Out TherE

The RobCo. computer monitor flickered in the cool gloom of the Broadcast and Information Centre, nestled deep inside the bowls of the Admin Wing of the first level of Vault 73. Two figures sit in front of it: Holden, middle aged and male with sandy blond hair, and Gwendy, a young woman with a black braid hanging down between her shoulders. They both look into the tepid green glow of the console at a string of text: "G-W-1-8-C-A-M-P-F-O-L-L-O-W" followed by a string of six numbers: "1-7-6-2-7-2" What this means is unclear.

Gwendy "GW-18? Come on Holden there's no way that isn't for me. We just happen to discover a distant carrier wave signal activated on the very day I turn eighteen? It has my initials and age! It says 'follow' right there!"

Holden "Gwen, you can't hear a spontaneous broadcast with a few letters and numbers and just dash out of the vault unprepared. That message could be anything, mean anything, and anyone with a similar radio could pick it up. What if you walked directly into a Raider camp because some random crazy cannibal guy knocked a desk and started a pre-war message running?"

Gwendy "Random crazy cannibal guy? Really?"

Holden "YES really! You have no idea how dangerous it is on the outside. Trust me."

She does trust him, and she does know what he means, despite her inexperience. Vault 73 has faced its share of brutality and trials since it opened its gate to the outside world. The gains have been massive and she owes her very life to that decision, but it also claimed her folks and other residents, not to mention the vulnerable people that find their way to Fort 73 hoping for a chance at life saving supplies and run afoul along the way. She knows if she left and didn't return it would be another terrible blow to the lives of those around her, Holden most of all. She has a duty to the vault like everyone born into it, but she can't ignore the fire in her heart and the desire to prove to herself. If there is a chance--however slim--that this signal was sent by her family? She HAS to take it.

Holden "Sigh... I know you're not going to listen to me OR reason so... I guess now's the best time for these." He says, standing from his console and reaching up to the top of a near by shelf. He produces a well kept mess-tin for pre-war MREs and unlatches the lid, drawing from it an oily bundle of rags and handing it to Gwendy. "I kept this for you since your mum and dad... Well, they mentioned to me once that they wanted you to have this when you were old enough so I kept it as a promise. Happy Birthday Gwen."

Gwendy, wide-eyed and reverent, unwraps the slightly dirty bundle like it is the most precious gift she's ever gotten. Inside she discovers a well worn but gleaming Pioneer Scouts Bowie Knife. She examines it closely while Holden watches with a slightly sad smile.

Gwendy "It's... I don't know what to say. Thank you, Holden." she says, standing to hug her friend and guardian. The Radio Operator pats Gwendy on the shoulder, and takes a deep breath.

Holden "Just promise me you'll try and be safe, wherever you end up. Remember your training, and remember what direction home is." he says this last with another presentation: a small personal compass recovered from one of the old Vault survival kits, left over from their initial explorations of the surrounding area shortly after the doors were opened. "It isn't a Scout one, but it served me pretty well when I was learning to hunt with your dad, so this one is from me."

Gwendy "I will, I promise. 73 will always be my home, and you'll always be my family too. Thank you."

They briefly embrace again before discussing preparation, committed now to a course of action. Holden copies the signal's channel to Gwendy's PipBoy and make what plans they can for her initial foray.

HOMEPAGE - NEXT SESSION