Chapter 447: 413. Minutemen Army Number
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As the three of them stood there, the stars began to emerge in the sky above, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there was always light to be found.
The following morning, Sico rose early, his body still sore from the previous day's exertion. The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a pale light across Sanctuary. Despite the serenity, his mind was already churning with thoughts of the challenges ahead. Today's priority was to meet with Preston and Sarah at the Minutemen Army Headquarters to review their progress in training and expanding the force.
He dressed quickly, donning his reinforced leather jacket with the Minutemen insignia stitched on the shoulder. The jacket was a symbol of unity and strength, something he took pride in wearing. Before leaving, he grabbed a cup of steaming coffee from the Science Department's small kitchen, savoring the brief moment of quiet before the day's responsibilities consumed him.
The Minutemen Army Headquarters, located a short walk from Sanctuary's center, was a hive of activity. Soldiers moved in disciplined lines, performing drills, carrying supplies, and preparing for the challenges of the Commonwealth. The headquarters itself was an impressive structure—part repurposed pre-war military barracks, part newly constructed fortifications.
As Sico entered the building, the familiar hum of chatter and the occasional barked command greeted him. Preston and Sarah were already waiting in the main briefing room, a large space dominated by a long table and a detailed map of the Commonwealth pinned to one wall.
"Morning, General," Preston said, standing to greet him. His voice was steady, but the bags under his eyes hinted at sleepless nights.
Sarah, a tall woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor, nodded in greeting. "Good to see you, Sico. We've got a lot to cover."
Sico set his coffee on the table and took a seat. "Let's get started. First, I want an update on the numbers. How are we doing on recruitment and training?"
Sarah slid a clipboard across the table, her tone crisp and efficient. "We currently have 3,212 soldiers, General. That includes infantry, snipers, medics, and engineers. Training for new recruits is ongoing, but Preston and I both agree we need to push for more. Our goal is 5,000 soldiers—enough to hold our ground against the Brotherhood of Steel and the Institute, and to maintain outposts across the Commonwealth."
Sico studied the clipboard, his brow furrowed in thought. The numbers were promising, but he knew that raw numbers wouldn't win wars—discipline, training, and morale were just as critical. "How's the quality of the training?"
Preston leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "We're doing everything we can to ensure every recruit meets our standards. Sarah's been running advanced combat drills for squads, and we've integrated real-world scenarios to prepare them for what they'll face out there. That said, we could use more experienced trainers."
Sarah chimed in, her tone laced with determination. "We've been pulling from veteran ranks to train the recruits, but it's a delicate balance. We can't afford to lose too many experienced soldiers on the field. Still, the progress has been solid. The troops are motivated, and morale is high."
Sico nodded. "That's good to hear. What about equipment? Do we have enough guns and ammo to support 5,000 troops?"
Preston smiled faintly, a rare moment of levity breaking through his usually serious demeanor. "We're in good shape there. The ammunition factory we set up a few months back is running smoothly. We've got enough stockpiled to handle sustained combat for a while. As for guns, our scavengers have been working overtime, and we've been modifying pre-war weapons to meet our needs."
Sarah added, "The biggest challenge isn't the basics—it's the advanced gear. We've only got 100 suits of power armor, and those are reserved for our Power Armor Squad. If we want to expand that, we'll need more resources and more time."
Sico leaned back in his chair, considering the information. "The Power Armor Squad will be crucial in any major engagements, especially against the Brotherhood. But we'll need to deploy them strategically—they can't be everywhere at once. How's their training coming along?"
"Exceptional," Sarah replied, her voice tinged with pride. "The squad's been drilling hard, and they're some of our best soldiers. They've mastered everything from close-quarters combat to heavy weapons. If anyone can take on the Brotherhood's knights in their own power armor, it's them."
Preston nodded in agreement. "They've even started running joint drills with our engineers, so they can handle field repairs in combat situations. It's a small team, but they pack a hell of a punch."
After the briefing, the trio moved outside to inspect the training grounds. Rows of recruits were practicing formations, target shooting, and hand-to-hand combat under the watchful eyes of their instructors. The sound of gunfire echoed across the field as trainees fired at makeshift targets, their aim improving with each volley.
Sico watched for a while, his sharp eyes assessing the recruits. He stepped closer to one group practicing hand-to-hand combat, nodding in approval as an instructor demonstrated a takedown maneuver.
"They're looking good," he said, turning to Preston and Sarah.
"They are," Preston replied. "But we're not just training soldiers—we're building an army. And armies need more than just bodies and guns. They need leadership, cohesion, and purpose."
Sarah crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "That's why we've been focusing on squad-level tactics. Every unit needs to function like a well-oiled machine, with leaders who can think on their feet. It's slow work, but it's paying off."
Sico nodded, his respect for the two leaders growing. "You're both doing excellent work. Keep pushing. We're going to need every advantage we can get when the war comes."
As the day wore on, Sico met with several squad leaders to hear their concerns and suggestions. He emphasized the importance of communication and adaptability, traits that could mean the difference between victory and defeat in the unpredictable chaos of war.
By late afternoon, he returned to the main building with Preston and Sarah for one final discussion.
"We've made a lot of progress," Sico said, his voice firm. "But we can't get complacent. The Brotherhood and the Institute are both formidable enemies, and they won't hesitate to exploit any weakness."
Preston's jaw tightened. "We won't give them the chance. The Minutemen have come a long way since the days when we were just a handful of scattered settlers. We're stronger now, and we'll keep getting stronger."
Sarah nodded, her eyes blazing with determination. "They think they can crush us. But we're going to show them what the Minutemen are made of."
Sico smiled faintly, the weight on his shoulders feeling just a little lighter. "I know you will. And when the time comes, we'll stand together, not just as soldiers, but as a community fighting for a better future."
As the discussion wrapped up, Sico leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting toward the window. The setting sun painted the training grounds in shades of amber, casting long shadows over the rows of recruits. Despite their progress, a nagging thought lingered in his mind—quality was just as important as quantity, especially for the Commandos, the elite strike force of the Minutemen.
"Preston," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Could you get Robert for me? I want an update on the Commandos. Their training, their numbers, and their readiness."
Preston nodded, rising from his seat. "I'll fetch him. He's likely overseeing drills near the south wing."
As Preston left, Sico turned to Sarah. "The Commandos will be the tip of the spear in any major operation. We need them sharp, disciplined, and prepared for anything."
Sarah nodded in agreement. "Robert's been working them hard, but in a good way. He's got a knack for finding potential in people, even in the wasteland."
A few minutes later, Preston returned with Robert, a grizzled man in his late forties. His presence alone commanded respect—his battle-hardened face and sharp eyes spoke of countless encounters with raiders, super mutants, and other horrors of the Commonwealth.
"General," Robert greeted Sico with a slight nod, his tone steady but warm. "Preston said you wanted to see me."
"I did," Sico said, gesturing for Robert to take a seat. "I wanted an update on the Commandos. How's their training coming along, and how many do we have now?"
Robert sat down, resting his forearms on the table. "We've got 476 Commandos right now. Each one of them has gone through advanced training in marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, infiltration, and demolitions. They're the best of the best in the Minutemen, but we're not stopping there."
Sico arched an eyebrow. "What's the plan?"
Robert's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I'm aiming to expand to 600, but I'm being picky about who makes the cut. This isn't about filling slots—it's about finding people who have what it takes to operate in high-stakes situations. We're talking discipline, mental toughness, and the ability to think on their feet. The wasteland doesn't give second chances."
Sico leaned forward, intrigued. "How are you vetting the recruits?"
"We're running them through a gauntlet," Robert replied. "It starts with basic physical and mental tests—endurance runs, obstacle courses, puzzle-solving under pressure. Then we move on to simulations—mock missions where they're thrown into chaotic situations and forced to adapt. Only those who show real promise make it to the next stage."
"And the next stage?" Sico asked.
"That's where we get serious," Robert said, his tone sharpening. "Live-fire exercises, advanced tactics, survival training. We even simulate ambush scenarios with live ammunition—controlled, of course, but enough to get their adrenaline pumping. By the time they're done, they're not just soldiers; they're predators."
Sico nodded slowly, impressed. "What about their gear? Are they equipped for the kind of operations you're preparing them for?"
Robert straightened in his seat, his pride evident. "They're better equipped than ever. Each Commando has access to modified combat armor, high-powered rifles, energy weapons, and explosives. For specialized missions, we've got suppressed weapons and recon gear. And for urban operations, we're working on integrating power armor for select units."
"Impressive," Sico said. "But can the armory keep up with the expansion?"
Robert shrugged. "It'll be tight, but manageable. The ammunition factory's been pulling its weight, and we've scavenged enough high-quality materials to keep the workshops busy. What we really need are more energy cells and fusion cores. If you can prioritize those on the next scavenging runs, it'll make a big difference."
"I'll make it happen," Sico promised. "What about the morale of the Commandos? Pushing them this hard can't be easy."
Robert chuckled, a low, gravelly sound. "They're tough, but they're not robots. I make sure they get downtime between drills—time to rest, bond, and blow off steam. We've set up a rec area with games, music, and even a bar. Keeps them human, which is just as important as keeping them sharp."
Sico allowed himself a small smile. "Good. We can't afford to burn out our best people. They're the backbone of our operations."
Preston, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Robert's done a hell of a job with the Commandos. They're more than just soldiers—they're an inspiration to the rest of the Minutemen. When the recruits see the Commandos in action, it pushes them to train harder, aim higher."
Sarah nodded in agreement. "It's true. The Commandos set the standard for what the Minutemen can be. They remind everyone that we're not just surviving—we're fighting back."
Robert leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "It's not just about the fights, though. It's about the message we send. When people see the Commandos, they see hope. They see that we're not just another gang or militia—we're something bigger. Something worth believing in."
Sico let Robert's words hang in the air for a moment, their weight sinking in. The Commandos weren't just an elite force—they were a symbol of everything the Minutemen stood for.
"Alright," Sico said, his voice firm. "Keep up the good work, Robert. Expand to 600, but don't compromise on quality. If you need anything—resources, personnel, whatever—let me know. The Commandos are a priority."
Robert nodded, his respect for the General evident. "You've got it, Sico. We won't let you down."
The meeting concluded, and the group stepped outside to observe the Commandos in action. On a nearby training ground, a team of Commandos was running through a live-fire exercise, moving with precision and efficiency as they cleared a mock enemy encampment. Their movements were fluid, their shots deadly accurate.
Sico watched in silence, his chest swelling with pride. These were his people—his army. And when the time came to face the Brotherhood of Steel and the Institute, he knew they would be ready.
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Commonwealth in hues of orange and red, Sico returned to the Science Department. Mel and Albert were still hard at work, but they paused to greet him as he entered.
"How'd it go?" Mel asked, setting down a wrench.
"Better than I expected," Sico replied, leaning against a workbench. "The Commandos are shaping up to be one hell of a force. Robert's aiming for 600, and I believe he'll get there."
Albert grinned. "Good to hear. Between the Commandos and the EMP project, we might just have a fighting chance."
"We will," Sico said, his voice resolute. "Because failure isn't an option. Not for us, and not for the Commonwealth."
As the stars emerged overhead, Sico felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead would be long and dangerous, but he wasn't walking it alone. Together, they would build a future worth fighting for.
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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:-