K, so I figured I'd try and just skip ahead in the main story quest, and I stumbled across Little Lamplight before I even got to GNR, and I wanted to know if I can obtain the G.E.C.K. before I'm asked to go and retrieve it. I would myself if I went down into Vault 87 without being able to take the precious gem from there, being just barely closed off from it by a "Requires Key" door. So basically [in summary], can I just go into Lamplight and take the G.E.C.K. without even getting to the part in the story where I actually have to go down and get it?

As far as I know, you can always skip ahead in the plot. You might have a problem actually getting into Lamplight, though...

You can always retrieve it yourself, I think. Wear a suit and pop some Rad-X. I just always let Fawkes do it.

Lol, I know you can always just "skip ahead", and I know you can get it like you said, I just want to know if there's going to be any huge catalystic difference in the plot in the story, besides a:
Lyons: We need a...
Me: No sweat, I already have one.
Lyons: That's great! Let's party! :celebration:

Plus, there's the problem with that Autumn is supposed to pick you out of there right after you get what you need, so what'll even happen if I get it early and that doesn't happen?

That's likely the extent of it.

This is a little spoilery. You might want to ask to have it moved.

No, you can't get into Vault 87 to retrieve it before you're sent there on the quest.

It won't be spoilers to me, but I get what you mean. Is just not possible at all, as in does that little twerp "mayor" just not let you into "Murder Pass" at all, or even his town for that matter?

Nope, its impossible. There is a back gate in little lamplight that only opens when the quest starts. Beside, it would likely cause bugs like you wouldn't believe.

The furthest you can skip ahead is finding Dad right away.

Well poop. Thank you for that very troubling information. :confused:

Could you expand on that a little?

I've seen the speedrun. You have to get into The Citadel and speak to Elder Lyons before you can get the GECK. Note: You just have to speak to Elder Lyons. You don't have to do anything before that, just the speech will trigger the quest.

Head to Smith Casey's Garage right away. Straight from Vault 101 if you like. The Vault opens, you get a Vault suit, jump into Tranquility, and bam! Dad found, everything up to that point (Following in his footsteps, Scientific Pursuits) is skipped. Of course you also lose all the exp you could have gained.

well you disturb the time-space continuum

you never know where's your dad gone