» Thu May 31, 2012 4:51 am Theodore “Theo” Rhodes
Vault 66
9:15AM - 9:30AM
The morning was a somber one. It always was when the day those chosen to be expelled, rolled around. Nobody had come around to see Theo, he’d asked that it be like that. He didn’t want anyone getting emotional, or regretting their vote for him, if they had voted for him. So he ate his breakfast alone and got ready to head for the outside.
Everything Theo thought he needed out in the world, had already been packed the previous day. After learning of the elections, he’d started right away on putting things together in his rucksack. The reality of it still not yet set in until today, when the clock ticked down to that final hour; the hour that would have them all meeting at the door.
It’s finally come to this, he thought to himself. He took one last look at his old home, remembering the times he’d had, both good and bad. None of it though, seemed to matter to him anymore. His life was over as he figured it, all those who’d gone out there were dead. It was only a matter of time until he and the other’s leaving as well were dead; either from radiation or otherwise.
He didn’t bother with a note, something he’d seen in an old movie once, in the media room of the vault. A man leaving home forever, had left a note to those he loved. Theo felt no need, his content was knowing he was going to die.
Quietly he slung on his rucksack, holstered his chosen weapon, and made his way for the gate. As he walked, he passed by the homes of old friends, some he hadn’t even spoken with in years. He didn’t bother saying anything to them, he just walked.
As he walked, he realized that the halls of the vault were empty, except for himself of course. It wasn’t unusual for them to empty on a day like this, but it was different being on the other side, when he’d been in everyone else’s shoes for so long. Every time the day those who were to be cast out, came around, the halls of the vault were empty of anyone else but the five. Theo never understood if it was a sign of respect or fear, to those being cast out. Either way, he was glad he didn’t have to see anyone’s face.
At the door, the Overseer was there to meet him, along with his father who had been lucky and made it to the age of 61, never having been voted into the top five. His mother had passed away a few years before, leaving just Theo and his father as the only Rhodes in Vault 66.
“Good luck son, do whatever it takes to survive,” his father said. The two gave a quick embrace, but Theo could feel the pain his father was feeling. The unwillingness to let go right away, also told Theo how much his father felt. Theo had asked him not to come, knowing that his only son was being sent to his death, but the old stubborn man had come anyway. He was somewhat glad though, holding back any emotion he had in the presence of the Overseer.
“Good luck, Theo Rhodes, I’m sorry you had to be one to be voted out,” the Overseer said. “I’m sure you’ll make it out there, you and the rest are hearty people.” She held out her hand and gave a smile, one Theo figured she’d given plenty of others in his shoes, before.
He gave a half hearted smile back anyway, and shook her hand. “Thank you,” he said.
The other’s being cast out, were just starting to come around as Theo stepped away from his father and Overseer, taking his place near the door. He’d never been closer to the door before now, it made him a bit nervous, although he repressed the nervousness with a look of solemnness.
After the other’s own personal moments, the other’s all took places with Theo at the door.
“I would just like to say some last words to you all, before that door opens. I think it’s important you all know how much your sacrifice means to us.” The Overseer pause a moment, and pulled a piece of paper from her pocket. “For the five of you about to be cast out into the world, first I’d like to say thank you. Thank you to all of you, who’ve taken the place of death so the rest of us may live. Though the threat of the nerve gas is still clear in our minds, the five of you have given us more time. All of us in the vault, thank you, and wish you nothing but the best when out in that world; hopefully you’ll make it.”
She paused again, taking a moment as her eyes began to tear up. Theo didn’t know if they were real or fake, if she was just putting on a show or actually feeling horrible for having to cast five people out into the world. He figured it was probably a mix of both, but more show than actual emotion. Quickly she cleaned herself up and continued.
“Excuse me, I just feel terrible about this . . . When the five of you step out that door there behind you, and it closes behind you, never to open for any of you again, I want you to all know that no matter what wrong’s you may have done while in this vault, you are all absolved of them. You go into that world fresh, new, and able to make a new life. From my own personal heart, to you, I thank you for all your time spent here.”
Without even a pause for a bit of silence before they were to leave, the Overseer’s hand swiftly pulled the lever for the door. It was loud as lights flashed, and the door to the vault opened with a wail. With the others, Theo turned and faced his new world, taking a breath before stepping forward and into the unknown.
“This is it,” he said to them all, just before they all stepped through the door, knowing they’d never return.
As the door closed behind them, leaving them to their fate in an old dark tunnel, Theo didn’t bother looking back, he just looked at the others and to the exit of the tunnel. He was glad to be out of there, his fate unknown, but death he figured, just waiting over his and the other’s shoulders.
Without much care, Theo opened the door to the outside world. He thought to shield his eyes, knowing that the outside would could be bright, but to his surprise there was not much light. He took a few steps forward, looking up. The sky was a dark grey, and the land was barren and empty. He looked at everyone else, a bit surprised.
“What now?” He asked them.
