บท 299: 273. Intel From the Commandos

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With the briefing complete, the Constitution Commandos set off on their mission, disappearing into the night like shadows. Sico watched them go, his mind already turning to the next steps. The Minutemen were stronger than ever, but the real battle was still ahead. And with the Constitution Commandos on the case, Sico knew they had a fighting chance to turn the tide against the Gunners.

As the Constitution Commandos disappeared into the darkness, their figures blending seamlessly with the shadows, Sico felt a familiar mixture of anticipation and concern. He knew the mission was critical and that the Commandos were the best team for the job, but the weight of the situation was undeniable. The success of this operation could very well determine the fate of the Commonwealth.

Sico took a deep breath, then turned to face Preston and Sarah, both of whom were watching him closely. He could see the tension in their eyes, mirroring his own thoughts about the risks they were taking.

"Preston, Sarah," Sico began, his voice steady and authoritative, "this mission is of the utmost importance. The moment we receive any news from the Commandos—anything at all—I need to know immediately."

Preston nodded, his expression resolute. "You have my word, Sico. We'll be monitoring all communication channels around the clock. The second we hear from them, I'll come straight to you."

Sarah echoed Preston's sentiments, her gaze unwavering. "I'll make sure our communications team is on high alert. We can't afford any delays. The sooner we know what the Gunners are planning, the better we can prepare."

Sico appreciated their dedication and the sense of urgency that they shared. "Good. We need to stay vigilant. The Gunners are a dangerous enemy, and they've proven time and again that they won't hesitate to strike hard and fast. If we get even the slightest hint of their plans, we need to act immediately."

Preston exchanged a quick glance with Sarah before turning back to Sico. "We've got your back, Sico. The Minutemen are ready, and we'll do whatever it takes to protect the Commonwealth."

Sico gave a firm nod, his confidence in his team unwavering. "I know you will. We've come too far to let the Gunners take us by surprise. Together, we'll make sure the Commonwealth stays safe."

With the plan in place and the Commandos already on their way, Sico knew there was little else to do but wait. It was the part he always found the hardest—the waiting, the not knowing. But he trusted the Commandos, and he trusted his team. They were prepared for whatever the Gunners had in store.

"Let's keep everything running smoothly here in the meantime," Sico added. "We need to maintain our focus and continue with our preparations. We're ready, but we can always be more ready."

Preston and Sarah both nodded in agreement, understanding the need to remain sharp and prepared for any eventuality.

As they dispersed to attend to their respective duties, Sico felt a sense of resolve settle over him. The coming days would likely be some of the most challenging they had faced, but they were ready. The Minutemen had transformed into a formidable force under their leadership, and with the Constitution Commandos on the front lines, they had a real chance to turn the tide against the Gunners.

Sico stood in the command center for a moment longer, his eyes scanning the map that had been their guide throughout this process. Every settlement, every outpost, every piece of the Commonwealth was a reminder of what they were fighting for. And no matter what the Gunners had planned, Sico knew one thing for certain—they would not stand by and let their home fall.

A week had passed since Sico sent the Constitution Commandos on their crucial mission to infiltrate Gunner Plaza. The days that followed were filled with a tense mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. The Minutemen continued their operations, bolstering defenses and preparing for any possible attack, but the absence of news from the Commandos weighed heavily on everyone.

Sico spent much of his time in his office at Minutemen Headquarters, buried in paperwork that seemed endless. The administrative side of leading an army was something he'd never particularly enjoyed, but it was necessary. He signed off on supply requisitions, approved training schedules, and reviewed reports from the various settlements under Minutemen protection. It was important work, but it couldn't distract him from the constant worry about the Commandos and what they might—or might not—discover.

The door to Sico's office creaked open, pulling him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Albert standing in the doorway, his usually calm demeanor now edged with urgency.

"Sico, you need to come with me," Albert said, his voice low but insistent.

Sico immediately set down the document he had been reading and gave Albert his full attention. "What's going on, Albert? Is there news?"

Albert nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, we've received word from the Commandos. They've made contact."

Sico's heart skipped a beat. The wait was finally over. He pushed back his chair and stood, his mind already racing through the implications of this news. "Lead the way," he said, his voice filled with determination.

Albert quickly turned and led Sico out of the office, their footsteps echoing down the dimly lit hallways of the Minutemen HQ. As they walked, Sico couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension. The fact that the Commandos had made contact was a good sign—they were alive, at the very least—but what information had they uncovered? And what would it mean for the Minutemen and the Commonwealth as a whole?

The two of them exited the main building and crossed the courtyard, where Minutemen soldiers were busy with their daily routines, training, and preparing for the unknown threats that lay ahead. The atmosphere was one of quiet determination, the soldiers well aware that something big was brewing, even if they didn't know the specifics.

Albert led Sico to the Army Headquarters, a fortified building that housed the nerve center of the Minutemen's military operations. As they approached, Sico could see the tension on the faces of the guards stationed outside—clearly, they were aware that something significant was happening.

Once inside, Albert guided Sico to the radio room, where important communications were received and transmitted. The moment Sico entered, he was greeted by the sight of several key members of his leadership team already gathered and waiting for him.

Preston stood near the radio console, his face serious as he exchanged a few words with the radio operator. Sarah was beside him, her arms crossed as she focused intently on the conversation. Robert, the leader of the Constitution Commandos, was present as well, standing next to MacCready, the vice leader of the Commandos. Both men wore expressions of grim determination, their eyes betraying the toll the mission had taken on them.

As soon as Sico entered, all eyes turned to him. Preston stepped forward first, his tone respectful but urgent. "Sico, the Commandos have made contact, and they've got critical intel. We're ready to transmit the report, but we wanted you here before we did."

Sico nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Thank you, Preston. Let's hear what they've got to say."

Robert stepped forward, holding a small encrypted device in his hand. "Sico, this is the message we received from Captain Randall. It's brief, but it's clear that what they've found is significant."

Robert handed the device to the radio operator, who quickly connected it to the console. The room fell silent as the operator worked, everyone's attention focused on the transmission they were about to hear. The anticipation was palpable, each person in the room bracing themselves for whatever news the Commandos had uncovered.

Finally, the operator nodded to Preston, who gave Sico a look of silent confirmation. Sico took a deep breath and nodded in return, signaling for the transmission to begin.

The operator pressed a button, and the speakers crackled to life. After a moment of static, the voice of Captain Randall, the leader of the Constitution Commandos, came through, clear but filled with urgency.

The room fell into a tense silence as Captain Randall's voice continued through the speakers. Sico's heart sank further with each word. The Gunners were planning a large-scale assault on Quincy—a key Minutemen stronghold—and the gravity of the situation became all too clear.

Randall's voice crackled over the static, urgency and determination evident in his tone. "The Gunners are preparing for a major offensive. They've been stockpiling weapons and ammunition for weeks, and their forces are far larger and better equipped than we initially estimated. They intend to retake Quincy and use it as a demonstration of their power. They believe that by defeating the Minutemen there, they'll weaken our morale and prove their ability to challenge us."

The revelation was chilling. Quincy was a significant location for the Minutemen, and losing it would be a severe blow to their operations and morale. The Gunners' plan to show their strength and gain control of more territory could shift the balance of power in the Commonwealth.

Randall's voice continued, his words coming through with a sense of grim determination. "The Gunners are planning to launch their assault within the next ninety-four hours. They believe that retaking Quincy will demonstrate their capability to resist the Minutemen and establish a foothold in the Commonwealth. This will be a pivotal moment in their campaign."

Sico's mind raced as he processed the information. The Gunners' plan was audacious and well-coordinated. If they succeeded, it would not only give them control over Quincy but also significantly boost their influence and morale. The Minutemen had to be prepared to defend their stronghold with everything they had.

Preston, standing beside Sico, looked troubled but resolute. "We need to act quickly. Ninety-four hours isn't a lot of time to prepare for an assault of this magnitude."

Sarah nodded in agreement, her face reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "We need to mobilize our forces immediately. We can't afford to underestimate the Gunners. If they're as well-equipped as Randall says, we need to be ready for a full-scale battle."

Sico took a deep breath, his mind already shifting into strategic mode. "Agreed. We need to reinforce Quincy's defenses and make sure we're ready for the Gunners' assault. We also need to get in touch with our allies and ensure they're prepared to support us if necessary."

As Sico absorbed the gravity of Randall's words, he was abruptly jolted from his thoughts by the sound of Randall's voice crackling through the speakers again.

"We've managed to obtain detailed schematics of their attack plans, including troop movements and supply routes," Randall's voice came through, strained but determined. "We're currently working to extract ourselves from the Plaza with this information, but we're facing heavy resistance. The Gunners are on high alert, and they're searching for us. We'll do our best to get out with the intel, but we can't guarantee our safe return."

The transmission cut off abruptly, leaving the room in a heavy silence. The stark, unfinished nature of the message hung in the air, intensifying the tension already present in the room. Sico felt a wave of emotions crash over him—relief that they had the critical information they needed, fear for the safety of the Commandos who were still trapped, and an overwhelming resolve to act swiftly before it was too late.

Preston was the first to break the silence, his voice tight with concern. "Damn it, that wasn't supposed to happen. We need to get the Commandos out of there, and we need to use this intel to prepare Quincy's defenses."

Sarah's face was set in a grim expression as she looked at Sico. "The Gunners are on high alert. If they're already searching for the Commandos, we need to step up our efforts to help them. But our priority must be defending Quincy. We don't have time to waste."

Sico took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Preston, Sarah, you're right. We need to act immediately. I want you both to coordinate with the other command staff and begin implementing our defensive plans. We have ninety-four hours, and every minute counts."

Preston nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll organize a strategy meeting right away. We'll need to pull every available Minuteman into the defense of Quincy and make sure we're prepared for a full-scale assault."

Sarah stepped forward, her mind already racing through the logistics. "I'll oversee the fortification of Quincy's defenses and ensure that we have adequate supplies and support ready. We'll also need to set up communication lines with our allies and prepare for potential reinforcements."

Sico's gaze shifted to Robert and MacCready, his expression one of urgent resolve. "Robert, MacCready, we need to act fast. The information Captain Randall and his team have is crucial. We can't afford to lose it. I want you to send two squads of the Commandos—each consisting of five people—to Gunner Plaza immediately. Their primary mission is to extract Captain Randall and his team and bring them back safely."

Robert, his face marked by a mix of exhaustion and determination, nodded sharply. "Understood, Sico. I'll get two squads ready right away. We'll need to coordinate closely to ensure they can reach Randall and his team without running into too much trouble."

MacCready, already pulling out his datapad to organize the teams, added, "I'll make sure the squads are equipped and briefed on the current situation. We'll also need to plot the safest route to Gunner Plaza and prepare for potential contact with Gunners on the way."

Sico appreciated their swift response. "Good. Time is of the essence. The Gunners are on high alert, so the squads will need to be exceptionally cautious. Ensure they have the best possible disguises and intelligence to avoid detection. The success of this mission is critical, not just for retrieving the Commandos, but also for the information they've gathered."

Robert and MacCready exchanged determined looks before heading out to put their plans into action. The room, now focused on the urgent task at hand, began to hum with activity as everyone prepared for the imminent threat.

Sico turned back to Preston and Sarah, who were already moving forward with their respective tasks. "Preston, make sure our defensive preparations are well underway. I want every possible resource directed toward fortifying Quincy and preparing for the Gunners' assault."

Preston nodded, his face set in a resolute expression. "I'll get the command staff together and start coordinating the defense. We'll also make sure to get in touch with our allies for any additional support they can provide."

Sarah, already deep in thought, addressed Sico. "I'll oversee the logistics of reinforcing Quincy. We need to ensure that our supply lines are secure and that we have enough resources for a prolonged engagement. I'll also work on establishing clear communication with our allies and setting up a response plan if we need reinforcements."

Sico gave them both a nod of approval, feeling a sense of purpose settle over him. "Excellent. Let's move quickly and efficiently. The next ninety-four hours will determine the outcome of this conflict. We need to be ready for everything."

As Preston and Sarah departed to execute their plans, Sico took a moment to reflect on the situation. The weight of leadership was heavy, but he was determined to see it through. The Minutemen had faced numerous challenges before, and they had always emerged stronger. This time would be no different. The information from the Commandos was invaluable, and the defense of Quincy was their top priority.

With the immediate tasks at hand set into motion, Sico found himself in a rare moment of solitude. The echo of footsteps and the hum of activity outside the command center were constant reminders of the urgency of the situation. He stared at the map of Quincy once more, visualizing the defensive positions and planning their strategies.

His thoughts turned to the Constitution Commandos who were still trapped at Gunner Plaza. Sico knew that their extraction would be a dangerous operation, but it was necessary. The Gunners' plans for an assault on Quincy needed to be thwarted, and the intelligence they had gathered was essential to ensuring their success.

As he continued to plan and prepare, Sico felt a renewed sense of resolve. The Minutemen were more than just a group of fighters—they were protectors of their home and their people. The coming battle would be a test of their strength, strategy, and unity. But with their leadership, their preparation, and their unwavering determination, Sico was confident they could prevail.

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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: -