Chapter 4

Nate POV, interrogation room 9 hours later

It was a success. Years of hard work, of blood, sweat and tears paid off. Despite the fact that I landed within 100 feet of the president giving a speech to the whole country, I'd say it went of without a hitch! After I landed, the secret service escorted me away from the public, reporters shouting questions all the way. More than one snapped a shot at the Death Claw head tied to my hip. After entering some form of military complex, I was ordered to vacate my power armour, and then I was, metaphorically speaking, dragged away for questioning. So here I am now.

Nuka Cola (surprisingly) in hand, bound to a table with steel bars and oddly, without a care in the world. It is good to be back.

A few seconds later, the handle of the steel door descended and in walked another secret service agent. The bright lights in the interrogation room reflected of his shaded glasses. his suit and tie were immaculately pressed. In his hand was a file and a notebook. I almost smirked as he slowly sauntered over, his every move designed to intimidate and coerce. He pulled his chair back sluggishly, and sat down before putting down his folder.

"Mr Anderson" He began. "My name is Agent Smith, United States Secret Service. At precisely 22:05 an 'anomaly' appeared in which you yourself were present. At 22:06 the 'anomaly' dispersed, leaving you behind. I am sure you can understand that we have a great many questions, both in regards to your presence here and as to your claims of 'time travel'." He spoke.

I nodded. "Questions that I am all too willing to answer, Agent Smith."

"Then let us begin." He continued. "Firstly, the identification you previously provided, serial number 48259/54/56, does in fact match to a 'Nate Anderson' who from our files is identical to you, visually and genetically. Despite the…. Fantastical nature of your claim, we have no reason to believe you are lying. The power armour with you is certainly nothing ever developed by the United States government. This leads me to my question. When exactly are you from, Mr Anderson?"

I digested what he had said. Not being immediately dismissed was a welcomed surprise, but his mention of the 'past me' did send a pang of guilt through my chest. No doubt they would be bombarded by official figures and reporters alike.

"You are aware of the vault projects, no doubt?" I started.

He nodded in response.

"Well, I should probably give you some information before we get to that. On Saturday, October 23rd 2077 the Great War began. 'Great War' references the complete and total destruction of civilisation by nuclear hellfire. At the time, and consequently at this point in time, I lived in Sanctuary Hills, Boston. That very morning, I was visited by a Vault-Tec representative to finish the paperwork into Vault 111. Minutes after, the alarms sounded a we were rushed to shelter. I'll spare you all the details, but the last thing I saw of the surface was a nuclear detonation turning a massive portion of Boston in an area referred to as 'the glowing sea'. When the vault platform descended, we were told we were entering pods for 'decontamination'. As it turns out, they were cryogenic chambers."

Agent Smith's eyebrows raised. "A moment please." He spoke. He turned to his files, and flicked through them until he stopped. He browsed the details, before looking back up. "Continue please, Mr Anderson." He gestured.

"As I was saying, we were frozen. I don't know what went wrong, but when I was on ice the vault opened. My Wife… Nora… was murdered in front of me, and my infant some kidnapped." I gulped. It was still painful to relive.

"I am sorry, Mr Anderson. Carry on at your own pace."

I nodded once more. "When I awoke again, I later learned that over 50 years had passed since my wife's death. In cryo, I had no passage time. After I escaped the vault, I learned that the year….. was 2277. Two hundred years since the bombs fell." I looked to him.

"That is certainly…... unexpected. Do you know exactly how the 'Great War' started?" He queried.

"No-one does. Some say it was the United States. Some say it was China. Many more claim it was Vault-tec, in order to push sales for spots in their vaults. Maybe all three." I spoke.

"Mr Anderson, as you know this meeting is being recorded. Would you, for future reference, please detail your travels in Post-apocalyptic Boston?" He asked.

I cleared my throat. "Of course, firstly…."

After nearly two hours of talking, detailing my encounters with mutants, raiders, Death Claws, super mutants, the Brotherhood, the Institute, Gunners, ghouls and people, I finally finished recounting my tale to Agent Smith.

All the while he sat there, silent. Listening. Observing.

He removed his glasses and rub the ridge of his brow.

Before he could exclaim his disbelief, I added, "If you still don't believe me, you can look at the footage on my power armour. On there is over four years of combat footage."

He smiled. "That won't be necessary Mr Anderson" Smith tapped his ear piece. "While you were speaking, the data was retrieved. I must say, you've upset more than once stomach amongst the lab coats."

I chuckled. "Sorry for not warning you in advance. Telling them to skip to file AX/N.U.K.A/422B if the want to see John-Caleb Bradburton's frozen head"

He gave me a quizzical look. "I will certainly keep that in mind." He said, before adding "No pun intended."

We both shared a short laugh.

"It's been too long since I've felt… at home. In the future, I'd like to visit Appalachia. I knew some good folks there… in 200 years' time."

He nodded, and continued "Well, I suppose I shall be the first to say it. Welcome home, Mr Anderson."

"Thank you, Mr Smith. I have to ask, what does the media think?" I spoke.

He winced in response. "It's a mixed bag, but at some point, sitting you down on a talk show could be good for the public. Some are out right demanding access to the 'man out of time'.

I bobbed my head in confirmation.

"For the time being, you will remain in this facility." He stood.

"Oh!" He added as he opened the door to leave.

"There are some folks here who'd like to meet you." He turned to allow whoever it was to pass. To my shock, in walked myself. And Nora…. my wife.

"H-Hi…." I began.