175. Preparing to repair the Yangtze

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With their final instructions given, Sico and Preston made their way to the Yangtze, confident in the knowledge that the command center was in capable hands. Their focus now shifted to the task ahead—bringing an old war relic back to life as a new guardian of the Commonwealth.

Sico and Preston boarded a small boat moored at the harbor, the quiet swish of water against the hull marking their steady progress towards the Yangtze. As they rowed, the silhouette of the submarine emerged more clearly from the mist, its formidable shape a stark reminder of the bygone era it represented.

Upon reaching the Yangtze, they secured the boat and climbed aboard, entering through the submarine's hatch, which was left accessible for their arrival. The interior of the submarine, still preserved and operational thanks to Captain Zao's efforts, greeted them with a familiar cool and metallic air.

They made their way to the control room where they found Captain Zao, who was monitoring the submarine's systems. The captain looked up as they entered, his face breaking into a rare smile, acknowledging their successful return.

Zao: "Ah, Sico, Preston, you have returned. Do you bring good news? Is the dampening coil with you?"

Sico nodded, carrying the carefully packaged dampening coil in his hands.

Sico: "We have it right here, Captain. We're ready to begin the installation process and any other repairs that are needed to get the Yangtze operational again."

Zao's eyes lit up with a mixture of relief and anticipation, his hands clasping together briefly in a gesture of gratitude.

Zao: "Excellent! With the dampening coil replaced, the Yangtze will once again be capable of navigating the waters. There is much to do, and I am eager to assist in her restoration."

Preston stepped forward, placing a set of tools on a nearby console.

Preston: "We also have Nora and MacCready assembling a team back at Sanctuary to help with the repairs. They'll bring additional expertise and manpower to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Zao nodded appreciatively, his respect for their organization and thoroughness evident.

Zao: "Your Minutemen are resourceful and dedicated. I am thankful for your help and look forward to working alongside your team."

Sico laid out the coil on a workbench, ready for inspection and installation.

Sico: "Let's get started then. The sooner we have the Yangtze ready, the sooner we can use her to aid our efforts across the Commonwealth."

Captain Zao hesitated, his voice heavy with regret and unresolved grief as he shared the darker aspect of the Yangtze's story.

Zao: "Before we proceed, there is something important you must know. The living quarters, connected to the engine room, are inaccessible to me not by choice but by necessity. After the bombs fell, those of us who were transformed into ghouls experienced... different fates. My crew did not retain their sanity. They turned feral, and they have been confined there ever since."

He paused, the burden of his next words weighing heavily on him.

Zao: "My first mate, he holds the key to the engine room. It's necessary for us to start the engine and fully operationalize the submarine. But he, too, turned feral and is now locked inside with the others. If we are to retrieve the key and proceed with the repairs, we must face them."

Sico and Preston absorbed the gravity of Zao's revelation, understanding the dual challenge of confronting the feral ghouls and the emotional pain it would inflict on Zao.

Sico: "Thank you for trusting us with this, Captain. We'll handle it with the utmost care and respect for your crew. We can equip ourselves to deal with the situation and retrieve the key safely."

Preston nodded, already considering the tactical approach.

Preston: "We'll need protective gear and perhaps some non-lethal options to minimize harm. Our goal will be to secure the key as safely as possible."

Zao looked at both men, a mix of gratitude and sorrow in his eyes.

Zao: "I am in your debt. My crew were honorable men and women. In another life, they would have been celebrated for their dedication. Now, they deserve peace."

Sico laid a reassuring hand on Zao's shoulder.

Sico: "We'll do everything we can to honor their memory and help you find closure, Captain. Let's prepare carefully and ensure everyone's safety during the operation."

Zao added an important cautionary detail that further complicated the mission. His voice carried an urgent tone as he highlighted another critical issue they had to address.

Zao: "Oh, and one more thing—you will need to wear hazmat suits. There's been a leak from the reactor due to the damaged dampening coil, which has caused significant radiation contamination in that area. It's not safe without proper protection."

Sico, recognizing the gravity of this new information, knew they could not proceed immediately. The safety of his team was paramount, and they needed to be fully prepared for the conditions they would face.

Sico: "Thank you for letting us know, Captain. We'll need to pause and equip ourselves properly to handle the radiation. I'll head back to the command center and coordinate with Nora. We'll need to bring enough hazmat suits for everyone involved."

Zao nodded in agreement, understanding the necessity of the precautions.

Zao: "I apologize for the complications. I should have maintained the reactor better, but resources have been scarce. Thank you for your understanding and readiness to help."

Sico offered a supportive smile.

Sico: "There's no need for apologies, Captain. We're here to help, and we'll make sure we're prepared. We'll get this done together."

With a plan in mind, Sico and Preston made their way back to the boat to return to the command center. The trip back was quiet, each man lost in thought over the mission's demands and the historical weight of what they were undertaking.

As Sico and Preston returned to the harbor and disembarked from the boat, Sico headed straight for the command center, where he could establish a direct line to Nora. He swiftly accessed the communication equipment, dialing in the frequency used for communicating with Sanctuary.

Once the connection was secure, Nora's voice came through the radio, clear and steady.

Sico: "Nora, it's Sico. We've run into a complication at the Yangtze. There's a radiation leak in the section where we need to retrieve the key from the feral ghouls. We're going to need hazmat suits for the team—enough for everyone involved in the operation. Can you arrange that?"

Nora: "Understood, Sico. I'm still en route to Sanctuary, but I'll reroute to the supply depot first to gather the hazmat suits. How many do we need?"

Sico: "Prepare for at least a dozen suits. Better to have a few extra on hand given the circumstances. Also, ensure they're fully checked and functional before you bring them back."

Nora: "Got it. I'll make sure every suit is inspected and ready for use. I'll also expedite the transport to make sure we don't lose any time."

Satisfied with Nora's response, Sico turned to the next steps they needed to prepare for.

Sico: "Thanks, Nora. Keep me updated on your progress, and drive safe. We need those suits as soon as possible, but we need you back safe just as much."

Nora: "Will do, Sico. I'll keep you posted every step of the way. Nora out."

With the conversation concluded, Sico turned off the radio and looked over to Preston, who had been coordinating with the security teams around the harbor.

Sico: "Let's make sure everything else is prepared for when Nora returns. We need to be ready to move as soon as the suits arrive."

Preston: "I'll double-check our gear and go over the operation plans again. We'll be ready, Sico."

The next morning arrived with the promise of significant progress as Nora and the team she had assembled at Sanctuary returned to the harbor. The early light shone on the convoy of trucks pulling into the command center, carrying not only the much-needed hazmat suits but also a skilled team of technicians and mechanics ready to tackle the challenges of the Yangtze submarine.

As the trucks came to a halt, the doors opened, and the team began to disembark. Among them, Sico spotted a familiar face—Mel, the head of the Science Department at Sanctuary. Mel's expertise with technology and his inventive mind made him an invaluable asset for this mission. His presence was a welcome surprise.

Sico approached Mel, offering a handshake and a smile of genuine appreciation.

Sico: "Mel, it's good to see you decided to come down here yourself. We could really use your expertise with the Yangtze."

Mel, adjusting his tool belt and glasses, nodded enthusiastically, his eyes bright with the prospect of working on such a unique project.

Mel: "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Sico. A real pre-war submarine, operational? That's something you don't see every day. I'm here to make sure we get her running smoothly again."

Nora, overseeing the unloading of equipment and supplies, joined them, handing out the inventory list of what they had brought.

Nora: "We've got the hazmat suits, all checked and ready. Plus, extra parts and tools Mel requested. We're set to start as soon as you give the word."

Sico looked over the list, satisfied with the thorough preparation.

Sico: "Excellent work, Nora. Let's get everyone briefed on the radiation situation and the presence of the feral ghouls. Safety first, we can't have any accidents."

Preston, who had been coordinating the perimeter security, chimed in.

Preston: "Security's tight, Sico. We'll keep a watchful eye while the team works. No distractions, no interruptions."

With everything in place at the harbor and the teams assembled and ready, Sico began to finalize the deployment plans, ensuring all elements of the operation were accounted for.

Sico: "Nora, MacCready, I want you two to stay back at the command center. Take a brief rest, and then oversee the operation from here with ten militia for security. It's crucial we maintain a strong command post while the team is out."

Nora acknowledged with a firm nod, ready to handle logistics and communications.

Nora: "Will do, Sico. We'll keep everything running smoothly here and make sure you have a direct line back in case you need support."

Turning his attention to Mel and the specialized teams, Sico continued.

Sico: "Mel, you'll accompany me along with the tech and mechanic teams. Robert and Preston, you're with us too. I'm bringing five militia for additional security. Let's make sure we have all the supplies and equipment loaded up, especially those hazmat suits."

Mel double-checked his gear, confirming that all necessary tools and parts were packed.

Mel: "All set here, Sico. We're ready to tackle whatever comes our way."

Preston coordinated the militia, ensuring each member was fully equipped and understood their role in the operation.

Preston: "Everyone, gear check one last time. Remember, this isn't just about repair; it's about securing the area from any threats that might arise. Stay alert and follow the plan."

Once all preparations were complete, Sico led the group to the six wooden boats prepared at the dock. Each boat was loaded with the necessary equipment, ensuring balance and readiness for the short journey across the water to the Yangtze.

Sico: "Let's keep this operation tight and efficient. Check your equipment, make sure you've got your hazmat suit secured, and let's head out."

The team donned their hazmat suits, sealing the protective layers meticulously. With a final check of their gear, they boarded the boats. The morning mist over the water lent an eerie calm as they rowed towards the imposing silhouette of the Yangtze, each stroke bringing them closer to the submerged secrets and the potential new life for the old war machine.

Sico looked over his shoulder, back towards the command center where Nora and MacCready stood watching, a silent nod conveying his confidence and resolve.

After rowing through the quiet mist of the early morning, the team approached the Yangtze. The submarine, a massive silhouette against the lighter horizon, loomed as a stark reminder of a world that once was. Each team member felt a mix of anticipation and resolve as they neared their destination.

The boats gently bumped against the side of the submarine, and the team secured them before preparing to board. One by one, they climbed up the old, rusting ladder that led to the submarine's hatch. The metallic clang of boots on metal broke the morning silence as each member made their way into the heart of the vessel.

Inside, the air was cool and stale, filled with the scent of metal and the faint, lingering odor of seawater. The interior was dimly lit by emergency lights that still functioned, casting long shadows along the narrow corridors. The hum of the submarine's dormant systems added to the eerie atmosphere, a ghost ship waiting to be brought back to life.

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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: -