Chapter 448: 414. The Progress of Upgrading the EMP Device and New Invention
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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.
The following morning, Sico woke before dawn, his mind already buzzing with the day's agenda. The cool air of Sanctuary was quiet, save for the faint hum of activity in the distance. Pulling on his jacket, he grabbed a quick breakfast—a piece of brahmin jerky and a flask of purified water—before heading out. Today's visit to the Science Department held particular importance.
Mel and Albert, the Minutemen's brightest minds, were at the forefront of technological development. Their work wasn't just about keeping pace with the Brotherhood of Steel or the Institute; it was about surpassing them. Between the EMP device designed to counteract the Institute's teleportation, the Arc Launcher for crowd control, the stealth field, and the Freedom Exosuit, they were laying the foundation for the Minutemen's technological edge.
The Science Department was housed in a sprawling structure on the edge of Sanctuary. It had once been a pre-war factory, but Mel and Albert had transformed it into a hub of innovation. As Sico approached, the sounds of clanging metal and muffled voices grew louder. Inside, the space was alive with activity—engineers and technicians moved between workbenches, their hands deftly assembling and testing equipment.
Mel spotted him first, waving from across the room. "Sico! Perfect timing. We were just about to test the EMP device."
Albert, hunched over a console nearby, looked up and grinned. "Morning, General. Ready to see some magic?"
Sico smiled, stepping closer. "I've been looking forward to this. Let's start with the EMP. How's the progress?"
Mel led him to a large table where the EMP device was laid out. Its sleek, compact design was a far cry from the bulky prototypes they'd started with. "We've managed to reduce the size significantly," Mel explained, picking up the device. "It's now small enough to be carried by a single soldier, and it can be deployed in under a minute."
Albert chimed in, his enthusiasm evident. "The range is up to 300 meters, and it's powerful enough to disable anything from synths to advanced robotics. We've even tested it on captured Brotherhood drones—it fried their systems instantly."
Sico examined the device, impressed. "And what about recharge time? Can it be used in quick succession?"
Mel nodded. "We've integrated a capacitor system that allows for multiple uses before needing a full recharge. It's not infinite, but it's efficient. We're also working on a portable power pack to extend its usability in the field."
"Good," Sico said, placing the device back on the table. "This will give us a significant edge against the Institute. What's next on the list?"
Albert motioned toward another section of the room, where a group of engineers was gathered around a long, rifle-like weapon. "The Arc Launcher."
The weapon was sleek and futuristic, its design a blend of pre-war technology and post-apocalyptic ingenuity. Albert picked it up, his voice brimming with pride. "This beauty is designed for crowd control. It fires a concentrated bolt of electricity that can disable multiple targets at once—perfect for dealing with hostile groups or non-lethal engagements."
Sico raised an eyebrow. "Non-lethal? I didn't think that would be a priority."
Mel shrugged. "It's about versatility. There are situations where taking prisoners or neutralizing threats without killing them can be advantageous. Plus, the Arc Launcher isn't entirely harmless—it can be dialed up to lethal levels if needed."
Albert gestured toward a test dummy set up across the room. "Care to see it in action?"
Sico nodded, stepping back as Albert aimed the Arc Launcher. A faint hum filled the air as the weapon powered up, followed by a crackling burst of electricity. The bolt arced through the air, striking the dummy and sending a ripple of blue light across its surface. Nearby equipment sparked and flickered, underscoring the weapon's power.
"Impressive," Sico said, crossing his arms. "How many of these can we produce?"
Mel scratched his head. "We've got the resources to make about 50 right now, but with more scavenged materials and components, we can ramp up production. The tricky part is the energy cells—they're specialized and not easy to come by."
Sico made a mental note to prioritize energy cells on future scavenging missions. "Alright. Let's move on to the stealth field."
Mel led him to a smaller table where a compact, belt-like device was being calibrated. "This is the stealth field generator," he explained. "It's designed to create a temporary cloak around the wearer, rendering them invisible to the naked eye and most detection systems."
Albert added, "It's not perfect—it drains power quickly, so it's best used for brief periods. But for infiltration or evasion, it's a game-changer."
Sico inspected the device closely. "How long does it last on a full charge?"
"About two minutes," Mel said. "But we're working on improving that. The prototype's been tested in simulated scenarios, and the results are promising."
Satisfied, Sico turned to the last project on his list. "And the Freedom Exosuit?"
Mel's face lit up. "Ah, the crown jewel. Follow me."
They walked to a large workstation where the Exosuit stood—a sleek, imposing frame of reinforced alloys and composite materials. It was designed to enhance the wearer's strength, speed, and endurance, effectively turning an ordinary soldier into a one-person army.
"The Freedom Exosuit is still in development," Mel admitted, "but the prototypes are functional. It's equipped with servo-motors for increased mobility, integrated HUDs for battlefield awareness, and armor plating strong enough to withstand most conventional weapons."
Albert tapped on a nearby console, bringing up a schematic of the suit. "We're also adding modular attachments—things like flamethrowers, grenade launchers, and medical kits. The idea is to tailor the suit to the mission."
Sico walked around the Exosuit, his mind racing with possibilities. "How many do we have?"
"Just three prototypes so far," Mel said. "They're resource-intensive to produce, but once we refine the design, we should be able to scale up."
Sico turned to face Mel and Albert, his expression serious. "These advancements are incredible, but they won't mean much if we can't get them into the field quickly. What do you need from me to accelerate production?"
Mel hesitated for a moment before speaking. "We need more materials—fusion cores, circuitry, advanced polymers. And we could use more hands. The team's been working around the clock, but we're stretched thin."
Albert nodded. "If you can allocate more resources and manpower, we can speed things up. These projects are the future of the Minutemen, and we're ready to put in the work."
Sico placed a hand on Mel's shoulder. "Consider it done. I'll make sure you have what you need. The Minutemen's survival—and the Commonwealth's future—depends on your work."
As Sico left the Science Department, his boots crunching against the gravel pathways of Sanctuary, the weight of responsibility sat heavy on his shoulders. The advancements Mel and Albert had made were nothing short of groundbreaking, but he knew they needed help to take these innovations from prototypes to battlefield-ready gear. That was why his next stop was so critical.
Magnolia, one of the Minutemen's most organized and reliable administrators, oversaw new arrivals to Sanctuary. Her role was essential—vetting settlers, assigning roles, and ensuring the growing community remained stable. If there were people with technical skills among the newcomers, Magnolia would know.
Sanctuary's administrative hub was a refurbished pre-war community center. The interior buzzed with activity as settlers lined up at counters, filling out forms or discussing housing assignments. Magnolia stood at the front desk, her sharp eyes scanning the room as she directed the flow of people. Despite the chaos, she exuded calm authority.
"General," she greeted as Sico approached, setting down a clipboard. "What brings you here this early?"
Sico leaned against the counter, his tone businesslike but friendly. "Morning, Magnolia. I need your help. Mel and Albert are doing incredible work in the Science Department, but they're stretched thin. They need more hands—people with technical skills who can help with research and development. Do we have anyone among the new settlers who might fit the bill?"
Magnolia pursed her lips, thoughtful. "We've had a steady stream of new arrivals lately, and some of them do mention technical or engineering experience in their intake interviews. I've been categorizing skills as best I can, but I can pull up the latest list and see who stands out."
She reached for a ledger on the counter, flipping through its pages. The entries were neat and meticulous, each settler's name followed by a brief description of their skills and background.
"There's this one guy," she began, tapping a name with her pen. "Elliot Grayson. A man who turn into a ghoul that work as an electrician before the war and claims to have tinkered with robotics in his spare time. Then there's Maria Chen—she was an engineer specializing in hydraulics. And oh, here's a wildcard—Derrick Monroe. He's a bit of a scavenger type but says he's good with repairing and modifying energy weapons. Could be worth a shot."
Sico nodded, taking in the names. "Good leads. Here's what I need you to do. Reach out to them—and anyone else you think might qualify. Tell them the Science Department is looking for recruits. Mel and Albert will test their skills, and if they're good enough, they'll join the team. We need to expand our manpower to keep up with the workload."
Magnolia smiled, already jotting down notes. "Consider it done. I'll organize a meeting with the potential recruits and brief them on what the Science Department is about. With everything going on, I imagine some of them will jump at the opportunity to contribute in a big way."
"Thanks, Magnolia," Sico said sincerely. "You've been a cornerstone of Sanctuary, and we couldn't do this without you."
She chuckled lightly. "Flattery will get you everywhere, General. But seriously, it's nice to see the community growing into something real. I'll have a report for you by the end of the day."
Sico nodded and turned to leave, but Magnolia's voice stopped him. "Oh, and Sico? Take care of yourself too. You've been burning the candle at both ends lately."
He gave her a small smile. "I'll try. Thanks, Magnolia."
By the time Sico returned to his quarters, the sun was high in the sky, casting warm light over Sanctuary. He allowed himself a brief moment of rest, sitting by the window and watching settlers go about their day. Families carried supplies to newly built homes, farmers worked in the fields, and guards patrolled the perimeter. It was a sight that filled him with pride—and reminded him of what was at stake.
Later that afternoon, Sico received a message from Magnolia. The meeting with the potential recruits had been set up, and Mel and Albert were ready to begin the evaluations. Sico decided to drop by the Science Department again to observe.
When he arrived, the workshop was busier than ever. Mel and Albert stood near a makeshift interview area, their faces a mix of excitement and determination. A small group of settlers had gathered, each one clutching tools, blueprints, or other items that spoke to their skills.
"General," Mel greeted, waving him over. "We've got some promising candidates here. Care to sit in?"
Sico nodded, stepping into the circle. "Let's see what they've got."
The first to step forward was Elliot Grayson, the former electrician. His calm demeanor and steady hands spoke of years of experience. He presented a small device he'd built—a compact generator that ran on salvaged materials. Mel and Albert peppered him with technical questions, which he answered with ease.
Next came Maria Chen, the hydraulic engineer. She explained her background in designing systems for industrial machinery and even sketched out a concept for improving the servo-motors in the Freedom Exosuit. Albert was visibly impressed, nodding enthusiastically as she spoke.
Derrick Monroe was the last to step forward. His rough exterior and scavenger's gear gave the impression of a drifter, but his knowledge of energy weapons was undeniable. He demonstrated a modified plasma pistol he'd rebuilt from scrap, explaining the intricacies of its firing mechanism.
As the evaluations wrapped up, Mel and Albert pulled Sico aside. "They're good," Albert said. "All three of them have skills we can use."
Mel nodded. "If we can train them to work as a team and integrate them into the department, it'll be a huge boost."
Sico turned to the recruits, his voice firm but encouraging. "Welcome to the Science Department. You're joining the heart of our efforts to protect the Commonwealth. The work will be demanding, but if you give it your all, you'll be making a difference."
The recruits nodded, their expressions a mix of pride and determination.
As the day wound down, Sico found himself back in his quarters, reflecting on the progress they'd made. The Science Department had new recruits, the Commandos were shaping up to be a formidable force, and Sanctuary was thriving. But he knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges.
Looking out at the glowing lights of Sanctuary, Sico felt a surge of hope. Together, they were building something greater than any one of them could achieve alone—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:-