Chapter Text
It was an ordinary day. Talks of the boogieman called the Institute had become history. People were starting to live their lives without fear of being replaced. The Sole Survivor Nora had made sure they would not trouble the Commonwealth anymore. With her companions by her side, they rescued the East Coast from another monster. The journey was far from over.
Nora had watched her friends take new paths. All of them contributed to the restoration of the Commonwealth. Little did she know she would meet someone with just as much positive influence as her. A woman named Stephie Walker. By the time Nora meets her, she is an older woman with much life experience to share.
Stephie Walker was a lady from pre-war times. Much had happened in her life to contribute to her growth. Good and bad times. When the bombs fell in 2077, she was escorted to her vault. A vault that was frozen in time. One of the control vaults that focused on growing human civilization.
The vault was her home for many years, though she did long for the outside. Stephie grew her own family in the vault. However, nothing lasts forever. A divide happened in the vault. Families were adamant about their family legacy. Not wanting to follow the rules of the vault forever. Stephie was in her room before she felt her eyes grow heavy. Falling asleep at her desk. All the vault residents were put to sleep by sleeping gas.
Stephie had been taken from the vault. Asleep in a coma. Stephie was transported to an outside settlement, many miles away from the vault. Against her will. Stephie was woken up to a town in shambles. Seeing that she was kidnapped, she wanted to know what happened. The mayor of the town explained to her that he made a deal with the vault settlers.
The Vault had a divide, splitting into three. One side stayed in the vault. One died in a fight and the last one fled. Each group had picked the people they wanted to keep. Unfortunately, Steph did not have a choice in the matter. No one did. The organizers of the vault did. Now, everyone was separated. Due to not agreeing.
Stephie stayed. Rebuilding the town. It did not take long for her to bring the town to a subtitle state. Rebuilding it. The Mayor was surprised with the outcome. Soon, it became known that Steph had a rare talent in the wasteland. A title. A designer! One who would not rip you off while doing a shabby job! Steph was known to be welcoming which was a rare sight in the wasteland. All the work she did was genuine. Soon the rest of the world found out about her skills.
Many places were in shambles due to the war long ago. Not including any hostile enemies that you may encounter that have claimed their territories. It was rare when Steph would turn down a job. It had to be highly radiated or had to be cleared out first before she could work. Which is where her team came in. Stephie had created a work crew that sometimes traveled with her for work. Depending on the level of the job or the severity of the situation. Stephie would wait for them to scout the area and clear it before going to meet with her clients. The teamwork made it easier for Stephie to focus on the design and building aspects of the job. This way she did not have to do the job all by herself. You know there is no I in the team after all.
Stephie had missed her old pre-war life. Talking about the times that the wasteland had forgotten. Some would not believe her stories…just like how they gave some of the older ghouls a hard time about facts. History had been lost to time. Whenever Stephie tried to correct someone, they would often say that she had it all wrong. Stephie learned not to put in too much stock talking to these people. If they aren’t willing to listen then they aren’t ready to learn.
Back at Sanctuary, Nora was standing on her front lawn, listening to an old friend. Hancock. The mayor of Good Neibohor. “So. That is what I have been hearing. If the rumors are true I think she could help you out with settlements. For a good price. Everything I heard has been good and that is something we need these days. I know Nick down in Diamond City knows more. I would go talk to him.” Nora nodded. “Thanks. I will make sure to head over to talk to him.” Hancock tilted his cap. “Anytime. You are a good friend. I don’t mind pulling strings to get info for you.” With that. Hancock watched Nora disappear out of sight toward Diamond City. “I just hope it is more than just rumors. Nora does not deserve any more crap coming her way….”
Nick was looking over files. Seeing pictures of settlements Stephie had worked on. Many were out of state so they could not go look for themselves. The closest spot would be Steph’s lighthouse on the east coast near the beaches. The difference is that this lighthouse works. Even more rare is the fact that anyone is welcome so there was no discrimination against anyone who was not human. A good sight in this Commonwealth. Not many share the same foresight as Stephie does.
“I think this is a good start. A good heart might do us some good around here. Everyone knows the Commonwealth needs it after this Institute mess that was over a year ago. Giving people hope is something I always support. Also, heads up, Piper wants to come with you. Interview the famous Mrs. Walker. Wanting to know what her story is. You know how she is. I just hope she does not press any buttons.” Nora chuckled. “Don’t worry. I will make sure she stays in line. Who knows? She might be up to answering questions. We will be fine Nick. If things get hairy we will just head home. I will make sure to tell you everything when we get back.” Nick hummed. “I am sure Piper will keep talking to me about it. Probably make a newspaper article too. Who knows what will happen? What I do know is that another friendly face would be nice. I think having a new friend who relates to you Nora will be vital. Not every day you come across someone that knows about pre-war life.” Nora tilted her head to the side. “You are right. I did not even think about that before. I will head out in a couple of hours.” Nick looked Nora in the eye. “Just promise me you will be careful. Need any backup you let me know.”
“Did you say, Mrs. Walker? I know her.” Ada came out from around a corner. “I was doing surveillance around Sanctuary when I heard you talking. I can take you to her lighthouse. Stephie and I are good friends. I am sure you will get along with her just fine. Wait until you see her building skills in person. I promise it will be worth the journey.” Nora smiled. “I did not know you knew her Ada. Sure. You can come along with Piper and I. A guide would make things much easier anyway. Be ready in a couple of hours. Meet me by the front gate. We will start there. We also have to pick up Piper at her house.” Ada paused. “It is on the east coast. It will take a while to get there. So make sure you have the necessary supplies.”
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End of Chapter 1! Chapter 2 is now out!
Thanks for reading!