Chương 217: 197. Building an Artillery Truck

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The Minutemen's mission to protect and rebuild continued, strengthened by their success at Vault 81 and driven by their unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

After three hours of travel, the Minutemen's convoy finally reached the gates of Sanctuary. The familiar sight of their home base filled everyone with a sense of comfort and pride. The community they had worked so hard to build was thriving, and it stood as a beacon of hope in the harsh landscape of the Commonwealth.

Sico directed the convoy to the designated parking area. "Alright, everyone, let's park the trucks and start unloading. We've got supplies to distribute and reports to deliver."

The Minutemen efficiently parked the vehicles and began unloading the supplies they had gathered during their trip to Vault 81. Sico and Nora supervised the process, ensuring everything was accounted for and stored properly.

Preston approached Sico with a satisfied smile. "It's good to be back. Vault 81 is in good hands, and we've got our work cut out for us here."

Sico nodded. "You're right. But we've shown that when we come together, we can accomplish great things. Let's keep that momentum going."

Once the trucks were unloaded, Sico gathered the team for a quick debriefing. "Great work, everyone. We've made a significant impact at Vault 81, and our efforts here at Sanctuary are just as important. Keep up the good work, and let's continue to build a safer, stronger Commonwealth."

As the Minutemen dispersed to their various tasks, Sico and Nora headed to the command center to update their records and plan their next moves. Piper, ever the journalist, was already jotting down notes for her next article about their mission, eager to share the Minutemen's successes with the wider community.

MacCready, who had taken a liking to the sniper training idea, went off to find a suitable location to set up a new training ground for Sanctuary's defenders. He knew that keeping their skills sharp was essential for the ongoing protection of their home.

Preston, ever the leader, began organizing the latest patrols and ensuring that the additional resources they had brought back were put to good use. He took a moment to appreciate how far they had come and how much more they had to do.

Sanctuary was bustling with activity, a testament to the resilience and determination of the Minutemen. As Sico and Nora looked around, they felt a deep sense of pride. They had faced numerous challenges, but their mission was clear: to protect and rebuild the Commonwealth, one community at a time.

After ensuring that everything was in order and the supplies were properly distributed, Sico made his way to Mel's workshop to discuss an idea that had been on his mind for a while.

The concept of mobile artillery could provide the Minutemen with a significant tactical advantage, allowing them to support distant communities more effectively. Mel was a genius with technology and had been instrumental in many of the Minutemen's recent projects, particularly with his skills in robotics and engineering.

As Sico walked through Sanctuary, he took in the thriving community around him: children playing, traders exchanging goods, and settlers working together to improve their home. He eventually arrived at Mel's workshop, a busy place filled with various gadgets, parts, and the hum of machinery.

Mel looked up from his workbench as Sico entered. "Hey, Sico. Good to see you back. How was Vault 81?"

Sico smiled, appreciating Mel's enthusiasm. "It went well. We managed to secure the vault and left some of our best people to help them out. But I've got a new project in mind and I need your expertise."

Mel's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What do you have in mind?"

Sico leaned against the workbench, getting straight to the point. "We need to make our artillery more mobile. I want to mount some of our artillery pieces on trucks. That way, we can move them to where they're needed most and provide support for distant settlements without the long setup times."

Mel rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the logistics. "That's a big project, but it's doable. We'll need to reinforce the truck frames to handle the weight and recoil of the artillery. We'll also need to work on stabilizers to ensure accuracy when firing."

Sico nodded, already thinking through the details. "We have some heavy-duty trucks we can use. Do you think we can get a prototype ready soon?"

Mel grinned. "If we start now, I can have a prototype ready for testing in a few days. I'll need some help, though. This isn't a one-man job."

Sico clapped Mel on the shoulder. "Consider it done. I'll round up some of the engineers and mechanics to give you a hand. This could be a game-changer for the Minutemen."

With the plan in motion, Sico left Mel's workshop to round up some of Sanctuary's best engineers and mechanics. His first stop was the main engineering hub, where he knew he could find Mark, one of their top engineers.

Mark was busy tinkering with a power armor frame when Sico approached. "Sturges, I've got a new project that needs your expertise. We're looking to mount some of our artillery on trucks to make them mobile."

Mark looked up, intrigued. "Mobile artillery? That's a brilliant idea. Count me in. Who else do we need?"

Sico quickly ran through a mental list of skilled workers. "I'm thinking Jake, Emma, and Paul. They've all got the skills we need. Let's gather them and head to Mel's workshop."

Mark nodded and set aside his tools. Together, they tracked down Jake, a seasoned mechanic with a knack for improvisation; Emma, an engineer who specialized in structural reinforcement; and Paul, an expert in electronics and systems integration. Each of them agreed enthusiastically to join the project, eager to contribute to such an important innovation.

With his team assembled, Sico led them back to Mel's workshop. The space was already a hive of activity, with Mel sketching out preliminary designs and gathering the necessary materials.

"Alright, everyone," Sico said, addressing the group. "We need to reinforce the truck frames to handle the weight and recoil of the artillery. Emma, you'll focus on the structural supports. Jake, you'll handle the mechanical integration. Paul, we need you on the electronics and stabilization systems. Mark, you'll oversee the overall design and ensure everything works together smoothly. I'll be working alongside you, focusing on whatever needs the most attention."

The team quickly got to work, each member diving into their assigned tasks with determination and focus. Sico moved between them, offering guidance and lending a hand wherever needed. His experience as a mechanic and engineer was invaluable, helping to troubleshoot problems and streamline the process.

Emma reinforced the truck frames with heavy-duty supports, ensuring they could bear the weight of the artillery without compromising mobility. Jake integrated the artillery mounts, modifying the trucks to securely hold the massive guns. Paul worked on the stabilization systems, designing mechanisms to keep the artillery steady and accurate even on uneven terrain. Mark coordinated the efforts, ensuring all the components fit together seamlessly.

With the team fully assembled and roles assigned, they set to work with a sense of urgency and purpose. Mel, always eager to dive into a challenging project, joined the effort with his own unique set of skills and insights.

Mel started by reviewing the preliminary designs and offering suggestions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. "Let's make sure the weight distribution is optimized. We don't want the truck to tip over when the artillery is fired," he pointed out, adjusting some calculations on the blueprints.

Emma nodded, "Good catch, Mel. I'll reinforce the frame accordingly."

Sico watched the collaboration with pride. The team was in sync, each member contributing their expertise. As they worked, he moved between the stations, helping wherever he could. His hands were as skilled as ever, tightening bolts, welding frames, and ensuring that every part fit perfectly.

Jake and Mel worked side by side on integrating the artillery mounts. Jake was handling the physical installation, while Mel fine-tuned the alignment to ensure maximum stability. "We need these mounts to absorb some of the recoil," Jake said, and Mel nodded, adjusting the dampening mechanisms.

Paul and Mark focused on the electronics and stabilization systems. Paul was busy wiring the control panels and linking them to the truck's main systems, while Mark programmed the software to ensure the artillery could be operated smoothly from within the truck.

"This needs to be user-friendly," Mark said, inputting commands into a console. "The operators should be able to fire and adjust without stepping out of the vehicle."

Paul nodded in agreement, "I'll integrate a touchscreen interface for quick adjustments. We'll also need backup manual controls, just in case."

As the team continued to fine-tune the prototype, Sico observed the progress and noted an important safety concern. He walked over to where Jake and Mel were working on the artillery mounts.

"Hey, I've been thinking," Sico began, catching their attention. "We need to ensure the ammunition is well-protected. If a stray shot hits the ammo in the back, it could cause a catastrophic explosion and destroy the truck."

Mel nodded thoughtfully. "Good point, Sico. We should build a reinforced cover for the ammunition storage. Something that can withstand small arms fire and shrapnel."

Jake agreed, "Absolutely. We don't want to turn our mobile artillery into a rolling bomb."

Sico turned to Emma, who was working on reinforcing the truck frame. "Emma, can you design a sturdy cover for the ammo compartment? It needs to be strong enough to protect against most threats but still accessible for reloading."

Emma nodded, already visualizing the solution. "I can use some of the reinforced steel plates we have. We can add a locking mechanism to keep it secure but easy to open when needed."

Paul chimed in, "I can integrate a monitoring system to keep track of the ammunition inside. That way, the operators will always know the status of their supply without having to open the cover unnecessarily."

Mark added, "We should also consider adding some padding inside the compartment to prevent the shells from jostling around during movement. That'll reduce the risk of accidental detonation."

The team got to work on the new addition. Emma measured and cut the steel plates, welding them into a box shape that fit securely over the back of the truck. Jake and Mel worked on the mounting, ensuring the cover could be easily opened and closed while maintaining its integrity. Paul integrated the monitoring system, adding sensors that would display the ammo count on the touchscreen interface inside the truck. Mark added padding inside the compartment, securing the shells in place.

Sico helped wherever he could, offering his mechanical skills to assist with welding, cutting, and installing the cover. His leadership and hands-on approach kept the team motivated and focused on their goal.

After several hours of work, the new cover was complete. It was a sturdy, reinforced box with a secure locking mechanism and integrated sensors. The team stepped back to admire their handiwork.

"Great job, everyone," Sico said, his voice filled with pride. "This cover adds a crucial layer of safety to our mobile artillery. Let's test it out and make sure everything works as expected."

With the reinforced cover completed, the team was eager to test the prototype. They drove the modified truck to the outskirts of Sanctuary, where the firing range was set up. The area had various targets and terrain features to simulate different combat scenarios.

Sico parked the truck in the designated testing area and gathered the team for a final briefing. "Alright, everyone. Let's run through a systems check before we start firing. We need to make sure everything is functioning properly."

Emma, Jake, Mel, Paul, and Mark each took their positions and began their checks. Emma inspected the structural integrity of the reinforced cover, ensuring it was securely attached and would not shift during movement. Jake verified that the artillery mounts were properly aligned and locked into place. Mel ran diagnostics on the firing mechanisms to ensure smooth operation. Paul checked the integrated monitoring system to confirm that it was accurately tracking the ammunition. Mark reviewed the stabilization systems to ensure the artillery would remain steady during firing.

"All systems are green," Paul reported, looking up from his console. "The sensors are working perfectly."

"The mounts are secure," Jake added. "We're ready to go."

Sico climbed into the truck's cab and activated the touchscreen interface. The display showed all systems functioning as expected. He took a deep breath and looked at the team. "Alright, let's start with a single round to test the basics."

Sico aligned the artillery with a target set up at a distance of 100 meters. With a steady hand, he pressed the firing button on the touchscreen interface. The artillery roared to life, and the truck vibrated slightly as the shell was launched towards the target. It struck dead-on, reducing the target to debris.

"Direct hit!" Mark exclaimed, monitoring the readouts. "Stabilization is holding perfectly, and the cover is intact."

Sico nodded, pleased with the result. "Let's proceed with a few more rounds, including rapid fire, to test the durability of the cover and the overall system."

They continued the test, firing at various targets and pushing the artillery to its limits. The reinforced cover protected the ammunition flawlessly, and the stabilization systems kept the truck steady even during rapid-fire sequences. Each shot hit its mark, demonstrating the precision and reliability of the mobile artillery unit.

After several successful rounds, Sico and Mark climbed out of the cab to join the rest of the team. Everyone was grinning, clearly impressed with the performance of their prototype.

"Fantastic work, everyone," Sico said, his voice filled with pride. "This mobile artillery is going to be a game-changer for the Minutemen. Let's debrief and discuss any improvements we can make before we start on the next units."

The team gathered around to share their observations and suggestions. They identified a few minor tweaks to improve efficiency and ease of use, but overall, the prototype had exceeded their expectations. As they wrapped up the debriefing, Sico looked around at his team, filled with a deep sense of accomplishment.

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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: -