章節 332: 302. Consolidating the Territory PT.1

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Tomorrow would bring new tasks, new decisions to be made. But for tonight, Sico allowed himself a moment of peace, knowing that he had taken an important step in securing the future of the Minutemen—and the future of the Commonwealth they had sworn to protect.

The following day, Sico rose early, the sky still a muted gray as the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows of the Minutemen's command center. Despite the relative calm of the morning, the weight of yesterday's conversation still hung in the air. He had addressed the concerns of his soldiers, but that was just the first step. Today, there was a far more pressing matter that needed to be handled—recruitment and strategic planning for the Minutemen's next phase of operations.

Sico stood over a large, worn map of the Commonwealth spread out across the table in the center of the room. Colored markers denoted key locations: settlements they were protecting, potential recruits, and areas where raiders, super mutants, and other threats still held sway. The Commonwealth was vast, and their influence, though growing, was still limited. They couldn't protect everyone—at least not yet.

As the light brightened, the door creaked open, and Preston, Sarah, and Albert filed in, each carrying the same weary but determined expression. Sico had specifically requested their presence for this meeting. He trusted them more than anyone else, and he needed their input if they were going to make the right decisions for the future of the Minutemen.

"Morning," Sico greeted them as they took their seats around the table. "Thanks for coming."

They nodded, exchanging brief glances before focusing on the map before them. The tension in the room was palpable, not because of mistrust, but because each of them understood the gravity of the decisions they were about to make. The Minutemen had been stretched thin for weeks, and it was becoming increasingly clear that they couldn't continue to expand without a significant boost in manpower. Every day, they received new calls for help from settlers and towns under siege. The question wasn't whether to help but how they could afford to.

Sico took a deep breath and began. "We all know what we're facing. The Commonwealth is a mess, and there's only so much we can do with the people we have. We've been pulling off miracles, but if we're going to survive and protect our people, we need more soldiers. More recruits."

Preston leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "The settlements are getting anxious. They're grateful for what we've done, but they're starting to wonder if we can keep up. Every time we liberate one place, two more come under attack. We're barely holding the line."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "It's not just about numbers, either. The men and women we've got are exhausted. They're giving it everything they've got, but they can't keep going at this pace indefinitely. We need to give them a break, but we can't afford to pull back."

Albert, who had been quiet up until now, crossed his arms and spoke up. "We've got plenty of people willing to help. The Commonwealth isn't short on folks who want to fight back, but they're scattered. We need a centralized recruitment push. Something that'll bring them to us, instead of us constantly having to go out and find them."

Sico considered their words, his gaze fixed on the map. "That's exactly what I've been thinking. Right now, we're trying to do too much with too little. We're putting out fires, but we're not building anything sustainable. We need to shift our focus, at least for a little while."

He pointed to several points on the map, all areas they had recently liberated or where they had built outposts. "These places—we can't afford to lose them. If we keep pushing to expand our territory without securing what we've already got, it's going to collapse."

Preston frowned, his gaze following Sico's finger as it moved across the map. "So, what are you suggesting? That we stop taking on new missions?"

"Not entirely," Sico said, shaking his head. "I'm saying we slow down our expansion and focus on fortifying the territories we already control. If we spread ourselves too thin, we won't be able to protect anyone. We build up our defenses, train our current forces, and launch a serious recruitment drive. Once we've strengthened our core, we can start pushing out again."

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed the plan.

"It makes sense," Sarah said slowly, her voice thoughtful. "We've been running ourselves ragged trying to help everyone, but if we lose the settlements we've already liberated, then all our work has been for nothing. But if we hold back too much, we risk losing momentum."

"I get that," Sico acknowledged. "It's a risk either way. But if we keep pushing forward without the manpower or resources to support our gains, we'll lose everything. We need to consolidate. Focus on protecting the people who are already under our banner. And, in the meantime, we'll work on bringing in new recruits."

Albert, who had been studying the map closely, uncrossed his arms and leaned forward. "How do you propose we handle the recruitment? We can't exactly put up posters or run ads in the paper."

Sico smiled faintly. "No, but we can use the settlements we've already liberated as recruitment hubs. We send out word that the Minutemen are looking for volunteers. People who want to fight back, who want to protect their homes, can come to us. We train them, arm them, and deploy them where they're needed most."

Preston seemed to warm to the idea. "If we turn our settlements into recruitment centers, we'll be drawing on people who already know what's at stake. They've seen what the Commonwealth has become, and they'll be more motivated to fight. And it'll give the settlers themselves more of a stake in their own defense."

"Exactly," Sico said. "We don't need to drag people into the fight. They're already living it. What we need to do is give them the tools and the training to protect themselves. And once we've bolstered our ranks, then we can start thinking about expanding again."

The room was quiet again, but this time the tension had lessened. They all knew the plan wasn't without its risks, but it felt like the right move. They couldn't save everyone all at once, but if they played their cards right, they could build something lasting.

"We should focus on a few key settlements first," Sico continued. "Places where we already have a strong presence. Once we've established our recruitment efforts there, we can spread out to the other territories."

Sarah nodded. "That'll also give us time to reinforce our supply lines and make sure the settlements are well-defended. If we're asking these people to fight, we need to make sure they've got the resources to do it."

Albert added, "And we'll need to put out a clear message. People need to know what they're fighting for. Not just survival, but something bigger. Something that gives them hope."

Sico met his gaze, his expression serious. "The Commonwealth isn't just a wasteland. It's our home. We're not just fighting to survive another day; we're fighting to build a future. One where people can live without fear, where they can rebuild their lives. That's the message we send."

The others nodded in agreement. It wasn't just about fighting. It was about giving people something to believe in—a reason to keep going in a world that had lost so much.

Sico stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Alright, let's get to work. Preston, I want you to start spreading the word to the settlements. Let them know we're recruiting. Sarah, work with the quartermasters to make sure we've got enough supplies for the new recruits. Albert, you're in charge of training. We need these people ready to fight as soon as possible."

As they left the room, Sico allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The path ahead was still difficult, but they had a plan. And more importantly, they had each other. The Minutemen were more than just a militia—they were a symbol of hope in a world that desperately needed it.

As the meeting concluded and Preston, Sarah, and Albert departed with their respective tasks in mind, Sico stayed behind for a moment, leaning over the worn map of the Commonwealth. His mind raced, mapping out every possibility, every potential failure or victory that could emerge from this new plan. He knew it wasn't perfect, but it was the best chance they had to hold their ground and survive long enough to expand again.

After a few moments, Sico straightened up and moved to a nearby terminal. It was time to involve some of his more trusted companions in helping Preston, Sarah, and Albert. Each of them had unique strengths that would be crucial in making this plan work. Sico sent out a series of brief messages, summoning MacCready, Robert, Jenny, Mel, and Cait to the command center. Within minutes, they began trickling in one by one.

First to arrive was MacCready, a sharpshooter with a knack for getting the job done, even in the most dangerous situations. He gave a quick nod to Sico as he entered the room.

"What's the word, boss?" MacCready asked, folding his arms.

Sico gestured to the map. "We're consolidating our defenses. Preston is going to be spreading the word to the settlements, recruiting new people to our cause. I need you to help him. Your experience out in the field could help him identify the right people to bring in. We're not just looking for warm bodies; we need capable fighters."

MacCready raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Yeah, I can do that. Preston might need someone to watch his back while he's out there anyway. Raiders have been getting bolder lately."

Sico gave him a half-smile. "Exactly. Keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn't run into trouble while he's out there."

Next, Robert and Jenny arrived together. Sico knew they were a capable pair—loyal and resourceful, they had proven themselves time and again in skirmishes and operations around the Commonwealth. They'd be perfect for assisting Sarah with the supply lines.

"Robert, Jenny," Sico began, addressing them both, "Sarah's going to be working on shoring up our supply routes and making sure we've got the resources to handle an influx of recruits. I want the two of you to help her with that. We'll need every bit of ammunition, food, and medicine we can get our hands on, and you two know where to find it."

Jenny, with her ever-present optimism, grinned. "No problem, General. We've gotten good at scrounging."

Robert, always more reserved, simply nodded. "We'll make sure Sarah has everything she needs."

Sico clapped Robert on the shoulder. "Good. Keep a sharp eye on those routes, especially the ones near enemy territory. If we lose any supplies, it'll put the whole plan in jeopardy."

As they left to meet with Sarah, Mel and Cait entered the room. Mel was a brilliant engineer, his technical expertise unmatched when it came to fortifications and defenses. Cait, on the other hand, was a ferocious fighter with a fire in her that made her invaluable in battle. They were exactly who Sico needed to help Albert with training the new recruits.

Sico turned to them. "Albert's in charge of training the new recruits, and we're going to need them battle-ready as fast as possible. Mel, I want you to work on reinforcing the training grounds—build whatever they need to simulate real combat scenarios. The more prepared these recruits are before they see the real thing, the better. Cait, you've got the most combat experience out of anyone here. Help Albert whip these recruits into shape. We need fighters who can handle themselves when things get rough."

Cait smirked, crossing her arms. "Sounds like my kind of job. Those recruits won't know what hit 'em."

Mel, already deep in thought, adjusted his glasses and nodded. "I'll make sure the training grounds are ready. We could set up some automated targets and maybe even a few surprise traps. Keep things interesting."

Sico nodded, satisfied. "Good. Get started. I'll check in with each of you as the day goes on."

As Mel and Cait headed off to meet Albert at the training grounds, Sico felt a sense of purpose settle over him. He had faith in his people—Preston, Sarah, Albert, and now the additional help from MacCready, Robert, Jenny, Mel, and Cait. They were a strong team, and they knew how to get the job done.

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Later that day, Sico decided to check on each of them, starting with Preston. He found Preston and MacCready at the edge of Minutemen Plaza, preparing to head out toward Sanctuary Hills, one of the larger settlements that had always been a reliable base of operations for the Minutemen. They were loading up their supplies—maps, holotapes, and a few basic weapons—preparing to meet with settlers about the recruitment push.

"How's it going?" Sico asked as he approached.

Preston glanced up from securing his pack. "We're just about ready to head out. MacCready and I are going to hit Sanctuary first, then swing by the smaller settlements in the area. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days."

MacCready gave a nod as he checked his rifle. "We'll be back before you miss us, boss."

Sico smiled, appreciating the lightheartedness despite the gravity of the situation. "Good. Keep your ears open, too. If any of the settlers are hearing rumors or facing new threats, I want to know about it."

Preston nodded. "You've got it, General."

With that, they headed off, and Sico moved on to check in with Sarah, Robert, and Jenny. He found them in the Minutemen's supply depot, a large, cluttered warehouse that housed everything from food rations to spare weapon parts. Sarah was already deep in discussion with Robert and Jenny, mapping out which supply lines needed reinforcement and where to find additional resources.

"Everything on track?" Sico asked as he stepped into the depot.

Sarah glanced up, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "We're making progress. Robert and Jenny are going to take a team out to secure the northern supply lines. We've heard some rumors about raider activity up there, but we should be able to handle it."

Jenny gave a quick thumbs-up. "We've got this covered, General."

Sico nodded. "Good. Be careful out there. If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to call for backup."

"Will do," Robert replied, already heading for the door with Jenny close behind.

Satisfied with their progress, Sico made his way to the training grounds, where Albert, Mel, and Cait were overseeing the first group of recruits. The area had been transformed into a rough simulation of a battlefield, with barricades, automated turrets, and training dummies scattered throughout. Cait was barking orders at the recruits as they sparred with each other, while Mel was off to the side, adjusting a turret's settings.

Sico watched for a moment, observing how Albert moved through the ranks, correcting stances and offering words of encouragement. The recruits were green, but they were learning fast. Cait's no-nonsense approach, coupled with Albert's patient teaching style, was paying off.

"Looking good," Sico said as he approached Albert.

Albert turned, wiping sweat from his brow. "We've got a long way to go, but they're learning. Cait's been whipping them into shape, and Mel's got some good ideas for improving the training grounds."

Cait strode over, her eyes sharp. "These lot are toughening up. Give me a few more days with 'em, and they'll be ready to fight."

Mel, adjusting his glasses, chimed in. "I've got a few more ideas to make the simulations even more realistic. We could rig up a few traps and maybe even use some smoke grenades for added pressure."

Sico smiled. "Keep it up. We're going to need every advantage we can get."

With everyone hard at work, Sico felt a sense of pride in his team. The plan was in motion, and with the right people in place, he was confident they could pull it off. The Commonwealth wasn't going to save itself, but with the Minutemen united, it stood a fighting chance.

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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: -