Moira said that she’s almost done with her Wasteland Survival Guide; she just needed a few more things. I poured through a “Big Book of Science.” To help me understand robotics. She wanted me to infiltrate an old Robco factory and had me reprogram the patrolling protectrons. It was an easy task with the help of a stealth boy and some darker gear I was able to pick up from a roaming merchant named Crow. For someone who makes a living as an outfitter, he wore a stupid looking hat. I even managed to grab enough scrap to help with Megaton’s water purifier. The last thing on her list was to scavenge the Arlington library and see if I can get my hands on the archives. Luckily my pip-boy seems to have unlimited storage for notes. I expected this to be an easy task, but there were some Brotherhood of Steel and raiders battling it out. I didn’t want any trouble; the Brotherhood prided itself on snatching useful technology. I concealed my pip-boy, because I can’t imagine a life without it now. I helped out the Brotherhood and snuck ahead of them, taking care of the rest of the raiders. The archives were on a terminal guarded by three raiders, but I was able to lure them away from the terminal and tossed about three grenades their way. The Brotherhood thanked me for my help and one of the scribes even said she would pay me well if I can find some undamaged books. I figured being friends with the Brotherhood couldn’t hurt out here in the wastes. All was going well until I happened upon some more Brotherhood of Steel on the way back to Megaton. These guys had cooler power armor, being black and red. They also noticed my pip-boy and didn’t hesitate to pull their guns on me. I just froze up, because there’s no way a frag grenade or a sword is going to do shit against their power armor. Also I was too tired to run; from my escapades in the library. I expected them to ask for my pip-boy and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, I didn’t have it in me to part with it, without some resistance. But instead they took me prisoner and guided me through super mutant infested ruins. I never got so close to the big green bastards. I knew I didn’t stand a chance on my own, but I suppose the perk of being imprisoned by the Brotherhood of Steel, is the plethora of power armored energy weapon toting bodyguards. They didn’t say much to me, but if they just wanted the pip-boy, why didn’t they just take it already. They escort me onto an elevator that takes us deep into the ground. To greet us is a scribe, dressed the same as the scribe at the Arlington Library. She was a really pretty girl and for a moment, I forgot that I was a prisoner. They pushed me passed her and to some guy with a flat top named McGraw. He pretty much explained why they kidnapped me. They needed a vault dweller who could use a pip-boy. I was not a vault dweller, but I was afraid that bit of information might devalue my position. Also, it seemed like they had every intention of letting me keep the pip-boy for now. “So what do you need a pip-boy for?” “I don’t even think you should have one. However, we discovered an advanced simulation pod which requires a pip-boy. From what Specialist Olin tells us, the simulation is intense and making a fatal mistake in the simulation will result in a cardiac arrest.” “So you want me to risk my life in this simulation. Then what?” “Well if you finish the simulation, we will have access to the armory. The only way we can unlock it, is through completing it.” “I’m not in a rush to die or anything, but why do you need me for this?” “I’m not going to risk my own people for this. This area is swarming with mutants and I need all hands on deck. But I will make you a deal. If you finish the simulation, I will forget about that pip-boy you’re wearing and send you on your way.” “Well, that doesn’t work for me, because even with the pip-boy, there’s no way I can survive that swarm of mutants you mentioned. So, I’m going to need some of what’s in that armory.” “That is out of the question. Keep in mind vault dweller, that you’re in no position to bargain. My deal is as good as it gets.” “Well I guess, that’s how it is. Can we get this over with?”
He had Specialist Olin escort me to the simulation pod. We were of course followed by a plasma pistol wielding power armored bad ass. I tried talking to Specialist Olin anyway, and to my surprise they didn’t mind the chit chat. She seemed high strung, but I could tell that she was just anxious. I figured she didn’t really have anyone to talk to, especially considering the company she keeps. “What are you so nervous about?” “I’m sorry, I’m just a little stressed out by this situation.” “You’re stressed out? Fucking atom, I thought I was the one who had to leave here with just a sword and a few grenades.” “I don’t think you understand the simulation. There’s a good chance you won’t survive it. It is intense military combat training. You will be on the frontlines against elite forces; not like these wasteland raiders and mutants.” “Somehow I feel like the simulation is designed to be completed. If it weren’t, then why have it serve as a lock? I feel like the simulation would actually give me a chance. If it’s military training, I doubt they’ll send me to the front lines empty handed. But even if I survive that, you guys are going to send me back through those ruins. Which will still be crawling with super mutants. Have you ever tried to stab a super mutant?” “How is it our fault that you’re unprepared for the dangers of the wasteland.” “Believe it or not, but I would never have come to this part of the wasteland; there’s too many super mutants. I was brought here against my will.” “I’m not promising anything, but perhaps I can talk Protector McGraw into giving you access to some better gear. Don’t expect us to give you power armor, but we come across some outdated tech that perhaps wouldn’t be so dangerous in your hands.” She conceded. “Thank you. Can I admit something to you Specialist Olin?” “Sure.”
“I’m pretty nervous about the situation too.” I said as I came face to face with the simulation pod. They had me strip down and wear an ugly body suit. I think it was around then that I realized how crazy this situation was. I had no idea what to expect, I never heard of Anchorage. I didn’t know anything about pre-war military combat. All I had to get me through this was the pip-boy. And then I almost shat the body suit because what if I don’t have my pip-boy in the simulation. Before I could reconsider, the pod closed. It was pitch black for about thirty seconds and then I felt a visceral shock and suddenly I’m in a different place and a different time.