The passage of time in Vault 101 is marked by routine and predictability, but for Victor, each day brings new opportunities to learn and grow. The vault's interior remains the same—sterile and dim, with its metallic walls and narrow corridors—but Victor's world is expanding rapidly as he begins to interact with the vault's residents, technology, and most importantly, his father.
A Father's Guidance
As Victor grows into a young child, James becomes a guiding presence in his life. Despite his demanding duties as the vault's doctor, James dedicates every free moment to nurturing Victor's curiosity and intellect.
One evening, after a long day at the clinic, James returns to their small, tidy living quarters. Victor, now around five years old, sits on the floor surrounded by a small pile of old books, their covers worn from years of use.
Victor: "Dad, what's this one about?"
He holds up a thick, dusty book with a faded title that reads "Introduction to Computer Systems." His eyes are bright with interest, an eager smile on his face.
James, though tired, can't help but smile back at his son's enthusiasm. He kneels down beside Victor and takes the book from his hands, flipping through the pages with a sense of nostalgia.
James: "This is a book about computers, Victor. It talks about how they work, how they process information… things like that. It's a bit complicated, but I'm sure you'll understand it."
He places the book back in Victor's hands, watching as his son's small fingers trace the lines of text with fascination. James knows that Victor is no ordinary child. He's seen the signs—Victor's quick understanding of complex concepts, his ability to absorb information like a sponge, and his insatiable curiosity about the world around him.
Victor: "Can you teach me more about computers, Dad? I want to know how they work!"
Victor's voice is filled with determination, and James realizes that this is more than just a passing interest. His son is genuinely passionate about learning, especially when it comes to technology.
James: "Of course, I will. But remember, Victor, learning is like exploring—you have to be patient and take things one step at a time. We'll start with the basics and go from there."
There's a gentle firmness in James's tone, the kind of fatherly advice that encourages growth while setting realistic expectations. He ruffles Victor's hair affectionately before getting up to prepare dinner.
As the evening progresses, James begins to teach Victor the fundamentals of computing. They sit together at the small dining table, the glow of an old terminal illuminating their faces as James explains the basic components of a computer system. Victor listens intently, absorbing every word like a sponge. The terminal, though outdated, becomes Victor's first real connection to the technology that will one day play a crucial role in his life.
James: "This, Victor, is the central processing unit—the brain of the computer. It's what makes everything else work together."
He taps the side of the terminal for emphasis, watching as Victor's eyes widen with understanding.
Victor: "So, it's like the vault's Overseer? The one who makes all the decisions?"
Victor's analogy brings a smile to James's face. His son is already thinking critically, making connections between what he knows and what he's learning.
James: "Exactly, Victor. And just like the Overseer, the CPU needs help from other parts of the computer to do its job."
Victor nods, already deep in thought, his mind racing with possibilities. For him, this is more than just a lesson—it's an adventure into a world of knowledge and discovery.
Early Tinkering
A few months later, Victor's interest in technology begins to manifest in more hands-on ways. One day, while exploring the vault with his father, he spots an old, unused terminal in a corner of the storage room. The terminal, covered in dust, has clearly been out of use for years.
Victor: "Dad, can I… can I take a look at this one?"
There's a gleam of excitement in his eyes as he asks, his fingers already itching to pry open the terminal and see what's inside.
James: "Hmm… well, it's not in use anymore, and I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let you take a look. But be careful, Victor. The technology in these machines is delicate, and you don't want to damage anything."
Victor's face lights up with joy at his father's permission. He's been waiting for a chance to really get his hands on something, and this old terminal is the perfect opportunity.
Victor: "Thanks, Dad! I promise I'll be careful."
Over the next several weeks, Victor spends every spare moment tinkering with the terminal. He carefully removes the casing, examining the wires, circuits, and components within. His small hands, though inexperienced, move with surprising precision as he learns the inner workings of the machine. James watches with a mix of pride and amazement as his son delves deeper into his new hobby.
One evening, as James returns from a long day at the clinic, he finds Victor sitting at the table with a soldering iron in hand, carefully reconnecting a loose wire.
James: "You've really taken to this, haven't you?"
His tone is light, but there's a deep sense of pride in his voice.
Victor: "I love it, Dad. It's like… it's like solving a puzzle. Every piece has its place, and when everything's connected, it just works!"
Victor's excitement is infectious, and James can't help but be drawn into his son's enthusiasm.
James: "You've got a natural talent for this, Victor. Just remember to take it slow and learn as much as you can along the way. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be the one fixing all the vault's technology."
Victor beams at his father's words, his heart swelling with pride. He's always looked up to his father, and now, he's determined to live up to the expectations placed upon him.
Training with the Vault Guards
Victor's physical training continues under the watchful eye of Captain Armstrong. Despite his smaller stature, Victor quickly proves that he has the discipline, focus, and determination of someone far beyond his years.
During one of their training sessions, Captain Armstrong puts Victor through a series of combat drills, testing his reflexes and endurance.
Captain Armstrong: "You've got real potential, Victor. Keep this up, maybe you will be able to join the Security Department when you grow up."
Victor nods, his face serious.
Victor: "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
The bond between Victor and Captain Armstrong deepens as the boy continues to excel in his training. Victor's enthusiasm is great motivation for him, so he trains Victor with more focus.
As time goes on, Victor begins to take on more advanced training, often sparring with the older members of the security team. His ability to anticipate their moves and adapt to different fighting styles impresses everyone, earning him a reputation as a formidable fighter despite his age.
The Birthday Party
Not long after Victor begins to earn the respect of his peers, he's invited to a birthday party for one of the vault children, Freddie Gomez, who is turning ten. The party is held in the vault's common area, and nearly all the children are in attendance.
As Victor enters the room, he is greeted by Freddie's parents, Herman and Pepper Gomez, who are delighted to see him.
Herman Gomez: "Victor! We're so glad you could make it. Freddie's been looking forward to this all week."
Victor smiles politely.
Victor: "Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Gomez. Happy birthday, Freddie." Victor gifts him present a handmade picture book.
Freddie, who has always admired Victor's intelligence and calm demeanor, beams at the attention.
Freddie Gomez: "Thanks, Victor! Come on, we're about to start the games."
Victor joins the other children, who are playing various party games. He is introduced to the kids he hasn't met before, and it's clear that his reputation has preceded him. Most of the children are eager to talk to him, ask him questions, or simply be near him.
Freddie introduces Wally Mack, Susie Mack, Amata Almodovar, timid Chip Taylor, Christine Kendall, Steve Armstrong, shy Tom Holden, noisy Paul Hannon jr.
Cake cutting was done, everyone was enjoying the event, eating and drinking , talking to each other.
While children had their own fun activities among themselves. They enjoyed their funny block games. Victor 'catch the thief' games from his past life to play with them.
Victor was quite dazed remembering his grandson used to play with , thinking how is he now.
Seeing him dazed , Amata approaches Victor : "Hey, Victor. You're really good with machines, right?"
Victor, snapping out of his stupor, turns his attention to Amata.
Victor: "Yeah, I've always had an interest in how things work."
Amata smiles, intrigued.
Amata: "That's so cool. I've heard of you from my dad sometimes. He thinks you're really smart."
Victor shrugs modestly.
Victor: "I just like learning new things. Your dad's really important to the vault, so it's always interesting to hear what he has to say."
Amata seems pleased by Victor's humility.
Amata: "Well, if you ever need help with anything, just let me know. I'm not as smart as you, but I'm good at organizing stuff."
Victor smiles, appreciating her offer.
Victor: "Thanks, Amata. I'll keep that in mind."
As the party continues, Victor is introduced to several of the adults in the vault.
Gaining the Respect of His Peers
In vault maintenance department,
Butch approaches: "Hey, Victor! You think you're better than us just because you're good with machines?"
Victor, who's always been quiet and reserved, looks up from the small gadget he's tinkering with. His calm eyes meet Butch's challenging stare. Victor has always been aware of Butch's tough-guy persona, and he understands that this confrontation is more about establishing dominance than anything else.
Victor: "No, Butch. I just like to keep busy with things that interest me."
Butch narrows his eyes, clearly not expecting such a composed response. The other kids, who had been watching from a distance, slowly gathered around, curious to see how this encounter would unfold.
Butch: "You're always tinkering with stuff, always hanging out with the adults. Why don't you ever hang out with us?"
Victor can sense the underlying insecurity in Butch's voice. But instead of responding with hostility, he decides to address the situation with understanding.
Victor: "It's not that I don't want to, Butch. I just have different interests. But that doesn't mean we can't be friends. I'd be happy to help you with anything you're interested in."
There's a brief pause as Butch considers Victor's words. The other kids murmur among themselves, some nodding in agreement. Victor's genuine offer catches Butch off guard—he was expecting a fight, not a gesture of friendship.
Butch: "Yeah, well… maybe I don't need your help."
Butch's tone is less confrontational now, more defensive. Victor can tell that he's starting to break through the tough exterior.
Victor: "That's okay. But if you ever change your mind, I'm here."
Victor's words are simple, but they carry a sincerity that resonates with the other kids. Butch glances around, realizing that he's losing the crowd. With a huff, he steps back.
Butch: "Whatever. I've got better things to do."
Butch walks away, but the tension in the air has dissipated. The other kids start to approach Victor, asking him about the gadget he was working on. They're curious, not just about his technical skills, but about Victor himself.
As the conversation flows, Victor's reserved nature begins to soften. He explains what he's working on and answers their questions, showing a willingness to share his knowledge. The other children, who once saw him as distant and aloof, now see him as someone approachable and kind.