The entire Vault was gathered in the Atrium, eagerly waiting for the Overseer. Earlier in the week she had declared that she would be picking the toughest and bravest men and women to join the Reconnaissance Team, which would be leaving the Vault on the 100 year mark. Obviously, Seth had signed himself up and regularly sent physical examination reports the Overseer to show her how he had developed. He even impressed himself by adding almost a stone in muscle mass. That could also be credited to his 'Service' to the maintenance crew since the Hand-Brake incident. He hadn't spoken to Kara since she came to his room, but she wasn't important right now. Even if she did get Jackson in trouble and got him out of it (sort of). He would only have one chance to get out of the Vault, but the rest of his life to talk to Kara.

It was now, while Seth was deep in thought that the Overseer appeared, on the walkway above everyone else. The entire atrium went silent.

"The time has finally arrived," she said, "And I know most of the people in here are anxious to hear if they made the cut." She paused and looked around at all of the faces below her. "I want all applicants to know it has been difficult for ne to choose my team, as it was a very close ... competition. I do not expect you to not feel disappointed if you didn't get in, but I would be grateful if you show appreciation to those who did. But you're not here to listen to me talk for hours. Let's announce the team." Exited murmurs spread through the crowd. Only a few people remained silent, But Seth didn't really care - he was only in there to hear his name read out. "So," continued the Overseer, "The team. It will consist of 5 members, with one of them being the leader." She paused again. "And that leader will be Wilkins!" Kara's dad stood to applause, and it was obvious that he was having difficulty being modest. Seth was happy for him, or was it for Kara? She would earn a lot of respect now. Seth couldn't get too deep in his thoughts, though, because the Overseer was continuing. "Congratulations, .However, I must announce the rest of the team, if you don't mind." took the hint and sat down. "The four members joining him will be Jed Treàl, Marcus Peters, Lucy Grayson and ...Edward!"
Seth was outraged. This was blatant favouritism, He thought, How had Edward made the cut? Edward's not muscular, can't shoot for shit and on top of all that, he's a picky eater! He'd only eat something if it had been Rad-Checked! What does he possess that I don't? Alfred noticed Seth's anger and attempted to comfort him.

"Never mind, son," he said, rubbing Seth's back, "You did your best." Alfred knew that simply comforting host grandson wouldn't help. But his spirits were brightened when he saw Kara pushing through the crowd.
Seth didn't even see Kara approach, so she startled home slightly. He noticed she was looking solemn, despite her dad earning position as leader.

"I'm sorry Seth." she said. From anyone else, the apology would be empty, but from Kara, it was everything.

"Thanks," Seth replied, turning away from Alfred."But you shouldn't be here apologizing to me. You should be celebrating with your dad."

"He's fine with everyone else." she said, indicating. Seth tried to spot him, but couldn't see through the mass of people. "Anyway," Kara went on, "I was actually worried when you didn't get it."

"I think it's stupid how Edward got it. The Overseer's just choosing her husband to make sure it goes well..."

"I didn't mean it like that. I mean I'm worried as to what you'll do now."

"I ... Don't..." Kara looked into his eyes. His heart quickened slightly, but only until he noticed her eyes were glassy with tears.

"I know you wanted to get out so badly."She said. Seth could tell she was trying hard to hold back her tears. "But the truth is, Seth ... You won't stop until you're out of here." He didn't know how to respond. It was completely true - not making the team had no effect on his desire to leave. He still wanted to leave the vault. If anything he wanted to leave more now, because of the wasted opportunity. All he cloud do was nod. "See? I know you, Seth. Better than you think. And I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know, Kara. It's just-" He didn't finish his sentence. The Overseer was walking straight to him. He was not going to stop until he was outside the Vault.

"I'm sorry, Seth," The Overseer said, "But I can't have you causing havoc out there."

"Havoc?" He asked, "What do you mean by that? Am I not trustworthy? Is that why Edward's going?" His blood was boiling now, but he pressed on. "Edward's the only one you trust, isn't he? You think that the Team is going to lie to you, to get us all out of here. And you want him to make sure we stay down." The whole room was silent now. Everyone was waiting for the Overseer to speak.

"This is why you aren't on the team, Seth." She exhaled loudly, "You can't keep your temper down." She raised her voice. "One slip up in a Team out there, in the Wasteland, and all of you could get killed. Safety of the Vault Community is my priority, and if I can minimise danger to the Recon Team, then I'm going to do it!" For a few moments, nobody dared to breathe. The tension was electric, and no one wanted to trigger another outburst, either from Seth or the Overseer. The Overseer took a quick look around the room before stalking off, and Seth left soon after. This had settled it. Despite everything Kara had said and how much he had to lose if this didn't work, he had decided he was leaving the Vault.

Seth began his preparations the next day. He had to be careful, as the Overseer was keeping a close eye on him, but he managed to sneak a few cans of Pork 'n' Beans and a Salisbury steak into his room. He had started to make a rucksack out of an old Vault Suit, using old rope and a few pipes from the reactor. He was yet to get a weapon, but he had his eye on Jed's 10mm Pistol. He knew it was in working condition, as Jed was constantly cleaning it.

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