Chapter 3: Something To Aim For

"And then you blew up the Enclave?" Kieran stared in amazement at the Lone Wanderer. They sat in the Megaton saloon with two Nuka-Colas and a Brahmin steak that Fawkes was devouring rapidly. Other patrons had been giving them strange looks.

"Yeah. I had a lot of help from the Brotherhood though. Sarah Lyons is a good friend of mine." The Lone Wanderer grinned and sipped his Nuka-Cola. "And there was another time when I got abducted by this massive spaceship. Was always too curious for my own good."

Kieran's eyes widened in shock and his mouth hung open. The Lone Wanderer laughed at his expression.

"Well, it wasn't that-!"

"You got abducted by a spaceship. What, like a flying saucer?" Kieran interrupted, standing up. The Lone Wanderer looked utterly confused.

"Uh...yeah. Calm down, Kieran!" Everyone was staring at them now. Suddenly, the music on the radio nearby was cut off and the voice of Three-Dog came through the speakers.

"We interrupt these jaunty tunes to bring you...some breaking news." The whole bar fell silent, eagerly awaiting the news. Kieran was sweating slightly.

"Vault 146, known to most as the Golden Vault, has been attacked by an unknown enemy. Vault 146 was built by a Mr. Montgomery Richards before the war to house only the very rich. Back when they had dollars, 'stead of caps. This transmission was picked up by our radio dish here at GNR."

And then Kieran's breath caught in his throat and he had to hold back his tears because he recognised that voice. Chief Derek Parker, the security chief of Vault 146. His father.

"Is anyone getting this? This is Vault 146! We have been attacked by an unknown enemy and we have lost control of over half our engines! Somebody please respo-!"

A large explosion cut the recording short, as the radio returned to Three-Dog.

"The Brotherhood of Steel says they tracked the vault for some time before it went too far out of range. Projections indicate that the vault probably crashed somewhere in what was the Mojave Desert. And now, for some music."

Kieran's expression lit up instantly.

"The Mojave Desert? We have to go there! Now!" Kieran rushed out of the saloon in pure ecstasy. His father might be alive! And maybe his mother!

"Kieran! Can't run properly in this damn armour. Kieran!" The Lone Wanderer caught up with Kieran and grabbed his shoulder, holding him steady. Fawkes lumbered out, chewing another Brahmin steak.

"Look, The Mojave is ages away. The other side of the country. It would take months to get there."

Kieran's face fell and he leaned against the railing, his whole body slumping.

"Is there really no way?"

The Lone Wanderer thought for a moment and then a light bulb came on in his head.

"Hold on a minute! I might be able to call in a favour." He twiddled a few knobs on his Pip-Boy and a little girl's voice came through the speakers.

"Hello? Um...I mean...WHO DARES TO CONTACT THE ALMIGHTY MOTHERSHIP?"

"Hello, Sally." The Lone Wanderer smiled and rolled his eyes.

"Oh, hi! What can I do for you?"

"I need a favour. You got any spare spaceships?"