If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
Sico exhaled slowly, glancing toward the horizon. Diamond City stood in the distance, bathed in morning light. The battle hadn't begun yet—but the pieces were in place. And soon, McDonough would fall.
The convoy rolled through the uneven road path leading to Diamond City's checkpoint gate, a cloud of dust rising in its wake. The Minutemen trucks and Humvees, their rugged exteriors bearing the scars of countless battles, rumbled forward in an orderly formation. The lead vehicle—a battered but reliable troop carrier—slowed as they approached the main entrance.
Sico sat in the front passenger seat, his expression unreadable as he gazed at the high walls of Diamond City looming ahead. The settlement, built inside the remnants of Fenway Park, had been a beacon of civilization in the wasteland for years. But today, it was the stage for something far bigger than a baseball game.
A lone security guard stepped forward from the checkpoint booth, his rifle slung lazily over his shoulder. His posture stiffened the moment his eyes landed on the approaching convoy. The sheer number of armed Minutemen was enough to send alarm beringing in his head.
Sico signaled for the convoy to halt, the vehicles grinding to a stop with a low rumble. Dust swirled in the morning air as he stepped out, adjusting his coat as he approached the checkpoint. The guard, a young man with nervous eyes and a patchy beard, shifted uncomfortably as Sico neared. His hand hovered over his holster, not quite drawing his weapon, but not completely at ease either.
"H-Hey," the guard started, clearing his throat. "What's all this about? That's… a lot of firepower just to be passing through."
Sico put on his best nonchalant expression, leaning slightly against the rusted metal of the checkpoint booth. "Relax, we're just here to resupply. Been running patrols out near Lexington, and we need to stock up before heading back out." His tone was casual, but firm—just enough confidence to make it believable, but not so much that it felt rehearsed.
The guard's eyes darted between Sico and the convoy, his unease growing. "Uh-huh… right. Look, I gotta check with Mayor McDonough before I can let you guys through. Y'know, protocol and all." He reached for the old radio strapped to his vest.
Sico's jaw tightened, though he kept his face carefully neutral. The last thing they needed was McDonough catching wind of this before they were inside.
He exhaled, forcing a chuckle. "Come on, man. We both know how long McDonough takes to answer his damn radio. You want us sitting here all day?" He gestured toward the convoy. "We're just here to refuel, grab some supplies, and we'll be out of your hair before lunchtime."
The guard hesitated. He wasn't an idiot—something about this felt off. But at the same time, he didn't get paid enough to argue with a whole damn army.
"I dunno…" he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
Sico leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make it seem like he was letting the guy in on something. "Look, between you and me? We just ran into some Gunners out west. Lost a few men. Do you really want to make us sit out here, twiddling our thumbs, when we could be inside getting patched up?"
The mention of Gunners made the guard visibly tense. Everyone in the Commonwealth knew how brutal they could be.
Finally, he sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Fine. But if anyone asks, I didn't see anything."
Sico clapped him on the shoulder. "Smart man."
He turned back to the convoy, signaling to move forward. One by one, the trucks and Humvees rolled past the checkpoint, disappearing into the massive checkpoint gates of Diamond City.
As the Minutemen vehicles entered the entrance city, they split up according to plan. They parked near the entrance, blending in as traders and mercenaries. Then moved toward strategic positions—the power grid, the security office, and the alleyways surrounding McDonough's headquarters.
Sico stepped down from his truck, taking in the city around him. The early morning crowd had already begun to gather in the marketplace, vendors setting up their stalls while citizens went about their daily business. People shot wary glances at the Minutemen, murmuring among themselves.
"Eyes on us," Preston muttered, stepping up beside Sico.
Sico smirked. "Good. Let them wonder. Just stick to the plan."
Sarah joined them, her sharp eyes scanning the rooftops. "Snipers are still in place. No signs of trouble yet."
Sico nodded. "Then we move fast."
The first phase had gone smoothly, but the real work was about to begin.
Sico rolled his shoulders, glancing around Diamond City's bustling marketplace. The early morning sun glinted off rusted metal roofs, casting long shadows over the dirt-packed streets. Despite the usual hum of trade and conversation, there was an undercurrent of unease in the air. The presence of so many armed Minutemen was not something the citizens could easily ignore.
He turned to Sarah, who was standing next to him, her rifle slung casually over her shoulder. "I need you to head up to the Colonial Taphouse," he said in a low voice. "Check in with Robert and MacCready. Make sure everything's running smooth with the Commandos up there. If anything seems off, I want to know immediately."
Sarah gave a sharp nod. "On it." Without another word, she adjusted her gear and disappeared into the crowd, making her way toward the upper stands where the Taphouse overlooked the market below.
Next, Sico turned to Preston, who had been scanning the perimeter, his keen eyes picking up on every minor movement. "Preston, take a few of our guys and sweep the area. I want to know if the security guards are watching us too closely. If they're whispering into their radios or calling for backup, I want to know before it becomes a problem."
Preston frowned slightly but nodded. "And McDonough?"
"If he's not making a scene out here, he's in his office," Sico said. "See if there's any sign of him near the marketplace. If not, we'll assume he's holed up where we expected."
Preston adjusted his hat. "Got it. We'll be discreet."
"Good." Sico clapped him on the shoulder before watching him stride off, a handful of Minutemen trailing behind.
With his key people moving into position, Sico allowed himself a moment to take in the situation. Diamond City had always had a strange energy—part old-world civilization, part frontier town, and part fortress. It was safe by wasteland standards, but that safety had come at a price.
And today, that price was about to be collected.
Sarah moved with purpose, weaving through the early-morning foot traffic. The Colonial Taphouse was perched at the upper stands of Diamond City, offering a clear view of the marketplace below. It was a high-class drinking hole by wasteland standards, catering mostly to the wealthier residents of the city.
She climbed the metal stairs leading up to the entrance, her boots clanking against the rusted steps. The moment she stepped inside, her sharp eyes flicked around the room, searching for familiar faces.
Robert was already seated at a booth near the window, his posture relaxed but his eyes watchful. MacCready was standing near the bar, pretending to chat with one of the local patrons, though his gaze frequently flicked toward the entrance.
Sarah strode over, sliding into the booth across from Robert. "Everything in place?" she asked quietly.
Robert gave a small nod. "We've got snipers covering the key locations. MacCready's got eyes on the power grid, and I've got two guys keeping watch on the mayor's office. So far, no sign that anyone suspects what's coming."
Sarah glanced toward MacCready, who gave her a small, casual nod in return. She turned back to Robert. "And the Commandos?"
"They're ready to move," Robert assured her. "As soon as Sico gives the signal."
Sarah exhaled through her nose, nodding. "Good. Keep watching for any changes. We're sweeping the marketplace now to confirm McDonough's location."
Robert smirked slightly. "Don't worry. If the bastard so much as opens a window, we'll know."
Satisfied, Sarah stood up and made her way toward the exit. They were set up. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment.
Preston moved through the market with a careful but casual pace. He wasn't about to go stomping around like a soldier looking for a fight—too much attention would just make people nervous. Instead, he and the few Minutemen with him blended in, pretending to browse the stalls while keeping an eye on the security forces.
It didn't take long to spot the guards watching them. A trio of them stood near the entrance to the security office, talking in low voices. Every now and then, one of them would glance toward the Minutemen trucks, their expressions tight.
"They know something's off," one of Preston's men muttered under his breath.
Preston nodded slightly. "Yeah. But they're not making a move yet."
The lack of immediate response from McDonough's forces was either a good sign or a very bad one. If the mayor wasn't rushing to shut the gates or send in reinforcements, it could mean he was unaware of the Minutemen's true purpose.
Or it could mean he was waiting for something.
"Any sign of McDonough?" Preston asked.
His men shook their heads. "No. No speeches, no public appearances. Nothing."
"Then he's in his office," Preston muttered. "Just like we thought."
He turned and started making his way back toward Sico's position. The pieces were falling into place. Now, all that was left was to make their move.
Sico was leaning against a supply crate when Preston returned, his expression serious.
"McDonough's in his office," Preston confirmed. "Security's watching us, but they haven't called for backup yet."
Sarah arrived a moment later, nodding to signal that Robert and MacCready were in position.
Sico took a deep breath. Everything was set.
"Alright," he said. "Then let's finish this."
He reached for his radio, pressing the transmitter.
"All teams, this is Sico. The operation is a go."
A brief pause.
Then Robert's voice crackled through the speaker. "Copy that. Moving into position."
MacCready followed. "Targets in sight. We're locked and loaded."
Sico exhaled slowly, glancing toward Preston and Sarah. "Let's go take our city back."
Sico's eyes swept across Diamond City's bustling marketplace one last time before shifting his focus back to Preston and Sarah. The air was thick with tension, the city's residents casting uneasy glances at the armed Minutemen stationed throughout the area. The moment had finally come.
He stepped forward, his voice low but firm. "Preston, Sarah—you each take 150 soldiers and encircle McDonough's office. Move slow, keep it controlled. If the security guards don't resist, capture them. If they fight…" He met their gazes, his expression hardening. "Eliminate them."
Preston nodded, his face grim. He understood what needed to be done. "We'll keep it quiet as long as we can."
Sarah checked her rifle, her expression unreadable. "We'll handle it."
Sico exhaled, adjusting the grip on his weapon. "Good. I'll take the remaining 200 and head straight for the marketplace." His jaw clenched as he glanced around the city's main square, where vendors and traders were still trying to go about their business despite the unmistakable tension. "It's time they knew the truth."
Without another word, Preston and Sarah turned on their heels, signaling their forces to begin moving.
Sico squared his shoulders and strode toward the center of the marketplace, his boots echoing against the metal walkways. The 200 Minutemen under his command followed closely behind, their presence an undeniable show of force. As he reached the heart of Diamond City, he climbed atop a rusted crate and raised his voice.
"Citizens of Diamond City!" His voice rang out, silencing the murmur of the crowd. Heads turned, faces filled with uncertainty and fear. He could feel their unease, their suspicion—but he wasn't here to ask for their trust. He was here to give them the truth.
"The Minutemen are here to free you from a Synth reign! Your so-called mayor, McDonough, is not who he claims to be. He is a Synth, an imposter placed here to control you!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some people exchanged nervous glances, while others scoffed, shaking their heads in disbelief.
Sico raised a hand, silencing any murmurs before they could grow. "You've seen the way he rules. The way he plays favorites, punishes those who question him, and keeps the truth hidden from you. This city was built to be a haven, but under McDonough, it's become a prison!"
A few voices in the crowd shouted back.
"This is bullshit! The mayor's done more for this city than you have!"
"This is just a power grab!"
Sico held up a hand, his voice never wavering. "You don't have to believe me. But I'll give you a choice. Any civilian who wants to stay safe—get inside your homes. Lock your doors, stay out of the way. If you stay outside, then we'll take that as a sign that you stand against the Minutemen and with McDonough."
A beat of silence. Then, movement rippled through the crowd as some people hurried toward their homes, dragging their families inside. Others, however, remained in the streets, their expressions dark with defiance.
Sico's jaw tightened. He had expected resistance, but it still stung to see people choosing to stand with the man who had been lying to them for years.
A gunshot cracked through the tense air.
A Minuteman staggered back, blood blossoming from his shoulder.
"Sniper!" someone shouted.
Instantly, chaos erupted. Minutemen raised their weapons, some ducking behind cover while others scanned the rooftops for the shooter.
"Find them!" Sico barked. He turned to the soldiers nearest to him. "Push forward! Keep the civilians safe, but take down anyone who stands against us!"
His men surged into action, sweeping through the marketplace as more gunfire erupted. Some of McDonough's loyalists had decided to fight, and the Minutemen were ready.
Meanwhile, Preston and Sarah had begun their encirclement of McDonough's office.
Preston moved through the narrow alleys with precision, his soldiers following close behind. The security guards at the perimeter had already noticed the Minutemen's movements, their hands drifting toward their weapons.
"Hold," Preston ordered. He raised his rifle but didn't fire yet.
One of the security guards, an older man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. "What the hell is this? You don't just roll up on the mayor's office like this unless you're looking for a fight."
Preston's voice was steady. "We're here to remove McDonough. We know what he is. You can stand down, or you can go down. Your choice."
The guards exchanged nervous glances. Some of them hesitated—but others? They were already drawing their weapons.
"Damn it," Preston muttered. "Take 'em down!"
Gunfire erupted as the Minutemen engaged the security forces. Some of the guards were overwhelmed quickly, realizing they were outnumbered and surrendering. Others fought to the bitter end.
Sarah, meanwhile, had led her troops around the opposite side, cutting off any escape routes. She watched as Preston's team engaged the guards, then spotted movement near one of the office's side doors.
"Not today," she muttered. Raising her rifle, she fired a single shot, hitting a guard square in the leg just as he tried to slip inside. He crumpled to the ground, his weapon skidding away.
"Move in!" Sarah ordered, signaling her team to advance.
Inside the mayor's office, McDonough was pacing furiously, his face twisted in rage. "Damn them! DAMN THEM!" He slammed his fist against his desk.
A nervous assistant hovered nearby. "S-Sir, we need to get you out of here—"
McDonough whirled on him, eyes blazing with barely-contained fury. "Do I look like I'm in the mood for your pathetic whining?!"
The building shook as another explosion rocked the city. The sound of gunfire was drawing closer.
The mayor's face twisted into something inhuman for a moment. His disguise was slipping. He wasn't just a corrupt politician—he was a Synth.
And his time was running out.
—
Sico pushed forward through the marketplace, cutting down any opposition that dared to stand against them. Most of the civilians had gone into hiding, but a handful of die-hard McDonough loyalists were still fighting back.
He reloaded his rifle, glancing up toward the mayor's office. Smoke was rising from the upper floors.
Then his radio crackled to life.
"Sico, this is Preston. We've breached the office. McDonough's still inside, but he's cornered."
Sico exhaled, nodding to himself. "Good. Hold your position—I'm on my way."
He turned to his men. "We end this now."
With his rifle in hand and his soldiers at his back, Sico marched toward the final confrontation.
________________________________________________
• 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:-