Fallout 4: Rebirth At Vault 81

Chapter 464: 428. Persuading Desdemona



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 watched as they were led away, his mind already formulating the next steps. This wasn't just about capturing and destorying the Railroad—it was about finding a way to merge their efforts, to create something better for everyone. He knew it would be a long and difficult road, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the soldiers led the prisoners away, Sico turned to Tinker Tom, who had been watching the scene unfold with a mixture of resignation and cautious hope. "Come with me," Sico said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We're going to the prison. I need you to help me talk to Desdemona."

Tom nodded, though the weariness in his eyes suggested he wasn't entirely convinced this plan would work. "Alright, Sico," he replied, following him through the gates of Sanctuary. "But don't expect her to roll over easily. Des is tough. She's fought for the Railroad's cause for too long to just give it up."

Sico didn't respond immediately, his mind focused on the task ahead. He knew Desdemona's reputation well—stubborn, fiercely dedicated, and unwavering in her beliefs. But he also knew that if they had any hope of integrating the remnants of the Railroad into the Minutemen, it had to start with her.

They made their way through the settlement, passing by curious settlers who paused in their tasks to watch them. The air was thick with a mix of anticipation and unease, the recent battle still fresh in everyone's minds. Reaching the entrance to the prison, Sico paused, turning to face Tom.

"I need her to understand that we're not her enemy," Sico said quietly. "We've got Dr. Carrington and many of her people who've already surrendered. If we can get her on our side, the rest will follow."

Tom let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll do my best, Sico. But I'm telling you, she's not going to make it easy."

Together, they stepped into the dimly lit hallway of the prison. The walls were sturdy, reinforced to ensure that even the most determined prisoner wouldn't escape. The air was cool and carried a faint metallic scent, likely from the heavy iron bars and the worn stone floor.

As they approached the cells, the murmurs of the captured Railroad members grew louder. Some faces reflected defeat, others still clung to defiance. Dr. Carrington sat on a bench inside one of the cells, his head in his hands. He looked up as Sico and Tom passed, offering a brief nod of acknowledgment.

At the far end of the hallway, they reached the cell where Desdemona was held. She stood with her back against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest, her expression unreadable. Even in captivity, she exuded a quiet strength that made it clear she wasn't ready to give up.

"Desdemona," Sico greeted, his voice steady. "We need to talk."

She didn't move from her spot, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What's there to talk about, Sico? You've already won. What more do you want?"

Sico stepped closer, but kept a respectful distance from the bars. "This isn't about winning or losing, Des. It's about finding a way forward. The Commonwealth is stronger when we work together. You've seen what the Minutemen can do. Imagine what we could accomplish if we combined our efforts."

Desdemona's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze flicking to Tinker Tom, who stood beside Sico. "Tom, I can't believe you're standing there with him. After everything we've fought for?"

Tom sighed, stepping forward. "Des, I know this isn't what you wanted. But think about it—we've lost too much already. Our HQ is gone, most of our people are either captured or scattered. Sico's offering us a chance to keep fighting for what we believe in, but in a way that actually has a chance of making a difference."

She shook her head, her expression hardening. "You think surrendering is the way to make a difference? That's not who we are, Tom."

Sico held up a hand, his tone calm. "This isn't surrender, Desdemona. It's survival. You've dedicated your life to protecting synths and fighting for their freedom. I'm offering you a chance to continue that fight, but with the resources and support of the Minutemen behind you. Together, we can do more than either of us could alone."

For a moment, Desdemona said nothing, her eyes locked on Sico's. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of her decision hanging heavily over them. Finally, she let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing just slightly.

"And what about those of us who don't believe in your cause?" she asked quietly. "What happens to them?"

"They'll be treated fairly," Sico assured her. "We're not here to punish anyone. If they want to go their own way, they'll be free to do so. But if they choose to stay, they'll be part of something bigger—something that can truly make a difference."

Desdemona's gaze shifted to Tom once more. "And you? You're really willing to trust them?"

Tom nodded, his expression sincere. "I am, Des. I've seen enough to know that this is our best shot. We've got a chance to rebuild, to keep fighting for what matters. But we can't do it alone."

Desdemona's words hung in the air like a heavy weight. "I'd rather die for my beliefs than betray everything we've fought for," she said, her voice resolute and unwavering.

Sico stood silent, the gravity of her statement settling over him. His expression was unreadable, but inside, a storm was brewing. He had anticipated resistance, but hearing her outright refusal and willingness to die caught even him off guard. Tinker Tom, standing beside him, was visibly shaken. He took a step back, running a hand through his hair, clearly grappling with the reality of the situation.

"Des," Tom whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "You don't have to do this. There's still a way out. We can still fight, just… differently."

Desdemona's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Tom, but her resolve didn't waver. "Tom, you know me. You've always known what I stand for. If we give up now, we've lost more than just a battle—we've lost who we are. The Railroad's purpose, our mission, it means everything to me. I won't live in a world where I've compromised that."

Sico took a deep breath, his mind racing with thoughts. He had to tread carefully. Desdemona was a cornerstone of the Railroad's spirit, and losing her, especially in this way, could fracture any chance of unity.

"Desdemona," he finally said, his voice measured and calm. "I understand your conviction. I respect it, more than you know. But this isn't just about you. It's about the people who've followed you, who believe in you. If you choose to die for your beliefs, what message does that send to them? That there's no hope? No future?"

She met his gaze, her eyes hard and unyielding. "Sometimes, Sico, dying for what you believe in is the only way to keep it alive."

Sico let her words sink in, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He knew he had to find another way, a way to reach her without forcing her into a corner where death seemed like the only option. He turned to Tom, who was still visibly shaken but trying to hold himself together.

"Tom," Sico said softly, "I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

Tom hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I trust you, Sico. I just… I don't want to lose her."

"I don't either," Sico replied, turning back to Desdemona. "But this isn't over yet."

Sico stepped closer to the bars, his voice dropping to a more personal tone. "Des, you've always fought for what you believe in, and that's something I admire. But dying here, now, won't change anything. It won't save anyone. But living—living gives you a chance to keep fighting, to adapt, to find new ways to achieve your goals."

Desdemona's eyes flickered with something—doubt, maybe, or the tiniest glimmer of hope—but she quickly buried it. "And what? Become a puppet for the Minutemen? That's not who I am."

"You wouldn't be a puppet," Sico insisted. "You'd be a leader, just as you've always been. Leading your people into a new chapter, one where we stand together instead of tearing each other apart."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Desdemona's gaze dropped to the floor, her thoughts clearly racing. Tom watched her with a mix of hope and fear, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Desdemona looked up, her eyes meeting Sico's. "I need time," she said quietly. "Time to think. To talk to my people."

Sico nodded, relief washing over him. "Take the time you need. We're not going anywhere."

With that, he turned and began to walk away, signaling to Tom to follow. As they stepped back into the hallway, Tom let out a shaky breath, his shoulders sagging with relief.

"Thank you, Sico," he said quietly. "I don't know if this will change her mind, but… thank you for giving her a chance."

Sico placed a reassuring hand on Tom's shoulder. "We're not done yet, Tom. But we've taken the first step. Now, it's up to her."

As Sico and Tom made their way back through Sanctuary, the weight of the encounter with Desdemona still lingered in the air. Tom walked silently beside Sico, occasionally glancing over, his expression a mixture of worry and contemplation.

"You holding up, Tom?" Sico asked, breaking the silence as they approached the Science Department.

Tom let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know, Sico. I've always known Des was stubborn, but hearing her willing to die for this… It's hard."

Sico nodded. "She's been through a lot. We all have. But we can't lose hope. I believe she'll come around."

They entered the Science Department, where Mel and Albert were engrossed in their latest project. The room was filled with the hum of machinery, the faint glow of computer screens casting shadows across the walls. Mel looked up from his work, a curious expression on his face as he noticed Sico and Tom.

"Hey, Sico," Mel greeted, wiping his hands on a rag. "What brings you here?"

"I've got someone I want you to meet," Sico said, gesturing toward Tom. "This is Tinker Tom. He's been with the Railroad, but things are changing. Tom's joining the Science Department."

Tom offered a small, nervous smile. "Hey. I guess I'll be working with you guys now."

Mel grinned, extending a hand. "Welcome aboard, Tom. Always good to have another set of hands around here."

Albert, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward as well. "We've heard about your work with the Railroad. Your tech skills will be a great addition."

Tom relaxed slightly, shaking hands with both Mel and Albert. "Thanks. I'm still wrapping my head around all this, but I'm ready to help."

Sico nodded, satisfied. "Good. We're all on the same side now. The Minutemen are about building a future, and that means pooling our talents."

As they talked, Sico's thoughts drifted to his next task. He needed to get the word out, not just about their victory but also about the options available to any remaining Railroad members. It was crucial to send a clear message—one that offered hope and unity, not just dominance.

"I'll leave you guys to it," Sico said, turning to Tom. "Get settled in, Tom. I've got something else to take care of."

Tom nodded, giving Sico a grateful look. "Thanks, Sico. I'll do my best here."

With that, Sico left the Science Department and made his way to the radio station where Piper was based. The station was a hub of activity, the hum of broadcasts and the chatter of radio operators creating a constant buzz.

Piper was seated at her desk, scribbling notes as she prepared for her next broadcast. She looked up as Sico entered, a smile spreading across her face.

"Sico! What's the latest?" she asked, setting her pen down.

"Hey, Piper. I need your help with something important," Sico said, taking a seat across from her. "We've successfully taken down the Railroad's leadership. Most of their higher-ups are either captured or… gone."

Piper's eyes widened slightly. "That's big news. What do you need from me?"

"I need you to spread the word," Sico explained. "Tell the Commonwealth that the Railroad has been dismantled. But more importantly, I want you to reach out to any remaining Railroad agents out there. Let them know they have a choice: they can surrender and join the Minutemen, or they're free to go their own way. But there's no more Railroad."

Piper considered this for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You're trying to give them a way out. That's smart. It'll show people that the Minutemen are about more than just taking control."

"Exactly," Sico said. "We're not here to punish them. We want to give them a chance to be part of something bigger. To rebuild and protect the Commonwealth together."

Piper nodded, her determination evident. "Alright, I'll get the message out. We'll make sure everyone hears it loud and clear."

"Thanks, Piper," Sico said, standing up. "I knew I could count on you."

"Anytime, Sico. You're doing good work. People need to know that."

As Sico left the station, he felt a sense of relief. The pieces were starting to come together. Desdemona's decision was still uncertain, but with Tom integrating into the Science Department and Piper spreading the word, there was a glimmer of hope.

He walked through the bustling streets of Sanctuary, observing the settlers as they went about their tasks. The community was growing stronger every day, a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Sico knew there was still much work to be done, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of optimism about the future.

________________________________________________

• 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:-


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.