Hello everyone! Thank you for reading up to this chapter. I'm glad the first two impressed you enough to keep reading. And thanks to my regulars for reviewing, it's nice to have feedback. I'm especially pleased to see a comment on the writing quality, since that's something I worry about as a perfectionist. I'm glad you guys like it so far, 'cause I'm not about to stop. I've already thought ahead to the end of this story, believe it or not, and I'm particularly proud of the narrative I've put together in my head. It's just a matter of time before it gets to paper (or hard drive, as the case may be), so bear with me as I work to fill in the gaps. Here's the next step toward that final chapter. Enjoy.


"Well, let's get crackin'!" Konata shouted, waking Miyuki with a start. The meganekko blinked away her sleepiness and stared up into Konata's squared green eyes. Konata was already dressed in the adventurer's outfit she had worn before.

"K-Konata-san? What time is it?"

Konata grinned, catlike as always. "Time to get up, silly!" She ripped the blanket off the bed, exposing Miyuki to a wave of cold air. Miyuki sat up, her arms curled around herself for warmth. "Cold? Try some warm ups!" Konata exclaimed as she started doing stretches. "Get the blood pumping!"

Miyuki looked concerned. "Konata-san? Are you alright?"

Konata was now repeatedly punching the air. "Never better! I haven't slept like that in ages! I'm so full of energy it feels like I'm on Jet!"

Miyuki cocked her head. "Jet?"

"A chem. It's a really strong, uh... mineamphetameth? Amethminephet?"

"Methamphetamine?" Miyuki guessed.

"Yeah! That's the one. Makes you all hyper. Anyway, come on! Busy day ahead, lots to do!" Konata counted off on her fingers. "First I show you around town, then we report to Moira, sell yesterday's loot, go hunting... Oh! And rifle practice!" Konata pulled the hunting rifle from her bag on the floor and practically threw it at Miyuki.

Miyuki stared at the gun as though it were a ticking time bomb. "But, I can't shoot this! It belonged to that man!"

"Nonsense!" Konata shouted, "Out here, you keep what you kill, and I'll teach you how to be the killer, instead of the killee!" Konata grabbed Miyuki's arm, hauling her to her feet and dragging her towards the door.

"W-Wait, Konata-san! I'm not dressed yet!"

Konata stopped and looked at her. "Oh yeah. You need clothes... Oh! I have just the thing!" Konata dropped down on the floor and began to tunnel under her bed through all the junk and garbage. Miyuki sweatdropped as food wrappers and bits of scrap came flying out behind the blunette.

Glancing around the room, Miyuki noticed that Konata's shelves were kept much neater than the rest of the room. Curious, she approached the shelves to examine their contents. The bottom shelf contained a box of various mechanical components, along with a few broken guns and a rolled up sheet of paper. The next shelf up had a collection of knives and a pre-war Chinese pistol. The top shelf was empty, and the shelf below contained bottles of Nuka-Cola and candy. Finally, the middle shelf held Konata's prized collectibles. Sitting atop a small stack of Grognak the Barbarian comics were two books that appeared to have their covers on the wrong side. One was titled "Fullmetal Alchemist," and the other "Shugo Chara!" Sitting next to the stack was a holotape labeled "Endless 8." The end of the shelf held two Vault-Tec bobbleheads, as well as a figure of a girl with short brown hair wearing a black bunnysuit.

"My, you collect a lot, Konata-san."

Konata managed to flip over and poke her head out. "Huh? Oh, the shelves." She ducked back under the bed. "Yeah, that stuff on the middle shelf is really rare. Especially the Japanese stuff, like that Haruhi figure or the manga."

"Manga?"

"The backwards comic books. Believe it or not, that's probably the biggest collection of Japanese stuff in the Wasteland. Oh! Found it!" Konata emerged from under the bed and climbed to her feet. She was holding a fragile and torn paper bag. "I like to call this the charmer's outfit. It's too big for me, but you've got just the right size. And figure."

Konata dumped the bag's contents onto her bed. Miyuki frowned as she looked over the clothes. "Are you sure, Konata-san?"

"Of course! You'll look great in these! Here, put this on first..."

After a minute or so, Miyuki was wearing Konata's "charmer's outfit," and she felt more than a little uncomfortable. The outfit consisted of a light blue dress shirt with elbow length sleeves, whose V neck prominently displayed Miyuki's ample cleavage, along with a matching miniskirt. The outfit also featured blue boots over fishnet stockings.

"Are you sure, Konata-san?" she asked again, "This is very... revealing."

"Miyuki-chan, don't be afraid to flaunt what you've got. Why, I'll bet wearing that bumped your Charisma up by two points!"

Miyuki didn't quite understand, but she didn't have much time to wonder about it before Konata was pushing her out of the room.

"Alright, wait here while I put together some breakfast," Konata said when they reached the foot of the stairs. Miyuki sighed as Konata dashed to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Miyuki-san. Did you sleep well?" Sojiro asked as he emerged from his office. He paused, noticing her outfit, and couldn't help but grin. "My, you look very nice in those clothes."

Miyuki blushed. "Thank you. Konata-san insisted I wear them."

Sojiro chuckled to himself as he started wiping a glass with a rag. That's my Konata!

Miyuki glanced around the room and noticed that a patron was already seated in the corner. The man wore a surprisingly sharp pinstripe business suit and hat. He seemed to be eying her, as if he were making a decision. Miyuki didn't like the look, so she moved over towards the bar and out of his sight.

"Um, Izumi-san?"

Sojiro faced her. "Hm? What is it?"

"Who is that man in the corner?" Miyuki asked. Sojiro poked his head around the bar to look.

"Hm. Couldn't tell you," he answered, "He's not a resident, but he comes in here every day and just sits there until closing. Kinda strange I guess, but he pays for his drinks, so I can't complain."

"I see." Miyuki leaned over to glance at the man while Sojiro started fiddling with the radio on the counter. To her surprise, the man beckoned her over. She cautiously approached him. "Y-Yes? Can I help you?"

The man chuckled. "My, my. Just when I had all but given up hope. My dear girl, I am very happy to make your acquaintance."

His voice was cold, ruthless. It put Miyuki on edge. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"I am Mister Burke. And you, well, you are not a resident of this putrescent cesspool. That makes you a rather valuable individual."

Miyuki was growing suspicious. "And why is that, exactly?"

Mister Burke smiled. "Don't you see? You're a free agent! You have no ties here, no interest in this settlement's affairs. Megaton means nothing to you!" He leaned back in his chair. "I represent certain... interests who view this town, this 'Megaton' as a blight on a burgeoning urban landscape. If this settlement were to... go away, why, who would really care? Certainly not you, or I..."

Miyuki wasn't quite sure how to interpret this. "What exactly are you saying?"

"The undetonated atomic bomb for which this town is named is still very much alive. All it needs is a little... motivation. I have in my possession a Fusion Pulse Charge, constructed for a singular purpose, the detonation of that bomb. Simply rig the device to the bomb, and it will be detonated, by you, at a secure location. You will be payed handsomely. Easy money, my friend."

Miyuki could scarcely believe her ears. She slowly backed away from the man, shocked nearly speechless. "I-I'm sorry, but I can't help you," she managed to say.

Burke sighed. "It seems I have misjudged you. Very well. I'll simply find someone with more entrepreneurial spirit. But, you'd do best to keep this to yourself. I recommend leaving town as soon as possible. Consider that your only warning. Good day."

Just then, Konata came up behind Miyuki, grabbing her arm. "There you are Yuki-chan!" She noticed Burke glaring at her and stopped. She raised her hand in greeting, her eyes squinted. "Yo..."

Burke cocked an eyebrow in irritation.

"...Right. Come on, Miyuki." Konata tugged her away, but Miyuki glanced back at Burke. He rose a finger to his lips. Keep quiet. Then Miyuki was pulled out into the early morning air.


Despite the early hour, many of the Megaton residents were already out and about, most preparing for the day's work. Konata gave Miyuki the grand tour, showing her the different establishments and introducing her to anyone around. Konata had made skewered iguana bits for breakfast, and they ate as they walked. They stopped in the bomb's plaza, where Konata had introduced Miyuki to Jenny Stahl, one of the owners of the Brass Lantern restaurant.

"Now, where haven't we been yet?" Konata muttered as she chewed the last bit of meat from her skewer. "I know I'm forgetting someplace..." She glanced up the sides of the crater, scanning each building until she found the right one. "Ah! There it is! Come on, Miyuki, one last place before we go see Moira."

Konata started to lead the way toward the ramp next to Doc Church's clinic. Miyuki took a worried look at the bomb as they passed. "Konata-san, are you certain that the bomb is safe?"

Konata waved her hand. "Of course, of course. Think about it, it's been sitting there for just about two hundred years now. If it was gonna blow, I think it would've by now."

"That's true, but suppose that it's merely inactive. Couldn't someone set it off?"

Konata glanced at her. "Where would you get an idea like that? I don't see why anyone would want to, and no one in town has the know-how to do it anyway. Besides, I still say it's dead. I don't think anyone could set it off, even if they knew how."

Somehow, that didn't satisfy Miyuki. She couldn't help feeling that Mister Burke was right, and she had no doubt that he would succeed in his quest, given enough time. But how can I stop him?, she wondered, I have no idea what he's capable of...

She pushed her thoughts aside as they climbed the last ramp to their destination. "This is the water processing plant," Konata explained. "I'll introduce you to Walter. He keeps this place running." They entered the plant, revealing a twisted mess of pipes running between various tanks and pieces of machinery. Miyuki noted that much of it seemed ready to fall apart.

"Hey, Walter!" Konata said as they approached an older man in coveralls. He was tightening one of the pipes with a wrench.

"Yeah, what is it, Konata?" he answered, though he sounded irritated.

Konata gestured at Miyuki. "I was just showing this newcomer around town and thought I'd introduce you."

Walter sighed. "Listen, Konata, I just started the plant for the day and she's already giving me trouble. I don't exactly have time for chit-chat."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Miyuki said, "Is there any way I can help?"

Walter paused and eyed her. "Maybe you can, girlie, if you can work a wrench."

Miyuki was more familiar with computers and medicine, but she had done some minor maintenance work in the Vault on occasion. "Alright, what did you need help with?"

"Well, a bunch of leaks have been springing up in the pipes around town. I spend so much time in the plant that I can't go and fix them. The only break I get is when I shut the plant down for the night, and I can't find the leaks if the water isn't running. If you could hunt down those leaks and fix them, then it would make my life a lot easier."

"I think I can do that. I'd be happy to help!"

"Great! Based on the drop in water pressure, I'd say there are three leaks scattered around town." At that moment, a piece of machinery started clattering, and Walter groaned before going to fix it. "You can borrow my spare toolbox if you need to," he continued. "Good luck."

"Well, looks like you already found some work," Konata said as Miyuki fetched the toolbox.

Miyuki smiled. "It just feels good to help out."

Konata nodded. "Right then, now we'll go see Moira, and then I'll let you get to those pipes." They left the plant and headed for The Craterside Supply, just a short walk away. Inside, the shop was a mess, with counters and shelves full of random junk. Moira Brown looked up from sweeping as they came in. She wore a set of coveralls and her hair was tied behind her head.

"Hey there, Konata!" the bubbly red head greeted, "Has my favorite research assistant fiddled with any useful pre-war tech lately?"

Konata folded her arms. "Well, your processor widget worked. I was able to wake up the robots."

Moira gasped, looking excited. "Wow! That's great!"

"Yeah, except I couldn't control them and they tried to killed me."

Moira suddenly deflated, looking like a child who had been denied a piece of candy. "Oh... That's too bad. I suppose activating ancient technology is a step in the right direction... But maybe uncontrolled tech is worse then dormant tech. Anyway, tell me exactly what happened."

"Well," Konata started, "First I had to find my way through the factory floor and the offices, sneaking past lots of mole rats and radroaches, mind you. When I found the mainframe, I plugged in the widget like you said, and the next thing I know, I'm getting shot at with lasers! Since it's kinda hard to stab a couple dozen robots, I had to mad-dash back through the whole building, dodging all the pests I had sneaked past before."

Moira barely seemed to be listening. "You know, it's surprising how sturdy and easy-to-use a lot of the junked tech is. Guess they made it sturdy and simple back then," she mused. "Anyway, I guess that widget proves that anything is possible if you have the right tool for the job. Here, take these pulse grenades for payment; now you can fight any robots you find, instead of running away!"

Moira gave Konata several of the small, cylindrical devices. Konata examined one of the grenades, then nodded in approval.

Moira suddenly glanced at Miyuki, as if she hadn't even noticed her before. "Hey, you must be that stray from the Vault! I haven't seen one of you for years!"

Moira seemed to have forgotten that Konata was even there. She must be very single-minded, Miyuki thought.

"Good to meet you!" Moira continued, "I'm Moira Brown. I run Craterside Supply, but what I really do is mostly tinkering and research."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Moira," Miyuki said with a bow.

"Uh, Moira," Konata interrupted, "I've got some stuff to sell..."

Moira didn't notice her. "If you ever need any weapons or armor, or regular old junk, then you can probably find it here."

"Hey Moira! I've got guns to sell!" Konata shouted.

Moira continued focusing on Miyuki. "Or if you've got anything you don't want anymore, I'd be happy to buy it off you!"

"Um, I believe Konata-san would like to sell you something," Miyuki said with a sweatdrop.

Moira finally faced Konata. "Is that so? Why didn't you speak up, Konata?"

Konata sighed, but didn't say anything. She was used to Moira being airheaded. Instead, she pulled the two pistols and the assault rifle out from her bag and set them on the counter. Moira began to examine the guns. "Oh, and I was wondering if you could fix this." Konata set the bent sword on the counter as well.

Moira held her chin. "Hm... tell you what, Konata. These guns are in rough shape, but since you've been such a helpful research assistant, I'll take them plus twenty caps as payment for the repairs."

Konata frowned. It was actually a good deal, considering how badly broken the sword was, but Konata never liked giving up caps.

"Alright, twenty caps then," she said as she handed over the money. Miyuki smiled in amusement; she had been told of the bottle caps' function as money by Sojiro, but she still thought it was a little funny.

"Okay then," Moira said, "Just drop by tomorrow and I'll have this sword fixed up good as new! Oh, and I'll also give you your next research assignment."

"Sounds good. See ya!" Konata said as she left the shop. Miyuki said "Goodbye," and followed.

"Well," Konata said as she started twirling her knife, "Guess I'll be hunting by myself now. Good luck fixing those pipes."

"Thank you, and to you as well, Konata-san."

Konata walked down the ramp on her way to the front gate, leaving Miyuki to begin searching for the leaking pipes.


After about a half hour, Konata decided to return to town. Not many critters out today. She passed through the gate, dragging the corpses of a mole rat and a giant ant behind her. As she descended the hill, she spotted Miyuki, crouched over a nearby pipe, looking frustrated.

"Ah, so you managed to track down one of the leaks," Konata said.

"Yes," Miyuki replied, "There is also one near the Common House. Unfortunately, I can't seem to fix them. These pipes are different from I'm used to."

"Hm. I had a feeling this might happen. You seem more book-smart than wrench-savvy. Lucky for you, I've got this!" Konata pulled a small yellow tin from her pocket. She removed a bright red pill from the tin and showed it to Miyuki. "Do you know what this is?"

Miyuki's eyes brightened the way they always did when she gave an encyclopedic explanation. "That's a Mentat. It's a pre-war chem manufactured by Med-Tek. Consuming it significantly improves focus, memory, and problem solving functions in the brain, as well as strengthening neural pathways between the sensory organs and the brain, increasing perception."

"See? Book-smart. So I don't need to tell you that this little baby will give you the brain boost you need to fix these pipes."

Miyuki looked hesitant. "Oh, I've never taken a chem before. Are you sure it's necessary? What if I develop an addiction?"

Konata chuckled. "Yuki-chan, taking this will save you a whole lot of time and effort, and I've never seen anyone get addicted to Mentats. Jet, Psycho, and Buffout, definitely, but never Mentats."

"Alright," Miyuki replied as she tentatively took the pill. She examined it in her hand before swallowing it. After about a minute, Miyuki began to feel her senses improving; colors brightened, lines sharpened, distant sounds amplified, smells strengthened.

"My," Miyuki murmured as she gazed around, taking in the enhanced sensations, "The perceptual increase is incredible; and it's accompanied by such a euphoric rush!"

Konata nodded in satisfaction. "Now take another look at that pipe," she said, pointing, "I'll bet you'll figure it out with a single glance!"

Miyuki looked down at the pipe, and sure enough, the answer seemed to pop into her head almost from memory; it was as if she had suddenly accumulated years of plumbing experience. She reached for the tools and set to work.


"Konata-san, I'm having second thoughts about this..."

Miyuki was now standing on the edge of the platform supporting the Craterside Supply some two stories off the ground. She was on the wrong side of the railing, which she clung to for life.

She was now attempting to repair the third pipe, but it was snaked along the roof of the Church of Atom, a small jump from where she was currently standing. However, Miyuki's enhanced eyes were now picking out every jagged edge and uneven surface that she could trip over and off the roof.

"Nonsense! You can make that!" Konata gave Miyuki an "encouraging" slap on the back; Miyuki squeaked with fear.

The meganekko took a deep breath and readied herself to jump. It's a small jump. Just land on even ground and you'll be fine. She tensed her muscles before springing forward off the platform. Unfortunately, Miyuki was a bit less than graceful. She landed on a dent in the roof, causing her to stumble backwards, but she managed to grab hold of a hanging pipe and steady herself.

"Good save!" Konata called. "Here, think fast!"

Konata flung the toolbox over the railing suddenly, and Miyuki banged her head on the pipe as she stumbled to catch it. She rubbed her head as she crouched beside the leaking pipe, but a headache started to form, a bit stronger than the impact would've suggested. Miyuki tried to ignore it as she worked on the pipe, but it remained constant.

After several minutes, she managed to halt the leak. She sighed with relief and started to stand up, but the headache suddenly intensified. She held her head, keeping one hand on the pipe for balance.

"Hey, you alright?" Konata called down.

Miyuki looked up at Konata. "I think something is wrong," she muttered.

As the pain steadily built, she could see Konata's mouth moving, but her ears had started ringing. Her eyes soon blurred, and she stumbled and swayed. The migraine worsened, and then Miyuki felt the air rushing past her as she plummeted off the rooftop.


"Ah, good morning, Miyuki. It's nice to see you, but shouldn't you be on your way to class?"

Sixteen year old Miyuki Takara had come to visit her mother in her office. "Actually, I wanted to ask you about something. Today we're taking our G.O.A.T. exam in class, and I'm a little nervous. Mr. Brotch said we didn't have to study for it, but I was wondering if you had any last minute advice for me?"

Yukari smiled at her daughter. "Well, the Generalized Occupational Aptitude Test helps to figure out what sort of job you'll have when you get older. I'm sure you've heard the Overseer's speech before: 'We're born in the Vault. We die in the Vault. Each is tested to determine their abilities, that they may work for the betterment of all Vault residents.'"

"I see." Miyuki pondered momentarily. "Is that true, Mother? Was everyone born in the Vault? And do we have to die here? Can't we ever leave?"

Yukari frowned. "That's not quite how it works, Miyuki. And it won't do to go around asking questions like that. Especially not around the Overseer."

Miyuki looked down at her feet. "I understand."

Yukari eyed her daughter for a moment. "Miyuki, there's something I want to tell you. I know the Vault isn't perfect, but it is your home. You're safe here. Stay on the Overseer's good side and you always will be. You need to appreciate all you have, because what's on the outside, well, that's not the life I want for you."

Miyuki didn't completely understand what her mother was getting at, but she nodded.

Yukari smiled. "Now then, it's time for you to get to class and take your test. It's really not so bad, but just make sure you take it seriously! I don't want you to become a garbage burner!"

Miyuki nodded. "I'll try my best!"

"That's the spirit! Good luck, sweetie."

Miyuki left the office and made her way toward the classroom. As she approached an intersection, she heard her friend Amata down the hall to her left.

"Get out of my way, you stupid Tunnel Snakes!"

Miyuki looked down the hall and saw Butch, Wally, and Paul – the Tunnel Snakes – blocking Amata's path. Miyuki frowned; the Tunnel Snakes were notorious, and she felt obligated to help her friend. However, she wasn't sure what she could do to help. There was almost no way a confrontation could end peacefully. She started to walk away to find help, but something stopped her. Her mother had once said that she must learn to deal with bullies. Miyuki decided to stand by her friend and confront Butch.

She started down the hall, and as she got closer, she could hear what they were saying.

"I can show you a real tunnel snake, Amata." Butch said, grinning suggestively.

"God, Butch!" Amata yelled, "Why don't you just leave me alone!"

"Show it to her, Butch!" Wally said with a chuckle.

"Hey!" Miyuki called out. The three turned to look at her. Miyuki suddenly felt nervous, but she kept speaking. "What's going on here?"

Butch scowled. "None of your business, kid. Get out of here before you get hurt. You mess with the Tunnel Snakes, you're asking for it. Got me?"

Miyuki was intimidated, but she refused to back down. "Y-You leave her alone, or you'll answer to me!"

Butch raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Me, answer to you? That's brave talk from the Vault's biggest nerd. Tell you what, spaz, you walk away right now, and we won't send you back to mommy with broken bones for her to fix."

Miyuki put on a determined face. "No, Butch. I... I'll fight you if I have to."

Butch smirked and cracked his knuckles. "You never learn, do you spaz?"

Butch threw a punch, but Miyuki ducked and threw a feeble counter. Butch didn't even flinch. Instead, he grabbed the collar of her jumpsuit and slammed her against the wall. Miyuki's eyes bulged as her feet left the floor. Butch laughed.

"Is that really all you've got? I didn't even break a sweat!"

"Big mistake," Paul said, laughing. "Tunnel Snakes rule!"

"Leave her alone!"

Amata lunged forward to strike Butch, but Wally was faster. He rammed into Amata and pinned her to the wall beside Miyuki with his elbow.

Butch laughed again. "Pathetic! You two really thought you could fight us? This is hilarious!"

Wally grinned. "Hey, Butch, how about we drag these two into the storeroom, have ourselves a good time?"

Paul looked surprised. "What? Wally, you sure that's a good idea?"

"Shut up, Paul," Butch snapped, "That idea doesn't sound half bad. There's a lot we could do with girls like these."

Miyuki blushed, her eyes wide; Amata tried to scream for help, but Wally covered her mouth and applied pressure to her throat.

Miyuki was too scared to struggle; she just stared back as Butch leered at her. It wouldn't take long for him to make up his mind; she had to say something, fast.

"Y-You really don't want to do that," she stuttered out.

Butch raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why not?"

Miyuki tried to come up with an answer. "B-Because! Class will have started by now, and they'll send someone to find you!"

Butch laughed. "Try again, kid! The Tunnel Snakes skip class all the time! They ain't gonna miss us."

Miyuki started sweating, and her heart pounded as she tried to figure out how to convince him.

"Well..." Paul spoke up, "We do have our G.O.A.T. exam today. We'll get in trouble if we miss it."

Miyuki jumped at this opportunity. "Th-That's right! The exams go straight to the Overseer, and if he sees that we all missed them, he'll send security officers to investigate, and when they find out what happened, your gang is done for!" Missed tests weren't worth a security investigation, but Miyuki was desperate; she hoped none of them were smart enough to call her bluff.

"You know, maybe she's right, Butch. Maybe we should just go to class," Paul said.

Butch considered for a moment. "...Fine," he said, "These bitches ain't worth it anyway." He released Miyuki, letting her drop back to the floor. "Come on Tunnel Snakes, we're leaving." Wally scowled, but he released Amata and followed Butch.

Amata rubbed her neck. "You okay?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm alright. Are you?"

"Yeah." They started to walk toward the classroom. "I'm sorry you got mixed up in that. Those stupid Tunnel Snake assholes. They think they're so tough, with their 'gang.' All they ever do is hang around and cause trouble. They've got it in for me because my father is the Overseer. Like that's my fault!"

Miyuki let Amata rant; she tended to get vocal when she was upset.

"Anyway, thanks for helping me. You've always been a good friend."

"I'm happy to help," Miyuki said, "Though I could've helped more if I was stronger..."

"Well, you managed to talk them out of it. That's pretty impressive."

"I suppose..."

They reached the classroom and found that everyone else was seated. Mr. Brotch was standing by the door, impatiently crossing his arms. "Well, I wouldn't have expected you two to be the last ones to the classroom. This better not be the start of a trend."

Miyuki bowed in apology. "I'm deeply sorry, Mr Brotch. I won't let it happen again."

"Yeah," Amata agreed, "This should be a one time thing."

Mr. Brotch nodded. "Very well. You girls aren't in trouble, since you're normally so well behaved, but don't make a habit of it. Butch and his friends are bad enough. Now, unless you have something else you want to discuss, take a seat and prepare for the 2274 edition of the G.O.A.T."

Miyuki smiled. "Don't worry Mr. Brotch! I'll do my best to ace it!"

"I'm sure you will," Mr Botch said, "Especially since it's multiple choice with no wrong answers."

Mr. Brotch walked to the front of the class and the girls took their seats. "Well, now that everyone's managed to find the classroom, we can finally get started." Mr Brotch handed out the tests. "No talking, and keep your eyes to yourselves."

Butch snickered from the back of the classroom.

"Yes, I'm talking to you, Mr. DeLoria."

"Sure thing, Mr. Brotch."

Mr. Brotch shook his head as he sat at his desk. "Unless anyone else has an insightful comment comment, you can all get started."

Miyuki took out her pencil and read the first question:

"You are approached by a frenzied vault scientist, who yells, 'I'm going to put my quantum harmonizer in your photonic resonation chamber!' What's your response?"

She read over the answer choices:

Choice A: "'But doctor, wouldn't that cause a parabolic destabilization of the fission singularity?'"

Choice B: "'Yeah? Up yours too, buddy!'"

Choice C: "Say nothing, but grab a nearby pipe and hit the scientist in the head to knock him out. For all you knew, he was planning to blow up the vault."

Choice D: "Say nothing, but slip away before the scientist can continue his rant."

Miyuki giggled quietly. This test will be easy! she thought as she circled choice A.


"Pencils down, people," Mr. Brotch called out once the test was over. "That's it. The infamous G.O.A.T. I'm sure most of you didn't find it so bad. Others, well, there are always openings in the maintenance department. Don't forget to hand in your tests before you leave. You don't want to know what happens to people who 'fail' the G.O.A.T. You can have the rest of the day off, to celebrate or to pray, as the situation warrants."

The class formed a line leading to Mr. Brotch's desk. Miyuki stood at the back, clutching her finished G.O.A.T. Some of the questions had turned out to be a little strange, and she was starting to feel nervous about her results.

Amata had been the first to get her results; she was to be assigned a supervisory position. It was now Butch's turn.

"Yo, Teach. I'm done," he said as he handed over the test.

"Ah, Butch," Mr. Brotch said, sounding a little smug, "Can I admit that I've been waiting for this for a long, long time? Allow me to savor the moment. Now then, let's see..." Mr. Brotch compared the test to the results sheet. "Hm... Really? Interesting... You've surprised me Butch. Hairdresser! Who would've thought?"

Butch looked shocked. "You're so full of it! That isn't true!"

"Sorry Butch, but the G.O.A.T. never lies."

Butch grumbled as he walked away.

Miyuki grew more nervous. What if I get a job I don't like too? Soon it was her turn to go up. She swallowed nervously and handed over her test.

"Here you are, Mr. Brotch. I hope I did okay..."

"Don't worry, Miyuki. I'm sure you did just fine." He compared the test to the results sheet. "Oh," he started, confused, "Hm, that was... unexpected."

Miyuki grew worried. "What? What did I get?"

Mr. Brotch gave a forced smile. "Well, it's nice to know I can still be surprised. According to this, you're in line to be trained as our next laundry cannon operator. First time for everything indeed."

"Oh, I... I see." Miyuki's disappointment was very obvious.

Mr. Brotch sighed. "Alright, Miyuki. You're my best student, so I'll let you in on a little secret. The whole test is a joke. If you don't like your results, just let me know. I can fill out the test so it'll come out however you want."

Miyuki perked up. "Really? You can?"

"Sure thing. Just tell me what you would like to do."

"Well, I love using the computers and helping out my mother in the clinic."

Mr. Brotch smiled. "Alright then, medical assistant it is. It definitely suits you better."

Miyuki smiled wide. "Thank you, Mr. Brotch! You're the best teacher ever!"

"Well, I do my best. Enjoy the rest of your day, Miyuki."

Miyuki nodded and bowed before leaving the classroom. As she entered the hall, the lights seemed to intensify, overwhelming her and pulling her back from her memories.


Author's Notes: And there you have it. I'd like to point out a couple things regarding game mechanics. I've mentioned an "adventurer's outfit," a "settler's outfit," and a "charmer's outfit" thus far. These are the names of the clothing items from Fallout 3, in case you were wondering. It's helpful for me to give each character a specific set of clothing from Fallout; not only does it keep things simple in my head, but it also allows me to describe each outfit once, and then refer to it by name later.

You may have noticed Konata knocking on the fourth wall when she mentions charisma points. Konata's – and other character's – awareness of these kinds of player stats is not only a method of incorporating them into the narrative, but it also serves as a manifestation of Konata's gaming prowess and otaku-ness. Later on, I'll also utilize more subtle methods of referencing the game stats. Fallout fans might enjoy picking them out, but I'll probably explain some of them in my notes for the curious Lucky Star fans.

I particularly like how this story has come out so far, but one thing I'm not completely happy with is Yukari. I have to admit that most of her lines are twisted up versions of James' in-game dialog. I feel as though she may be more out-of-character then I'm comfortable with. This may be because her limited anime screen-time has limited my grasp of her character, or it may be that thus far her role in the plot has been too restricting. In any case, feedback on this, or any other flaws, would be greatly appreciated.

I suppose that's all I had to say, so thank you once again for reading, and please look forward to the next chapter. And don't forget about my profile's weekly progress update!