311. Recruits Distribution and Supply Run

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

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

___________________________

And as long as they stood together, they would continue to protect the Commonwealth. Because war, war never changes—but the people who fight for what's right do. They grow stronger, more resilient, and more determined with every battle.

The first light of dawn spilled over the horizon, casting long shadows across the rubble-strewn courtyard of the Castle. Sico had barely slept. His mind had been consumed with thoughts of their next moves, the repairs, and the wounded. He needed to regroup and refocus. As much as the Minutemen at the Castle needed him, there were still other settlements in the Commonwealth that required their protection and guidance.

The morning air was crisp as Sico made his way to the Castle's radio room, his boots crunching softly against the gravel beneath him. The Castle had its fair share of scars from the recent battle, but it still stood strong—just like its people.

Sico pushed open the door to the radio room, a small, dimly lit chamber filled with communication equipment that buzzed faintly with life. At the center of the room sat a bulky, aging radio set, its metal casing worn from years of use. The room smelled of old electronics and dust, but it was the lifeline of the Minutemen, allowing them to stay connected with their scattered forces throughout the Commonwealth.

He sat down in front of the radio, adjusting the microphone in front of him and tuning the dials carefully to reach Preston Garvey. Preston had been sent out to coordinate the deployment of new recruits to key settlements, ensuring that the Minutemen's presence was felt across their growing territory. Sico needed to know how things were progressing—and he needed to share what had happened at the Castle.

After a few moments of static, Sico's voice broke through on the other end of the line. "Preston, this is Sico. Are you there?"

There was a brief pause before Preston's familiar voice came through the speaker, steady and reliable. "Sico, I'm here. Good to hear from you. How's the Castle holding up?"

Sico took a deep breath, his mind flashing back to the battle just the day before. "We took a pretty hard hit from the Gunners. They threw everything they had at us. The north wall's damaged, but we've shored it up for now. We've got casualties—some serious. Medics are doing what they can, but we're running low on supplies. The artillery's down too. We need to rebuild."

Preston's voice came through, tinged with concern. "Damn… I'm sorry to hear that, Sico. I knew the Gunners would try to make a move, but I didn't think they'd hit you that hard. What's the situation with the recruits? How's morale?"

"We lost a few good people, but the rest of the Minutemen are holding strong," Sico replied. "I gave them a speech last night. Reminded them why we're doing this, why the Commonwealth needs us. Morale's as high as it can be after a battle like that. But we need reinforcements, and we need them soon. We can't afford to have another attack while we're still licking our wounds."

Preston's voice was firm, but there was an edge of urgency. "I hear you. We've been busy out here too. I've got teams stationed at Sanctuary, Tenpines Bluff, and Abernathy Farm. We've been consolidating our position, setting up patrol routes between settlements. So far, things have been quiet, but I know it's only a matter of time before someone makes a move. Raiders, Gunners… Hell, even the Brotherhood could be watching us."

Sico's mind was racing as he considered the implications. The Minutemen were spread thin, and the Commonwealth was a dangerous place. Their enemies wouldn't wait for them to be fully prepared before striking again. They needed to solidify their defenses, strengthen their numbers, and ensure that the settlements they protected were secure.

"Good work, Preston," Sico said, his voice steady. "We need to keep those patrols going and make sure every settlement has the manpower they need. I'm going to send out a scavenging team today to gather more supplies for the Castle. We'll need everything—building materials, medical supplies, food, you name it."

Preston didn't miss a beat. "I'll see what we can send your way. Some of the settlements have started producing surplus crops and scavenged materials. I'll talk to Sturges and see if we can get a supply line running from Sanctuary to the Castle. It won't be much at first, but every little bit helps."

"Appreciate it, Preston," Sico replied. He paused for a moment, considering his next words. "How are the new recruits doing? You think they're ready to be deployed to the front lines if we need them?"

There was a brief silence on the other end before Preston spoke again, his tone thoughtful. "They're green, but they've got heart. Most of them are folks who've lost everything to raiders or the Gunners. They're eager to fight, but they lack experience. We've been training them as best we can, but there's only so much we can do without putting them in the field."

Sico nodded, even though Preston couldn't see him. It was a familiar situation—good people with a cause to fight for, but lacking the skills and discipline to be effective in a war. The Minutemen had always relied on ordinary citizens to bolster their ranks, but in these times, they needed to be more than just farmers with guns. They needed to be soldiers.

"I understand," Sico said. "Keep them in training for now, but we might need to deploy them sooner rather than later. The Gunners won't stop with the Castle, and we can't afford to be caught off guard again. Once we're back on our feet, I'll come up with a plan for rotating recruits through active duty. We'll need to get them some real experience if we're going to hold our territory."

Preston's voice was resolute. "We'll make it happen, Sico. Whatever it takes, we'll be ready."

There was a moment of silence between them, the weight of their responsibilities hanging heavy over the conversation. Both men knew the stakes. The Commonwealth was a harsh, unforgiving place, and the Minutemen were all that stood between its people and the chaos that threatened to consume it.

"Sico," Preston said after a moment, his voice quieter now. "I want you to know, we've all got your back. What you're doing at the Castle… It matters. You're holding the line for all of us."

Sico felt a swell of gratitude, but he kept his voice steady. "Thanks, Preston. I'll do my part, and I know you will too. We're in this together."

After a few more words of logistics and planning, Sico signed off, the crackle of the radio fading as he sat back in his chair. The weight of leadership bore down on him once again, but it was a weight he accepted willingly. There was no time to dwell on the past or the losses they had suffered. There was only the future—and the Minutemen's role in shaping it.

Standing up, Sico left the radio room and stepped out into the morning light once more. The courtyard was already alive with activity—Minutemen repairing walls, medics tending to the wounded, and teams preparing to head out for scavenging runs. Sico scanned the scene, his eyes sharp and focused.

The Commonwealth was still a dangerous place, but as long as the Minutemen stood together, there was hope. And Sico would make sure that hope endured. With the Castle still standing and the will of his people strong, the future of the Commonwealth was far from decided—but it was worth fighting for.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but today, they would rebuild. They would gather their strength, regroup, and prepare for whatever lay ahead.

Because war never changes—but neither did the Minutemen's resolve to protect their home.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long, golden rays over the Castle, Sico set off to find Ronnie Shaw and Sarah. After the conversation with Preston, the next step was clear—they needed a scavenging team out in the Commonwealth as soon as possible. The Castle had taken a beating, and without fresh supplies, it would be vulnerable to another attack. Sico was determined not to let that happen.

He found Ronnie near the north wall, where repairs were still ongoing. She was barking orders to a group of recruits, her voice cutting through the sounds of hammers and saws as they worked to reinforce the damaged sections. Despite her stern demeanor, there was an air of respect and efficiency in her presence—she knew what needed to be done, and the Minutemen followed her without question.

"Ronnie," Sico called as he approached, catching her attention.

She turned, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. "Commander. What's the word?"

"We need to send out a supply run," Sico said, coming straight to the point. "I just spoke with Preston. We're low on everything—building materials, medical supplies, food, water. You name it. The Castle's holding for now, but if we don't get those supplies soon, we'll be in trouble."

Ronnie's expression was grim, but she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing. The repairs are coming along, but we're just patching things up with what little we've got left. And the medics… well, it's only a matter of time before we start losing more people without proper supplies."

Sico crossed his arms, his mind already working through the logistics. "I want to organize a scavenging team. We'll need people who can move fast and keep their heads down. The Commonwealth's dangerous enough, but after that attack from the Gunners, I wouldn't be surprised if other groups are watching us. Raiders, mutants, maybe even the Brotherhood."

Ronnie grunted. "Hell of a time to be short on everything, huh? But you're right. We need to get out there and find what we can."

"Sarah's been keeping track of our inventory," Sico added. "I want to talk to her next—figure out what our most immediate needs are and where we should prioritize. Do you have any suggestions for who should lead the team?"

Ronnie crossed her arms, thinking for a moment. "There's a few people I've got in mind. Clara's been solid during the repairs, and she's level-headed enough to handle herself out there. She's green, but I think she's ready. If you want someone with a bit more experience, I'd suggest Joe. He's been with us for a while, knows how to handle the rougher parts of the Commonwealth."

Sico nodded. "Good. I'll talk to Clara and Joe, see if they're up for it."

"Anything else you need from me?" Ronnie asked, already looking like she was ready to jump into action.

"Just keep the repairs going," Sico said. "We'll send the scavenging team out, but until they get back, we need to make sure this place can hold. If there's another attack before we're ready… well, I don't need to tell you how bad that could be."

Ronnie gave a short nod, her eyes hard. "We'll be ready, Commander. You can count on that."

With that, Sico turned and made his way toward the medical area, where he knew Sarah would be working. She had been invaluable during the battle, keeping the wounded alive despite the limited supplies and overwhelming injuries. If anyone knew just how dire their situation was, it was her.

The medical station was a grim sight—rows of makeshift beds filled with injured Minutemen, their faces pale and strained. The air was thick with the smell of antiseptic and sweat, and the low murmur of voices was punctuated by occasional groans of pain. The medics were doing what they could, but Sico could see the toll the battle had taken.

He found Sarah near the back, crouched beside a wounded man with a bandage wrapped around his chest. She was speaking quietly to him, her voice calm and reassuring, despite the exhaustion that lined her face.

"Sarah," Sico called softly, not wanting to startle her.

She looked up, her expression tired but focused. "Commander. I didn't expect to see you here so soon."

Sico crouched down next to her, glancing at the wounded man before turning his attention to Sarah. "How bad is it?"

She sighed, wiping her hands on a stained cloth. "It's bad, Sico. We've stabilized most of the wounded, but we're running out of supplies. Stimpaks, bandages, antibiotics… it's all running low. If we don't get more soon, I'm afraid some of these people won't make it."

Sico's jaw tightened. It was the same story everywhere—too few resources, too many in need. "I'm sending out a scavenging team today. What do we need most?"

Sarah didn't hesitate. "Medical supplies, first and foremost. We need stimpaks, antiseptics, blood packs if we can find them. We're also low on clean water and food—something nutritious that'll help the wounded recover faster."

Sico nodded, taking it all in. "We'll make sure the team knows what to look for. Do you have any suggestions for where they should start searching?"

Sarah bit her lip, thinking. "There's an old hospital to the west, somewhere between here and Diamond City. It's been overrun by ghouls for years, but if anyone can get past them, it should have a stockpile of medical supplies. The other option is Cambridge—there's a military checkpoint there that might still have some supplies. But it's risky. The Brotherhood's been active in that area lately."

Sico weighed the options. Both were dangerous, but they didn't have the luxury of playing it safe. "We'll take the risk. We don't have a choice."

Sarah gave a weary nod. "I know. Just… make sure they come back in one piece, Sico. We can't afford to lose any more people."

"I'll do my best," Sico promised. He stood up, glancing around the medical area once more. "Keep doing what you can, Sarah. Help is on the way."

As he turned to leave, Sarah called after him. "Commander… thank you."

Sico gave her a small nod before stepping back into the morning light. Now that the plan was in motion, it was time to gather the team and send them out into the Commonwealth. It was a dangerous world out there, but the Minutemen had survived worse. And as long as Sico was leading them, they would continue to survive.

________________________________________________

• 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: -