If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
They stepped inside the command building, the door thudding shut behind them like a seal against the outside world.
Two hours after the truck carrying Hancock and the scavengers had rolled beyond the gates, Sico and Curie found themselves back in the quiet confines of his office. The early morning haze outside had brightened to a steady sun, filtering through the blinds in sharp, golden streaks that danced across the surface of his desk. The usual hum of Sanctuary's generators had resumed, a comforting reminder that life here moved forward even amidst uncertainty. But inside the room, the air was still taut with the weight of what had just happened and what was yet to come.
Curie took a seat near the desk, her hands folded neatly in her lap, though the tremor that ran beneath her composed exterior hadn't entirely vanished. Sico moved to his radio, a complex device that hummed with potential and danger alike. His fingers hovered briefly over the dials, adjusting frequencies and carefully aligning the transmitter with the Institute's secure channel. Every movement was deliberate, measured, aware that one misstep could broadcast their desperation to the wrong ears.
Curie watched him, silent but alert. "Are you certain this is wise?" she asked softly, her voice carrying both caution and concern. "The Institute… they are our own, yes, but still… contacting them openly could draw attention."
Sico glanced at her, meeting her gaze. "I have considered that. This line is secure. Only Nora will receive it, and I trust her judgment. We have no other options that can bring supplies quickly enough."
He adjusted the frequency one last time and pressed the talk button, the radio crackling to life with the familiar, static-laden hum of intercontinental transmission. His voice was firm, carrying the kind of calm authority he used to lead his team, yet threaded with a subtle urgency that Curie caught immediately.
"Nora," he began, letting a brief pause settle over the connection, "this is Sico. Can you hear me?"
There was a faint crackle, then a calm, controlled voice came through. "Sico. Loud and clear. I wasn't expecting to hear from you this early. Everything all right at Sanctuary?"
Sico exhaled slowly, letting the tension ease just enough to maintain clarity. "Not entirely. I am reaching out because we are in need of medical supplies. Surplus, if you have any to spare. Bandages, blood packs, disinfectant, surgical kits, antibiotics… the essentials."
Curie leaned forward, her hands tightening slightly on her knees as if grounding herself in preparation to speak. "Nora, this is Curie," she interjected, her voice calm but precise. "I have a list here of the supplies most critically required. If you are able to spare them, we would be very grateful. The specifics are as follows: sterile gauze, Med-X, sutures, disinfectant, alcohol sterilizers, antibiotic compounds, and small surgical kits sufficient for at least a few operations per week."
There was a faint pause on the other end, the kind of pause that carries measured thought and the silent weight of calculation. Finally, Nora's voice returned, steady but probing. "Why… why are you asking now? You are usually very self-sufficient, Sico. This sudden need, has something changed?"
Sico looked at Curie briefly, giving her a subtle nod. She drew in a slow breath, then explained evenly. "Nora, I only discovered this today. Sanctuary's medical stock is nearly depleted. Aside from stimpaks and Radaway, we have very little left. The numbers were not what we expected; errors in labeling and prior shortages left us blind to how critical the situation truly is."
Nora's tone shifted slightly, a careful mixture of curiosity and concern. "You are saying your medical supplies are dangerously low?"
"Yes," Sico replied, his voice calm but deliberate, ensuring there was no exaggeration, only truth. "Curie informed me this morning. We have estimated that with strict rationing, our supplies will last at most two to three weeks. And that assumes no sudden increase in injuries or illness. The remaining stimpaks and Radaway are not sufficient for complex medical care or the treatment of severe wounds and infections. We cannot allow Sanctuary to enter a state of vulnerability like that, especially with the Brotherhood still observing and waiting."
There was a faint hum of acknowledgment on the other end. "I understand," Nora said after a moment, her voice softening but retaining its trademark control. "You must have considered all alternatives before contacting us. Supplies are tight everywhere, Sico. Even the Institute has been stretched lately, particularly with synth casualties and the recent conflicts near the northern perimeter."
Curie spoke quickly, gently emphasizing the urgency without panic. "We understand that, Nora. We do not ask lightly. But everyone is counting on us to maintain stability and protect the people who are unable to defend themselves. These supplies are not merely a convenience; they are a necessity for survival. We are prioritizing only the essentials and will take whatever amount you can spare."
Sico watched as Curie spoke, noting the professionalism and emotional restraint she maintained even while addressing the life-or-death stakes of their request. He added his voice to reinforce her point, firm and precise. "I assure you, Nora, we are not asking for more than we can reasonably use. Our operation to replenish supplies will be conducted quietly, and we will ensure nothing is wasted. Any contribution from the Institute could save countless lives in the coming months."
Nora's reply came after a longer pause, her voice carrying the weight of someone who had considered the ramifications. "Very well," she said finally. "I can spare some of the stock from our reserves. It will not be vast, but it is enough to cover immediate needs. Curie, I assume you are prepared to oversee the distribution?"
Curie straightened, her posture firm despite the lingering fatigue. "Yes, Nora. I will prioritize and manage the supplies as efficiently as possible. Every item will be accounted for."
Sico's gaze sharpened, a mixture of relief and renewed determination settling over him. "Thank you, Nora. We appreciate your support, more than you know. These supplies will provide critical stability for Sanctuary and ensure our people remain safe while we continue building our defenses."
Nora's voice softened slightly at the edge, a rare human warmth breaking through the professional tone. "I trust you, Sico. Do not waste what we send. I will arrange transport discreetly. Expect a small convoy within the next 24 hours. And Sico… be careful. I know the importance of these missions, but you are not invincible."
Sico allowed himself a small, tight-lipped smile, not prideful but acknowledging the gravity and the care behind her words. "Understood. We will handle it with the utmost caution. Thank you, Nora."
The static crackled softly as the connection ended, leaving only the low hum of the radio in the office. Sico set it down, running a hand through his hair in a brief gesture of exhaustion and relief. Curie exhaled quietly beside him, the tension in her shoulders easing fractionally now that a solution which however temporary had been confirmed.
"We have a lifeline," she said softly, almost to herself, but the words carried hope. "The Institute will help us."
"Yes," Sico agreed, his voice steady, and he allowed himself the barest hint of optimism. "And while we wait for them, we have other avenues to explore."
He turned to Sarah, who had been quietly preparing her notes and readying her communicator for the next step. "Sarah, I need you to send Magnolia the instructions immediately. Quietly, discreetly. She will know how to handle this with the traders without raising suspicion. We cannot let anyone perceive Freemasons Republic as vulnerable."
Sarah's eyes flickered with understanding, a thin line of determination pressing her lips together. "I will handle it personally. She won't slip up. And I'll ensure the orders are precise with exactly what you need without anyone else knowing."
Sico nodded. "Good. Time is critical. Every hour counts. While Hancock's team is out in the field, every precaution we take here buys them a safer route and ensures that we will have something waiting for them to bring back."
Preston, standing slightly behind the others, added quietly, "I'll prepare contingency measures in case the scavengers encounter unexpected dangers. It will be best if every escape route, every fallback position, and every support team is accounted for."
"Exactly," Sico said, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders but solidified by the presence of these allies. "We are threading a needle with Sanctuary's future. If we fail here, if the supplies do not reach us, the consequences could ripple far beyond anything we have yet experienced."
Curie, feeling the gravity of the moment but strengthened by the measures already in motion, nodded. "Then we must do everything precisely as planned. Mistakes now… could be fatal."
Sico's gaze swept across the room, taking in each member of his team, seeing the resolve mirrored in their expressions. Their shared understanding of the stakes, their commitment despite fatigue and fear, created a subtle, unspoken bond. A quiet strength that Sanctuary could lean upon even in moments of uncertainty.
He stepped closer to the window and looked toward the distant hills beyond the perimeter, where the road Hancock's truck had taken disappeared behind undulating terrain. A gust of wind carried dust and faint sounds of the waking world, but in that quiet, Sico felt both vulnerability and hope intertwined.
"Curie," he said softly, turning back to her, "prepare your list for Magnolia as well, and keep tracking what we receive from the Institute. Once those supplies arrive, we will need your expertise immediately for triage and prioritization."
She nodded, straightening her shoulders with renewed purpose. "I will prepare everything. Every item accounted for. Nothing wasted, nothing overlooked."
Three hours later, the tension that had settled over Sico's office like a heavy, invisible blanket was finally pierced by a small but significant wave of news. The radio crackled faintly before Sarah's voice came through the secure channel, precise, calm, yet carrying a hint of restrained excitement.
"Sico," she said, "Magnolia and I have made contact with the traders she trusts. They've agreed to supply what they have available and will deliver it to Sanctuary tomorrow."
Sico's chest eased slightly, though not entirely as the relief was only part of the equation, the remainder tempered by the reality of what this meant and what still had to be done. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand over his face as he absorbed the news.
"That is excellent," he said finally, his voice measured. "This buys us time. And more importantly, it secures a lifeline for the community. Did they provide a clear timetable?"
Sarah nodded, fingers lightly tapping on the communicator as if synchronizing all the details in her mind. "Yes. Delivery is scheduled for the early hours, just past dawn. They will approach from the north ridge, the same route we used last month to bring in the food supplies discreetly. It is outside the main patrol paths, so we minimize exposure."
Sico exhaled again, slower this time, allowing a subtle weight to leave his shoulders. The logistical threads were connecting, fragile but effective. "Good. And Magnolia?"
"She's been meticulous," Sarah continued. "Because the traders are wary of drawing attention, Magnolia also purchased several non-medical items from tools, scrap metal, some clothing that just enough to make the transaction seem routine. That way, no one outside her network will suspect anything unusual about the medical supplies being moved under their cover."
Curie, who had been listening quietly at Sico's side, tilted her head thoughtfully. "So, the purchases are a ruse?" she asked, careful in her phrasing but with a spark of curiosity.
"Exactly," Sico said. "A camouflage of routine trade. Nothing more. Sanctuary cannot afford for anyone, especially rival factions or the Brotherhood, to perceive that we are actively seeking supplies."
Curie nodded slowly, her analytical mind processing each detail. "It is… efficient. But it also carries risk. If the disguise fails, or if someone notices… they may assume weakness or desperation."
"Which we cannot allow," Sico said sharply, though not unkindly. "That is why every step, every decision, is deliberate. Magnolia understands this. So does Sarah. That is why I trust them."
Sarah cleared her throat, stepping a little closer, her voice carrying the crisp, quiet authority she always seemed to embody. "I've coordinated with the traders so that the delivery will be staggered. They'll bring what they have immediately, then return for the remaining items under the guise of separate transactions. That way, it won't look like a single, massive acquisition. Everyone involved remains cautious but confident, and the items arrive discreetly."
Sico considered this, feeling the weight of strategy that had been quietly humming under the surface of Sanctuary's operations. Every move had been anticipated, every variable accounted for, which except for the unknown, the element of chaos that no plan could ever fully eliminate. He looked over at Curie, whose hand was still resting lightly on the edge of her desk.
"Curie," he said, his voice gentler now, "prepare the triage areas. Once the supplies arrive, we cannot afford delay. Prioritize sterile areas, set aside space for critical wounds, and make sure every essential tool is available for immediate deployment."
Curie's fingers twitched almost imperceptibly as she nodded. "Oui, Sico. I will begin preparing immediately. We will be ready. Every pack, every kit, will have a precise location and purpose. Nothing will be wasted."
Sico's gaze swept the room, landing finally on Sarah and Preston. "And you two, coordinate with Magnolia to ensure no one notices unusual movement around Sanctuary's supply points. All team members must maintain standard routines. Even subtle deviations can draw attention, especially when the Brotherhood or other factions are watching."
Sarah's eyes sharpened, her jaw setting as she absorbed his directive. "I've already briefed the senior traders on the necessary precautions. Everyone knows to act as if this is routine. Nothing out of the ordinary will occur."
Preston, who had been quietly listening, added his own voice, calm but firm. "I'll supervise the delivery route and perimeter security. No deviations, no mistakes. If anyone tries to interfere, we'll be ready, but it won't be obvious we are prepared for something unusual. Stealth, precision, and patience as that's how we handle it."
Sico nodded slowly, letting a rare smile touch the corners of his lips. It was not relief, not yet; it was acknowledgment. Their coordinated efforts, their planning and strategy, and their shared understanding of the stakes had created a fragile but effective lattice of control. He could feel the tension in the room begin to ease slightly, replaced by a sense of purpose that was almost tangible.
"Good," he said finally. "Then we wait. But not idly. Curie, prepare your teams. Sarah, maintain communication with Magnolia. Preston, continue oversight of security and contingency measures. Everyone else with keeping the routines consistent, keep eyes and ears open. The success of this mission depends not just on what is purchased, but on how smoothly it is integrated into Sanctuary's daily life."
Curie exhaled quietly, nodding. "Understood, Sico. Everything will be ready. No delay, no mistake."
Sico walked to the window, looking out across the yard where the morning sun reflected off the rooftops and the soft golden light washed over the trees and dirt paths of Sanctuary. Even as the community went about its daily work as children running past, workers repairing structures, guards patrolling that he could feel the invisible threads connecting everything, stretching from the Institute, through Magnolia and her traders, to the convoy that would arrive tomorrow.
He turned slightly, meeting Curie's eyes. "This is more than a simple supply run. The people we protect depend on every single step being executed without failure. Today, we are not just securing supplies; we are securing hope."
Curie's lips pressed into a thin line as she nodded. "Hope is fragile, but… yes, it can be protected. If we act carefully."
Sico gestured toward the radio on his desk. "And every precaution counts. I will keep in constant contact with the Institute while you and Sarah monitor Magnolia's progress. Preston, your contingency plans must remain flexible, ready to respond if any part of this operation is compromised."
Preston inclined his head slightly, already mentally mapping the perimeter, imagining possible scenarios and response times, calculating variables in his head. "I've accounted for most eventualities, Sico. The remaining unknowns… we respond as they appear. We adapt. That's the only way to stay ahead."
Sarah, still holding her communicator, added, "I'll coordinate with Magnolia to ensure all transactions are subtle. The traders will maintain the appearance of normal deliveries while the medical supplies are quietly moved. I've also arranged secondary observers along the route, just in case."
Sico exhaled slowly, letting a small portion of the constant pressure drain away, replaced by the confidence that came from having a plan and capable people executing it. "Then we wait and observe. Hancock's team will be returning from their scouting mission, and the Institute's convoy is en route. By the time dawn breaks tomorrow, Sanctuary should have the supplies needed to sustain itself."
Curie tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "And the people who do not know? The rest of the community, will they remain unaware?"
Sico's eyes softened briefly as he considered the question. "Yes. They must. Panic spreads faster than disease. We cannot risk it. Only those who need to know are aware of the situation. Everyone else continues their day as usual, unaware that behind the scenes, we are safeguarding their survival."
Curie nodded, a small, quiet affirmation of understanding. Her hands folded neatly in her lap, resting lightly, finally less rigid than they had been hours ago. Sico watched her, realizing that her composed exterior carried layers of care and anxiety that only moments like these revealed. She had been right there from the start, balancing clinical precision with genuine human concern.
The room was quiet, the low hum of the generators and the occasional distant sound of children playing outside the only interruptions. Sico moved back to his desk, sitting down with deliberate movements, running a hand across the surface as if marking each decision, each connection, each responsibility.
"Curie," he said softly, "prepare for immediate deployment once the supplies arrive. Every surgical station, every sterilization kit, every bandage and antibiotic must have a designated place. People must know exactly where to go and what to do, or precious time will be lost."
Curie nodded, her eyes bright with determination now that a clear plan was set in motion. "Everything will be prepared, Sico. The moment the supplies arrive, we will be ready."
Sico took a deep breath, letting the slight warmth of the morning sun on his back mingle with the residual tension in his chest. The quiet of the office was a fragile illusion; every tick of the clock was a reminder that beyond these walls, Hancock and the scavengers were still out there, threading their way through the ruins of the Commonwealth. It was time to reestablish direct contact.
He moved to the radio once again, fingers tracing the worn edges of the transmitter as though by touch he could measure the weight of the world beyond Sanctuary. Adjusting the dials carefully, he ensured the frequency was secure, that the signal wouldn't carry to unintended listeners. Even in the controlled environment of Sanctuary, caution was never optional.
"Lock in," he murmured to himself. Then, with a firm press of the talk button, his voice carried through the static, calm but carrying the unmistakable authority of command.
"Hancock, this is Sico. Do you read me?"
The radio crackled for a brief moment, then Hancock's familiar drawl filtered through, rough and confident as ever, but carrying a subtle undertone of satisfaction.
"Loud and clear, Sico," Hancock replied. "We're just about to dig into something big."
Sico leaned slightly closer to the receiver, a flicker of anticipation threading through the tension he'd been carrying all morning. "Report. How are your findings? Anything we need to know before you begin extraction?"
There was a pause on the other end, filled only with the low hum of the truck's engine and distant echoes of movement from within the ruins. Then Hancock's voice came, more deliberate this time, threading the static with excitement.
"We found a hospital," he said. "A full one, intact in ways I didn't think still existed out here. It's not marked on any map we've seen, hidden under a partially collapsed overpass and tangled brush. Might've been missed entirely because the old data didn't catch it."
Sico felt his pulse quicken slightly. A hospital that could mean clean supplies, medical equipment, even pharmaceuticals. Anything they could salvage here would be invaluable. "A hospital," he repeated softly. "Good work. Do you know the condition inside?"
Hancock's chuckle was low, almost amused. "Oh, she's a beauty, Sico. Might look rough from the outside, rubble and debris and rust everywhere, but inside… well, it's what every scavenger dreams of. Hallways mostly intact, a couple of rooms collapsed, some operating theaters still with instruments. The storage rooms? Might be packed with supplies we can use. Could be months of stock tucked away in there."
Sico's lips pressed into a thin, taut line. He knew that optimism could be dangerous in their world; overconfidence was a subtle killer. "And the hostiles?" he asked, voice steady but probing. "Any resistance? Raiders, feral ghouls?"
Hancock's tone sharpened slightly, a subtle edge of pride threading through it. "Feral ghouls, Sico. A bunch crawling through the hallways, groaning, snapping at anything that moves. But nothing we can't handle. No special circumstances, just the usual troublemakers. Bones and Marlowe are clearing rooms, Wren's slicing through the thickest ones like butter, and Ace… well, Ace is Ace, moving like a shadow through the corridors."
Sico allowed himself a brief nod, though no one could see it over the radio. "Good. Keep the perimeter secure. Make sure no one gets cornered. And Hancock… take note of anything fragile or crucial. Medical supplies are our priority, and we cannot afford damage."
"Already on it," Hancock replied, his voice carrying a subtle grin that Sico could almost hear. "Curie would be proud. We're treating this place like a museum, only with more firepower. We'll gather what we can and move fast. Should be back before dark if nothing goes sideways."
Sico exhaled slowly, tension easing fractionally as he pictured the team moving through the ruins, methodical and precise despite the chaos around them. He could almost see Hancock standing at the center of a hallway, coat swaying, his team fanning out to secure each room, the flickering sunlight through shattered windows catching on the glint of weapons and polished steel instruments.
"Good," Sico said finally, his voice firm. "Remember, Hancock, safety first. Supplies second. I don't care how tempting it is to push further than you need. We need everyone alive."
Hancock's laughter echoed faintly through the radio, rough but warm. "You worry too much, Sico. I've got this. They won't even know we're here until we're gone. But thanks for the reminder, we'll be careful."
Sico leaned back in his chair, fingers resting lightly on the radio, the faint static now a familiar companion. "Keep me updated every hour," he said. "Even small details matter."
"You got it," Hancock replied. "We'll make it count."
The connection ended with a brief crackle, leaving only the low hum of Sanctuary's generators in the office. Sico exhaled, allowing himself a fraction of the relief that came with knowing his people were in capable hands. But there was no time to linger on comfort. The next hours would be crucial; even as Hancock and his team worked inside the hospital ruins, Curie and Sarah were preparing Sanctuary for the arrival of supplies, and Preston was overseeing every detail of the community's security.
Curie looked at Sico, her brow slightly furrowed but her voice calm and precise. "Sico, we must also consider the structural integrity of the hospital. Some areas may be unstable after so many years. If the scavengers are not careful, they may trigger collapses that could block exits or injure them."
Sico nodded, appreciating her insight. "Agreed. Hancock knows enough to proceed cautiously, but I will reinforce the message. No risk that isn't calculated."
"And the ghouls?" Curie pressed gently. "Even if they can be handled, they could draw unwanted attention if the noises echo outside. Other factions… they may hear."
"That's why Hancock has them clearing systematically," Sico said, voice steady but thoughtful. "They're using suppressed firearms and melee when possible, minimizing noise. The team understands the stakes. Nothing sloppy, nothing reckless."
Curie's eyes softened briefly. "Good. They have experience, yes, but the situation is… unpredictable."
Sico allowed a faint, tight smile. "All the more reason we maintain constant communication. Every move, every observation, every obstacle—reported immediately. That is how we prevent surprises from becoming disasters."
Curie nodded once, folding her hands neatly in her lap. The small movements she made, subtle and controlled, conveyed both care and readiness, a quiet reassurance that she understood the delicate balance of risk and necessity.
Sico's gaze swept the room, taking in the focused expressions of Curie, Sarah, and Preston. Each person carried a unique weight, but also a singular understanding: Sanctuary's survival relied on their competence, their attention, and their willingness to act without hesitation.
"Prepare for extraction protocols," he said finally, his voice calm but unwavering. "Once Hancock's team has the supplies, they'll need immediate transport out, and we cannot have delays. Curie, ensure triage areas are fully functional. Sarah, monitor the perimeter and all communications. Preston, oversee the safe passage from the hospital back to the truck and then into Sanctuary's storage."
"All accounted for," Preston replied softly. "We will move with precision. No room for error."
Curie's lips pressed into a thin line as she considered the tasks ahead. "The moment supplies arrive, every procedure must be executed without deviation. That is how we maintain control and prevent loss."
Sico nodded, feeling the steady hum of focus settle over the office like a blanket. He allowed himself a brief glance toward the distant horizon, imagining Hancock's team navigating the hospital ruins with Ace moving like a shadow through narrow corridors, Wren's knives glinting in the dim light as she methodically cleared each hallway, Bones and Marlowe working in tandem to secure each room while fending off feral ghouls. He imagined the clatter of supplies being gathered, the careful packing and loading, the quiet pride in knowing that every item would make a difference once safely back at Sanctuary.
"Yes," he murmured to himself, voice soft but resolute. "We can handle this. We will handle this. And tomorrow, Sanctuary will have what it needs to survive another week, another month, perhaps longer. All because we act with foresight, precision, and care."
Sico's hand lingered over the radio, the low hum of the Sanctuary generators and the distant shuffle of workers outside providing an oddly comforting rhythm against the tension he had carried all morning. He hadn't expected the next call to come so soon, but the crackle of static followed by Hancock's voice brought that familiar thrill of anticipation and the sharp, present reminder of responsibility.
"Sico? You there?" Hancock's voice sounded rougher now, edged with a mixture of fatigue and triumph. "We've cleared the hospital. Every hallway, every operating theater, every storage closet we could find. And… Sico, you're not going to believe this."
Sico straightened, the tension returning to his shoulders, though now it was tempered by hope. "Go on, Hancock," he said, voice steady but curious.
The crackle of the radio filled the pause before Hancock continued, almost reverently. "There's a storage area, hidden behind a false wall in what looks like the main wing. Shelves and shelves… stacked with untouched medical supplies. Bandages, surgical kits, Med-X, antiseptics… the works. Could be months' or maybe years of worth for us, Sico. But there's a problem. There's no way we can carry it all with just one truck. Not without leaving half behind."
Sico's mind raced, mapping the logistics of the situation against the limits of their current resources. The discovery was monumental, but it came with its own complications. "I understand," he replied carefully, thinking aloud. "If the supplies are intact and usable, we cannot leave them behind. We'll need to send two or possibly three trucks. This cannot be a partial retrieval. We need the full cache."
Hancock's laugh crackled faintly through the radio, a dry, tired sound. "I knew you'd see it my way, Sico. We've cleared the ghouls, barricaded weak spots, and packed what we could. But trust me, there's more than enough in that storage room to tip Sanctuary's medical stocks into the green for months. We just… we need a bigger hand for the extraction."
Sico's gaze swept the office, taking in the determined faces of Curie, Sarah, and Preston. He knew that if they moved quickly, precisely, they could make this work. But the plan had to be flawless. No loose ends, no surprises. He pressed the talk button again.
"Hancock," he said firmly, "we will send additional trucks. I want full extraction. No item left behind if it's usable. I'll prepare a convoy and send a security detail with you to ensure nothing goes wrong."
"Perfect," Hancock replied, his tone lifting, almost relieved. "I knew I could count on you. We'll make it quick, Sico. The place… it's like a treasure trove. And don't worry, nothing will get damaged under our watch. Bones, Marlowe, Wren, Ace—we've got this."
Sico ended the transmission and turned to Preston, who had been standing silently, already anticipating the next directive. "Preston," Sico began, the weight of command settling onto his shoulders with precise clarity, "we need three trucks ready immediately. Load points, access routes, and clear paths from the hospital to Sanctuary. Time is crucial; we cannot afford delays."
Preston's eyes lit with the familiar spark of strategic planning. "Understood, Sico. I'll mobilize the drivers, check the trucks, and ensure fuel and cargo integrity. And the security?"
"Thirty soldiers," Sico said, without hesitation. "They'll travel with the convoy and provide perimeter security both at the hospital and along the return route. No shortcuts, no lapses. The Brotherhood or any opportunistic faction won't even know we're moving. Maintain stealth until we're safely inside Sanctuary."
Preston nodded, already mentally mapping positions and patrols. "Convoy formation, escort points, fallback positions… I've got it covered. Soldiers will be briefed to maintain radio silence except for essential updates. We'll move like shadows, fast and coordinated."
Curie, who had been standing slightly behind Sico, adjusted her posture, hands clasped in front of her. "And once the supplies arrive?" she asked softly, voice deliberate. "We must be prepared to process them immediately. Sterile areas, triage stations, and inventory lines must be ready. Any delay could compromise the integrity of the supplies or, worse, the safety of the team."
Sico's expression softened slightly, grateful for her unwavering focus and foresight. "Exactly, Curie. That's why we have to ensure every station is operational and every person assigned knows their task. From the moment those trucks pull into the perimeter, every second counts. I want no confusion, no hesitation."
Curie's lips pressed into a thin line as she nodded. "I will oversee the organization personally. Every item cataloged, every package sterilized, every kit accounted for. We cannot afford even the smallest error."
Sarah stepped forward, communicator in hand, her voice precise, calm, but laced with determination. "I'll coordinate with the drivers and ensure the route remains secure. Secondary observers along the path will relay any anomalies immediately. Magnolia can oversee the handoff without drawing attention, ensuring the traders and delivery teams act as if it is just another routine transaction."
Sico allowed a faint, approving nod. "Good. That way, even as we maximize the amount we bring back, no one suspects the value of the cargo. We're moving more than supplies; we're preserving the appearance of stability. Perception is as important as the extraction itself."
Preston, who had been quietly calculating numbers and logistics in his head, added, "With thirty soldiers, the trucks, and a staggered departure time, we can coordinate a rolling convoy. That will allow us to respond if anything goes wrong, but we maintain maximum efficiency. We'll keep the ghouls and any prying eyes at bay without making it obvious we are operating on a heightened alert."
Sico took a slow breath, letting the weight of the strategy settle over him. Every move, every precaution, every contingency had to be accounted for, and yet, there was a thin thread of exhilaration that ran beneath the careful planning. Hancock's team had cleared the hospital, discovered a cache of supplies that could change the balance for Sanctuary, and all that remained was to ensure the safe transfer.
"Curie," he said, turning to her, "once the convoy arrives, we will need you to immediately establish triage and distribution points. Bandages, Med-X, sutures, disinfectants… every item in its designated area. Teams will be waiting to inventory, sterilize, and allocate according to priority. I want the process so smooth that no one even pauses to question it."
Curie's expression sharpened, a faint gleam of determination in her eyes. "Understood, Sico. I'll assign teams now. Each station will have a leader, each item will have a precise location. Nothing will be misplaced or delayed."
Sico's gaze returned to the window, watching the faint shimmer of morning light across the yard. He could almost imagine Hancock and his scavengers inside the hospital, moving like ghosts through the long-abandoned hallways, their careful hands brushing against shelves, opening cabinets, and cataloging the bounty of untouched supplies. The feral ghouls scattered and snapped, yet none were able to halt the methodical, precise work of a team who had grown accustomed to the harsh unpredictability of the Commonwealth.
"Sarah," Sico said, his tone thoughtful but firm, "maintain constant communication with Magnolia. The less friction we have in handling the traders, the smoother the extraction. Ensure they understand every step and that no unusual movement draws attention. This operation relies on subtlety as much as force."
Sarah's eyes, steady and unwavering, met his. "Already coordinated, Sico. Secondary teams along the route are aware and ready to relay updates discreetly. By the time the convoy reaches Sanctuary, every variable will have been anticipated."
Sico allowed himself a faint nod, internalizing the sense of calm that came with knowing the pieces were moving in synchrony. Yet beneath that calm was the hum of urgency. Every element from the ghouls lurking in shadowed hallways to the potential eyes of rival factions, from the mechanical complexity of trucks to the meticulous coordination of traders was a thread in a fragile, intricate web. One misstep could unravel it all.
"Preston," Sico said, returning his attention to him, "coordinate with the soldiers. Each man must know his position, every contingency, every signal. We will leave nothing to chance. The hospital is cleared, yes, but the journey back will be just as critical as the discovery itself."
Preston's jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of focus sharpening his otherwise calm demeanor. "I've already mapped out defensive positions, fallback points, and response sequences. Soldiers will be briefed to anticipate every eventuality, from ghouls to raiders. Nothing surprises us, Sico. We adapt, we overcome, and we secure the convoy."
Sico exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair, fingers lightly tapping the edge of the desk. He allowed a moment to absorb the collective determination of his team, feeling the weight of responsibility and the spark of hope coexisting in the same space. Hancock's team was out there, moving carefully, retrieving supplies that could mean the difference between weeks of scarcity and months of relative stability for Sanctuary. And here, in this quiet, sunlit office, the gears of preparation and strategy were turning with precision, ensuring that every step of the journey—from discovery to arrival—would be executed with care, foresight, and unwavering commitment.
Finally, Sico pressed a hand gently against the radio, his mind already anticipating the next steps. "Once the convoy is in motion," he said aloud to himself, a subtle edge of resolve threading through his words, "we must watch, we must coordinate, and we must be ready for every possibility. Today, we don't just secure supplies. We secure survival."
And with that, the office fell into a focused quiet, each person preparing silently but deliberately for the operation that would begin as soon as the first truck rumbled out toward the hospital and Hancock's team started loading the untouched medical supplies that promised to be the lifeline Sanctuary desperately needed.
________________________________________________
• 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:-