Chương 381: 350. Finalizing EMP Device

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Sico gave him a final nod of gratitude before leaving the Science building, his mind racing with possibilities. Mel's EMP device could indeed shift the tide, giving the Minutemen a powerful tool to keep the Commonwealth safe from the Institute's insidious reach. And as he walked back towards his office, Sico couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and hope. They had a plan, they had allies, and they had the resolve to protect their home, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

The sun was still low on the horizon as Sico made his way to Vault 111. The early morning air was crisp, and as he crossed the rugged terrain outside Sanctuary, his thoughts lingered on the past few days. With the EMP device in progress and plans underway to thwart the Institute's teleportation capabilities, Sico was cautiously optimistic about the future of the Commonwealth. But today, his focus was on something far more personal: his family.

After he bring his parents, Lisa and Jacob, from Vault 81, Sico brought them to stay in Vault 111. Originally the place where Nora had been cryogenically frozen and had lost so much time, Vault 111 now served as a secure, strategic base for the Minutemen's high command. It was close to Sanctuary, making it a convenient location for Sico, but he hadn't had much chance to truly reconnect with his parents since their rescue. Between Minutemen meetings, strategizing, and preparing defensive measures against the Institute, his time with them had been limited.

Vault 111 had undergone major renovations under Sico's guidance. Gone were the sterile, empty hallways that had once been a silent tomb. Now, the vault buzzed with activity, though only accessible to the highest-ranking Minutemen members. Security was tight, and Sico had made sure the vault was outfitted with the best defenses, keeping it safe from any threats outside or within. But as he approached the vault entrance, his heart wasn't focused on the strategic benefits or the security protocols. Today, he was a son visiting his parents.

The doors groaned open as he stepped inside, greeted by a familiar guard who offered a respectful nod. "General," the guard greeted him. "Your parents are waiting in the common area. They've been asking about you."

Sico smiled, a faint pang of guilt surfacing. He had left them here with little explanation of his daily tasks and the weight of responsibilities he carried. Though he knew they were safe here, he worried they might feel abandoned. He nodded at the guard, a silent acknowledgment of the information, and continued deeper into the vault.

The common area was modest but comfortable. Chairs and a few tables were arranged neatly, and shelves lined the walls, stocked with books, tools, and a few personal items the Minutemen had salvaged from their previous lives. In one corner of the room, a small kitchen area provided a touch of normalcy, where members could gather, eat, and share in rare moments of respite.

Sico spotted his parents before they saw him. Lisa and Jacob were seated together, Lisa flipping through an old magazine while Jacob examined a small mechanical component, his interest piqued. Sico's heart swelled at the sight of them. They had aged gracefully, though years in the vault and the hardships they'd faced had left their marks.

"Mom, Dad," Sico called, his voice echoing slightly in the open space.

They looked up, and smiles spread across their faces. Lisa stood, setting aside the magazine, and Jacob placed his small project on the table, rising to his feet.

"Sico!" Lisa rushed toward him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Jacob joined them, clapping a hand on his shoulder as the three shared a quiet moment of reunion.

"It's good to see you both," Sico said, his tone soft but heartfelt. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much. Things… well, they've been hectic."

Lisa held him at arm's length, her gaze searching his face. "You're working yourself too hard, aren't you? Always doing more than you should." Her voice was laced with a mother's worry, and Sico could see the strain she bore from not understanding the full extent of his duties.

He gave her a gentle smile. "There's a lot to do, and not many who can do it. The Commonwealth needs the Minutemen, and the Minutemen… they need me."

Jacob cleared his throat, looking at Sico with a mixture of pride and concern. "You're doing good work, son. But your mother's right. You can't carry the weight of the world alone. At least let us help however we can."

Sico hesitated. He'd wanted to shield them from the dangers and responsibilities he faced, but perhaps including them, even in a small way, might bring them some comfort. "There may be ways you both could help. You both have skills, and the Minutemen need all the support they can get. But…" He looked between them. "It's risky work. I don't want either of you in harm's way."

Lisa nodded, her hand resting on his arm. "We trust you, Sico. Whatever you think is best, we'll support you."

Jacob gave him an encouraging smile. "Just give us something to do. We may be old, but we're not useless. And we'd like to be part of this… this new life you're building for yourself and for everyone out there."

Sico's chest tightened with emotion. It was a reminder of why he was fighting—to create a safe place not just for strangers, but for those he loved. The Institute, with its dark secrets and brutal methods, was a direct threat to families like his, and he was determined to protect them.

He pulled out a chair, sitting across from them, trying to bridge the gap between the world of a soldier and the world of a son. "Well, there's something important I'm working on with one of our engineers, Mel. We're developing a device that could disrupt the Institute's teleportation tech. It's a game-changer, but it needs testing, protection, and some refinement."

Lisa's eyes widened. "Teleportation? The Institute really has that kind of technology?"

Sico nodded, explaining the basics of the Institute's advancements and the dangers they posed. He kept the details light, not wanting to alarm them too much, but he wanted them to understand the stakes. "If we can get this device operational, we might be able to create zones in the Commonwealth where they can't just drop in unannounced. It's a long shot, but it's one of our best chances at holding them back."

They spent the morning together, sharing stories from their time apart and reminiscing about life when they still in Vault 81. Sico felt a bittersweet nostalgia with every memory they shared. Their lives had been simple, filled with little joys and common worries. Now, he carried the burden of leadership, making decisions that affected countless lives, facing dangers that once seemed like mere nightmares.

As noon approached, Sico noticed his mother's gaze growing a little distant, her smile fading slightly. He reached out, touching her hand gently. "Mom, is something wrong?"

She sighed, a mix of sadness and pride in her eyes. "I just… I never imagined our lives would turn out this way. You were always so bright, Sico, full of hope. And now… now you're here, leading people, fighting battles we never dreamed of."

Jacob placed a hand on Lisa's shoulder, his voice steady. "He's doing what he has to do. And he's keeping us all safe. We couldn't be prouder."

Sico nodded, appreciating their support. "I don't know how much longer this fight will go on, or how it'll end. But I promise, I'll do everything I can to protect you both. To protect everyone."

They shared a quiet, resolute moment together, bound by their shared resilience. Sico felt a renewed sense of determination. His parents were a reminder of everything he was fighting for—a future where families could live in peace, unburdened by the horrors of the wasteland.

Finally, he rose, his mind returning to his duties. "I need to get back to Sanctuary soon. There's a lot to prepare for, and we're close to testing the EMP device."

Lisa and Jacob stood with him, understanding the unspoken weight he carried. "Then go, Sico," Jacob said, pride evident in his voice. "Do what you need to do. We'll be here, keeping watch."

Sico embraced them both, his heart lighter. "Thank you. I'll come by again as soon as I can. And… I love you both. More than words can say."

Sico lingered in the common area for a moment, watching his parents as they resumed their simple activities. He felt a pang of warmth, reminded of what he was fighting for, but he knew he had to keep moving. The Commonwealth didn't rest, and neither could he.

Taking a deep breath, he left the room, heading for the elevator that would bring him back to the surface. As the metal doors slid shut, he felt a brief sense of confinement, the walls closing around him in a space that had once held people in stasis. He thought about Nora, and the moment he'd woken up from his own cryogenic sleep, thrust into a world far removed from the life they'd once planned. But he was no longer the lost man from that day; he was a leader, a protector.

The elevator shuddered, climbing up toward the surface, and as it did, Sico's focus shifted back to the mission. The Institute's threat loomed larger each day, and the EMP device was their best hope of countering its teleportation capabilities. If they could disrupt that advantage, it would be a critical step forward for the Minutemen and the Commonwealth.

When the elevator doors finally opened, Sico stepped out, blinking as the sunlight hit his face. The early morning light had given way to a brighter, harsher midday sun, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain around Sanctuary. He took a moment to steady himself, then set off toward Sanctuary and went to the science building where Mel and his team worked tirelessly on the EMP device prototype.

The building was modest, constructed quickly with the materials they'd scavenged, but it was filled with an assortment of makeshift labs and workstations. The hum of generators and the faint buzz of voices greeted Sico as he entered, the scent of metal and oil thick in the air. It was a familiar, comforting environment, where innovation met necessity.

As he walked down the narrow hallway, he spotted Mel in one of the larger rooms, hunched over a workbench, completely absorbed in his work. The EMP device lay in front of him, a jumble of wires, circuits, and components that seemed more like a piece of abstract art than a weapon of technological warfare. Sparks occasionally flew as Mel tinkered, adjusting and testing each part with meticulous care.

Sico approached, watching Mel for a moment before clearing his throat. "How's it coming along, Mel?"

Mel looked up, his face lighting up with a grin as he saw Sico. He wiped his hands on a cloth, looking a bit tired but still enthusiastic. "Ah, General! Just in time. I was about to test one of the final components."

Sico's gaze shifted to the device, taking in its progress. "It's looking more… organized than last time. Are we getting close?"

Mel nodded, his eyes brightening with excitement. "Closer than ever. I'd say we're just a day or two away from a full prototype test. If everything goes smoothly, we could be running it through its paces as early as tomorrow, or maybe the day after."

Sico's expression grew serious. "Good. This device might be our best shot at leveling the playing field with the Institute. Their teleportation tech is one of their biggest advantages. If we can disrupt it, even partially, it could turn the tide in our favor."

Mel's grin faded slightly, his brow furrowing as he considered the implications. "That's the thing, though, General… even if we get this working, how do we test it against an actual Institute teleport? It's not like we can just ask them to pop in whenever we want."

Sico chuckled softly, appreciating Mel's humor despite the weight of the situation. "You're right. We won't know for certain if it works until we're in an actual confrontation with them. But having it ready as part of our arsenal is already a big step. We'll make sure it's in place and operational whenever the next battle comes."

Mel nodded, his gaze shifting back to the device. "It's a good plan, General. If we can get it to work even a little, it might throw them off enough to give us an edge. But I'll be honest—it's all theoretical at this point. This device is unlike anything anyone's ever tried to make. There's a chance it might not work, or worse, it could backfire."

Sico placed a reassuring hand on Mel's shoulder. "I know, Mel. But that's what we do, right? We take risks, we innovate, and we fight for a better future. This EMP device is worth that risk. And if it fails… we'll adapt. We always have."

Mel looked at him, respect evident in his gaze. "I'll keep working on it, General. I won't stop until it's ready. And I'll make sure it's as stable as I can get it before any real tests."

"Thank you, Mel." Sico took a step back, glancing over the wires and components scattered across the workbench. "You're doing great work here. And not just on the EMP device—everything you've done to help the Minutemen move forward, it hasn't gone unnoticed. We're building something here, something that can outlast the Institute, and you're a big part of it."

Mel grinned, a touch of pride flickering in his eyes. "Just doing my part, General. It's… it's good to know it means something."

Sico nodded, his gaze shifting to the device. "I have no doubt it will. I'll let you get back to work, then. If there's anything you need, let me know."

Mel gave him a thumbs-up, already diving back into his work as Sico turned and left the room. As he walked through the science building, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The EMP device was a gamble, one that could either prove a powerful weapon against the Institute or a costly failure. But it was a risk they had to take, and Sico was ready to stand by it.

Leaving the building, Sico made his way back to his office at the Minutemen HQ, thinking about the road ahead. The Commonwealth was scarred, battered by years of conflict and hardship, but it was also resilient. People like Mel, his parents, and the other settlers in Sanctuary gave him hope that there was still something worth fighting for.

Each step he took carried the weight of his responsibilities, but it also carried the strength of the people who believed in him. Sico wasn't just a soldier or a strategist; he was a protector, a leader, and above all, a son fighting for the future he wanted for his family.

For now, he would trust in Mel's skills and await the EMP device's completion. In the meantime, he would keep preparing, training the Minutemen, and rallying the Commonwealth's forces. The future was uncertain, but as he looked back toward the science building, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he wasn't facing them alone.

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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: -