Chapter 430: 396. Battle on the Way Back to Sanctuary
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 the first rays of dawn broke over the Commonwealth, the Minutemen prepared to move out, their resolve unshaken despite the odds stacked against them.
The early morning light bathed the shattered battlefield in a dull gray glow, highlighting the stark reality of their situation. The Minutemen had barely held the line, and the scars of the recent battle were etched into every cratered inch of the terrain. Sico stood near the gate of their makeshift stronghold, binoculars in hand, scanning the horizon with a quiet urgency.
They were on borrowed time.
Then, faintly at first, the rumble of engines echoed through the air. Sico's heart tightened as he raised the binoculars again, focusing on the distant movement. Dust plumes rose against the dawn as three trucks and three Humvees came into view, their steel frames glinting in the early light. Relief flooded through him, momentarily lifting the oppressive weight that had clung to him since the battle ended.
"They're here!" Sarah's voice cut through the tension, sharp and clear as she joined Sico. Soldiers nearby erupted in cheers, their spirits lifting at the sight of reinforcements and much-needed supplies.
Sico watched intently as the convoy drew closer, his sharp eyes catching sight of the man perched on the lead Humvee's turret. A familiar figure, grinning widely beneath his signature tricorne hat—Hancock. The ghoul raised a hand in greeting as the convoy rolled to a halt just outside the barricades.
Sico's lips twitched into the closest thing to a smile he'd managed in days. "About time," he muttered before turning to Sarah. "Get those gates open. Let's move quickly."
The trucks and Humvees rumbled into the stronghold, greeted by exhausted but grateful soldiers. As the vehicles came to a stop, Hancock hopped down from the lead Humvee, his boots kicking up dirt. His grin widened as he approached Sico, arms spread wide.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Commonwealth's favorite troublemaker," Hancock said, his raspy voice tinged with humor. "Figured you could use a hand."
"You have no idea," Sico replied, shaking Hancock's hand firmly. "Thanks for coming."
"Hey, couldn't let my favorite band of freedom fighters go down without a fight," Hancock said, his gaze shifting to the battered soldiers and makeshift barricades. His grin faltered slightly. "Looks like you've been through hell."
"Hell doesn't quite cover it," Sico admitted. "But with your help, we might just make it out of here alive."
Hancock nodded, his expression briefly serious before his usual devil-may-care demeanor returned. "Alright, let's get to work. Where do you need us?"
Sico turned, already barking orders. "Sarah, take the medical supplies from the second truck to the temporary infirmary. We've got critical wounded who need immediate attention. Preston, handle the distribution of food and ammunition to the soldiers. Make sure everyone gets what they need to hold out."
Both nodded, immediately springing into action.
"Albert," Sico continued, gesturing toward the vehicles, "I need you to check the condition of the trucks, the Humvees, and the Sentinels. We're moving out in the morning, and I need everything in working order."
Albert adjusted his glasses, glancing at the vehicles with a calculating eye. "Consider it done."
The area buzzed with renewed energy as Minutemen and reinforcements worked together to unload the supplies. Soldiers carried crates of stimpaks, blood packs, and medical equipment to the infirmary, where the medics wasted no time putting them to use. Preston oversaw the distribution of food and ammunition, his voice ringing out as he directed soldiers to specific stations. The sight of fresh supplies brought visible relief to the weary fighters, their morale slowly rebuilding.
Meanwhile, Albert worked methodically, inspecting each vehicle with a critical eye. The trucks were in decent condition, though one of the Humvees needed some patchwork on its suspension. The Sentinels—mechanical guardians that had been instrumental in holding the line during the last assault—were another story. Albert frowned as he crouched next to one, noting the scorch marks and damaged joints. "We'll need to reinforce these if we want them operational for tomorrow," he muttered.
As the reinforcements settled in, Sico took a moment to check on the progress. He found Sarah in the infirmary, overseeing the medics as they treated the wounded. The addition of medical supplies had already made a significant difference. Soldiers who had been on the brink of death were stabilized, and the makeshift triage area had transformed into something resembling a proper medical facility.
"How's it going?" Sico asked, stepping inside.
Sarah looked up from her clipboard, her expression weary but determined. "We're making progress. Those critical cases from yesterday? They've got a fighting chance now, thanks to the supplies. But it's still touch-and-go."
"Good work," Sico said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Keep it up. We're moving out tomorrow, so do what you can to get as many people stable as possible."
She nodded, her resolve unwavering. "We'll be ready."
From there, Sico made his way to Preston, who was directing the soldiers as they loaded ammunition into crates and distributed food rations. Despite the exhaustion etched into his features, Preston moved with purpose, his voice steady and authoritative.
"Preston," Sico called, approaching. "How are we looking?"
"Better than I expected," Preston replied. "The supplies Hancock brought should hold us over for the trip back to Sanctuary. The soldiers are already in better spirits, and morale's up now that reinforcements are here."
"Good," Sico said. "Make sure every squad leader gets what they need. We can't afford to have anyone under-equipped when we hit the road."
"You've got it, General."
As night fell, the stronghold had transformed. The barricades had been reinforced, the vehicles repaired and ready for the journey ahead, and the soldiers—though still battle-worn—were better prepared than they had been the day before. Sico stood near the gate, watching the flickering firelight reflect off the Sentinels as Albert ran one final diagnostic.
Hancock joined him, a cigarette dangling from his lips. "Not bad, boss. You've got these folks whipped into shape."
"It's not enough," Sico said quietly. "The Brotherhood and the Institute won't stop. This is just the beginning."
Hancock exhaled a cloud of smoke, his expression unusually somber. "You're right. But hey, you've got something those tin cans and synth lovers don't—a group of people willing to fight for what's right. That's worth something."
Sico glanced at him, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You always know how to say the right thing, don't you?"
"Part of my charm," Hancock replied with a grin. "Now get some rest. Big day tomorrow."
The morning came all too quickly, but the Minutemen were ready. The trucks and Humvees were loaded, the Sentinels stood at attention, and the soldiers were assembled in tight formations, their resolve clear despite the looming danger.
Sico climbed onto the back of the lead truck, his rifle slung over his shoulder. He scanned the faces of his comrades—Sarah, Preston, Albert, Hancock, Robert, MacCready, and countless others who had put their lives on the line for the Commonwealth. They were tired, battered, and bruised, but they stood tall.
"We've come this far," Sico said, his voice carrying over the gathered crowd. "We've faced impossible odds and come out stronger. And today, we're going to make it back to Sanctuary. Together."
The soldiers cheered, their voices rising in defiance of the dangers that lay ahead.
Sico scanned the gathered crowd of Minutemen, their cheers still echoing in the early morning air. His heart swelled with pride and a grim determination as he surveyed the convoy—trucks packed with supplies, Humvees armed to the teeth, and the Sentinels standing tall like steel sentinels of hope. He took a deep breath, his voice carrying over the sound of engines rumbling to life.
"Convoy, move out!" he ordered, his tone firm and resolute.
The convoy began rolling forward, the vehicles forming a tight formation. Soldiers perched in the Humvees' turrets kept their weapons trained on the horizon, scanning for any signs of movement. The trucks followed closely behind, their cargo of wounded soldiers, supplies, and precious equipment secured tightly. The Sentinels brought up the rear, their mechanical limbs moving with precision and purpose.
Sico sat in the lead Humvee, binoculars in hand, eyes never leaving the road ahead. Beside him, Hancock lounged in his seat, his tricorne hat tilted back, though his sharp eyes betrayed his relaxed demeanor. Sarah and Preston rode in the next vehicle, coordinating troop positions through their radios, while Albert sat in the rear Humvee, tinkering with a device in his lap—the agitator, a critical piece of tech that could tilt the balance of power in their favor.
"Eyes open," Sico barked into his radio, his voice cutting through the static. "We're not out of this yet. Stay alert. I can feel it—something's coming."
The soldiers acknowledged his command, their voices steady despite the tension. The road stretched out before them, winding through the devastated landscape of the Commonwealth. The silence was heavy, broken only by the hum of engines and the occasional crackle of the radio. Sico's instincts screamed at him to be ready, and he tightened his grip on his rifle.
"Albert," Sico said, turning to the radio. "If we're ambushed, I want you to hold onto that agitator no matter what. If the situation gets too hot, take a Humvee and make a break for Sanctuary. We'll hold the line and buy you time."
Albert's voice crackled over the radio, calm despite the gravity of the situation. "Understood, General. I won't let it fall into enemy hands."
Sico nodded to himself, reassured by Albert's resolve. But the uneasy feeling in his gut didn't dissipate. He scanned the horizon again, his eyes narrowing as the convoy approached a stretch of road flanked by dense ruins—a prime spot for an ambush.
Then it came. The distant, unmistakable roar of **vertibirds** cutting through the air.
"Contact!" a soldier shouted over the radio. "Vertibirds incoming!"
Sico snapped his head up, his binoculars zeroing in on the horizon. Black specks appeared against the pale sky, growing larger with every passing second. The Brotherhood of Steel had found them.
"Sentinels, engage!" Sico roared, his voice commanding. "Take those birds out of the sky!"
The towering Sentinels swung into action, their targeting systems locking onto the approaching vertibirds. The sound of heavy ordnance filled the air as the Sentinels fired, streams of tracer rounds tearing through the sky. One vertibird exploded in a fiery bloom, spiraling to the ground in a trail of smoke.
But the Brotherhood wasn't alone.
A sudden flash of blue light erupted in the middle of the convoy, accompanied by the hum of teleportation. Sico's blood ran cold as **Institute synths** materialized in perfect formation, their energy weapons already raised. The convoy erupted into chaos as the soldiers scrambled to defend their positions.
"Institute forces inbound!" Sarah's voice rang out over the radio. "They've teleported right into our convoy!"
Sico grabbed his rifle and leapt from the Humvee, barking orders as he ran. "Preston, rally the troops and set up a defensive perimeter! Hancock, cover the rear! Albert, stay in that Humvee and keep the agitator safe!"
The battlefield descended into a cacophony of gunfire, explosions, and shouting. Minutemen took cover behind the trucks, returning fire against the advancing synths. The Sentinels, undeterred, continued to fire on the vertibirds while pivoting their massive frames to engage the ground forces.
Sico dropped to one knee, his rifle snapping up to his shoulder. He fired in quick, controlled bursts, each shot dropping a synth. Their glowing visors flickered and died as they collapsed, but for every one that fell, another took its place.
"Sarah, how's the left flank?" Sico called through the radio.
"Barely holding!" Sarah shouted back, her voice strained. "We've got wounded pinned down here!"
"Preston, send reinforcements to the left flank!" Sico ordered. "We can't let them break through!"
"Already on it!" Preston replied, his tone steady despite the chaos.
Suddenly, a shadow passed over Sico. He looked up just in time to see a vertibird swooping low, its minigun spinning to life. Bullets rained down, shredding the ground and scattering soldiers. Sico dove for cover, rolling behind a piece of shattered concrete as the minigun tore through the truck he'd been standing beside.
"Sentinels, focus fire on that bird!" Sico barked. One of the towering machines swiveled, its arm-mounted cannon spitting fire. The vertibird veered sharply, trying to evade the onslaught, but it was too late. The Sentinel's rounds found their mark, and the aircraft exploded in midair, raining debris onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the blue flashes of teleportation continued, bringing more synths into the fray. Sico's mind raced as he took stock of their situation. The convoy was bogged down, their forces split between defending against the synths and the Brotherhood's aerial assault. They couldn't stay here—they'd be overwhelmed.
"Albert!" Sico shouted into his radio. "Get that Humvee moving now! Head for Sanctuary!"
"I can't just leave you here!" Albert protested.
"That's an order!" Sico snapped. "If they get their hands on the agitator, everything we've fought for is lost! Go!"
Reluctantly, Albert complied. The Humvee roared to life, its wheels spinning as it sped away from the chaos. A squad of Minutemen moved to cover its escape, their rifles blazing as they held back the advancing synths.
Sico turned his attention back to the fight, his mind calculating their next move. "Hancock!" he called. "We need to buy Albert more time!"
Hancock's voice crackled over the radio, laced with dry humor even in the heat of battle. "What's the plan, boss? Throw a party and hope they RSVP 'no'?"
"Something like that," Sico replied, a grim smile tugging at his lips. "Set up explosives along the road. We're giving them a warm farewell."
Hancock's laugh was audible even over the gunfire. "Now you're talking."
The Minutemen worked quickly, planting charges along the convoy's route. Sico coordinated the retreat, pulling his soldiers back in a controlled withdrawal while the Sentinels covered their escape. The Brotherhood vertibirds circled like vultures, but their numbers had been thinned, and the Institute's synths were faltering under the combined firepower of the Minutemen and Sentinels.
As the last of the charges were set, Sico gave the signal. "Blow it!"
The explosions tore through the battlefield, sending synths and debris flying. The road became an impassable wreckage, forcing the Brotherhood and Institute forces to halt their advance. For now, the Minutemen had bought themselves a reprieve.
The convoy regrouped further down the road, battered but intact. Sico climbed back onto the lead Humvee, his eyes scanning the faces of his soldiers. They were bloodied and bruised, but alive—and the agitator was safe.
"We're not out of the woods yet," Sico said, his voice steady. "But we've survived worse. Let's get to Sanctuary."
The soldiers nodded, their resolve unshaken. As the convoy rolled out once more, Sico allowed himself a brief moment of relief. They'd faced impossible odds and emerged on the other side. But he knew the fight was far from over. The Commonwealth's future depended on them—and Sico wouldn't let it fall.
________________________________________________
• 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:-