January 1st, 2275
Victor sat in his private chamber, the biolab report still fresh in his mind. The new batch of raiders had been successfully reconditioned and trained for a vital mission—espionage and silent infiltration. Codenamed Delta-1 through Delta-13, these operatives were poised to slip into some of the most significant settlements in the Capital Wasteland. Victor's ambitions required meticulous planning and the ability to gather information without alerting anyone to his presence.
He gave the final order.
Victor (toNIM): "Deploy Delta Team to their designated locations. Rivet City, Underworld, Paradise Falls, Tenpenny Tower, Andale, and the Republic of Dave. Each operative will plant surveillance equipment, gather intelligence, and wait for further instructions. We need their reports as soon as possible."
NIM: "Understood. The operatives will move out silently. I'll set up the network to monitor their progress and ensure they remain undetected."
Victor leaned back in his chair. The seeds had been planted. Now it was a matter of time before Delta Team would begin sending reports from across the wasteland. For now, there was little to do but wait. His mind shifted back to Vault 101 and life within its controlled environment.
Vault 101 had its own daily routines, though Victor's private operations kept him busier than most. He had maintained a sense of normalcy, balancing his secretive activities with regular interactions with friends and acquaintances. His closest friends were none the wiser to the grand plans he was setting in motion, but these friendships remained essential to his cover.
In the days leading up to Amata's birthday, Victor found himself preparing for the event with care. Amata was turning sixteen on January 10th, a milestone in Vault 101, as it signified the beginning of adulthood within the community. Although Victor was deeply entrenched in his work, he wanted to make her birthday memorable. After all, Amata had been one of his closest friends since childhood.
One afternoon, Victor met with his friends for lunch in the Vault's canteen. Butch, Paul, and Christina sat across from him, sharing stories about the daily life in the Vault. Though Victor's mind was often elsewhere, these moments of camaraderie were essential in maintaining his facade of a typical Vault citizen.
Butch: "So, Amata's birthday is coming up. You guys think she's going to throw a party or what?"
Christina: "I'm sure her dad will organize something. He's always trying to keep things formal."
Victor, who had already been quietly preparing for Amata's birthday, smiled at the group.
Victor: "I'm sure whatever she does, it'll be special. I've actually been working on something for her."
Paul: "Oh? What's that, Vic?"
Victor hesitated for a moment before revealing his plan.
Victor: "I've been restoring an old book for her. 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a relic from before the war, and I think she'll appreciate it."
The group looked impressed, especially Butch, who wasn't known for his literary taste.
Butch: "Man, you really went all out. That's gotta be worth a lot of caps outside the Vault."
Victor: "It's not about the caps. Amata's always loved stories—this one's a classic."
January 10th, 2275: Amata's Birthday
The day of Amata's birthday arrived, and the Vault was abuzz with excitement. The Overseer had approved a modest celebration in the Vault's recreation area, and several of Amata's closest friends had been invited. As the festivities began, Victor made sure to blend in with the rest of the crowd, though his thoughts were still on his work.
The celebration was simple but warm. A few decorations lined the walls, and the Vault's piped-in music played in the background as everyone gathered around to congratulate Amata. She wore a bright smile, grateful for the attention, though Victor could tell that she was slightly nervous about the transition to adulthood.
Amata approached Victor, smiling brightly.
Amata: "Victor, thanks for coming! I'm really glad you could make it."
Victor smiled, pulling a carefully wrapped package from his bag. The book had been painstakingly restored, its leather cover gleaming as if it were new. Inside, the pages had been cleaned and bound, and the title, "War and Peace", stood out in elegant print.
Victor: "Happy birthday, Amata. I thought you might appreciate this. It's a bit different from the usual gifts."
Amata's eyes widened in surprise as she carefully unwrapped the package. She ran her fingers over the leather-bound cover, speechless for a moment.
Amata(pretending to be interested): "Victor, this is incredible. 'War and Peace'? I've never seen anything like this in the Vault… Thank you, it's such a thoughtful gift."
Victor: "I know how much you love stories. This one is a bit of a long read, but it's worth it. I thought you might enjoy something different."
Amata smiled, her expression softening.
Amata: "I will. Thank you so much. I can't believe you found this."
As the celebration continued, Victor watched from the sidelines. This celebration was a reminder of the bonds that had kept him grounded in Vault 101, even as his ambitions extended far beyond its walls.
Later that Evening
The day ended on a quieter note. After the party, Victor returned to his quarters, his mind already returning to the broader strategy. The Delta Team was in place, waiting for their orders to be fully realized. The surveillance devices would be planted soon, but for now, Victor would wait for their reports.
In the meantime, life in the Vault moved forward as usual. Victor continued his daily routines, training with Captain Hayes and assisting in minor repairs. He maintained his relationships with those around him, all while keeping the larger picture firmly in his sights.
But deep down, Victor knew the Wasteland was waiting, and his plans would soon come to fruition. The Delta Team's silent infiltration was just the beginning.