章節 236: 213. The Mechanist: Isabel Cruz

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The robots in the room began to power down, their movements growing sluggish before they collapsed entirely. The command center was plunged into a tense silence, broken only by the crackling of damaged circuits.

The command center was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the dim emergency lights casting an eerie red glow. The room, once filled with the sounds of battle, was now eerily silent, save for the occasional crackle of damaged circuits and the hum of the remaining functional systems.

Sico stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Mechanist, it's over. We need to stop this fighting and talk."

For a moment, there was no response. Then, from above, the Mechanist's voice came, no longer amplified but carrying a hint of weariness. "Talk? What is there to talk about?"

Sico held his ground. "We need to discuss what your robots are really doing out there. Please, come down and let's have a conversation."

After a brief pause, the Mechanist's platform began to descend, stopping just above the ground level. A door opened, and she stepped out onto a narrow walkway that led down to where Sico and his team were standing. She moved with a mix of hesitation and determination, her armor gleaming faintly in the emergency lighting.

When she reached the ground, Sico took a step forward. "Take off your helmet. Let us see who you really are."

The Mechanist hesitated, then slowly reached up and removed her helmet. As she did, the team saw a young woman beneath the armor. Her eyes were tired, but there was a spark of intelligence and resolve in them.

"My name is Isabel Cruz," she said, her voice softer and more vulnerable without the mechanical distortion of the helmet. "What do you want to talk about?"

Sico took a deep breath. "Isabel, your robots aren't saving people. They're misinterpreting your orders and causing harm. They're killing innocent people instead of protecting them."

Isabel's eyes widened with shock and disbelief. "No, that can't be true. I've programmed them to help, to protect the Commonwealth from danger."

Ada stepped forward, her robotic voice calm sound. "Isabel, I witnessed it firsthand. My friends were part of a simple caravan group. Your robots attacked them without provocation and killed them all."

Isabel's face fell, a mixture of horror and denial clouding her features. "No, I... I didn't mean for that to happen. I just wanted to make things better, to protect people."

Sico stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. "We understand your intentions, Isabel. But the reality is that your robots are causing more harm than good. We need to work together to fix this, to make sure that no more innocent lives are lost."

Isabel looked around the room, taking in the destruction and the lifeless robots that had once been her army. She seemed to struggle with the weight of her actions, her shoulders sagging under the burden of realization.

"I... I didn't know," she whispered. "I thought I was helping."

Sico nodded. "You can still help. Work with us to shut down the remaining robots and find a way to protect the Commonwealth without causing more harm."

After a long moment, Isabel nodded, her resolve hardening. "Alright. I'll help you. Let's fix this, together."

With Isabel's cooperation, the team began the process of shutting down the remaining robots and ensuring that the Mechanist's lair was no longer a threat.

As the team worked to shut down the remaining robots within the Mechanist's lair, Isabel Cruz stepped forward, her expression troubled. "There's something you need to know," she said, her voice heavy with concern. "I can't shut down the remaining groups of robots that are out in the Commonwealth. There's a malfunction in the communication system."

Sico frowned, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Is there any way you can track their locations?"

Isabel nodded slowly. "Yes, I can still track their movements. I can give you the coordinates of where they are currently active."

Sico turned to his team. "Alright, once we secure this place, we'll need to send out teams to hunt down those robots. We can't leave them roaming the Commonwealth, causing more harm."

Preston stepped forward. "We'll coordinate with the Minutemen. They can help track and neutralize the rogue robots."

Isabel moved to one of the still-functional consoles, her fingers flying over the keys as she accessed the tracking systems. The screens lit up with maps and data points, showing the locations of the remaining robots scattered throughout the Commonwealth.

"Here," Isabel said, pointing to the highlighted areas on the map. "These are the current locations of the active robots. I've marked the ones that are the highest priority based on their recent activity."

Sico studied the map, committing the locations to memory. "Good work, Isabel. We'll take it from here."

Jenny, standing beside Isabel, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You did the right thing by providing this information. We'll make sure these robots are stopped."

Isabel nodded, a mix of relief and determination on her face. "I just want to make things right. If there's anything else I can do to help, let me know."

Sico turned to his team, his voice steady and confident. "Alright, everyone. Let's secure this place and get ready to head out. We have a lot of ground to cover and a lot of robots to take down."

With the Mechanist's lair now under their control and the locations of the rogue robots in hand, the team set about preparing for the next phase of their mission. They coordinated with the Minutemen, ensuring that there would be enough support to cover the various areas where the robots were active.

As the team finalized their preparations, Sico turned to Isabel, a question lingering on his mind. "Isabel, I need to understand something. Why did you become the Mechanist?"

Isabel took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of past pain and determination. "I've always been talented with robotics," she began. "In my settlement, we faced constant attacks from super mutants and raiders. It was a hard life, always living in fear, always trying to survive."

She glanced around the command center, her gaze lingering on the deactivated robots. "I grew up reading comic books and listening to radio shows about the Mechanist, a villain who used robots to fight good. The idea fascinated me, inspired me. I thought, 'Why not use my skills to create something that could actually help people?'"

Sico listened intently, nodding for her to continue.

"One day, I discovered this pre-War factory. It was originally a joint venture between private industry and the military. I realized I could use it to build my own army of robots, to protect settlements and pacify dangerous areas by eliminating threats like raiders and super mutants."

Isabel paused, her expression troubled. "I thought I was doing the right thing. I programmed the robots to target hostiles, but somewhere along the way, things went wrong. The robots started seeing everyone as a threat. I didn't realize the full extent of the damage until now."

Jenny stepped closer, her voice gentle. "You had good intentions, Isabel. It's not too late to make things right."

Isabel nodded, though the weight of her mistakes was evident in her eyes. "I just wanted to help. I wanted to make the Commonwealth a safer place."

Sico placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And you still can. We'll take care of the rogue robots, and with your help, we can ensure this technology is used for good in the future."

Isabel looked down, her voice filled with sorrow. "But I can't atone for my sins, Sico. Innocent people died because of me, even if it was because my Robobrains misinterpreted the orders. How can I ever make up for that?"

Sico's expression softened, his voice compassionate yet firm. "You can't change the past, Isabel, but you can shape the future. Your talents are incredible, and the Commonwealth needs people like you. You can atone for what happened by using your skills to genuinely help people."

Isabel glanced up, hope flickering in her eyes. "How? What can I do?"

Sico smiled. "Join us. The Minutemen could really use someone with your expertise. Help us rebuild and protect the Commonwealth the right way. Work with us to create a better future."

Preston stepped forward, backing up Sico. "Isabel, we need someone who understands robotics like you do. Imagine the good you could do with the Minutemen. Together, we can make sure your talents are used for the benefit of everyone."

Isabel considered their words, the weight of her past actions still heavy on her shoulders. But as she looked at the team around her, she saw determination, hope, and a chance for redemption.

Finally, she nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "Alright. I'll join you. I'll help the Minutemen and use my skills to make the Commonwealth a safer place for everyone."

Sico extended his hand, and Isabel shook it, sealing the promise of a new beginning. "Welcome to the Minutemen, Isabel. Let's get to work."

With Isabel now part of their team, the Minutemen gained not only a talented roboticist but also someone who could help them dismantle the remaining threats and prevent future dangers.

Sico turned to Preston, his voice taking on a tone of command. "Preston, we need to make sure this factory is secure. I want a contingent of militia stationed here to protect it."

Preston nodded, understanding the importance of the request. "We'll make it happen, Sico. This place could be a game-changer for us."

Sico looked at Isabel, a reassuring smile on his face. "With your help, Isabel, we can turn this factory into a force for good. You can lead the efforts to build robots for the Minutemen, robots that will protect and serve the people of the Commonwealth."

Isabel nodded, a sense of purpose replacing her earlier sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll make sure these robots are used to help people, not harm them."

Preston stepped away, pulling out his radio. "I'll get in touch with the Sanctuary and arrange for a team to secure the factory. We'll keep it safe."

As Preston began coordinating the security detail, Sico turned back to the rest of the team. "We have our work cut out for us. We need to track down those rogue robots and make sure they're taken care of. Jenny, can you handle the medical supplies and make sure everyone is ready for the field?"

Jenny nodded, her usual calm demeanor taking on a sense of urgency. "I'll make sure we're fully stocked and ready to go."

Ada, beside by Isabel, spoke up. "Isabel and I can work together on upgrading the factory's defenses and ensuring the remaining robots here are reprogrammed for Minutemen use."

Sico gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Let's move quickly. The sooner we secure those rogue robots, the better."

Preston returned, a determined look on his face. "The Minutemen are on their way. We should have a full security team here within the hour."

Sico turned to Isabel once more. "Thank you for your help, Isabel. This is a chance to make things right."

Isabel met his gaze, her eyes filled with resolve. "I won't let you down. Together, we'll make the Commonwealth a safer place."

An hour passed, the tension in the air slowly dissipating as the team made preparations and secured the factory. The sound of engines rumbling in the distance signaled the arrival of reinforcements. Two trucks pulled up to the factory entrance, each loaded with supplies and twenty well-armed militia members.

Preston stepped forward to greet the arriving forces, directing them to secure key positions around the factory. "Alright, folks, you know the drill. Set up a perimeter, and make sure all entry points are covered. We can't afford any slip-ups."

The militia moved with practiced efficiency, quickly establishing a defensive line around the factory. Sico watched with satisfaction, turning to Isabel. "This place is going to be in good hands. Let's make sure everything inside is secure and operational."

Isabel nodded, leading Sico and Ada deeper into the factory. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors, Isabel pointed out various control panels and machinery. "With these systems, we can produce and control a new fleet of robots designed specifically for defense and aid."

Ada inspected the machinery, her sensors scanning for any potential issues. "We'll need to reprogram the central control unit to ensure that all robots follow the new protocols. It will take some time, but it's achievable."

Sico turned to Jenny, who was busy setting up a medical station with the supplies from the trucks. "Jenny, make sure everyone gets checked out. We need to be in top shape for the missions

Jenny gave a thumbs-up. "Will do, Sico. Everyone will be ready to go."

As the team worked, the atmosphere in the factory shifted from one of tension to a sense of purpose and camaraderie. The factory, once a symbol of misguided intentions, was being transformed into a stronghold for the Commonwealth's future.

Preston rejoined Sico and Isabel, his expression determined. "Perimeter is secure. We're ready to proceed with the next phase."

Sico nodded. "Good. Let's get those remaining rogue robots tracked down and neutralized. Isabel, can you access the tracking data and relay the locations to us?"

Isabel moved to a central console, her fingers flying over the keys. "I've got the data. Transmitting the coordinates now."

The screen lit up with a map of the Commonwealth, highlighting the positions of the remaining rogue robots. Sico studied the map, his mind already formulating a plan. "Alright, team. Let's split into squads and take these targets out one by one. We can't let them continue to cause harm."

Preston stepped forward, ready to lead one of the squads. "We'll get it done, Sico. For the Commonwealth."

Isabel looked at Sico, determination and gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for giving me a chance to make things right. I won't let you down."

Sico smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're in this together, Isabel. Let's go make the Commonwealth a safer place."

With the plan in place and the factory secured, the Minutemen set out to hunt down the rogue robots, determined to protect the Commonwealth and build a better future for all its inhabitants.

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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: -