157. The Underground Facility Progress

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Together, they made their way back through the loading dock, keeping a vigilant eye out for any remaining threats. With their loot secured and their safety assured, they prepared to leave the trap-filled shop behind and continue their journey back to Sanctuary.

Once outside, Sico, Nora, Robert, and MacCready swiftly made their way to the Humvee, their senses still on high alert for any potential dangers. The air outside felt fresher after the tension-filled atmosphere of the shop, and a sense of relief began to settle among the group as they put distance between themselves and the ambush site.

Sico took the driver's seat, starting the Humvee with a rumble that broke the eerie silence of their surroundings. Nora took the seat beside him, while Robert and MacCready climbed into the back, each one mentally revisiting the events that had just unfolded, grateful for their success and survival.

Sico: "Alright, let's head back to Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled, and let's avoid any more surprises."

With a nod from everyone, Sico put the vehicle into gear and steered them onto the road leading back to Sanctuary. The journey back was quiet, each member of the team lost in their own thoughts, processing the day's events and considering the implications of their newfound supplies and the successful delivery of the serum to Virgil.

As they continued their journey back to Sanctuary, the Humvee approached Drumlin Diner, a familiar landmark where Sico and his team had previously encountered Trudy and her son, Patrick. Recalling their past interaction, where Trudy had been struggling to keep Patrick from falling deeper into chem addiction and where her drive away Wolfgang the chem seller to not approach her son again, Sico decided it would be a good opportunity to check in on them.

Sico: "Let's stop at Drumlin Diner for a moment. I want to see how Trudy and Patrick are managing."

He pulled the vehicle into the diner's parking area and killed the engine. The team disembarked, stretching their legs after the long drive. They approached the diner with a mix of curiosity and caution, aware of the complexities of their last visit.

As they entered, they were greeted by the familiar clatter of dishes and the aroma of cooking food. Trudy was behind the counter, and upon seeing Sico and his team, her expression turned from surprise to relief.

Trudy: "Well, if it isn't my rescuers! What brings you back here?"

Sico offered a warm smile, genuinely interested in her well-being.

Sico: "We were just passing through and thought we'd check in on you and Patrick. How have things been?"

Trudy's face softened as she spoke, her tone carrying a mix of gratitude and ongoing concern.

Trudy: "Things have been better, thanks to you all. Patrick's been clean for a while now, and we're taking it one day at a time. It's a struggle, but we're managing."

As she spoke, Patrick emerged from the back of the diner, noticeably healthier and more composed than the last time they had seen him. He nodded in acknowledgment to the group.

Patrick: "Hello again. Thanks for stopping by. I'm doing much better these days."

The team exchanged pleased looks, glad to see the positive changes in Patrick's life.

Sico: "That's great to hear, Patrick. Keep up the good work. We're just glad to see you both doing well."

After a brief chat and well wishes, Sico and his team said their goodbyes, leaving Trudy and Patrick to their day. They climbed back into the Humvee, feeling a sense of accomplishment, not just for their mission's success but also for the positive impact they had made on the lives they touched along the way.

Sico then steered the vehicle back onto the road, continuing their journey to Sanctuary with renewed spirits.

As they approached Sanctuary, the familiar structures and sights greeted Sico and his team, bringing a comforting end to their long journey. Pulling into the designated parking spot, Sico turned off the Humvee's engine and took a moment to address his companions.

Sico: "Everyone, great job today. We faced more than a few challenges, but we handled them with skill and courage. I'm proud of the work we did. Take the rest of the day to rest and recover."

Nora, Robert, and MacCready nodded in agreement, visibly relieved to be back and ready to unwind after the day's exertions.

With the team dispersing to attend to their personal needs, Sico gathered the necessary documents and notes from the mission. He walked towards the Minutemen HQ, feeling the weight of responsibility as he prepared to compile a detailed report.

Upon reaching his office, Sico settled behind his desk, the quiet of the room allowing him to focus. He began documenting the events of the day, from delivering the serum to Virgil to handling the ambush at Hardware Town and checking in on Trudy and Patrick. Each detail was meticulously noted to provide a clear account for future reference and for Nora's review.

With the report complete, Sico leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of quiet reflection. The day had been long and fraught with danger, but also filled with meaningful victories.

Feeling satisfied with his work, Sico finally closed his notebook and decided to step out of his office, perhaps to join the others or to simply take a well-deserved break.

Leaving his office, Sico decided to check on another important project: the construction of the underground facility at the Science Department within Sanctuary. This new facility was intended to bolster their scientific capabilities and provide a secure location for research and development.

As he made his way towards the Science Department, the sounds of construction grew louder. The sight of workers and scientists collaborating on the project was a testament to the community's growth and their commitment to advancing their collective knowledge.

As Sico approached the construction site, he spotted Sturges, who was deeply involved in overseeing the installation of a new elevator system that would facilitate access to the underground facility. Sturges, known for his knack for building and mechanical work within the community, was giving instructions to a team of workers.

Sico made his way over to him, noticing the detailed plans and tools scattered around the workspace. He greeted Sturges with a nod.

Sico: "Sturges, how's the installation coming along?"

Sturges: "Hey, Sico. We're right on track. The elevator's going to be a key piece for moving equipment and personnel safely to and from the underground lab. We're just making sure everything's up to spec and secure."

Sico peered into the elevator shaft, impressed by the precision and care taken in the work.

Sico: "Looks like you've got everything under control here. This elevator will certainly enhance our operational efficiency. Keep up the great work, and let me know if you run into any snags."

Sturges: "Will do, Sico. Thanks for checking in. We'll have this baby running smoothly in no time."

Sico nodded in approval, his gaze lingering on the work in progress before returning his attention to Sturges.

**Sico:** "How's the progress on the underground room? Are we on schedule with the digging?"

**Sturges:** "Yes, we're making good headway. We've completed the elevator line, so now we're focused on expanding the underground space. We're digging out what will soon be a larger network of rooms. I'm making sure we have enough space to accommodate all our planned facilities—labs, storage, maybe even a secure meeting area."

Sico was pleased with the thoroughness of Sturges' planning. The underground facility was a crucial part of their strategy to enhance the capabilities of Sanctuary, providing a safe and secure environment for research and planning.

**Sico:** "That sounds excellent, Sturges. It's important that we have ample space down there. Keep prioritizing safety and stability in your designs. It's essential that this facility meets all our needs."

**Sturges:** "Absolutely, Sico. We're taking every precaution to ensure structural integrity and security. I'll keep you updated on any new developments or needs that arise."

Sico nodded in approval, his gaze lingering on the work in progress before returning his attention to Sturges.

Sico: "How's the progress on the underground room? Are we on schedule with the digging?"

Sturges: "Yes, we're making good headway. We've completed the elevator line, so now we're focused on expanding the underground space. We're digging out what will soon be a larger network of rooms. I'm making sure we have enough space to accommodate all our planned facilities—labs, storage, maybe even a secure meeting area."

Sico was pleased with the thoroughness of Sturges' planning. The underground facility was a crucial part of their strategy to enhance the capabilities of Sanctuary, providing a safe and secure environment for research and planning.

Sico: "That sounds excellent, Sturges. It's important that we have ample space down there. Keep prioritizing safety and stability in your designs. It's essential that this facility meets all our needs."

Sturges: "Absolutely, Sico. We're taking every precaution to ensure structural integrity and security. I'll keep you updated on any new developments or needs that arise."

Sico's brow furrowed slightly as he considered the scope of their needs.

Sico "Are the supplies and materials we have now enough to keep things moving smoothly here?"

Sturges: "Well, we're actually running pretty low on some key materials. But don't worry, I've already reached out to Hancock. He's got his team on a scavenging run to help us stock up on what we need for the next phases of the project."

Sico nodded, reassured by Sturges' initiative but aware of the continuous need for resources.

Sico: "Good thinking, Sturges. Keep me posted on the supplies situation. If Hancock's team runs into any trouble or can't find enough, let me know right away. We might have to consider other sources or even a trading run if necessary."

Sturges: "Sure thing, Sico. I'll keep a close eye on the inventory and let you know as soon as I have an update. We're not going to let a little shortage slow us down."

Satisfied with Sturges' response and the proactive steps being taken, Sico clapped him on the shoulder.

Sico: "Thanks, Sturges. It's crucial we maintain momentum on this project. It's not just about having a new facility; it's about ensuring Sanctuary remains a beacon of hope and safety in the Commonwealth."

With a final nod to Sturges, Sico left the construction site, his mind already turning to other matters that needed his attention, confident that the underground facility was in capable hands.

After leaving the construction site, Sico made his way to the temporary office where Jenny, who he ask for help to manage the administrative aspects of Minutemen operations. The office was bustling with activity, filled with stacks of paperwork and various communications equipment.

Upon arriving, Sico found Jenny organizing a pile of documents, her focus evident in her meticulous handling of each paper.

Sico: "Jenny, how are things holding up here while I was gone?"

Jenny looked up from her work, a slight smile breaking through as she recognized Sico's presence.

Jenny "Sico, welcome back. Things have been quite busy, but we're keeping up. I've managed to sort through most of the backlog, and I'm updating our records with the latest reports from the field."

Sico nodded, pleased with her efficiency.

Sico: "Excellent work, Jenny. It's crucial that we keep our documentation and records up-to-date. Have there been any issues or concerns that need my immediate attention?"

Jenny: "Actually, yes. There's been a slight delay in communications from one of our outposts. It could be nothing, but I've arranged for a courier to check in on them. I thought you should know."

Sico: "Good initiative. Let me know as soon as you hear back from the courier. It's important we ensure all our outposts are secure and operational."

Jenny nodded, acknowledging his instructions.

Jenny "Will do, Sico. I'll keep you informed of any developments."

Satisfied that administrative operations were under control, Sico thanked Jenny and left her to her work, feeling reassured that despite the complexities of their operations, the Minutemen's HQ was running smoothly under Jenny's watchful eye.

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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: -