If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my P-Tang12!!!
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(A/N: Don't forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
...
Two difficult expeditions had ended exactly as he had hoped, as every soldier had returned home.
The following morning began quietly at the Vim!
A pale golden sunrise spread across the Island, its light reflecting off the calm waters beyond the Republic's walls. The previous day's celebrations had already settled into routine. Mechanics were back beneath raised Humvees with grease-covered hands. Engineers continued reinforcing barricades. Cooks prepared breakfast for the morning shift while patrols rotated through the gates with the same discipline that had become the Republic's standard.
Inside headquarters, the atmosphere was just as steady.
Reports from Captain Walker's expedition had already been filed.
Captain Brooks' report had joined them only hours earlier.
Both missions had ended successfully.
For the first time since arriving on Mount Desert Island, two of the Republic's most dangerous objectives had been secured behind the thick steel door of Commander Sico's office safe.
Sico sat alone behind his desk, reading through Rebecca's neatly organized mission summaries one final time.
He closed the folder slowly.
His eyes drifted toward the campaign map hanging across the opposite wall.
Several locations had now been marked with small green pins.
Harbor Grand Hotel.
Fringe Cove Docks.
The Nucleus.
Each represented another step toward bringing order to an island that had spent generations consumed by fear, suspicion and violence.
Only one matter continued to weigh on his mind.
Acadia.
More specifically…
DiMA.
Sico leaned back in his chair for a long moment.
Ever since recovering the memories hidden beneath the Nucleus, the questions surrounding DiMA had become impossible to ignore.
Kasumi Nakano deserved answers.
So did Far Harbor.
And so did the memory of Captain Avery.
He remembered Nick Valentine's words from their previous radio conversation.
"Talk to DiMA before making any decisions."
It had seemed like the right approach then.
It still did.
Sico reached for the long-range field radio positioned on the corner of his desk.
The communications equipment had become one of the busiest pieces of equipment inside headquarters over the past several weeks.
He adjusted the frequency.
Static filled the office.
Outside, the headquarters continued waking up, unaware of the conversation that was about to begin.
Sico pressed the transmit button.
"Republic Headquarters calling Acadia."
The speaker crackled.
Nothing.
He waited patiently.
A few seconds later another burst of static answered.
Then came a familiar voice.
"Acadia receiving."
One of Acadia's synth technicians recognized the Republic frequency immediately.
"Stand by."
Sico released the transmit button and waited.
Several moments passed.
Then another voice replaced the technician.
One he recognized instantly.
"Nick Valentine."
A smile crossed Sico's face.
"Morning, Nick."
The detective sounded amused.
"Morning yourself."
"I was wondering when I'd hear from you again."
Behind Nick's voice came faint background sounds.
Footsteps.
Conversations between Acadia's synths.
The soft hum of generators keeping the refuge alive.
Sico rested one elbow on the desk.
"How are things?"
Nick glanced across Acadia's common room.
Kasumi sat at one of the workbenches speaking with Chase while helping repair several damaged circuit boards.
She looked considerably more relaxed than she had during her first anxious days on the Island.
Nick answered honestly.
"Quiet."
"That's not something we get to say very often around here."
He smiled faintly.
"Kasumi's been keeping busy."
Across the room Kasumi noticed Nick speaking into the radio.
She looked over curiously.
"Republic?"
Nick nodded once.
She smiled.
"Tell Commander Sico I said hello."
Nick chuckled.
"You heard that?"
"I did."
Sico smiled.
"Tell Kasumi I said hello as well."
"I will."
After the brief exchange, the conversation became more serious.
Nick's voice lowered slightly.
"I've got a feeling you didn't call just to exchange greetings."
Sico's expression became thoughtful.
"No."
"I didn't."
He looked once toward the closed office safe.
Then back toward the radio.
"I'm coming to Acadia today."
There was a brief pause.
Nick wasn't surprised.
"I figured this day was coming."
Sico continued.
"I'd like you to accompany me."
"While I speak with DiMA."
Nick didn't answer immediately.
He already understood exactly where the conversation was heading.
"The memories."
"Yes."
"And everything connected to them."
Sico's voice remained calm.
"We recovered enough evidence beneath the Nucleus."
"Now I want to hear DiMA explain it himself."
Nick slowly folded his arms where he stood.
"What exactly are you planning?"
"A conversation."
Sico answered without hesitation.
"I intend to confront him."
"About what he did."
"The murders."
"The lies."
"And Captain Avery."
The last name lingered between them.
Nick closed his eyes briefly.
Even after all this time, Avery's replacement remained one of the most painful truths DiMA had hidden.
"Avery deserved better."
Sico nodded even though Nick couldn't see him.
"She did."
"And Far Harbor deserved the truth."
Nick sighed quietly.
"You know DiMA."
"He isn't violent."
"But he also isn't going to enjoy this conversation."
"I'm not going there looking for a fight."
Sico replied.
"I'm going there looking for answers."
Another few seconds of silence followed.
Finally Nick nodded to himself.
"Alright."
"I'll be there."
"I'll sit in on the meeting."
"If things get heated…"
"I'll help keep everyone talking."
"That's exactly why I wanted you there."
Nick smiled faintly.
"I had a feeling."
He glanced across the room toward Kasumi again.
"I'll let Kasumi know you're on your way."
"She'll probably be glad to see you."
"I hope so."
Sico replied.
"I'll see you in a few hours."
"We'll be waiting."
The transmission ended with a burst of static.
The office became quiet once again.
Sico slowly placed the microphone back into its cradle.
For a long moment he remained seated, staring thoughtfully at the campaign map.
Recovering dangerous pre-war technology had been difficult.
This mission felt different.
There would be no hidden safe.
No forgotten code.
Only difficult questions between people who had once trusted one another.
He stood.
Time to leave.
Outside, headquarters had become noticeably busier.
The morning shift was already underway when Sico crossed the courtyard toward the vehicle depot.
Captain Harris spotted him first.
"Heading out?"
Sico nodded.
"Acadia."
Harris immediately understood.
"To speak with DiMA."
"Yes."
Lewis joined them, wiping grease from his hands after helping inspect one of the Humvees.
"You want an escort?"
"I do."
Sico unfolded a small operations map across the hood of a nearby vehicle.
"We're not expecting trouble."
"But we're travelling across the Island."
He tapped the route leading northeast.
"We'll take the main coastal road."
"No shortcuts."
Lewis studied the map.
"How many vehicles?"
"Three Humvees."
Harris nodded approvingly.
"Enough to protect the convoy without looking like an invasion."
"That's the idea."
Sico didn't want Acadia to mistake the Republic's arrival for a military operation.
He wanted enough soldiers to ensure everyone's safety.
Nothing more.
Lewis picked up a clipboard.
"I'll organize the convoy."
Within minutes the motor pool became a hive of activity.
Mechanics rolled open the garage doors.
Three Humvees were selected from the growing Republic fleet.
Each underwent another quick inspection despite already being maintained to a high standard.
Engines.
Brakes.
Suspension.
Radio systems.
Everything was checked.
One mechanic climbed down from beneath the lead vehicle.
"Ready."
Another loaded fresh ammunition belts into the roof-mounted machine guns.
Not because anyone expected combat.
Because Republic doctrine never allowed complacency.
Nearby, Sergeant Mason had already begun selecting personnel.
Twenty soldiers.
Experienced.
Disciplined.
Several veterans from Brooks' recent expedition volunteered almost immediately.
Grant tightened the sling on his rifle.
"Looks like we're back on the road."
Private Collins laughed.
"I was hoping for at least two days."
Doctor Hayes overheard them while preparing medical supplies.
"You'll survive."
Collins smiled.
"I know."
"I was just getting used to sleeping in an actual bed."
She handed another medic a fully stocked trauma kit.
"So was I."
Within half an hour the convoy had taken shape.
The lead Humvee carried Sico, Lieutenant Parker and a radio operator.
The second vehicle transported eight riflemen together with Doctor Hayes and another medic.
The third Humvee carried the remaining soldiers along with additional ammunition, engineering tools and emergency supplies.
Twenty Republic soldiers assembled beside the vehicles in two neat ranks.
Sico stepped in front of them.
"This is not a combat operation."
Every soldier listened carefully.
"Our destination is Acadia."
"We're going there to speak with DiMA."
He paused.
"Nick Valentine will be meeting us there."
Several veterans exchanged brief glances.
They remembered Nick from earlier operations.
Sico continued.
"That doesn't mean we lower our guard."
"We'll travel exactly as we always do."
"Professional."
"Disciplined."
"And respectful."
His gaze swept across the formation.
"Acadia has given shelter to people with nowhere else to go."
"We're guests."
"We'll act like guests."
Twenty voices answered together.
"Yes, Commander."
Sico gave a small nod.
"Mount up."
The soldiers dispersed immediately.
Boots echoed against concrete.
Doors opened and shut.
Seatbelts clicked into place.
Engines came alive one after another, their deep diesel rumble rolling across the headquarters courtyard.
Mechanics stepped back, giving the convoy room to move.
Several off-duty settlers paused to watch.
One child pointed excitedly toward the Humvees.
"They're going somewhere."
His father smiled.
"They usually are."
Walker happened to be walking across the yard after finishing morning training with several recruits.
He saw Sico climbing into the lead vehicle.
"Commander."
Sico looked over.
Walker approached the driver's window.
"Heard you're heading to Acadia."
"I am."
Walker nodded once.
"Good luck."
Sico smiled.
"I've got a feeling I'll need more patience than luck."
Walker chuckled.
"Probably both."
The gate guards were already preparing the entrance.
Heavy steel barriers rolled aside.
The bridge stretched ahead beneath the bright morning sun.
Sico picked up the convoy microphone.
"Radio check."
The replies came immediately.
"Lead copies."
"Second copies."
"Third copies."
Satisfied, Sico clipped the microphone back into place.
He looked ahead toward the road winding into the forests of Mount Desert Island.
Somewhere beyond those trees…
Nick Valentine was waiting.
Kasumi was waiting.
And DiMA was waiting.
Whether he realized it or not.
Sico rested one hand lightly on the dashboard.
"Convoy…"
He glanced once more at the Republic headquarters disappearing behind them.
"…move out."
The lead Humvee rolled forward.
The second followed at a disciplined distance.
The third completed the familiar formation.
The convoy crossed the fortified bridge and turned onto the Island road, leaving the growing Republic headquarters behind as the morning sun climbed higher into the clear blue sky.
Then the Republic convoy followed the winding coastal road for most of the morning.
The journey proved far quieter than the expeditions to the Harbor Grand Hotel or Fringe Cove Docks.
The roads were familiar now.
Towering pines lined both sides of the cracked asphalt, their branches swaying gently in the cool ocean breeze. Every so often the forest opened just enough to reveal the Atlantic stretching toward the horizon, sunlight glittering across the water like scattered pieces of polished glass.
Inside the lead Humvee, no one spoke very much.
Lieutenant Parker occasionally glanced down at the folded road map resting on his knees before looking back through the windshield.
"We're making good time."
Sico nodded without taking his eyes off the road ahead.
"No delays."
"Let's keep it that way."
Behind them, the second and third Humvees maintained their spacing with practiced precision.
The convoy moved exactly as Republic doctrine dictated.
Not too close.
Not too far apart.
Far enough to react.
Close enough to support one another.
Every few minutes, routine radio reports broke the silence.
"Second to Lead."
"Go ahead."
"Road behind remains clear."
"Copy."
Another mile passed.
Then another.
Eventually the terrain began to change.
The forests thinned, giving way to rocky hills covered with scrub brush and weather-beaten pines. The familiar silhouette of the old observatory slowly appeared in the distance, rising above the surrounding landscape.
Lieutenant Parker smiled faintly.
"There it is."
Sico followed his gaze.
The weathered observatory stood proudly atop the rocky hill despite two centuries of harsh weather.
Its great telescope dome still overlooked the Island.
Even from a distance, it remained one of the most recognizable landmarks on Mount Desert Island.
The convoy slowed as the narrow access road climbed toward the entrance.
Several synth guards stationed outside the defensive walls had already spotted the approaching vehicles.
One of them lifted a pair of binoculars.
"Republic convoy."
Another recognized the lead vehicle almost immediately.
"It's Commander Sico."
The synth exchanged a glance with his companion before stepping toward the reinforced gate.
As the Humvees rolled to a stop outside Acadia, the guards approached cautiously.
Their weapons remained slung but ready.
Professional.
Not hostile.
One of the guards offered a polite nod.
"Commander Sico."
Sico climbed down from the lead Humvee.
"Good morning."
"Good morning."
The synth glanced toward the rest of the convoy waiting behind him.
"I'm afraid only you may enter Acadia."
He spoke apologetically rather than suspiciously.
"Our standing policy hasn't changed."
"No armed groups inside."
Sico had expected the answer.
He nodded immediately.
"I understand."
He looked back toward Lieutenant Parker.
"You and the convoy remain here."
Parker answered without hesitation.
"We'll hold position."
Sico turned toward Sergeant Mason.
"Maintain security."
"No one leaves their vehicle unless necessary."
"Understood."
The twenty Republic soldiers acknowledged the order with quiet nods.
None of them appeared offended.
Acadia had every reason to protect itself.
The synth guard stepped aside.
"We'll allow Commander Sico through."
The heavy gate opened slowly with a deep metallic groan.
Sico adjusted the holster at his side before stepping inside alone.
Behind him, the gate closed once again.
The sound echoed softly across the rocky hillside.
Acadia felt as peaceful as Sico remembered.
The old observatory had changed little since his previous visit.
Generators hummed steadily beneath the building.
The scent of machine oil mixed with fresh coffee drifted through the halls.
Several synth residents looked up from their workbenches as Sico entered.
Some recognized him immediately.
Others simply offered polite smiles before returning to their tasks.
There was no panic.
No fear.
Only quiet curiosity.
Kasumi noticed him first.
She had been helping Chase repair a damaged circuit board when she saw him walking through the entrance.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
"Commander."
Sico smiled warmly.
"Good to see you again, Kasumi."
"You too."
She stepped forward.
"You made good time."
"We left early."
Kasumi nodded before glancing toward the upper level.
"Nick's been waiting."
"Figured you wouldn't be far behind."
Almost on cue, familiar footsteps echoed down the metal staircase.
Nick Valentine descended with his usual relaxed stride, his worn trench coat moving gently with each step.
"There you are."
He extended his hand.
Sico shook it firmly.
"Morning."
"Morning."
Nick looked briefly toward the entrance.
"The convoy made it alright?"
"They're waiting outside."
"Good."
Nick's expression slowly became more serious.
"You ready?"
Sico took a slow breath.
"As ready as I'm going to be."
Nick nodded.
"Then let's not keep him waiting."
⸻
The two men climbed the observatory's interior staircase together.
Neither spoke very much.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable.
Both simply understood the importance of what was about to happen.
As they climbed higher, the sounds from the common room gradually faded away.
Only the quiet hum of electrical equipment remained.
Eventually they reached the upper level where the telescope dome connected to the control center.
The large circular room remained much as Sico remembered.
Old computer terminals lined one wall.
Pre-war monitors flickered softly.
The great telescope above them pointed silently toward the heavens through the partially opened dome.
Near the center of the room sat DiMA.
The ancient synth remained seated in his familiar chair, reviewing data displayed across several monitors.
He looked up as footsteps approached.
A warm smile crossed his weathered face.
"Commander Sico."
Then he noticed Nick standing beside him.
His smile became slightly curious.
"Nick."
"This is an unexpected visit."
Nick offered a small nod.
"It is."
DiMA slowly stood from his chair.
"I assume this isn't simply a social call."
Sico met his eyes calmly.
"No."
The warmth in the room seemed to fade.
DiMA studied both men carefully.
Something about their expressions immediately told him this meeting carried unusual weight.
"What has happened?"
Sico reached into the satchel hanging from his shoulder.
"I visited the Nucleus."
DiMA remained silent.
"I recovered something."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed DiMA's face.
Sico carefully removed a small storage device.
The memory that DiMA had hidden from himself.
He held it where DiMA could see it.
Recognition came instantly.
DiMA's expression changed.
The calm confidence he usually carried seemed to disappear almost immediately.
"…Where did you find that?"
"Beneath the Nucleus."
Sico answered quietly.
"In the memory banks you chose to hide."
DiMA stared at the memory for several long seconds.
Then looked toward Nick.
Nick said nothing.
His silence spoke loudly enough.
DiMA slowly lowered his eyes.
"I see."
Sico stepped forward.
"We know about Captain Avery."
For the first time in a very long time…
DiMA looked genuinely shaken.
"…Avery?"
He frowned.
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
Sico continued watching him carefully.
"What do you mean you don't understand?"
DiMA looked genuinely confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"The memories."
Sico replied.
"The decisions you erased."
DiMA looked once more toward the storage device.
Then back at Sico.
Realization slowly began forming.
His own voice became quieter.
"…You haven't restored them."
"No."
Sico answered.
"Not yet."
"I wanted you present."
DiMA closed his eyes.
He understood.
Without another word, Sico stepped closer and handed him the memory module.
For several seconds DiMA simply stared at it resting in his hands.
Almost reluctantly…
He connected it to the nearby interface.
The restoration process began.
The room became completely silent except for the quiet hum of the observatory's computers.
Nick folded his arms.
Sico remained still.
Neither interrupted.
Several long moments passed.
DiMA's posture gradually stiffened.
Then came another.
His breathing became noticeably heavier.
Images.
Conversations.
Choices.
Faces.
Memories he had deliberately buried years ago flooded back into his consciousness.
Captain Avery.
The secret meetings.
The terrible decision.
Replacing her with a synth duplicate.
Telling himself it was necessary.
Convincing himself it would save Far Harbor.
Trying to live with the guilt.
Finally…
DiMA disconnected from the terminal.
He remained seated.
Motionless.
For nearly half a minute, nobody spoke.
When he finally looked up, the sorrow in his expression was unmistakable.
His voice barely rose above a whisper.
"…I remember."
Nick watched quietly.
DiMA looked at his own hands.
"I remember everything."
His shoulders sagged.
"So much guilt…"
"So many nights wondering whether I'd made the right decision…"
"And eventually…"
"I couldn't bear carrying it anymore."
"I erased it."
He closed his eyes again.
"I told myself removing the memory would help protect Acadia."
"But the truth…"
His voice cracked slightly.
"It was to protect myself."
Silence settled over the control room once more.
DiMA finally looked directly at Sico.
"I did it."
"I chose to replace Avery."
"I believed her death would prevent war."
"I believed sacrificing one life would save hundreds."
His expression filled with regret.
"I still don't know whether I was right."
Nick spoke for the first time.
"But you know what you did."
DiMA nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"I do."
He looked between both men.
"I won't insult either of you by denying it."
Sico remained quiet.
DiMA took another slow breath.
"There is something I must ask."
His voice had become almost pleading.
"If this truth reaches Far Harbor…"
He looked toward the observatory windows overlooking the distant town.
"They won't only come for me."
"They'll come for everyone."
He gestured toward the lower levels of Acadia.
"Chase."
"Faraday."
"Cog."
"The others."
"They've done nothing wrong."
"They knew nothing about Avery."
"They'll suffer because of my actions."
He lowered his head.
"They'll burn Acadia to the ground."
"I know they will."
Nick couldn't argue.
Neither could Sico.
The fear wasn't exaggerated.
Far Harbor had spent generations distrusting synths.
Learning that their beloved captain had been murdered and replaced would almost certainly ignite outrage.
DiMA continued quietly.
"If punishment must come…"
"It should fall on me."
"Not on innocent synths who simply wanted somewhere safe to live."
The room fell silent once more.
Sico slowly walked toward the observatory window.
Below, he could see several synths carrying supplies between workshops.
Others repaired damaged equipment.
Kasumi laughed softly at something Chase had said.
Life continued peacefully.
None of them knew what was being discussed above their heads.
He folded his arms.
Everything DiMA had done had been wrong.
Replacing Avery.
Taking a life.
Hiding the truth.
Erasing his own memories.
There was no defending those actions.
Yet…
DiMA hadn't acted for power.
Or revenge.
Or personal gain.
He had believed he was preventing bloodshed.
His methods had been unforgivable.
His intention had been to protect the synths who had nowhere else to go.
Sico remained deep in thought for a long while.
Finally he turned back toward DiMA.
"What you did…"
He spoke carefully.
"…was wrong."
DiMA nodded immediately.
"I know."
"You took away another person's life."
"You decided someone else's fate without giving them any choice."
Again, DiMA nodded.
"I know."
Sico continued.
"But I also know why you believed you had to do it."
DiMA said nothing.
"I can't ignore your crime."
"But I also can't ignore the innocent people living downstairs."
His eyes briefly drifted toward the floor below.
"They didn't murder Avery."
"They shouldn't pay for it."
Nick quietly watched Sico.
He had been wondering which way the commander would lean.
Finally Sico took a slow breath.
"I'm not making a decision today."
DiMA looked up.
Sico's expression remained thoughtful.
"I need time."
"Time to think."
"Time to consider what justice actually looks like here."
He looked directly at DiMA.
"So for now…"
"I'm keeping this between us."
DiMA closed his eyes in visible relief.
"Thank you."
Sico raised a hand slightly.
"Don't mistake that for forgiveness."
"I haven't decided anything."
"I simply refuse to make a decision while emotions are still fresh."
DiMA nodded.
"I understand."
Sico turned toward the door.
"We're leaving."
Nick glanced once toward DiMA before following.
As they reached the doorway, Nick looked back one last time.
DiMA remained seated alone in his chair, staring silently at the restored memories on the monitor before him.
The weight of his own choices had returned.
And this time…
There would be no hiding them again.
The door slid shut behind Sico and Nick.
They walked quietly down the observatory corridor without speaking.
Only after they had descended halfway toward the main level did Nick finally break the silence.
"You've got a difficult decision ahead of you."
Sico nodded slowly.
"I know."
Nick rested one hand on the railing.
"I've been thinking about what DiMA said."
Sico looked toward him.
Nick continued.
"The synths living here…"
"They're innocent."
"They didn't replace Avery."
"They didn't murder anyone."
"They're just trying to build a life."
He sighed quietly.
"If Far Harbor learns the whole truth…"
"I'm afraid they'll see every synth here as guilty."
Sico remained thoughtful.
Nick looked out through one of the observatory windows toward the distant coastline.
"I think…"
He paused carefully.
"…I think keeping this secret may protect far more innocent lives than revealing it."
Sico didn't answer immediately.
He simply looked toward the bustling common room below, where Kasumi and the other residents of Acadia continued their day, completely unaware that their future had just become the subject of one of the hardest decisions he had ever faced.
______________________________________________
• 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:-