บท 187: 169. The Monster at The Sea

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The week of intensive training that followed would not only solidify the technical skills of the Minutemen operatives but also enhance their tactical capabilities, significantly boosting the overall security and intelligence framework of the Commonwealth.

The next day, as Sico stood at his office window looking over the sprawling Sanctuary, deep in thought about the ongoing training sessions and the future challenges the Minutemen might face, there was a knock at the door. He turned from the window, his attention shifting back to immediate matters.

Sico: "Come in."

The door opened and Preston Garvey entered, his expression a mix of concern and urgency—a look Sico had learned to associate with unexpected complications.

Preston: "Sico, I've just come from the radio room. One of our patrols near the Castle reported something unusual. They encountered a kid while passing by the Boston Harbor, near the wrecks of the ships. The kid claims there's a monster in the sea."

Sico's brow furrowed, his mind racing through the possibilities. Monsters were not uncommon in the post-apocalyptic world, but a sea monster was a less typical threat.

Sico: "A sea monster, Preston? Are we certain the child wasn't just spooked by a ghoul or something more mundane?"

Preston: "I had the same thought, but according to the patrol, the kid was genuinely terrified and insistent. They didn't see anything themselves, but the kid described a creature, in the creature body there's many seaweed, lurking near the old shipwrecks."

Sico considered the implications. If there was indeed a new, potentially threat in the waters near their territory, it could pose significant risks to their patrols and to any scavengers from Sanctuary.

Sico: "We need to verify this claim. Did the patrol bring the kid back here for safety?"

Preston: "Yes, they did. He's has been brought to the Castle now, probably still shaken. We should talk to him directly, get a better sense of what he saw."

Sico nodded, his decision made quickly.

Sico: "Let's go see him then. We need a detailed account. And Preston, alert our surveillance teams to be extra vigilant around the harbor area. I want eyes on the water. If there's something out there, we need to know about it as soon as possible."

Preston nodded, the weight of command clear in his agreement.

Preston: "I'll coordinate with the teams and have them increase their patrols and monitoring in that area."

Both men then headed out of the office, their steps quick and determined as they preparing to go to the Castle where the young boy awaited.

Upon exiting his office, Sico immediately instructed Preston to organize their transport to the Castle. He outlined specific requirements to ensure they were well-prepared for any encounters that might arise from this unexpected situation.

Sico: "Preston, get two trucks and one Humvee ready. Also, assemble two elite militia squads—15 men each. Equip them with heavier weaponry; I want miniguns and missile launchers included. We don't know what we're dealing with, and I'd rather have too much firepower than not enough."

Preston nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation, and quickly went to arrange the necessary preparations. Meanwhile, Sico headed towards the training field where MacCready and Robert were overseeing a routine drill. As he approached, both men noticed his serious demeanor and immediately paused the exercise, walking over to meet him.

Sico: "MacCready, Robert, I need you both on a priority mission. We've received reports of a possible large creature in the waters near the Castle. A child reported it, and we're heading there to verify the situation and ensure the area's safety."

Both men nodded without hesitation, their expressions turning resolute.

MacCready: "You can count on us, Sico. We'll gear up and be ready to move out."

Robert: "Let's hope it's just a scare, but we'll prepare for the worst."

After confirming their participation, Sico made his way to Nora's house. She was already outside, having heard the commotion and preparation from her nearby residence. Seeing Sico approach, she stepped forward with a concerned look.

Nora: "Sico, what's going on? I heard the patrols are gearing up for something big."

Sico explained the situation, detailing the child's report and their planned response to investigate and secure the area.

Sico: "Nora, I'd like you to join us. Your experience and leadership could be crucial, especially if the situation escalates. Plus, we'll need to interview the child to get a clear understanding of what he saw."

Nora agreed without hesitation, her sense of duty clear.

Nora: "Of course, I'll come. Let's get to the bottom of this. A potential sea monster isn't something we can ignore, especially if it poses a threat to the settlements."

With the team assembled and their roles defined, Sico, Nora, MacCready, and Robert returned to the headquarters where the vehicles and militia were ready. The teams loaded into the trucks and Humvee, checking their equipment one last time. Sico took a moment to address the group, reinforcing the need for vigilance and preparedness.

Sico: "Keep sharp, everyone. We don't know what we're heading into, but our priority is to assess the threat and protect our people. Stay alert and follow the chain of command."

With that, the convoy set out towards the Castle, the journey marked by a tense anticipation. The unknown nature of what lay ahead weighed heavily on their minds, but each member of the team was resolved to face whatever challenges came with determination and courage.

After a tense and vigilant five-hour drive, the convoy finally arrived at the Castle, the historic fortification that served as a key strategic outpost for the Minutemen along the coast. As the vehicles rolled through the gates, the familiar but formidable silhouette of the Castle walls provided a stark reminder of the seriousness of their mission.

Waiting for them was Ronnie Shaw, a seasoned member of the Minutemen known for her tough demeanor and tactical expertise. She approached Sico and his team as they disembarked, her expression serious, reflecting the gravity of the situation they were about to investigate.

Ronnie: "Sico, good you're here. I've briefed the teams on the situation based on the information you sent ahead. We've increased patrols around the perimeter and have scouts monitoring the coastline. No signs of any 'sea monsters' yet, but we're not taking any chances."

Sico nodded, appreciating Ronnie's efficiency and thoroughness.

Sico: "Thanks, Ronnie. Have there been any other reports or sightings since the initial one?"

Ronnie shook her head.

Ronnie: "Nothing yet. The waters have been quiet, almost too quiet. It's eerie. The kid you mentioned is over in the command center. He's been looked after, but he's pretty shaken up."

Sico glanced at his team, then back to Ronnie.

Sico: "Let's go speak to the boy again. We need every detail we can get before we decide our next move. Nora, you'll want to lead on this, given your experience with handling civilians under stress."

Nora nodded, her face set in a mask of calm determination.

Nora: "Of course. Let's see if we can learn more about what he saw."

The group made their way to the command center, a fortified structure within the Castle that served as the hub for all tactical operations. Inside, they found the young boy sitting on a makeshift bench, a blanket around his shoulders, sipping from a cup of warm tea provided by one of the Minutemen medics.

Nora approached gently, crouching down to his level with a warm, reassuring smile.

Nora: "Hi there, I'm Nora. I heard you've had quite an adventure. We're all really glad you're safe here with us. Can you tell me your and what you saw by the water?"

The boy looked up, his eyes wide but filled with trust as he responded to Nora's gentle tone.

Boy: "Hello..., My name is Donny Kowalski. It was big and dark, and it looked like it was covered in seaweed. It moved through the water without splashing much. I saw it near the old shipwrecks. It scared me."

Sico listened intently, exchanging a glance with Ronnie and MacCready, indicating they would need to conduct a thorough search of the area mentioned by the boy.

Sico: "Thank you for telling us again. You're very brave. Ronnie, let's organize a reconnaissance team to sweep the area near the shipwrecks. MacCready, Robert, prepare your squads. We're going to check this out carefully."

Ronnie immediately began issuing orders to assemble the team, while MacCready and Robert coordinated with their respective squads to gear up for the mission. They would need to move quickly but cautiously, prepared for any eventuality given the uncertain nature of the threat.

As the team prepared for the reconnaissance mission, Sico turned back to Donny, his expression softening as he considered the young boy's situation. He knelt down beside Nora, who was still engaged in conversation with Donny.

Sico: "Donny, can you tell us where you live? Is there someone there who looks after you?"

Donny, still visibly shaken by the day's events, swallowed hard before replying. His voice was small, but clear.

Donny: "I live alone, sir. On a dock behind the Shamrock Taphouse. It's just me. I... I lost my parents when I was younger."

His admission hung in the air, heavy with the unspoken hardships he must have faced growing up alone in such a dangerous world.

Nora's expression grew even more concerned, and she gently probed further, trying to understand how Donny managed to survive on his own.

Nora: "That sounds incredibly tough, Donny. How do you manage for food? Is there enough for you to eat?"

Donny nodded, a flicker of resilience shining through his apprehensive demeanor.

Donny: "I fish mostly. The docks have plenty of spots, and I know them all. When the mirelurks come too close, I hide until they go away. I manage okay."

Sico exchanged a glance with Ronnie and then looked back at Donny with a resolve forming in his eyes.

Sico: "You're a brave kid, Donny. We're going to check out the area near the shipwrecks to make sure it's safe. But we're also going to make sure you're safe here at the Castle for now. You'll have food, a warm place to sleep, and people around to help you."

Donny's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and relief washing over his face as the reality of a safer environment settled in.

Donny: "Thank you, sir. I... I don't know what to say."

Sico stood up, signaling to Ronnie to take over the arrangements for Donny's temporary stay.

Sico: "Don't worry about saying anything, Donny. Just know that you're not alone anymore. We're here to help."

Turning to his team, Sico prepared to move out.

Sico: "Let's get to those shipwrecks and see what's out there. Keep sharp and stay safe. Donny, you've done a good thing today by telling us about this. We'll take it from here."

With that, the team geared up and departed for the shipwrecks, leaving Donny in the caring hands of the Castle's personnel.

After ensuring that the team was well-prepared and on their way to investigate the shipwrecks, Sico and Nora found a moment to discuss the future of young Donny Kowalski. They moved to a quieter part of the Castle, away from the hustle of the preparations, to speak more privately.

Sico: "Nora, once we've dealt with this potential threat, we need to consider what's best for Donny. It's clear he's been managing on his own for a while, but it's not safe, and it's no life for a child."

Nora nodded, her thoughts mirroring Sico's concerns. She had been considering various options ever since she'd spoken to the boy.

Nora: "I agree. Living alone on that dock is too dangerous, especially with the increasing reports of raider activity and creatures like mirelurks. We need a more permanent solution for him."

Sico: "What do you suggest? Do we have families here or in other settlements who might be willing to take him in? Or perhaps there's another way we can ensure he's looked after?"

Nora: "We could reach out to some of the families here in Sanctuary and others we trust in nearby settlements. Many know the value of community and might be open to caring for Donny. Alternatively, we could enhance the support structure for orphans and unaccompanied minors within our own systems. Maybe establish a more formal program for guardianship."

Sico considered her words, nodding slowly.

Sico: "Both are good options. I think starting with Sanctuary families is a wise first step. If we don't find a suitable arrangement, then instituting a guardianship program might be the next best solution. We have to ensure it's a stable and loving environment, wherever he ends up."

Nora: "I'll start making inquiries with the families immediately. In the meantime, let's make sure Donny is comfortable and feels secure at the Castle. We can also give him some education and training—maybe he can help out with some safe tasks. It'll give him a sense of purpose and belonging."

Sico: "That's a good thought, Nora. Giving him a role and integrating him into our community activities could help ease the transition. Keep me updated on your progress with the families."

Nora: "Will do, Sico. And once we have this sea monster situation under control, we'll focus on securing a better future for Donny."

After finalizing their plan for Donny's care, Sico and Nora wrapped up their conversation, each of them feeling a renewed commitment not only to their immediate mission but also to ensuring a safer, more stable future for the boy.

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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: -