Fallout 3: Before the Exile

Chapter 14: First Day on the Job

Haven't updated for a while, sorry about that, but I'm back now and hope this chapter will make up for my absence... enjoy!

Chapter 14: First Day on the Job

*Year 2275*

John's P.O.V

"Here we are..."

The old but kind man, Stanley, said as the door slide open and revealed a room inside containing all sorts of equipment; a power generator, workbenches, computers, tools, gadgets and everything else you'd expected from a nerd's fantasy.

"Definitely my kind of reality..." I thought to myself, mesmerized.

Last year, I took a class known as the Generalized Occupational Aptitude Test, but I just call it the 'G.O.A.T', as does everyone else here in the Vault. When you turn sixteen, everyone has to take the test since, according to the Overseer, it helps each individual determine what sort of job they will have in the future, or so it says.

After taking the test and trying my best to avoid Amata's sensual eye winks, I managed to hand it in and found that I would be a Pip-Boy programmer. I do admit, I was hoping to work as a doctor, considering to follow in my old man's footsteps. But, after thinking it over, I have always wanted to work with Pip-Boys when growing up and was thrilled when I got the job.

I have been intrigued by them ever since I was ten years old, back when I got my first Pip-Boy on my birthday, and wanted to know everything about them ; the operations, the schematics, the design, you name it.

"The G.O.A.T definitely got it right for me" I thought then smugly added"unlike Butch"

Man, he was so pissed when he found out he was going to be a hairdresser! Huh, maybe I'll stop by the shop later on and get a haircut from the man himself... wait, scratch that. I don't think I can't trust Butch in the same room with me in it, whether he was holding a pair of scissors or not.

"Welcome to my slice of the vault" Stanley said in a cheerful tone , walking in and waving his hands dramatically into the air. I quickly snapped back into reality and followed him inside, adjusting the strap of my satchel slightly.

And no, it's not a purse! Jeez!

"This is where you'll be coming everyday after school and maybe even on off-days, if you'd like to?" he asked eagerly with a look on his face that made it impossible to say no.

"I'd like that" I replied, looking around the room as his features lit up in joy.

I feel bad for poor Stanley sometimes, considering how much work he always has to do for the Vault and never get enough time to spend it with his family. I get the feeling he's often lonely from the lack of company and I personally think the Overseer should get someone else to take on the job. However, if it wasn't for the fact that there's no one else to tend to the Vault's systems, Stanley would have been retired and living it back at home by now but sadly... things don't always work out the way we want them to.

Despite all that though, his cheerfulness never seems to cease...

"Splendid to hear!" he cheered, clapping his hands together with a smile on his face "So, shall we get you settled in?"

I turned to face him, a smile made it's way across my face to match his own "You bet"

~Later~

"You got it?"

I nodded my head in response, keeping my eyes focus on the dismantled Pip-Boy in front of me.