339. Testing Sentinel on Combat Action PT.1

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The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Sico felt a flicker of hope. The Sentinel would be their shield, their sword, and with it, they would stand a fighting chance.

The next day, Sico found himself seated at a large, rugged wooden table inside the Minutemen HQ, a former colonial-era building that had been repurposed for the current struggle. The room was filled with the soft hum of conversations and the occasional clatter of equipment from the nearby armory, where soldiers were busy preparing for their next deployment.

The meeting had been called to discuss the next crucial step in the Sentinel's development: testing its combat capabilities in the field. Around the table sat three of Minutemen Higher Up—Sarah, Albert, and Mel. Each had a vital role to play in determining how best to deploy the Sentinel. Sarah, the vice leader of Minutemen Soldier, leaned forward, her expression focused and intent. Albert, the all arounded officer, sat next to her, arms crossed as he listened carefully. And of course, Mel, ever the head of Science Department, was there, looking particularly pleased with himself as he prepared to pitch his thoughts.

Sico sat at the head of the table, his sharp gaze sweeping over the others as the meeting began.

"Alright," Sico started, his tone authoritative. "The Sentinel is ready. Now we need to decide where and how we're going to put it to the test in a real combat scenario. Mel, Sarah, Albert—I want your thoughts."

Mel immediately raised a hand, his usual excitement spilling over. "General, the Sentinel is operational, no question about that. My team's already got it prepped and ready to move out whenever you give the order. The diagnostics came back clean, and we've double-checked everything. She's ready to roll."

Sico nodded, appreciating Mel's enthusiasm but turning his attention to the strategic aspects of the mission. "Good to know, Mel. But this isn't just about rolling it out; this is about picking the right target to test its combat capabilities. Sarah, what do you have?"

Sarah, a seasoned veteran of countless skirmishes, leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table. "General, I've been thinking about this for a while. There's a Raider camp not too far from the C.I.T building. It's well-fortified, and they've got a small armory that we could take advantage of once we've cleared them out. It's the perfect opportunity to test the Sentinel's combat effectiveness in a real-world scenario. Plus, it's close enough that we can withdraw quickly if things don't go according to plan."

She paused, glancing at Albert for support. "We need to know how well the Sentinel can handle both long-range engagements and closer, more intense urban combat, and this location would give us a mix of both. We'll be able to evaluate its firepower, durability, and how it handles in rough terrain."

Albert, who had been quietly listening, gave a small nod of agreement. "Sarah's right, General. That Raider camp is a good target—not too big, but fortified enough that it'll be a decent test. And once we take it, we could potentially use the location for ourselves. But," he added, raising a finger, "we shouldn't send the Sentinel alone. I recommend we send a full protection force with it—about forty soldiers, just in case the Raiders have anything unexpected up their sleeves. We'll also need three Trucks and two Humvees to provide logistical support and to make sure we can extract the Sentinel and the troops if things go south."

Sico leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. The plan was sound, but he wanted to hear the rest of what his team had to say. "Forty soldiers, three Trucks, two Humvees. That's a significant force for a single Raider camp. Are we confident that it's necessary?"

Albert nodded firmly. "With respect, General, yes. The Raiders have been getting more organized lately. We don't know what kind of firepower they've got in that camp. I'd rather be over-prepared than under. We send in a large force, we're showing strength. Plus, if anything happens to the Sentinel on its first combat test, the consequences could be bad—both for morale and for future operations."

Sico turned to Mel. "Thoughts on deployment timing?"

Mel was practically bouncing in his seat, eager to contribute. "We can send the Sentinel out today, General! It's fully operational, and I've already got my team on standby, ready to move it whenever you give the green light. I've gone over everything with a fine-toothed comb—no hiccups, no surprises. She's as ready as she'll ever be. My team has already made sure the mechanics and systems are all synced up for combat. There's no reason to delay."

Sico nodded, tapping his fingers on the table thoughtfully. Everything seemed to be falling into place, but it was his job to consider all angles before making the final decision. He let a moment of silence hang in the room as he weighed the options.

The C.I.T building was in a strategic location, and taking out the Raider camp would certainly be a win for Sanctuary. But more importantly, it would provide them with the perfect opportunity to test the Sentinel in real combat without putting it in a situation that was too overwhelming for its first deployment. The added protection of the troops, Trucks, and Humvees made sense—if something went wrong, they needed to be able to recover the Sentinel without losing valuable resources or lives.

Finally, Sico spoke, his voice steady and decisive. "Alright. Here's what we're going to do. We'll target the Raider camp near the C.I.T building. Sarah, you're in charge of organizing the assault. Make sure the forty soldiers are ready and briefed by the time the Sentinel arrives. I want them coordinated with the tank's movements and working to support it, not the other way around. Albert, you'll be responsible for overseeing the logistical side. Make sure the Trucks and Humvees are equipped with everything they need—ammo, medical supplies, the works. I want this operation to be as smooth as possible."

Both Sarah and Albert nodded, already preparing their respective tasks in their heads.

"Mel," Sico continued, "I trust you'll have the Sentinel prepped and ready to roll out by this afternoon. Send it with a team of engineers, just in case we need any on-the-spot fixes. But once it's on the field, it's Sarah and Albert's show."

Mel grinned, clearly thrilled by the prospect of finally seeing the Sentinel in action. "You got it, General. I'll personally make sure everything's squared away before we roll out."

Satisfied with the plan, Sico stood up from the table, signaling that the meeting was coming to a close. "Alright, then. We move at dusk. I want the element of surprise on our side. Let's hit the Raiders hard and fast, and let's see what the Sentinel is really capable of."

The others stood as well, each of them eager to carry out their parts of the mission. As the team dispersed to begin their preparations, Sico took a moment to himself, staring out the window at the horizon. The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders—this mission was more than just a combat test. It was a statement of Sanctuary's intent to survive and thrive in this harsh world.

The Sentinel was a symbol of that strength, and tonight, they would prove to their enemies—and themselves—that they were ready to take the fight to anyone who stood in their way.

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By late afternoon, the Minutemen HQ was buzzing with activity. Soldiers gathered around Sarah for their mission briefing, while Albert oversaw the loading of supplies into the Trucks and Humvees. In the distance, the Sentinel rumbled to life, its imposing figure standing tall and ready for battle.

Sico watched from a distance as Mel's team of engineers made the final adjustments, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and resolve. Soon, they would see if all their hard work had paid off. And if everything went according to plan, the Raiders near the C.I.T building would have no idea what was about to hit them.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the battlefield, Sico took a deep breath and made his way to the front of the convoy. The Sentinel was ready, the troops were ready, and Sanctuary was ready.

The late afternoon sun bathed the Minutemen HQ in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows over the assembled troops and the convoy that stood ready to move out. The air was thick with anticipation, the hum of engines and clatter of equipment blending with the murmurs of the soldiers as they prepared for the coming mission.

Sico, standing at the front of the convoy, scanned the crowd of soldiers before him. Their faces were a mix of determination and nervous energy, each one aware of the importance of the mission ahead. The Sentinel loomed in the background like a silent guardian, its massive form towering over the Trucks and Humvees that would soon accompany it into battle.

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before stepping forward, commanding their attention with his presence. The murmur of conversations faded as the soldiers turned to face him, all eyes on their leader. Sico's gaze swept over the group, and when he spoke, his voice was calm but filled with authority.

"Men and women of Sanctuary," he began, his tone steady and commanding, "today, we stand on the edge of something new. Behind me stands the Sentinel—the product of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. But more than that, it's a symbol of our strength. Of our will to survive. Today, we take the first step in proving that strength to the world."

He paused, letting his words sink in, watching as the soldiers straightened their backs, their focus sharpening. "We're going to hit the Raiders camp near the C.I.T building. They think they're safe behind their walls, that they can continue to raid and pillage without consequence. But they have no idea what's coming. Today, we will show them that Sanctuary is not to be trifled with. We will show them that we are more than survivors—we are fighters."

Sico's voice rose slightly, his passion igniting. "The Sentinel will lead the charge, but it's up to each and every one of you to ensure that it reaches its full potential. This mission is about more than just destroying a Raider camp—it's about proving that we can and will defend our home, no matter the cost. The Sentinel is our spear, but you, all of you, are its shield. Protect it with your lives. Make sure that nothing stands in its way."

He took a breath, his gaze locking onto the faces of those closest to him, their expressions hardening with resolve. "You will be the vanguard of Sanctuary's future. When we leave here, we leave as one—one unit, one force, united in purpose. And when we return, it will be with victory on our backs. I trust each and every one of you to do your duty and to protect the Sentinel at all costs. Together, we will show our enemies that Sanctuary is a force to be reckoned with."

The soldiers stood tall, their faces resolute, chests swelling with pride and determination as Sico's words resonated through the air. The silence that followed his speech was heavy with the weight of their shared purpose, but it was not long before Sarah stepped forward, calling the troops to their final positions.

Sico watched as the soldiers moved with precision and discipline, a well-oiled machine ready to spring into action. Satisfied, he turned to Mel and Sarah, who were waiting near one of the Humvees. Albert, standing by the loading area, caught Sico's eye and nodded. Though Albert was staying behind in Sanctuary to oversee the logistical side of things, Sico could see the trust and confidence in his gaze. Everything was in place.

Sico made his way over to the Humvee, climbing in beside Mel and Sarah, who were both ready and eager for the mission ahead. Mel, seated in the passenger seat, was practically buzzing with excitement, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the dashboard as he glanced out at the Sentinel. Sarah, ever the seasoned veteran, was calm and collected, her eyes fixed forward, already thinking several steps ahead.

"Ready, General?" Mel asked, grinning as Sico settled into his seat.

"Ready," Sico replied, his voice steady. He turned to the driver, giving a firm nod. "Let's move out."

With that, the convoy rumbled to life. The deep roar of the Sentinel's engine mingled with the steady hum of the Trucks and Humvees as they began to roll forward. The soldiers, now fully briefed and prepared, fell into formation, marching alongside the vehicles as they moved toward the Raider camp. Dust kicked up beneath their feet as the convoy wound its way out of Sanctuary and toward the horizon.

Sico leaned back in his seat, watching the landscape shift around them as they left the safety of Sanctuary behind. His thoughts flickered briefly to what lay ahead. The Raiders had no idea what was coming, but by the time the sun set tonight, the world would have a new understanding of what Sanctuary was capable of.

"How far out are we from the Raider camp?" Sico asked, turning to Sarah, who was poring over a tactical map on her tablet.

"Not long now," Sarah replied, her eyes scanning the terrain. "We'll hit their perimeter in about an hour. We'll maintain a steady pace until we get closer, then move into position and prepare for the assault. The goal is to hit them fast and hard before they have a chance to regroup."

Sico nodded, satisfied with the plan. His mind was already working through the details, thinking ahead to how the Sentinel would perform under combat conditions. This wasn't just a test—it was a statement. And he was determined to make sure that statement was heard loud and clear.

Mel, who had been uncharacteristically quiet since they left the HQ, finally spoke up. "I know I've said this a million times already, but the Sentinel's going to blow them away, General. Literally. That main cannon can punch through anything those Raiders have. And the armor? It'll take a beating, no question."

Sico smiled slightly, appreciating Mel's confidence. "Let's hope you're right, Mel. We'll find out soon enough."

The convoy pressed onward, the landscape becoming rougher as they approached the Raider camp. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the land, creating an eerie calm before the storm. But Sico knew that calm wouldn't last long.

The Raiders were about to experience the full force of Minutemen might. And with the Sentinel at the helm, they wouldn't stand a chance.

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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: -