487. Bringing a Public Support for Danny

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As the last of the vehicles disappeared from view, he turned back toward the training grounds. There was still work to do.

Sico let out a deep breath as the last of the Minutemen vehicles disappeared into the distance. The war with the Institute was drawing closer, and while sending Preston and Sturges back to Sanctuary was the right call, it still left an uneasy feeling in his gut. He had to trust that they could hold their ground if things went south.

But for now, there was something else that needed his attention.

He turned away from the training grounds and made his way through the streets of Diamond City, weaving through the bustling marketplace where traders were hawking their wares. Even in times of war, people still had to live, still had to eat, trade, and survive. That's what made Diamond City important—it was a beacon of what civilization could be in the wasteland. And soon, it was going to need a new leader.

Sico made his way up the familiar set of stairs leading to Publick Occurrences, Piper Wright's home and makeshift newspaper office. The wooden door creaked as he pushed it open, stepping inside to find Piper hunched over her desk, scribbling furiously in a notebook.

Stacks of paper, ink bottles, and half-empty coffee mugs littered the table, evidence that she had been at this for hours—maybe even all night. The room smelled of old paper and the faint scent of ink, a sign of someone who lived and breathed their work.

Piper didn't even look up as he entered. "If this is Nat asking if she can go get noodles again, the answer is still no."

Sico smirked. "Didn't realize you were running a dictatorship in here."

Piper's head snapped up at the sound of his voice, a tired but amused expression crossing her face. "Oh, it's you." She leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms over her head before letting out a yawn. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Sico stepped closer, glancing at the papers scattered across her desk. "Came to see what kind of propaganda you're cooking up for Danny."

Piper rolled her eyes. "It's not propaganda if it's true, Sico." She gestured to the mess of papers in front of her. "McDonough turned out to be a synth, which means we need a new mayor. Danny's been here for years, he's seen this city at its best and worst, and most importantly, people trust him. But that doesn't mean getting him elected is gonna be easy."

Sico pulled up a chair and sat across from her, picking up one of the pages. He scanned it quickly—Piper had a way with words, that was for sure. She wasn't just pushing Danny as a replacement; she was crafting a story, a narrative that made him seem like the natural choice.

"You think the people are gonna go for it?" Sico asked, setting the paper down.

Piper let out a deep sigh. "Honestly? I don't know. McDonough had a lot of people fooled for a long time. The fact that he was a synth… well, it's got folks shaken up. They're scared. Some of them are gonna want to double down, get someone in power who'll crack down even harder. And Danny—he's not a politician, he's a good man. But good men don't always win elections."

Sico frowned, leaning back in his chair. "So what do we do?"

Piper tapped her pen against the desk, thinking for a moment before looking at him. "We give them something to believe in. We remind them what Diamond City is supposed to stand for—freedom, community, and a future. We make them see that Danny isn't just the best choice, he's the only choice if they want this city to survive what's coming."

Sico nodded. "Alright. What do you need from me?"

Piper smirked. "I was hoping you'd ask that."

She grabbed another stack of papers and handed them over. "I need you to talk to people. The guards, the traders, the families that have lived here for years. They need to hear this from someone they trust. I can write a hundred articles, but at the end of the day, people believe people. You walk through those gates, and they see someone who's actually out there fighting for them. That matters."

Sico took the papers, glancing over them. It wasn't a bad plan. If they could get enough of the people behind Danny, the rest would follow. But it wasn't going to be easy.

He looked back at Piper. "Alright. I'll do it."

She gave him a tired but genuine smile. "Good. Because if we're gonna win this war, we're gonna need more than just soldiers. We're gonna need a city that's willing to stand up and fight for itself."

Sico stood, tucking the papers under his arm. "Then let's make sure they're ready."

Piper nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Damn right."

Sico stepped out of Publick Occurrences, the weight of the papers in his hands a reminder of the task ahead. Piper was right—words alone wouldn't be enough. The people of Diamond City needed someone to look them in the eye and tell them why Danny Sullivan was the right choice.

He started with the guards.

Most of them had been working under McDonough for years, and while some were shaken by the revelation that he was a synth, others were angry—angry that they'd been lied to, angry that they'd spent years enforcing the laws of a fraud.

The first guard he approached was Officer Patel, a no-nonsense woman who had been in Diamond City's security force for over a decade. She stood near the gate, her rifle slung over her shoulder, eyes scanning the streets like she expected trouble at any moment.

Sico walked up and nodded. "Patel."

She turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Sico. Something you need?"

"Just a conversation," he said, holding up the papers Piper had given him. "You've been here a long time. You've seen what happens when Diamond City has bad leadership."

Her jaw tightened. "You mean McDonough."

"Exactly," Sico said. "We need to make sure the next leader is someone we can trust. Someone who actually gives a damn about this place."

Patel crossed her arms. "And you think that's Danny?"

"I do," Sico said without hesitation. "He's not a politician, he's not a liar, and he's not someone who's going to turn a blind eye when things get bad. He's been on the front lines, dealing with people's problems firsthand. More importantly, people already trust him."

Patel was quiet for a moment, then she exhaled. "I like Danny. Always have. But what makes you think he can handle it? Running security and running a whole damn city aren't the same thing."

Sico nodded. "You're right. But tell me—who else would you trust? Another smooth talker who tells you what you want to hear? Or someone who actually knows the people of this city?"

She thought about it for a moment, then sighed. "You make a good point."

Sico handed her one of Piper's flyers. "Read this. Spread the word among the other guards. If we want Diamond City to be strong, we need a leader who isn't afraid to stand with the people."

Patel took the paper and tucked it into her pocket. "Alright, Sico. I'll talk to the others."

With that, Sico moved on.

His next stop was the marketplace. He made his way to Moe Cronin, the eccentric baseball fanatic who ran the Swatters stand. Moe was in the middle of polishing a bat when he spotted Sico approaching.

"Ah, my favorite customer! You here to buy the finest piece of slugging history?" Moe grinned, holding up a wooden bat.

Sico chuckled. "Not today, Moe. I need to talk to you about something more important."

Moe raised an eyebrow. "More important than baseball? Now you've got my attention."

Sico handed him a flyer. "Diamond City needs a new mayor. Danny's the best choice."

Moe scanned the paper, his face thoughtful. "Danny, huh? Good guy. Honest. Bit of a stiff, but that's probably a good thing in a mayor."

"Exactly," Sico said. "We need someone who actually cares about this place."

Moe nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to some folks. You've got my vote, at least."

Sico thanked him and continued through the marketplace, speaking with traders, scavengers, and even some of the local families. Many people were hesitant, unsure if they wanted to trust anyone again after McDonough's betrayal. But the more Sico talked, the more they listened.

By the time the sun started dipping below the walls of Diamond City, Sico had spoken to dozens of people. Some were on board immediately, others needed more convincing, but the seed had been planted.

Feeling satisfied with his progress, Sico made his way back to Publick Occurrences. Piper was still at her desk, furiously writing as usual.

She glanced up when he walked in. "How'd it go?"

Sico smirked. "Pretty damn good. The guards are talking, the traders are thinking, and the people are listening."

Piper grinned. "Told you it wasn't just about the words."

Sico set the remaining flyers on her desk. "Now we just have to keep the momentum going."

Piper nodded. "We're not just trying to elect a new mayor, Sico. We're trying to change the future of Diamond City."

Sico leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. "Then let's make sure we get it right."

Sico was up early. The city was already coming alive as he stepped out into the streets, the usual murmur of voices, bartering, and the occasional shouting match filling the air. Even after everything, life in Diamond City carried on. But today wasn't just another day. Today, he and Piper had work to do.

The word had already started spreading. The conversations he had yesterday with the guards and traders had made their way through the city like wildfire. People were talking—about McDonough, about the lies, and most importantly, about what came next.

Sico made his way to **Publick Occurrences**, pushing open the door to find Piper already awake, her pen scratching furiously against paper. A stack of freshly printed newspapers sat beside her, the headline bold and impossible to miss:

"Diamond City Needs a Leader—Is Danny the Right Man for the Job?"

She barely looked up when he walked in. "You're early," she muttered, still writing.

Sico leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And you're still writing. Do you ever sleep?"

Piper smirked but didn't stop working. "Not when there's a city to save."

He grabbed a paper from the stack and scanned the article. She had done it again. The way she framed the story wasn't just about Danny—it was about Diamond City itself. She wasn't just telling people to vote; she was making them feel like they were a part of something bigger.

"This is good," Sico said, tossing the paper back onto the stack.

"Damn right it is," Piper replied, finally setting her pen down. She stretched, cracking her neck before leaning back in her chair. "People are already talking. Now we just need to make sure they keep talking."

Sico nodded. "So, what's the plan?"

Piper grinned. "We hit the streets. Hand these out. Talk to people. Get them thinking, get them believing. If Danny's going to win, he needs more than just a few supporters—he needs the whole damn city behind him."

Sico grabbed a stack of newspapers and tucked them under his arm. "Then let's get to work."

---

Their first stop was the marketplace. It was the heart of Diamond City, where traders, scavengers, and families came together. If they wanted to spread the word fast, this was the place to do it.

Piper wasted no time, handing out newspapers to passing residents, while Sico focused on the people who looked skeptical.

One of the first was Hawthorne, a grizzled old trader who had been in Diamond City longer than most. He eyed Sico warily as he approached.

"You again?" Hawthorne grumbled. "What's this about?"

Sico handed him a newspaper. "We need a new mayor. Danny's the best choice."

Hawthorne scoffed. "Danny's a nice guy, but being nice don't make you a good leader."

Sico didn't back down. "No, but knowing the people does. He's been here for years, seen this place at its best and worst. Can't say that about most politicians."

The old trader grunted but didn't toss the paper aside. "I'll think about it."

It wasn't a yes, but it wasn't a no either.

Meanwhile, Piper was already deep in conversation with **Myrna**, the paranoid shopkeeper who ran Diamond City Surplus.

"I don't trust anyone," Myrna was saying, her eyes darting around. "Especially after McDonough. Could be another synth for all we know."

Piper sighed. "Myrna, you've known Danny for years. He's as human as they come."

"That's what they *want* you to think."

Piper looked like she was about to throw up her hands in frustration, but Sico stepped in.

"Myrna, let me ask you something," he said, his voice calm. "Has Danny ever given you a reason not to trust him?"

Myrna hesitated. "Well… no, but—"

"But nothing," Sico interrupted. "You don't have to trust the system. Just trust the person. And Danny's a good person."

Myrna grumbled, taking a newspaper. "Fine. But if he turns out to be a synth, I *told* you so."

Piper rolled her eyes but gave Sico a nod. One more person considering the possibility.

---

Next, they headed to The Dugout Inn, where the city's working-class folk gathered. It was dimly lit, filled with the scent of old alcohol and the sounds of half-drunk arguments. This was where the real debates happened.

Vadim, the loud-mouthed owner, spotted them the moment they walked in. "Ah! The heroes of Diamond City! What brings you to my fine establishment?"

Sico grinned. "Politics."

Vadim groaned. "Bah! Politics is for cowards! Give me good fight, not talk."

Piper laughed. "You'll get your fight if the wrong person ends up in charge."

That got Vadim's attention. He leaned forward. "You have my attention, journalist."

Sico handed him a newspaper. "Danny for mayor."

Vadim looked at the paper, then back at Sico. "Danny? He is… how you say… quiet."

"He's steady," Sico corrected. "He's not a liar, not a fraud. And he gives a damn about this city."

Vadim rubbed his chin. "Hmmm. He is good man. Okay! I support Danny!"

Piper smirked. "That easy?"

Vadim waved a hand. "Why not? People need hope. If Danny is hope, then I sell hope."

A few of the patrons at the bar overheard and started asking questions. Sico and Piper took the opportunity to talk, answer doubts, and hand out more newspapers. By the time they left, half the bar was talking about Danny.

---

As the afternoon turned into evening, Sico and Piper found themselves back in the heart of Diamond City. People were talking, debating, and most importantly—considering.

Piper nudged Sico. "Time for the big move."

Sico raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Piper gestured to the marketplace platform, the one McDonough used for his speeches. "You want people to believe in Danny? Talk to them. Not one by one—all at once."

Sico hesitated. He wasn't exactly a politician. But then again, neither was Danny.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the platform. A few people noticed and quieted down. Then a few more. Soon, half the marketplace was looking at him.

Sico cleared his throat. "Alright, listen up."

More silence. He had their attention.

"We all know what happened. We trusted McDonough, and he betrayed us. Lied to us. Used us." Sico let that hang in the air. "Now we need to decide what comes next."

A murmur ran through the crowd.

"We can let fear decide for us," Sico continued, "or we can pick someone who actually cares. Someone who's one of us. Someone who's been here, through thick and thin. Danny Sullivan isn't a politician. He's not some outsider looking for power. He's a Diamond City boy."

That got more nods. More agreement.

"He's the kind of leader this city deserves," Sico said, voice steady. "But if we want him to win, we have to stand up. We have to fight for this city the way we always have."

Silence, then a voice from the crowd—Officer Patel. "Damn right."

Then another voice.

"I like Danny."

Then another.

"Danny for mayor!"

The energy in the crowd shifted. People were talking, rallying. The momentum was real.

Piper grinned up at Sico. "Not bad."

Sico smirked. "Told you I could talk."

As the crowd continued buzzing with excitement, one thing was clear—Danny Sullivan wasn't just a candidate anymore. And Diamond City was ready to fight for its future.

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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:-