Jacob Simmerlock's Story

All was well in vault 98. No mutants, well, if you count the Ghouls in the basements. Everyone was excited for the day. It was Alex Westingson's, and it was also Arrons, the resident androids Birthday (or at least, the day he as found). Two for the price of one. It was going to be a joyous day of drinking, of course, no work for the day! Everybody was in the atrium, the biggest room in the vault, complete with a bar, shop, cafeteria, and a place for recreation for the kids. White sun lights shined in the room, making the vault bright as ever, With only half the chance of sunburn! (In truth, the lights were hard on the eyes, and gave large amounts of headaches to anyone who looked directly into them) The overseer was making rounds and cutting across the crowds to see if there were any stragglers in the dorms or maintained areas. Even the ghouls didn't have to work on birthdays. Their were the only days people in the vault got the day off. Even a Cake would be served! The overseer was making his stroll. He came to the water purification center, were Jacob was working merrily on some contraption. The overseer, with his voice try and true, spoke. "Enough work Jacob. Report to the atrium for recreational time. You only get a few days off you know" And with that, he continued to the teaching bay. He saw miss Bin at her desk, with apple on her desk, and terminal light blinking. "Aw, miss Bin, may you head down to the atrium? Thank you" The overseer went to check on mantance. Only to be blocked by the birthday girl her self, Alex. She was always a trouble maker "Aw, happy birthday Alex. And please make it to the atrium." The overseer cast a authoritive glance as he left. He needed to get everyone to the atrium. Music, soft, with a little jazz could be heard through the halls. The Overseer Had mad it to the maintance. Max and Pierre were working on the generators. Still working on them, the overseer noted. He looked at them, and said firmly. "Its your day off guys, to the atrium." And with that, he walked to security, through the halls, and right by the Vault door. Draedrin and arron were argueing. over something. "whatever you two are arguing about it can wait. Please head to the atrium" with that, the overseer left to the atrium. On his way, he saw nice young Genisse. The overseer cast a glance at her. "Alright, no playing in the halls. Please get to the atrium. We have a birthday to celebrate, and a special announcement later that could affect us all" and with that, after the billient time he said that, he went to the atrium to well, oversee the activities there. People were handing out "party favors" and alchol. He was baseically there to make sure no one hurt them self. The atrium was packed with people, ghouls, dogs, and of course the androids. Everyone was haveing a brillant time. Well, some werent. But it was the most that count.

Jacob was hunched over his Microscope that was set over one of the central water pipes, just staring at the water as it was pushed into the series of pipes on the western half of the Vault. From the Microscope he spoke over to his lab mate "Jackson, why the hell are we staring at water?" He asked with anger in his voice. "Well, someone in the west dorms complained they found specs of dust floating in there water, so we have to make sure that was an isolated incident." His labmate replied from his microscope. Jacob stood up and cracked his back. "Your kidding right? The Overseer has me breaking my back because some intolerant Asshole complained about some dust!? I bet they have dust in there water outside the Vault..." He sighed and looked at the doorway to see the overseer himself, and smiled and it kinda faded as he told him to Report to the Atrium and left. "Goddamnit i hate Birth days.." He grumbled. "Oh calm down Jacob, At least we got out of this..." Jackson replied as he walked past Jacob and headed down the hall. After a few moments of self-despair, he himself headed off to the Atrium.

He passed up Miss Mi's Classroom. He smiled as he passed it, Young lads hungry for knowdlege would sometimes venture down to talk to him, and fill there heads with science. Of course, the Overseer telling Miss Bin to report to the Atrium like everyone else destroyed his Gleeful mood.

Now Jacob doesnt hate the Overseer, its just he's quick to assume things, and is always assighning Him on these stupid assignments such as Finding ways to decrease water usage or power usage from the 160th time. Its just there is many more important things he should be assigned with, being head scientist, but isnt.

As Jacob Made his way into the crowd, he simpley settled down onto a Chair in the corner away from the big crowds and went into his Daydreaming Mode.

Mi Ru had just been in the middle of a lesson when she got the news that she had to report down to the overseer, her brows furrowed for a moment then she smiled at the kids. They ranged from ages 5-12, there were other teachers that took the younger and older kids. "I'm going to have to step out for a bit, keep your assigned buddies close... don't leave the classroom until your parents arrive to pick you up..." she paused taping her chin to think she was forgetting something, "Oh yes!" she remembered, "homework!" the kids groaned.

"I know... but don't worry it's not that much..." she wrote on the blackboard the assigned work and smiled. She glanced at the door, It had only taken a glance, Jacob had just passed her door. The head scientist caught her attention, she thought it was simply her wanting to learn more. Although a few of her kids had ventured out to talk to him, she on the other hand was far to shy.

She turned around to face the kids, "alright... I'll see you tomorrow... oh and Mari (the trainee) is incharge while I'm gone!

She closed the classroom door behind her and headed to the direction Jacob was headed, she let out a soft sigh as she saw the crowd... she was not a social butterfly... she found herself an isolated chair and quickly sat down.

Daedrin listened to the last few words of Arron, shaking his head in disapproval of the androids ideas when the Overseer showed up. The security officer turned to look at the vaults "leader" and crossed his arms in frustration at all the commotion going on for the birthday party that day. Personally he would rather be by himself at the Vault Door than having to sign a song and eat cake for the next year of someones life gone by. Sighing in defeat at the Overseer's order Daedrin followed Arron to the atrium.

As soon as Daedrin got inside he skirted around the many people in the room and found himself near the refreshments. He got himself a cup of coffee and settled into a corner table of the atrium. He wasn't even fully awake yet only having woken up a half hour previous to start his shift. Early morning birthday parties were his scorn, and coffee his only savior. He wondered what the Overseer was going to preach about at this party, and decided to keep himself busy with his drink until the whole thing was over.

After the Overseer told her to head to the atrium, Genesis scrunched her face up. She was never very fond of birthdays, she thought there was no sincere purpose for them. You're just getting older.. She told herself. But she was also very jealous, since nobody really knew when her birthday was. Only Genesis knew herself, and she had nobody to celebrate with anyway. March 7th, the day she was born into this world alone. But she put a fake smile on her face, to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves on this 'joyous' day. She wouldn't exactly call Alex a friend, but they would talk from time to time.

...

The atrium was filled with food, the sound of glasses filled with bear clanking together, and decorations all around. They put lots of work into this, and Genesis was glad that Arron and Alex would have a great day atleast. Genesis decided to spice things up a bit. She snuck to the bar to get a keg of beer (I think that's what it is) and slowly duck through the crowd to get near Pierre, one of her constant victims to her schemes. Standing up slowly, others could see her, and quietly looked away, waiting for the moment of truth. She raised the keg over his head, and turned it over, causing all of the beer to spill on him. The people he was talking to kept in their laughter, and she ran away before Pierre could even begin to react. Typical, typical Genesis.

P.S. I will post once a week.

The Overseer got to his position in the Stand of Honor. Basically, it was a simple stand were important announcements were made, by him of course. He rose above the crowd in the stand, tho, not by much. There was a microphone set in the stand. He tapped Twice, mostly to get everyone's attention, especially at Pierre and Genesis. Though, mostly at Genesis, who would receive verbal punishment later. The Overseer tapped the mic again, and cleared his throat. "Genesis, that will be enough. Pierre, you may clean your self up after this announcement" The overseer paused. "Now then, Its come to my Delight that two beings have grown up. Alex, when your left us, I promised you that I would keep you safe. Now, your older, more mature. I seen you sprout from a sweet young girl to a brilliant young adult. And I wish you a happy birthday. Now, on to Arron. I remember when my dad told his story abut his dad brought you in. You were, and still are, a great edition to this vault. I remember the part of the story when he brought you, broken, and nothing but spare parts. Now you are fully functional android. And my thanks to you both, Max and Pierre, For fixing him whenever he needed it. I wish you a happy birthday Arron. But, it saddens me, that on this joyous day, that bad news is evident. Ill put it to you, citizens, truthfully. We are running out of water." Citizens looked in shock at the overseer. How could they be out of water? The crowed began to mildly panic. The overseer quickly empathized. "But don worry citizens. II have a solution!" The crowd began to calm down. Though, still edgy. But they trusted the overseer. "Im putting out a resource party. Consisting of the best this vault has to offer. Two of our best mantance engineers, Two of our best security, a perfect scientist, one teacher to document the expedition, and two morale keepers. It will be treacherous, considering all the info from our last scouting missions from 60 years ago. Ill list the team. Jacob Simmerlock. Your Knowledge of science will prove valuable to the team. Pierre Siegbert, and Maxwell Piedrasky. Your Knowledge of all things mechanical should help the group to the degree of success. Deadrin, and, im soo sorry to say this, Arron. Im sorry but you two are one of the best guards this vault has to offer, without you two, the group would most likely perish. And Deadrin, I told you your job were to help with any possible scouting parties. Keep them safe. Ms Bin. I need you to document all knowledge of the outside world. Keep a journal, write each night, and keep them safe. Its valuable to our existence for new scouting missions. Also, I regret to inform you, Citizens, im sending Genesis and Alex with them as morale keepers. The wastes will be harsh, and dangerous. But, Alex always wanted to leave, so consider this her birthday present. And Genesis....Im sorry, but Alex would need someone of her peer, to strive off loneliness." The vault was silent now, contemplating on what they just heard. There was whispering, and acceptance of his words. They would be the Saviors of Vault 98. The vaults only hope. The Overseer waited for the group to c0me to him, then went to the Giant gear shape Vault door. He turned to the group. "There's only so much we can spare. Please, if you, and I know you do, have any weapons, please go get them. You will need them. When you return, ill provide a days worth of food. Our lives our in your hands" The overseer said grimly. He sat down on a chair facing the vaults door control system. He would do the honors.

Jacob Jumped up out of the chair he was sitting in when he heard the news. Two things struck his mind, both Sadness and happyness. First, The science! he was overjoyed he was not being assigned to something Stupid, but something important! Plus imagine the Possible scientific discoveries available out in the world. Nuerology, Ecology, Biology, Mathmatics, Oh the wonders that could ever await! But then, who would take care of his Father? He still needed help with even the most decent things, and last trip to the Vault Doctor said he might Have Alzheimers. Plus Jackson and John, what would the Vault Scientist team do without the Head Vault Scientist while he was gone? He would feel terrible if he left his only friends alone to take over all of the backbreaking work he does...

Regardless, when the Overseer finished, he gathered at the door, with the rest of the Group. He was rather disgusted at the Tantrums other were throwing though. So he Swallowed his shyness and Turned to them to say, "Oh lighten up you guys, Imagine what discoveries could be made out there?" Of course his confidence was as low as theirs because the Overseer still hadnt explained how the Vault would manage without its 'Saviors.'

Of course when the Overseer asked for any Weapons to be carried he gladly moved his coat to the side and looked down at the Blocky Laser Pistol he had made, Not accurate, Not reliable, but it was the only thing he carried that he was happy carrying around.

He still had his eye on Miss Bin, he was still weary whether she should even be the documenter. She was such a Sweet woman. There was no way she would be able to handle herself if they were attacked by say the Radiation Addled Creatures of the Wasteland.

So Jacob sighed and looked down, waiting for the Overseer to say something about what was going to happen while they were away, or open the door.

Max pointed his gun at jacob" this is the only discovery you'll find out there with that attitude, out there, there isnt a comfy enviromental system or your sweet roll disputes out there is who is prey and who is Hunter" he said putting the shotgun down " egg head there is wonder in what can kill you the key is to not give it that chance" he said with a final grunt before he turned back to the vault door" going out there isn't my first choice and i came from there it shouldn't be yours either, or the super mutants or raider even the vermint will make you regret it".

Ru Mi's eyes widened at the news, she would be leaving to document the party? Why she had been selected in the first place deeply confused her, if she had heared Jacob's inner thought she might have agreed. She slipped away from Max and Jacob after she heared overseers orders to fetch Alex.

Ru Mi walked away to find where young girl had gone, she herself had been Alex's teacher at a time so the two of them knew eachother well. She knocked on the door to her room, "Alex? I wanted to wish you happy birthday..."

She was taking Alex's temper into consideration by avoiding the subject about the leaving the vault for the time being.

"Maxwell, thats enough!" The overseer said, furious. "we dont need you to scare everybody. We need water, and its a must. Now stop with the atitude." The overseer boomed. He calmed down after that. He turn to the rest of the group. He was a little taken aback by Jacobs outburst. But, he was right. Discovery was the mother of science, and that was about enough to get Jacob in a happy mood, but only for maxwell to ruin it. The overseer signed. "Alright. I had made arrangements for your families. They will be taken care of if they need the help. I also put in temporary replacements for your positions. Not as experanced as you guys, but good enough to suffice." He turned to Jacob, who showed the homeade laser pistol in his lab coat. "Um....ok, how long have been working on that? And why? Was that a project you were working on?" The overseer was a bit scared that Jacob had a energy weopon the entire time. "Oh nevermind. At least you got something. Alright, Pierre, Arron, Daedrin and genasis. You all have weopons right?" The overseer asked.

As Pierre went to get a drink, the overseer went onto an platform in the Atrium and made an announcement to everyone which didn't surprise him as he saw it coming. So he stood in place among the crowd to listen to the Overseer's words, then he understood the purpose of them all coming to the Party as the overseer explained the situation. All of the engineers were quite aware of the water problem for sometime, but the overseer prevented any of them from speaking out about the problem or a punishment would been handed down. Now, that the Overseer told the problem to most of the residents of the Vault, something possibly needs to be done.

Just as Pierre thought of that they may need to do something quick, the Overseer began saying the names of the people of the Vault for a scavenger team. Then Pierre heard his name, "What!?" and can't believe he has to go out in the wasteland as he has thought the party was only an little setback on his repairs, but he was wrong. He didn't know whether the other engineers will be able to handle the work without them, especially Robert. Also Pierre was hoping to continue his repairs on the generator as they weren't quite up to good condition since he last checked, but the thought of the wasteland was overwhelming as he wondered what kind of things he can find out there. There might be some good components and tools out there that can be used for the vault, especially with a shortage of bolts and certain type of wires. Pierre began to approached the group of people who were picked to go and find the parts needed to bring back the water.

The overseer watched as Ms Bin and Alex came into the vaults entrance room. The looked at Ms Bin. "Thank you Ms Bin. Ill talk to her." The overseer looked back to Alex who was beside Ms Bin. "Have a good nap?" The overseer asked. He wasnt mad at her, but he was a little annoyed. "You know Alex, I knew you wanted to leave the vault as soon as your mom left. You wanted to know the why of it. Its understandable. Im not mad at you, nore do I resent your reaction. It was better than shoveing a knife to my throat. Metaphorically speaking of coarse. I knew your mom well. She was a good woman, and you seam to be practically the same. Personality wise, and even looks if you look at it like that." The overseer gave a slight hug to Alex. "I was 16 once two. Consider this a birthday present. You eyes give away much more feelings than you like. But, so did your moms. I hope you find her out there,..." the overseer went back to everyone. "This will be treacherous, food will be hard to find, civilized people, even harder. So, I prepared enough meals and water for a day. Its all I could give. Theres about 10 cases of 10 9mm bullets in the cabinet by the vault door. Jacob, theres a few energy cells too. Use them wisely." The overseer waited for a responce from the rest of the group.

Jacob Nodded with a smile and Grabbed the Energy Cells. He inserted them into his coat Pocket and simply turned to the Door.

All that Iron, made to protect us from the harshs of the outside world we were about to experiance. Would there be side effects when it opened? What if there are creatures waiting for us? What were these Super Mutants and other things Max Mentioned.

Oh right. Max. He had just earned the number 4 spot on Jacobs Shit List. He simply made an inquiry and he pointed a SHOTGUN at him. For what reason? he still wasnt sure. Of course calling him an Egghead was another thing he didnt like. His head wasnt eggshaped in any matter. Perhaps he was simply making up for his own lack of intelligence comapared to His. Jacob Smiled and laughed a bit at the thought of such.

It was nice to know that the Overseer had things lined up for his Dad, so that was one thing taken off his memory list. Of course, he wasnt exactly a Person who socialized very well, so leading a Group (Or being part of one.) Was still making him weary.

Regardless! He still awaited the Door to open and tried to stay out of any Social Interactions, but kinda wanted to talk to The Group. At least the ones that wont point Weapons at him.

Max" I wont sugar coat it if you want do so yourself" he said quietly as he leaned against the door " not die " he answered the girl" and bring pieces to fix the water chip, or barter our way to a caravan with fresh water" he said putting tightening his knee brace " don't straight far from the group or you will die, don't try to be a hero or you will die, don't feed the yao guai or you will die and lastly don't ever cross anyone out there or " he said pausing for a while.

Mi Ru had been listening to the conversations quietly to the side as she walked to the door... this would be dangerous... that much was apparent. She had grabbed herself a notebook and pen where she could make a diary of what happened along the journey. She set up the first page with the date and time, names of all members of the party... and what had happened so far. She looked at Max who was giving Alex instruction, then her gaze fell on Jacob who was standing alone... She decided to approach him.

"Hello..." she said, her voice was so soft that she had to clear her throat to get his attention, "I'm, Mi Ru Bin"

Arron was about to answer Mi Ru when he heard the overseer tap on the microphone. He turned toward the overseer knowing that what he said waas going to be important. The overseer started off by giving congratulations to Alex and him for turning a year older. The overseer`s grand father had been one of the first humans he had met when he awoke after being rebooted. He had visited over the weeks it took to get Arron fully functional and had helped Arron settle in the vault. Arron remembered how upset he had been when the trips to the outside world had been stopped . Years later he had died and left behind a son. Arron nodded politely toward the engineers that had fixed him up when he had come occasionally for repiars when they were mentioned. Arron wasn`t surprised when the overseer told everyone that the water was running out. What did surprise him was when the overseer mentioned the resource party that he was sending out. The last scouting trip had been 60 years ago. Arron listened as the overseer went obver the list of people who was goung. Jacob Simmerlock, Pierre Siegbert, Maxwell Piedrasky, and Deadrin were all good chocies. They would be helpfull out there. Arron was also surprised when the overseer mentioned his name. It did make logical sense tp send him out there since he was there 60 years ago when the scouting missions ended. Arron listened to the rest of the names and then went to the rest of the group. Some where upset about going outside and others were excited. When the overseer asked if they had a weapon Arron got out his 9mm pistol.

Jacob snapped away from his dream land and looked up at Mi. "O-Oh hello Miss Bin." he said with a hint of nervousity in his voice.
"How may i help you?" He smiled and put his hands behind his back and straightned into a professional pose.

Jacob's mind wandered around, He had always known Mi, but never had the nerve to directly approach her and engage in a conversation. Well, the Nerve and the fact that at least 98% of his day was commonly filled with various tasks. If i hadnt made it clear enough, the Students from her class would come down and talk to him. Often, when he'd ask them what they think of there teacher, they often say things like she's Quiet, and Polite, and nice. But they usually venture down to learn, not to discuss someone that theyre trying not to get caught by so thats all the input he gets.

However he was glad to finally engage in a Conversation with another Human Being for the first time since a very long time ago!

Daedrin didn't even pay attention to the first part of the Overseer's speech and instead got distracted by his drink for awhile. He only started listening when his name was mentioned. He didn't care about the job either way and when they left to get prepared Daedrin just went straight to the door as most of what he needed was either there or on his person. He received the supplies and grabbed as much ammunition as he could hold before sitting down to smoke a cigarette and wait on the others.

When Mi Ru and Alex arrived he heard the last bit of their conversation and perked up a bit. Daedrin went to the security locker stationed near the Vault Door and grabbed one of the extra 9mm pistols there, checked the clip and tossed it at Mi Ru. "Bullets come out the hollow end, point it at the bad guys and pull the trigger." He was being overly-sarcastic about it but it was a good idea for her to have at least something to defend herself.

Daedrin readied his own pistol, putting a round into the chamber and holstering it then taking a drag off his smoke. He put out the cigarette and waited for the door to open, ready for anything to be on the other side.

As the Overseer started his speech, Genesis smirked. She thought her little prank was worth it. But soon her smile faded. She didn't mind the no water problem, and heck she was super excited about going out in the world. The thing that she's always wanted. But, the problem was that she was being sent up there just for company. Did she have a purpose to be apart of this mission? Was it because she could lighten up dark moods? She still felt useless. Once again, she placed that fake smile on her face. Genesis ran to her room and gathered her things. She remembered to bring along her treasured dagger that the Overseer said her mother left for her. Her long black hair bothered her. It could easily get caught in things, which would be bad for the others. She didn't want to be a burden. So she went up to a mirror and adjusted the dagger in her hand. Slowly, she moved it towards a clomp of her hair.

"CHOP"

...

As Genesis arrived where the others were, they looked surprised at her hair. Genesis would change now. Nobody knew about the training she did all these years (Of course she was taken care of as an infant). She was ready for what was going to happen, and she would show every single one of well, everybody, including the Overseer, that she isn't on this mission to be used.

The overseer looked at the group, including Max and Alex especially. Only Max ever went outside, and Arron had no memory of it. The overseer groaned at the harshness of Maxs word. The overseer was sure Max was mad (and not in the angry way) from his years of exposure. And what Alex was complaining about was really just a big group of mole rats. Luckily, they werent deathclaws. The overseer said to the group, or "Saviors" and said "Now, your mission is to collect water by any means nessary. Preferably not irradiated. But if you cannot find any, we will have to make do." The overseer contimued "I do not know whats out side. But I do know, the last scouting mission ended with us collecting bodies from the old one. Thats when the missions stoped" the overseer paused. "Now if there arnt any questions, its time to go." Theo overseer fliped the switch on the console. The big gear shaped door began to creak open slowly occupied with a blareing siren to warn everyone to keep back from the giant gear shape door. When the door finished opening, all that could be seen was a dark entrance with a silver light pouring through the end of it. It was a cave to a small screen door, and you could hear the sound of wind hitting it. Wind. One of the many things most vault dewlers never hear or feel. Except for a airconditoner draft. But natural free flowing air was just out side the screen door. Life in the vault wasnt difficult, but now, your leaveing the safety of your old home. As you walk out the massive door, it closed shut, with the "Saviors of vault 98 outside.....well in the dark dank cave, with a little bit of light pouring through the screen door at the end. Welcome to your new homes "Saviors". Welcome home.