Chapter 17: slightly success

October 21, 2273

At 15 years old, Victor 's life had become a balancing act between his secret projects and his growing social life. With the tools and resources he needed now in place, he could afford to relax a bit and spend more time with his friends. His days were filled with a mix of casual gatherings and continued training, thanks to the efficiency of AZ, his Mister Handy companion.

Victor : "Hey, everyone. Let's head to the canteen. I've got something special planned for today."

Amata: "What's up, Victor ? You seem in a great mood."

Victor : "Just finished a major upgrade with AZ. Now I can spend more time with you guys without feeling rushed."

Susie Mack: "That's awesome! What have you been working on?"

Victor : "Nothing too exciting. Just keeping the Vault's systems running smoothly and working on some new projects."

His friends, including Susie Mack, Tom Holden, and Wally Mack, gathered at the canteen. They had grown accustomed to Victor 's frequent absences, but his return was always warmly welcomed. His contributions to the Vault were well-known, and his talent and helpful nature had earned him a great deal of respect, particularly among the guards.

Officer Taylor: "Victor , good to see you. Heard you've been doing some impressive work with the Vault's systems."

Victor : "Thanks, Officer Taylor. Just trying to keep things running smoothly. How's everything on your end?"

Officer Taylor: "Can't complain. Though, I must say, you've set quite a high bar for the rest of us."

Victor chuckled, appreciating the compliment. He took a seat with his friends, enjoying the camaraderie.

Wally Mack: "I've noticed you've been more relaxed lately. What's the secret?"

Victor : "Just got a lot of things sorted out. I've been able to focus more on the things that matter, like hanging out with you all."

Tom Holden: "Sounds like you've got it all figured out. I've been meaning to ask if you could help me with some repairs in the training area."

Victor : "Sure thing, Tom. We can work on that this afternoon."

As they chatted, Victor noticed the occasional curious glance from the Overseer and his guards. The increased scrutiny was understandable, given his newfound reputation and the fact that he was often seen in the company of the Vault's key personnel.

Overseer: "come to the overseer office."

Victor stood up and walked over to the Overseer, trying to appear calm.

Overseer: "I've been hearing a lot about your recent projects. Some of the guards have mentioned how much you've been helping around the Vault."

Victor : "Just doing what I can to contribute, Overseer. I enjoy working on these projects and helping out where I can."

Overseer: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but remember to keep your activities within the boundaries of your assigned tasks."

Victor : "Understood, Overseer. I'll make sure everything remains on track."

The Overseer's words were more of a reminder than a reprimand. Victor 's talent and mature demeanor had earned him a measure of trust, even if there was a bit of wariness in their interactions.

Captain Hayes: "You're making quite a name for yourself, Victor . Keep up the good work, but don't forget to balance your duties and your personal life."

Victor : "I will, Captain. Thanks for the support."

Back at his makeshift lab, Victor continued to work on his chip project. AZ was now fully integrated into his workflow, handling various tasks efficiently. The time Victor spent with his friends had become more valuable, and he relished the moments of relaxation and camaraderie.

AZ: "Sir, the latest batch of chips is processing well. We're on track for the next phase."

Victor : "Great. I'm looking forward to seeing how well they perform."

Despite the occasional scrutiny from the Overseer, Victor 's reputation among the Vault dwellers remained high. His contributions to the Vault's well-being and his ability to manage his responsibilities effectively had made him a respected figure. As he continued his work and enjoyed his time with friends, he remained focused on his long-term goals, knowing that every step he took brought him closer to achieving them.