314. Setting Traps and Outpost

If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!

Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12

___________________________

The Commonwealth was vast, dangerous, and unpredictable. But so long as the Minutemen held the Castle, they would be ready for whatever came next.

The next day dawned cool and clear, the autumn sun casting long shadows over the fortified walls of the Castle. Sico stood on the watchtower near the eastern gate, looking out as the first patrols of the day began to fan out into the wasteland. Down below, the Minutemen were in constant motion, preparing for the day's tasks. Robert and Ronnie, as promised, had wasted no time getting things in order. Today marked the beginning of their expanded patrol routes and the construction of forward outposts, key elements in ensuring the Castle would never be caught off-guard again.

Sico watched as Robert led a squad of Minutemen through the main gate. They were lightly armored, moving swiftly with rifles slung across their backs, their faces set with the determined expressions of soldiers who knew their mission well. These men and women were scouts—trained to move quickly and quietly, gathering intel and covering ground faster than the average patrol unit. Their task today was to establish the first forward outpost, a critical step in expanding the Castle's defensive perimeter.

Robert stopped just outside the gate, turning to address his team. Though Sico couldn't hear the words from his vantage point, the way Robert commanded their attention was unmistakable. He was one of the most capable leaders among the Minutemen—calm, steady, and meticulous in his planning. Sico had no doubt Robert would see this mission through with the precision it required.

Beyond Robert's group, Sico spotted Ronnie Shaw, surrounded by a team of engineers and combat specialists. Her squad was responsible for setting up sniping points and laying traps along the patrol routes. Ronnie's no-nonsense attitude and tactical brilliance made her perfect for the job. She had an eye for positioning, able to assess terrain with the practiced ease of someone who had spent decades in military service. Her presence alone instilled confidence in the troops.

As the squads began to move out, Sico descended the stairs from the watchtower and made his way to the main gate. He wanted to observe the preparations up close, to get a sense of how things were progressing and make sure nothing was overlooked.

Outside the walls, the wasteland stretched in all directions, desolate and seemingly empty. But Sico knew better than to assume safety in the Commonwealth. Dangers lurked everywhere—Gunners, raiders, super mutants, even wild creatures mutated by radiation. The patrols needed to be alert and well-coordinated if they were to stand a chance against the unpredictable threats of the wasteland.

He reached Robert just as the squad was finalizing their preparations. The scout leader gave Sico a respectful nod. "Commander," he greeted. "We're ready to head out."

Sico surveyed the group. They were well-armed, but they traveled light—each scout carried only the essentials: rifles, sidearms, field knives, and enough rations to last them for a few days if necessary. They needed to be fast and mobile, able to react to threats and gather information without being bogged down by heavy equipment.

"You've got the map?" Sico asked.

Robert nodded, patting the pocket of his jacket where the carefully drawn patrol routes and outpost locations were stored. "We'll be setting up the first outpost at the old radio tower, just south of the river. It's got a good vantage point and enough natural cover to keep us hidden from any passing groups."

Sico approved of the choice. The radio tower had been abandoned for years, but its elevated position and proximity to the Castle made it an ideal location for a forward base. If the Gunners or any other enemies tried to approach from the south, the scouts at the tower would see them coming long before they reached the Castle walls.

"Good. Make sure you establish secure lines of communication with the Castle. We need to know the moment you spot anything suspicious," Sico said, his voice steady but firm.

"Understood," Robert replied. "We'll check in regularly. If anything comes up, you'll know immediately."

Satisfied, Sico gave a short nod. "Stay safe out there."

With that, Robert and his squad set off into the wasteland, moving swiftly across the barren landscape. Sico watched them go for a moment, then turned his attention to Ronnie, who was busy directing her team near the northern gate.

Ronnie was overseeing the setup of a new sniping point on a small hill that overlooked the main road leading to the Castle. She had a group of Minutemen with her, all skilled marksmen, carefully positioning themselves and scouting out the best angles from which to cover the approach. From this vantage point, they would be able to pick off any enemies who tried to advance on the Castle's northern side.

Sico approached as Ronnie finished giving instructions to her team. She noticed him and gave a sharp nod in greeting. "Commander," she said, her voice gruff but respectful. "We're almost done here. Once the sniping points are set, we'll move on to laying traps along the main roads."

Sico glanced at the hill, noting how well-hidden the snipers were. The position was elevated, giving them a clear view of the road without exposing them to return fire. It was exactly what they needed to keep the Castle's northern approach secure.

"Looks good," Sico said, his approval clear. "Once the traps are in place, we'll be in a much better position to handle any attacks. Make sure the recruits know the layout of the traps—they need to be able to navigate the area without setting them off by accident."

Ronnie smirked. "Don't worry, I'll make sure they get the proper training. We don't need anyone blowing themselves up by mistake."

Sico gave a faint smile, appreciating Ronnie's confidence. She was tough and no-nonsense, but her experience made her an invaluable asset to the Minutemen. "How long do you think it'll take to finish setting up the traps?" he asked.

"Shouldn't take more than a day or two, depending on how much ground we want to cover," Ronnie replied. "I'm thinking we focus on the main roads first, then expand outward from there. If we set up enough traps and chokepoints, any large force trying to approach the Castle is going to have a hell of a time getting through."

"That's the idea," Sico agreed. "Once we have the outposts up and the traps in place, we'll be able to react much faster to any threats. No more surprises."

Ronnie nodded, her expression serious. "We're making good progress, but we can't get complacent. The Gunners, raiders—they're always looking for weaknesses. We've got to stay one step ahead."

Sico couldn't have agreed more. The Commonwealth was a dangerous place, and the enemies they faced were relentless. But with the improvements they were making, the Castle was becoming more than just a stronghold—it was becoming a fortress that could withstand any assault.

"Keep me updated," Sico said, his voice firm but appreciative. "You're doing a great job, Ronnie."

She gave a curt nod, her usual gruffness softening just slightly. "Just doing my part, Commander."

With that, Ronnie returned to directing her team, and Sico made his way back toward the Castle. As he passed through the gates, he could see more Minutemen patrolling the walls, their eyes sharp as they watched for any signs of trouble. The improvements to the Castle's defenses were already making a difference—there was a newfound sense of purpose among the men and women of the Minutemen, a quiet confidence that hadn't been there before.

They were ready. The Gunners had caught them off-guard once, but that wouldn't happen again.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a golden light over the fortified walls, Sico allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The Minutemen were stronger than they had been in years, and the Castle was more secure than ever. But Sico knew their work wasn't over. The Commonwealth was vast, and there were still countless dangers lurking beyond their walls.

The next day broke with a faint mist lingering in the air, giving the early morning a quiet, almost eerie stillness. Sico stood in the courtyard of the Castle, where a group of fifteen recruits was gathering, their expressions a mix of eagerness and apprehension. Today would be their first real mission outside the Castle walls, and Sico had personally chosen to lead them, both as a test of their abilities and to assess the progress of Ronnie and Robert's teams.

The recruits were fresh-faced, most of them barely in their twenties, but Sico saw potential in each one. They had trained hard in the weeks leading up to this day, and now it was time to put their skills to use.

Sico surveyed the group as they assembled, adjusting their gear and checking their weapons. "Listen up," he called, his voice calm but commanding. The recruits turned to face him, their attention focused.

"Today's mission is simple," Sico continued. "We'll be heading out to observe the progress of our patrols and the construction of the outposts. This is a chance for you to see how things are done in the field. I want you to watch, listen, and learn from what you see."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "But don't mistake this for a simple tour. The Commonwealth is dangerous, and we need to stay alert at all times. If things go sideways, you'll need to be ready to fight. Stick together, follow orders, and we'll get through this."

The recruits nodded, some of them gripping their rifles a little tighter. Sico could see the nerves in their eyes, but that was to be expected. What mattered was how they handled those nerves when the time came.

Satisfied with their readiness, Sico turned to the Castle's gate. "Let's move out."

The group filed out of the gate, heading into the wasteland beyond. Sico led them at a steady pace, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. The Commonwealth was deceptively quiet in the early morning hours, but that didn't mean it was safe. Raiders, mutants, and other threats could emerge at any moment.

As they moved farther from the Castle, Sico glanced back at the recruits. They were holding formation well, staying close and keeping an eye on their surroundings. That was a good sign. So far, they were following instructions.

After about an hour of walking, they reached the first destination: the radio tower where Robert's squad was setting up the forward outpost. Sico could see the tower in the distance, its rusted frame standing tall against the barren landscape. The scouts had chosen their position well—it offered a clear view of the surrounding area, making it an ideal spot to monitor any approaching threats.

As they approached, Sico spotted Robert standing with his team near the base of the tower. They had already made considerable progress—temporary shelters were set up, and a small perimeter had been established with barricades and makeshift defenses. A few of the scouts were perched on higher ground, scanning the horizon with binoculars, while others were busy setting up communication equipment.

Robert spotted Sico and his group as they neared the outpost. He raised a hand in greeting, walking over to meet them. "Commander," he said, giving Sico a respectful nod. "Good to see you out here."

"Just wanted to check on the progress," Sico replied, glancing around at the outpost. "Looks like things are coming along well."

"They are," Robert confirmed. "We've got the outpost up and running. Communication lines are secure, and we've already set up patrol routes from here back to the Castle. If anything moves in this area, we'll know about it."

Sico nodded, impressed by the efficiency of the setup. Robert's team had wasted no time in getting the outpost operational. "Good work. Keep it up."

He turned to the recruits, who were watching the scene with wide eyes. "Take a look around," Sico instructed them. "This is what a forward outpost should look like. It's not much, but it's effective. Learn from what you see here—you'll be responsible for helping to maintain outposts like this in the future."

The recruits spread out, examining the defenses and speaking with some of the scouts. Sico watched them closely, gauging their reactions. They were still green, but they seemed eager to learn. That was a good sign.

As the recruits mingled with Robert's team, Sico pulled Robert aside for a brief conversation. "Anything to report?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing major so far," Robert replied. "The area's been quiet, but we're staying vigilant. We've had a few sightings of raiders moving through the region, but they haven't come close to the outpost."

"Keep an eye on them," Sico said. "We can't afford to get complacent. If they're moving through here, they might be scouting the area."

Robert nodded, his expression serious. "Understood. We'll stay sharp."

Satisfied, Sico gave him a nod of approval. "You're doing good work, Robert. Keep it up."

Leaving Robert to continue his duties, Sico gathered the recruits and led them onward. Their next destination was further north, where Ronnie's team was setting up sniping points and laying traps along the main road. It was a longer trek, but Sico wanted the recruits to see every aspect of the defensive improvements.

As they neared the northern sector, Sico spotted Ronnie and her team working near a rocky outcropping that overlooked the road. The sniping point was nearly complete, with a few Minutemen stationed in well-concealed positions, rifles at the ready. Nearby, another group of Minutemen was busy setting up traps—land mines, tripwires, and other deterrents designed to slow down any approaching enemy forces.

Ronnie spotted Sico and the recruits as they approached, giving him a sharp nod in greeting. "Commander," she said, walking over with her usual brisk stride. "Looks like you brought the fresh meat out to see the action."

Sico smirked at her comment. "Figured they could learn a thing or two from the best."

Ronnie chuckled, crossing her arms as she surveyed the recruits. "Well, they picked a good day for it. We're almost done here—once the traps are set, this road will be a death trap for anyone stupid enough to come at us."

Sico looked around, noting the careful placement of the traps and the strategic positioning of the sniping points. "You've done a hell of a job," he said, his tone appreciative. "This'll give us a real advantage if the Gunners try to push through here."

"Damn right it will," Ronnie replied, a fierce gleam in her eyes. "Let 'em come. We'll be ready."

Sico turned to the recruits, who were watching Ronnie with a mix of awe and respect. "Pay attention to how the traps are set," he instructed. "This isn't just about stopping the enemy—it's about slowing them down, giving us time to respond. A well-placed trap can turn the tide of a battle."

The recruits moved closer to the Minutemen laying the traps, asking questions and taking mental notes. Sico watched them closely, pleased with how engaged they were. They were learning quickly, and that was exactly what he had hoped for.

After spending some time observing Ronnie's team, Sico gathered the recruits once more. "We'll head back to the Castle," he announced. "You've seen how it's done out here. Now it's up to you to take what you've learned and apply it."

As they began the journey back, Sico couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the progress they had made. The Castle's defenses were stronger than ever, and the Minutemen were becoming a force to be reckoned with. With leaders like Robert and Ronnie, and new recruits eager to prove themselves, Sico knew they were on the right path.

The Commonwealth was still dangerous, but the Minutemen were ready for whatever came next. And with each passing day, they were getting closer to securing a future where they could protect not just the Castle, but all of the people who depended on them.

Sico glanced back at the recruits, who were walking with a little more confidence now, their earlier nervousness replaced by a quiet determination. They still had much to learn, but they were on their way. And under Sico's leadership, the Minutemen would continue to grow stronger.

________________________________________________

• 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: -