THE CAPITAL EMPIRE

"I'm sorry…you're a hero. And you have to leave."

The words burned into the Lone Wanderer's brain, and they would remain there as the Capital Wasteland was remade in her image.

40 years later…

Overseer Almodovar,

The mighty Empress has determined it is time to open Vault 101 once more. She admires your achievements as Overseer and requests your presence for an audience in James City. We guarantee the safe conduct of any residents of Vault 101 through the lands of the Capital Empire.

Cordially,

Imperial Advisor Charon

…

"Are you going to do it?"

"I think so, yeah."

"What?! Why?!"

"Why do you think? This is the last generation of residents. We can't have any more kids without inbreeding. Our time is up."

"You can't go out there!"

"I don't think Mary would have guaranteed me safe conduct unless she meant it. And we don't know how the outside world has changed. It's been 40 years…there's an Empire now. We might be able to make this work."

"I still don't like this, Amata."

"I don't either. But we have precious little choice."

…

EMPRESS MARY WU OF THE CAPITAL EMPIRE: Amata…welcome to my palace.

OVERSEER AMATA ALMODOVAR OF VAULT 101: Thanks, Mary. It's good-

ADVISOR: Watch yourself, Overseer.

OVERSEER: …sorry. Thank you, Your Majesty.

[smile.]

EMPRESS: You'll forgive me for the indulgence. I built an Empire based on order and respect, and people must know their place before their leader.

OVERSEER: …you aren't much like I remember.

EMPRESS: Well, it has been four decades. So, why did you accept my invitation?

OVERSEER: We can't keep the Vault closed anymore. Our population isn't viable.

EMPRESS: Yes, I suspected as much. Very well, I shall begin the annexation process.

OVERSEER: The…what?!

EMPRESS: You heard me. All of what was once the Capital Wasteland has been the domain of the Empire for over a generation now. We have tolerated your independence because it did not threaten my rule. But you need our help, and that means we need your tribute.

OVERSEER: You can't just do this without asking me!

[narrowed eyes.]

EMPRESS: You forget yourself, old friend. I am the Empress, and I rule this land. You need not be alarmed. My advisor would not have followed me for this long if I did not have a sense of justice. We will ensure those who are admitted to the Vault are the Empire's best and brightest. But there will be…changes.

OVERSEER: Changes? Like what?

EMPRESS: For starters, your education curriculum is changing.

30 Years Later…

"Alright, class, can anyone tell me what the Imperial Standard represents?" The teacher pointed to the white-and-black flag hanging on the Vault classroom wall.

A hand shot up.

"Yes, Miranda?"

"The outline of Vault 101's door represents the origins of Mary I, and the Phoenix inside of it symbolizes the rebirth of the Capital Wasteland into the Capital Empire."

"Correct! Excellent work."

And so as they did every day, the class learned the history of the Capital Empire, and the story of how the Lone Wanderer became the Empress. They learned of how Washington, D.C. became James City, how buildings were torn down and rebuilt all over the the former Wasteland, and how the mighty Emperor ruled fairly and justly just as His mother did before Him.

All in all, it was surprisingly true.