บท 346: 315. Building a Line around the Castle

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Sico glanced back at the recruits, who were walking with a little more confidence now, their earlier nervousness replaced by a quiet determination. They still had much to learn, but they were on their way. And under Sico's leadership, the Minutemen would continue to grow stronger.

A week had passed since Sico first took the recruits into the wasteland to observe the efforts of Robert and Ronnie. In those seven days, the recruits had been put through a grueling yet invaluable experience, learning the ropes of fieldwork by helping set up forward outposts, reinforcing defenses, and laying traps. Sico had made it a point to bring them out every day, exposing them to the practical, hands-on experience they needed to grow into competent Minutemen. Each day brought new challenges, and with it, the recruits learned not only the importance of teamwork but the gravity of their roles in defending the Castle and the Commonwealth.

The morning sun was just beginning to crest the horizon as Sico once again gathered his team of recruits in the Castle's courtyard. They had come a long way in a short time. Their once timid and uncertain faces were now hardened with resolve, their movements more fluid and confident. Each day, they had taken another step closer to becoming proper soldiers, and Sico was proud of their progress.

"All right," Sico said as the recruits finished adjusting their gear. "Same plan as always—Robert's squad is pushing further west to set up another outpost today, and Ronnie's team is reinforcing the traps along the northern approach. You've been out with them enough now to know the drill. When we get there, I want each of you to help where you can. This isn't just about learning anymore; it's about contributing. They'll need every pair of hands they can get."

The recruits nodded in unison, their rifles slung across their backs, ready for another day in the wasteland. They had learned to travel light, just as the more seasoned Minutemen did, and though none of them had faced direct combat yet, their field experience was rapidly building. Sico could see their growth, both as individuals and as a unit, and he knew they would be ready when the time came.

"Move out," Sico ordered, leading the group through the Castle's main gate.

The walk to the first destination—the latest outpost site where Robert's squad was stationed—took them through familiar terrain, though the Commonwealth never felt truly safe. Despite the relative quiet of the early morning, Sico remained vigilant, his eyes constantly scanning the horizon. The recruits had picked up this habit too, their heads swiveling as they walked, alert for any signs of danger. The Commonwealth was treacherous, and while it could lull you into a false sense of security with its empty expanses and occasional peaceful moments, Sico knew better than to let his guard down.

After a few hours of marching, they arrived at the designated outpost site. Robert's squad was already hard at work. The outpost was being built near an old abandoned barn, with its wide, open field providing clear sightlines in all directions. The scouts had fortified the area with sandbags, watchtowers, and makeshift barricades. It was still a work in progress, but the outpost was coming together quickly.

Robert spotted Sico and the recruits as they approached, walking over to greet them with a nod of acknowledgment. "Commander," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "We're about halfway done here. The area's been quiet, but we're expecting raider activity further west, so we're pushing to get this outpost operational by tomorrow."

Sico glanced at the recruits. "Good. My team's ready to help. What do you need?"

Robert gave the recruits a quick appraisal, then gestured toward a pile of sandbags and building materials stacked nearby. "We could use some extra hands reinforcing the western perimeter and finishing up the lookout tower. After that, we'll need to set up the comms relay to link this place back to the Castle."

Sico turned to the recruits. "You heard him. Split into two groups—half of you work on the tower, the rest on the perimeter defenses."

The recruits immediately set to work, splitting into their respective tasks without hesitation. They had spent enough time with Robert's team over the past week to know what needed to be done. Those assigned to the tower climbed the scaffolding and began securing the wooden beams, working under the watchful eyes of the more experienced Minutemen. The other half started stacking sandbags and reinforcing the barricades, ensuring the western side of the outpost would be protected if an attack came from that direction.

Sico watched them for a few moments, ensuring that everything was going smoothly. As always, Robert's team had things well in hand, but the recruits were holding their own. Their hands-on experience over the past few days had sharpened their instincts, and they worked with an efficiency that surprised even Sico at times.

Robert joined him, watching as his men and the recruits worked together. "They're shaping up nicely," he commented. "A little more time out here, and they'll be ready to join the regular patrols."

Sico nodded in agreement. "They've come a long way. They still need more field experience, but I'm confident they'll be ready soon."

"They'll have to be," Robert said grimly. "Word is that the Gunners are massing in the southern regions. It's only a matter of time before they start pushing toward the Castle again."

Sico's expression darkened at the mention of the Gunners. They had been a thorn in the side of the Minutemen for too long, and their recent defeat had only bought the Castle time, not safety. The Gunners were relentless, and Sico knew they would return in force eventually.

"We'll be ready," Sico said, his voice firm. "And when they come, they won't catch us off guard again."

Once the recruits finished their work on the tower and the perimeter, Sico gathered them once more. "Good job," he told them, his tone approving. "Now we'll head north and check in with Ronnie's team. They're reinforcing the traps along the northern road, and they'll need your help getting everything in place."

The recruits, though tired, nodded eagerly. They had grown used to the daily marches and the constant work, and though the days were long and grueling, there was a sense of pride that came with knowing they were contributing to something greater than themselves.

The journey north took them through rougher terrain, the ground rocky and uneven. But after a few hours, they reached Ronnie's position. As always, she was in the thick of things, directing her team with her no-nonsense attitude and sharp eye for detail. The traps they had set up were extensive—tripwires, mines, and other hidden surprises lined the main road leading toward the Castle. It was a dangerous setup, but also a necessary one. If the Gunners or any other hostile forces tried to approach from the north, they would find themselves caught in a deadly gauntlet.

Ronnie spotted Sico and his recruits as they approached, giving him a sharp nod in greeting. "Commander," she called, walking over with her usual briskness. "Good timing. We're almost done here, but we could use some extra hands setting the last of the mines."

Sico turned to the recruits. "You know the drill. Help Ronnie's team get these traps in place. And be careful—this isn't something you want to mess up."

The recruits immediately got to work, joining Ronnie's team in setting the last of the traps. They had learned a lot about the importance of positioning and concealment in the past week, and they carefully followed Ronnie's instructions as they placed the mines and rigged the tripwires. It was meticulous work, but the recruits had come to appreciate the importance of it. A well-placed trap could save lives, and they weren't about to take any chances.

Sico watched as the recruits worked, pleased with their progress. They had come a long way since that first day when they had looked at the wasteland with fear and uncertainty in their eyes. Now, they moved with purpose and confidence, each one contributing to the larger effort.

Ronnie joined him, watching the recruits with a critical eye. "They're shaping up," she admitted gruffly. "Still green, but they've got potential."

"They do," Sico agreed. "They're learning fast."

"And they'll need to," Ronnie said, her voice hardening. "The Commonwealth doesn't give you much time to get your bearings. Either you adapt, or you die."

Sico knew she was right. The recruits had been lucky so far even thought there already casuality but not many during their first combat. But that wouldn't last forever. The Commonwealth was a dangerous place, and sooner or later, they would face the full brunt of it. When that time came, they needed to be ready.

As the day drew to a close, and the recruits finished setting the last of the traps, Sico gathered them one final time. "You've done good work this week," he told them, his voice carrying a note of pride. "You've learned what it takes to survive out here, and you've contributed to something bigger than yourselves. But the work isn't over. The Commonwealth is still dangerous, and there's always more to do."

He paused, looking each of them in the eye. "But I believe in you. Keep working hard, stay alert, and you'll be ready when the time comes."

The recruits nodded, their faces set with determination. They still had a long way to go, but they were on the right path.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the wasteland, Sico led the group back toward the Castle. The recruits walked with more confidence now, their earlier hesitations replaced by a quiet sense of purpose. They were no longer just fresh-faced newcomers—they were Minutemen, ready to defend the Commonwealth and everything they had worked for.

As the recruits dispersed for the evening, heading to their assigned quarters within the Castle, Sico lingered for a moment, watching them go. They had come a long way in just a week, but the journey was far from over. He hoped they would be ready for the challenges that lay ahead. The Commonwealth was unforgiving, and the Gunners wouldn't wait much longer before making their next move.

Sico let out a breath, turning his attention back to his own responsibilities. There were still a few hours left in the day, and he needed to check in with Sarah. She had been working tirelessly, tending to the wounded and ensuring that any injuries sustained during the week's operations were properly treated. It was a crucial task—one that Sico couldn't afford to overlook.

He made his way through the Castle, the stone walls lit with the soft glow of makeshift lamps. The fort had become a beacon of hope and safety in the Commonwealth, but it was still a constant effort to keep it running efficiently. Sico knew that once Robert and Ronnie finished setting up the outpost and traps, they would be heading back to Minutemen Plaza with him and the recruits. But before that, he needed to make sure the team was physically ready for the next stage of their mission.

The medical area was set up in one of the Castle's side rooms, a space that had been converted into an infirmary. As Sico entered, the faint smell of antiseptic hit him, and he could see Sarah at work, hunched over one of the injured Minutemen. She was carefully rewrapping a bandage on his arm, her brow furrowed in concentration. Sarah had always been methodical in her work, and her dedication was one of the reasons Sico trusted her so deeply.

"Sarah," Sico called softly, not wanting to startle her as he approached.

She looked up, a faint smile crossing her face as she saw him. "Commander," she greeted, finishing the bandaging and giving the injured man a reassuring pat on the shoulder before stepping over to meet Sico.

"How's he doing?" Sico asked, nodding toward the soldier.

Sarah glanced back at the man, who was resting now, his eyes half-closed from exhaustion. "He'll be fine. The wound wasn't deep, just a nasty scrape from a close call with a raider's knife. He should be fully recovered in a few days."

Sico nodded, satisfied with the update. "And the others?"

Sarah walked with him toward the back of the infirmary, where a few more soldiers rested, their injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe fractures. "Most of them are recovering well. A few are still feeling the effects of exhaustion, but there haven't been any major complications so far."

"That's good to hear," Sico said, glancing around the room. He trusted Sarah's judgment, but he also knew that things could change quickly in the field. It was why he wanted to make sure everyone was in top shape before they headed back to Minutemen Plaza. "We'll be moving out in three days," he reminded her. "I need to know if anyone isn't fit for travel."

Sarah nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'll keep an eye on them. If anyone needs more time to recover, I'll let you know before we leave. But for now, I think everyone should be able to manage the journey."

Sico let out a breath of relief. "Good. We'll need every capable hand when we return to the Plaza."

For a moment, the two of them stood in silence, the weight of the past week hanging between them. Sico knew that Sarah had been working tirelessly, just like everyone else, and he appreciated her efforts. He could see the fatigue in her eyes, but he also knew that she wouldn't complain. Sarah was as dedicated as they came, and Sico was grateful to have her by his side.

"You should get some rest too," Sico said after a moment, his tone gentle. "You've been pushing yourself just as hard as the rest of us."

Sarah gave him a small smile, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll rest when I know everyone else is taken care of."

Sico chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Stubborn as always."

"It's why you keep me around," she replied, her smile widening.

He couldn't argue with that. Sarah's stubbornness had saved lives more times than he could count. Still, he made a mental note to ensure that she got some time to rest before they set out. The journey back to Minutemen Plaza would be long, and they couldn't afford to have anyone at less than full strength.

"Three days," Sico repeated, more to himself than to her. "Robert and Ronnie should have everything wrapped up by then. Once the outpost is operational and the traps are set, we'll head out."

Sarah nodded. "It'll be good to get back to the Plaza. There's a lot of work waiting for us there too."

"There always is," Sico agreed. "But at least we'll have some reinforcements by then. The recruits have come a long way, and I think they'll be ready to join the regular patrols soon."

"They've grown a lot," Sarah said, her voice thoughtful. "But they still have a lot to learn."

"They'll get there," Sico said confidently. "They've got the potential."

Sarah smiled, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "With you leading them, I'm sure they'll be ready."

Sico gave her a grateful nod, appreciating the confidence she had in him. The weight of leadership was always heavy, but it was moments like this—when he knew that he had capable and loyal people by his side—that made it easier to bear.

"I'll check in again tomorrow," Sico said, turning toward the door. "Let me know if anything changes."

"I will," Sarah promised, watching as he left.

As Sico stepped out of the infirmary and into the cool evening air, he took a moment to let the quiet of the Castle settle over him.

________________________________________________

• 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: -