333. Building Sentinel Prototype PT.2

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As he stepped out into the bright afternoon sun, Sico took a deep breath. The Commonwealth was on the edge of war, and every day brought them closer to the tipping point. But with Mel working on the Sentinel and Sanctuary's defenses coming together, they were getting closer to being ready. He just hoped it would be enough.

The next day arrived with a crisp chill in the air, the Commonwealth's usual fog lingering over the horizon. The sun barely peeked through the haze as Sico made his way back to the Science Department's testing area. The early hours of the morning were still and quiet, but inside the testing grounds, there was a constant hum of activity. Engineers moved back and forth, the clatter of tools and the crackle of welding filling the air as Mel's team continued their work on the Sentinel prototype.

Sico pushed open the reinforced doors, the familiar sounds of metal on metal greeting him. He stepped inside and immediately spotted Mel, hunched over a workbench, pouring over some blueprints. The main chassis of the Sentinel was still under construction, a skeletal frame of steel beams and half-finished components. The structure wasn't anywhere near ready, and Sico knew there was still much to be done.

Mel glanced up when he heard Sico approach, wiping the sweat from his forehead. His eyes were tired, but his mind was clearly focused on the task at hand.

"Sico," Mel greeted, stepping away from the workbench to meet him. "Good to see you again. We've made some progress on the tracks and suspension since yesterday. Should have those fully assembled by the end of the week, assuming nothing breaks down."

Sico nodded as he surveyed the testing area. The tracks were indeed coming along, though still detached from the main frame. Piles of parts and unfinished sections of the tank lay scattered around the worksite, with engineers and mechanics working in tandem to piece everything together. The atmosphere was busy but organized—Mel's leadership was evident in the way the team operated.

"How's it coming along, Mel?" Sico asked, crossing his arms as he inspected the progress.

Mel let out a sigh, clearly still burdened by the scope of the project. "We're moving as fast as we can. The tracks and suspension are nearly there, but we're still having some trouble with the engine integration. We've rebuilt most of the diesel engine components, but the fusion core is proving tricky to retrofit into the old-world tech. It's slow work."

Sico looked over at the engine parts scattered on a nearby table, noting the various wires and circuitry that had been painstakingly modified. The fusion core was a key component, but its integration with pre-war diesel technology was always going to be a challenge.

"And what about the materials?" Sico asked. "Do we have everything we need? Or are we going to run short?"

Mel rubbed his chin thoughtfully, looking toward the stockpile of metal, wires, and engine parts. "We've got enough to keep working for now, but we're going to need more, especially if we want to finish the armor and weapon systems. I've already spoken with Hancock, and he's agreed to send scavenger teams to help us get more materials. They've been raiding old military convoys, factories, and warehouses for anything we can use."

Sico raised an eyebrow. "Hancock, huh? It's good that we've got him on board, but we'll need to be careful. The Brotherhood's been stepping up their patrols lately. If they catch wind of us pulling supplies, they might try to intercept."

Mel nodded. "I've already thought of that. Hancock's sending out teams under the radar, and we're trying to avoid any major routes the Brotherhood might be monitoring. But even with that, it's a risk. We'll have to stay sharp."

Sico walked over to the blueprint table, scanning the detailed diagrams that Mel and his team had been working on. The plans for the Sentinel were ambitious—this wasn't just a simple armored vehicle. It was a hybrid of pre-war technology and modern-day ingenuity, a mobile fortress capable of standing against the Commonwealth's most powerful enemies. But that ambition came with a price: time, resources, and expertise.

Mel joined him at the table, pointing to various parts of the design. "We've got the framework laid out, but the armor's going to be our next big hurdle. We've scavenged a lot of scrap, but it's not enough to make the entire tank's structure. We're going to need more high-quality steel to finish the outer shell. Without it, we'll be vulnerable to the Brotherhood's energy weapons and artillery."

Sico tapped the blueprint with his finger, his expression thoughtful. "How much more are we talking?"

"Enough to cover the whole thing," Mel replied, his voice serious. "We've already refined some of the scrap metal we've collected, but it's only a fraction of what we need. If we can't find more soon, we'll have to get creative with the armor design—maybe layer it with reinforced plating in key areas, but that's risky."

Sico nodded, understanding the problem. They couldn't afford to cut corners, but they also couldn't wait forever for more materials. The Brotherhood and the Institute were looming threats, and the longer it took to complete the Sentinel, the more vulnerable they'd be.

"Do what you can with what we've got for now," Sico said, his tone decisive. "If Hancock's scavenger teams come back with more steel, we'll add it to the mix. But I don't want to waste time waiting for something that might not come. Focus on getting the tracks, engine, and basic structure in place. We'll worry about the armor later."

Mel nodded, though Sico could see the concern in his eyes. "Understood. We'll keep pushing forward. But just so you know, without the armor, the Sentinel won't be ready for combat. We can make it mobile, but it won't survive a real fight."

Sico's gaze was hard. "I know. But we need to get it moving first. If we can get the frame operational, we'll at least have something we can work with. And if push comes to shove, we'll use it as a mobile platform to support Sanctuary's defenses until we can finish the armor."

Mel seemed to take some comfort in that, though the challenges ahead were still significant. He looked over at his team, who were hard at work welding and assembling various parts of the tank. "We'll make it work, Sico. It's just... this is the biggest project we've ever taken on. The Sentinel isn't just another vehicle—it's a beast. And getting it to move, let alone fight, is going to take everything we've got."

Sico clapped Mel on the shoulder, offering a small but reassuring smile. "You've done the impossible before, Mel. This won't be any different. I trust you and your team to pull this off."

Mel smiled back, though the weariness in his eyes was still there. "Thanks, Sico. That means a lot."

The two of them stood there for a moment, the weight of the project heavy on their shoulders. Sico knew that Mel was right—this was a monumental task, and they were working under immense pressure. But Sico had always thrived in high-stakes situations, and he wasn't about to let the Brotherhood or the Institute get the upper hand.

As the day wore on, Sico stayed at the testing area, observing the team as they worked on the Sentinel. Mel moved between workstations, offering guidance and expertise wherever it was needed. The engineers and mechanics were skilled, but the complexity of the project required constant oversight and problem-solving. Every hour that passed brought them closer to completing the tank's tracks and suspension, but it was clear that the engine integration would take much longer.

By midday, the testing area was bustling with activity. The sound of welding torches and clanging metal echoed off the walls as the team pushed ahead with the assembly. Sico watched as two engineers carefully lowered one of the suspension components into place, securing it with reinforced bolts. The skeletal frame of the Sentinel was slowly starting to take shape, though it still lacked the bulk and armor that would turn it into a true war machine.

Mel approached Sico again, wiping his hands on his pants. "We've just finished assembling the front suspension. The rear section's next, but it'll take a few more hours. After that, we'll start on the track assembly."

Sico nodded, pleased with the progress. "Good. Keep me updated as you go."

Mel took a deep breath, clearly feeling the pressure of the project. "We're doing everything we can, but I have to be honest, Sico—it's going to be a long road before this thing is battle-ready. Even if we get the engine running and the tracks installed, we're still a long way from having a functioning tank."

"I understand," Sico replied, his voice calm but firm. "But we don't have the luxury of time. Keep focusing on getting it mobile. If we can get it moving, we'll figure out the rest as we go."

Mel nodded, his expression resolute. "We'll make it happen. One step at a time."

Sico gave him a final nod before turning to leave the testing area. He had other matters to attend to—Sanctuary's defenses, the ongoing scavenging missions, and the growing threat of the Brotherhood. But as he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Sentinel was the key to everything. It was their trump card, the weapon that could turn the tide of the coming war.

The Sentinel wasn't ready yet, but it would be soon. And when it was, the Commonwealth's enemies would learn to fear its name.

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The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity. Mel's team worked tirelessly, assembling the remaining suspension components and beginning the installation of the tracks. Sico checked in with Albert and Sarah at Sanctuary, ensuring that the defenses were progressing as planned. The secondary wall was nearly complete, and several of the automated turrets were now operational, though the power supply was still a concern.

In the evening, Sico received a message from Hancock's scavenger teams. They had managed to locate a pre-war steel mill just outside of Quincy, but it was heavily guarded by a raider gang. Hancock had already dispatched a team to clear them out, but it would take a few days before they could secure the materials and transport them back to Sanctuary.

Sico sighed as he read the report. It was good news, but it wasn't enough. They needed more than just scavenged steel—they needed a steady supply of resources if they were going to finish the Sentinel and fortify Sanctuary against the Brotherhood's inevitable assault.

As night fell, Sico returned to the testing area one last time. The engineers had packed up for the day, leaving the skeletal frame of the Sentinel looming in the dim light. The tracks were partially installed, and the suspension was fully assembled, but there was still so much left to do.

Sico stood there in the quiet for a moment, staring at the unfinished tank. It was a symbol of everything they were fighting for—freedom, survival, and a future for the Commonwealth. But it was also a reminder of how far they still had to go.

The war was coming, and Sico knew that when it did, the Sentinel would be their only hope of standing against the Brotherhood's might.

He turned and walked away, his mind already racing with plans for the days ahead. There was still so much to do, but Sico was determined to see it through. The Commonwealth's future depended on it.

A week had passed, and the early morning fog still clung to the Commonwealth's skies. The faint light of dawn barely broke through the mist as Sico made his way back to the Science Department's testing area. Despite the hour, the clatter of metal and the hum of machinery could already be heard. Mel's team had been working around the clock, determined to push the Sentinel project forward. The urgency in the air was palpable.

When Sico stepped inside the testing area, he was greeted by a scene of controlled chaos. Engineers moved between workstations, welding sparks lighting up the dim space as they toiled over various components of the massive prototype. The tracks and suspension, now fully installed, gave the skeletal frame of the Sentinel a more imposing presence. It stood like a hulking, unfinished giant—its potential clear, but its completion still far off.

Mel was at his usual spot by the workbench, scribbling notes on a clipboard while keeping a close eye on his team. He looked up when Sico entered and offered a tired but determined nod.

"Sico," Mel greeted, pushing his glasses up his nose. "We've got the tracks and suspension fully operational now. Took longer than expected, but it's done. The Sentinel can move, at least. But the engine and armor… well, those are still a problem."

Sico approached the half-finished prototype, running his hand along the cold steel of the track assembly. The massive treads were designed to roll over just about anything the Commonwealth could throw at them—ruined buildings, rocky terrain, and even enemy fortifications. But without the engine integration, the tracks were useless. And without the armor, the Sentinel was still too vulnerable to be deployed in battle.

"You've made good progress," Sico said, his voice steady. "How's the engine integration coming along?"

Mel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Slow. Real slow. The fusion core is proving tougher to adapt to the old diesel components than we thought. We've tried three different approaches so far, but none have worked. I've got Sarah working on a workaround, but we're running out of time and ideas."

Sico frowned, glancing at the jumble of engine parts scattered on the worktables nearby. The fusion core was essential—it would power the Sentinel far more efficiently than the pre-war diesel engines alone. But integrating it with outdated technology was a monumental task. They'd known from the start it would be difficult, but now it was threatening to delay the entire project.

"And the scavenger teams?" Sico asked. "Have they brought back any more steel?"

Mel shook his head. "Not yet. Hancock's team is still working on clearing out that steel mill near Quincy, but they've run into more resistance than expected. The raider gang there is better equipped than we thought. It's going to take a few more days before they can secure the place."

Sico gritted his teeth. More delays. Every day they didn't have the steel they needed was another day closer to the Brotherhood's inevitable assault. Sanctuary's defenses were coming along, but without the Sentinel, they'd be at a serious disadvantage.

"We can't afford to wait any longer," Sico said, his tone decisive. "We need to get the engine running, even if the fusion core isn't ready. Can we rig the diesel components to work independently for now?"

Mel hesitated, clearly not thrilled with the idea. "It's possible. But it'll be inefficient as hell. The diesel engine alone won't provide the kind of power we need to move the Sentinel effectively, especially once we start adding weight with the armor and weapon systems. But… it could work as a temporary solution, just to get the thing moving."

"Do it," Sico ordered. "Get the diesel engine up and running. We'll worry about the fusion core later. Right now, mobility is our top priority."

Mel nodded, already jotting down notes for his team. "Understood. I'll get the mechanics on it. It'll take a few days to get it fully operational, but we'll make it happen."

Sico glanced back at the unfinished frame of the Sentinel, the massive steel beams still unarmored and exposed. It was frustrating to see how far they still had to go, but he knew that every step forward—no matter how small—was progress.

"And the armor?" Sico asked, though he already suspected the answer.

Mel grimaced. "Still not enough materials to make it happen. We've got some reinforced plating, but it's patchwork at best. Without that steel from Quincy, we'll be lucky if we can cover half the tank."

Sico clenched his fists. They were walking a tightrope, trying to balance progress with the harsh reality of their resource shortages. But he knew they couldn't afford to slow down.

"We'll make do with what we have," Sico said firmly. "Reinforce the critical areas—front plating, suspension joints, anything that's going to be exposed to heavy fire. If we can't cover the whole thing, we'll at least make sure the essentials are protected."

Mel nodded, though his expression remained grim. "We'll do our best. But even with reinforcement, the Sentinel won't stand up to a full-on assault from the Brotherhood without proper armor."

Sico's gaze hardened. "I know. But we're not giving up. Keep the team focused on the engine and reinforcement. Once Hancock's scavenger team secures that mill, we'll get the rest of the materials we need. Until then, we keep moving forward."

Mel straightened, some of his earlier weariness fading. "Right. We'll keep pushing. The Sentinel will be ready."

Sico gave him a final nod, his resolve unshaken. The Brotherhood was coming, and the Sentinel would be their answer. One way or another, they would finish it in time.

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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: -