I surmise that they forgot to record certain lines for voice actors and it was too late to call them back. I also think this is the reason why Sarah from Vault 21 has two voices.
i can't tell if you're serious, or just joking.
It's a writing device that conveys a sort of unspoken moment of irritation, dismissal, or grim response-by-non-response. Example:
Evacuation worker: "The boat will only hold 10 people."
Police Officer: "Load it and get going."
Evacuation worker: "But what about the other people showing up soon? There's no more transport left! They'll die!"
Police Officer: "..........."
Evacuation Officer: "All right. I'm on it."