were serious about their job. We're going to have our hands full in there."

MacCready scanned the area, his rifle at the ready. "We need to stay sharp and move as a unit. One slip-up could cost us dearly."

Sico listened to Hancock and MacCready, then decided they needed more information. "Search the traders' remains. There might be something useful we can use," he instructed his team.

As they spread out, Sico himself stumbled upon a particularly decayed body. Beside the remains, he noticed a tech module glinting in the dim light. He picked it up and then searched the remains thoroughly, hoping for more clues.

His persistence paid off when he found a holotape. Sico inserted it into his Pip-Boy, eager to see what information it contained. The screen flickered to life, displaying the familiar interface of ROBCO Industries Termlink.

Welcome to ROBCO Industries (TM) Termlink

Tiana Alston - Personal Log

Welcome, Tiana. Please select an entry.

• 4/8/2286

• 4/12/2286

Sico selected the first entry.

4/8/2286

Dad said we're heading out to the Galactic Zone again tomorrow.

I'm still not sure how I feel about these salvage runs. It's amazing to see how much of the old tech still works—I wish I could stay and study it all. But Dad's crew is just there to rip it apart and haul it back for scrap; as if the world didn't have enough rusted metal and broken circuit boards already.

At least I only have to take half shifts. I'm looking forward to getting back to my work on Star Control. I just hope the old mainframe is still running.

Sico paused, absorbing the information. It seemed that Tiana was involved with something called Star Control. He clicked on the second entry, hoping for more details.

4/12/2286

It's all my fault.

I told him. I told him there weren't enough cores left to turn it on. If he had waited an hour, we could have pulled them from around the Zone, gotten Star Control back up and running. I already had people looking. I could have made it work. But he wouldn't listen. He wouldn't listen. And now—God, I hope he's all right.

I can hear the screams. We're going to wait for nightfall, then make a run for the gate.

The log painted a bleak picture. The defense mechanism had been activated prematurely, resulting in chaos and death. But it also provided a valuable clue: the Star Control mainframe was crucial, and the lack of power cores had been a significant issue.

Sico looked up at his team, determination in his eyes. "The Star Control mainframe is key. We need to find it and get it running. It sounds like we'll need power cores. Start looking for any intact cores or clues on where we might find some."

Sico examined the tech module he had found beside the remains. It was a small, rectangular device with a faintly glowing interface, similar to the other three he had previously discovered. He realized that these tech modules were what Tiana referred to as "Star Cores."

He turned to his team, holding up the module. "These are Star Cores. We'll need these to power up the Star Control mainframe. Thankfully, I brought the other three I found earlier. This makes four so far, but we might need more."

Hancock raised an eyebrow. "Any idea how many we need?"

Sico shook his head. "Not exactly, but considering the size of the Galactic Zone and the importance of the Star Control mainframe, it's likely we'll need quite a few. Keep searching for any more Star Cores we can find."

MacCready and Hancock nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. The team redoubled their efforts, scouring the area for any additional Star Cores or clues that might lead them to more.

As they continued their search, Sico couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and determination. They had a plan and a clear objective, and every Star Core they found brought them one step closer to reclaiming the Galactic Zone. But they also had to stay vigilant; the hostile robots and potential traps were still very real threats.

After some time spent meticulously searching the remains of the traders, Sico and his team found no additional Star Cores. The realization that they would have to venture deeper into the Galactic Zone to find more was setting in.

Hancock sighed, brushing off some dirt from his hands. "Looks like we're out of luck here. No more Star Cores among the remains."

MacCready frowned but nodded. "Yeah, it seems we've exhausted our options here. We're going to have to move further in if we want to find more."

Sico took a deep breath, rallying his team. "Alright, let's head towards the Starport Nuka. We know the mainframe is likely there, and we might find more Star Cores along the way. Stay alert and be prepared for anything."

With their next objective set, Sico and his team steeled themselves and ventured deeper into the Galactic Zone. The tension was palpable as they moved cautiously through the entrance, knowing that danger lurked around every corner.

As they crossed the threshold into the heart of the Galactic Zone, they were immediately greeted by a barrage of laser fire from hostile robots and defense turrets. The air was filled with the sounds of mechanical whirring and the sharp crackle of energy weapons.

"Take cover!" Sico shouted, diving behind a rusted piece of machinery. The rest of the team quickly followed suit, finding whatever cover they could in the chaotic environment.

Hancock popped up from behind his cover and returned fire, his plasma pistol sizzling as it struck a nearby turret, causing it to explode in a shower of sparks. "We've got to take out those turrets first, or we'll be sitting ducks!"

MacCready, using his sniper rifle, aimed for the weak spots on the robots, taking down one after another with precise shots. "Hancock's right! Focus on the turrets and the more dangerous robots first!"

Robert, equipped with his heavy laser rifle, unleashed a barrage of suppressive fire, drawing the attention of several robots away from the others. "I'll keep them busy! Sico, see if you can flank them!"

Sico nodded and motioned for a few of the raiders to follow him. Using the chaos as a distraction, they moved along the perimeter, finding an opening to get closer to the turrets. As they approached, Sico pulled out a pulse grenade and lobbed it towards a cluster of turrets, the explosion taking out several in one go.

With the immediate threat of the turrets reduced, the team focused their fire on the remaining robots. The Pack raiders, with their brute force, charged forward, smashing through the robotic ranks with melee weapons and brute strength. The Disciple raiders, using their stealth and agility, flanked the robots, taking them down swiftly and efficiently.

The Operators raiders, strategic and precise, provided covering fire and support, ensuring that no one was left vulnerable. Their combined efforts quickly turned the tide of the battle.

After a fierce firefight, the last of the hostile robots fell to the ground, sparking and twitching as their systems failed. The area around them was littered with the wreckage of robots and defense turrets, a testament to the intense battle they had just fought.

Sico took a moment to catch his breath, looking around at his team. "Good work, everyone. Let's regroup and make sure no one's injured."

The team gathered together, checking for injuries and replenishing their supplies. Despite a few minor wounds, everyone was in good spirits, knowing they had successfully overcome the first major obstacle in reclaiming the Galactic Zone.

"We need to keep moving," Sico said, his voice steady with determination. "The Star Control mainframe should be up ahead. Stay sharp and be ready for anything."

With renewed focus, the team pressed onward, navigating through the twisted corridors and halls of the Galactic Zone, ever closer to their goal of reclaiming the Star Control mainframe and securing the area once and for all.

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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: -