Chapter 32: The Quantum Leap and the Winning Swing

Vault 101

September 23, 2274 -

In the hidden depths of Vault 101, Victor was on the brink of another breakthrough. The hum of the cooling system filled the room as the first batch of quantum chips, transmitters, control mechanisms, storage devices, and other modules came to life. NIM, the advanced AI, confirmed the success of the production, and AZ, Victor 's trusty assistant, was busy assembling the components into a fully operational quantum computer.

Victor leaned over the console, his fingers dancing across the keys. "NIM, initiate the calibration process," he commanded, his voice calm but filled with the excitement of a scientist on the brink of a breakthrough. "Once that's done, I want a full status report."

The screen flickered as NIM responded, "Calibration initiated. Estimated time to completion: 3 minutes."

Victor stepped back, watching as the process unfolded. He could barely contain his eagerness. A minute later, NIM reported, "Calibration complete. All systems are functioning at optimal levels. Efficiency is at 99.8%, power consumption is within acceptable parameters, and all modules are operating as expected."

Victor nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Perfect. This will change everything, NIM."

AZ reported. "The quantum computer is ready for integration into the mainframe. Shall I begin assembly?"

"Yes," Victor replied, his mind already racing ahead to the next steps. "Assemble the new mainframe using the quantum chips. Transfer all data from the old mainframe once it's complete, and make sure to recycle the old equipment. We're not wasting anything here."

AZ got to work, carefully assembling the new mainframe. The room was filled with the soft clinks and whirrs of machinery as AZ pieced together the advanced components. Victor watched the process with a keen eye, his excitement mounting.

"NIM, while AZ is working, let's talk about power consumption," Victor said, his tone shifting to a more analytical one. "I know the quantum processors are incredibly efficient, but I still need to manage the power usage carefully."

NIM responded promptly, "Indeed. While the quantum processors are a thousand times more efficient than the silicon nanochips, the overall power demand remains substantial due to the advanced computations we're running. However, we can mitigate this by operating fewer processors at a time without sacrificing performance."

Victor stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Good. We'll operate on a need-to-use basis then. Now, about the fusion cores... I want to put that project on the front burner. We need more sustainable energy."

NIM's screen flashed with data. "Required material list has been compiled: pure cobalt flux, pure crimson flux, pure fluorescent flux, pure violet flux, and pure yellowcake flux. Simulations for fusion core production have been initiated. Results will be ready shortly."

Victor glanced at the list on the screen and nodded. "Excellent. Once we have those results, we can start producing our own fusion cores. That'll solve our power issues once and for all."

Later in the day, Victor balanced his secret work with his normal life in the vault. He still found time to study, maintain his cover, and made sure to interact with his friends. At the end of each day, he felt the weight of his dual life, but it was a burden he was willing to bear.

That evening, Victor met up with his friends in the atrium. "You've been pretty scarce lately," Butch remarked, tossing a baseball from hand to hand. "Everything good with you?"

Victor felt awkward, what he did with his mother was still fresh in his mind, offering a smile. "Yeah, just been busy with studies and some projects Jonas has me working on. You know how it is."

Susie piped up, "You're still coming to the game later, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Victor replied, giving her a nod. "Just have to finish up a few things first."

Vault 101 Baseball Tournament

September 24, 2274

The next day brought a wave of excitement throughout Vault 101 as the annual baseball tournament kicked off. The Vault was abuzz with anticipation as teams were formed and the competition began. Victor , who usually kept a low profile, was surprisingly eager to participate this time around.

Butch, the self-appointed leader of their group, clapped Victor on the back as they stood in the dugout. "You ready to win this thing, Victor ?"

Victor smirked, gripping his bat. "I was born ready, Butch. Let's bring that cup home."

The game was intense from the start, with both teams showing off their skills. The crowd cheered as the players made impressive catches, swift throws, and powerful hits. Victor 's team, with him as one of the star players, quickly rose to the top.

During the final inning, the score was tied. The tension was palpable as Victor stepped up to the plate. The opposing pitcher glared at him, determined to strike him out. But Victor remained calm, his mind focused on the ball.

Butch shouted from the sidelines, "Come on, Victor ! Knock it out of the park!"

The first pitch came, a fastball right down the middle. Victor didn't flinch. He waited, his eyes locked on the pitcher. The second pitch was a curveball, but Victor didn't swing. The count was 1-1.

As the third pitch was thrown, a perfect slider, Victor 's instincts kicked in. He swung with all his might, and the bat connected with a resounding crack. The ball soared through the air, high above the field. The crowd erupted in cheers as it sailed over the fence for a home run.

Victor ran the bases with a triumphant grin, his teammates cheering him on. As he crossed home plate, Butch and the others lifted him onto their shoulders, chanting his name. "Victor ! Victor ! Victor !"

Later, during the award ceremony, the team was presented with the Vault's championship cup. The Overseer handed it to Victor , who held it high for everyone to see. "This is for all of us," he said, his voice carrying through the atrium. "We won this together!" 

While in all this hub dub victor noticed Ellen with her friends in audience cheering feeling little flustered he quickly went off stage with his friends to celebrate

The victory was sweet, and the celebration that followed was even sweeter. As the team gathered in the canteen, Butch handed Victor a drink. "You really came through for us today, Victor . That was one hell of a hit."

Victor took the drink with a nod. "It was a team effort, Butch. But yeah, it felt good to win."

The night was filled with laughter and stories of the game, but Victor 's mind kept drifting back to his secret lab. The tournament had been a welcome break, but now it was time to get back to work.

Vault 101, Secret Lab

September 25, 2274 -

Back in his lab, Victor checked in on NIM and AZ. "NIM, how's the fusion core project coming along?"

"The first fusion core has been successfully produced and installed into the repaired generators," NIM reported. "All systems are fully operational, and we now have more than enough power to support all current and future operations."

Victor nodded, satisfied. "Good. Let's start the next phase. We've got a lot more work ahead of us."

"NIM," Victor said, with a determined edge in his voice, "let's look into better materials for armours which will have proper safety and flexibility. We're going to need them sooner rather than later."

"As you wish, Victor ," NIM responded, already processing the next steps.

In the meanwhile you upgraded AZ with a quantum chip, transmitter and fusion core for power.

Booting up the system." Az stat report." Victor asked.

Humming sound of the machine as AZ came alive." Everything is within the expected parameters. All systems are working normally. Power adjustment is done. Transmitter module is running , checking for signal , signal found, requesting connection, waiting for response from carrier, request approved, connection established. Hello NIM."

"Hello AZ." Replied NIM.

"Alright, let's get to the next project. NIM initiated simulations for a small plasma excavation tool , materials are scarce in the vault . It is quite troublesome to convince Mr.Almodovar who is STICKLER for rule to establish outside connection. It will be better to make my own way out. But it needs to be well planned not to compromise safety and integrity with enclaves outside." Victor thought.

"Yes we will also need automated security and reconnaissance bots."

"Reconnaissance bots don't need to make it as small as possible with flight and hovering capabilities, equipped with high definition lens , infrared and thermal scope. If possible give it camouflaging features. It should be easily launched and extracted. Power it using a fusion core, fitted with one unit of small quantum chip and transmitter for long distance real time data transmission."

"For security bots though there is no size restraint it can't be too bulky. Let's plan for three types.:

Silent infiltrator -for infiltration mission , Hand sized for portability, fitted with silenced 9mm and a laser. Has to have camouflaging features. HD lens with infrared and thermal scope. It should have flight capabilities but demand is not high. Just hovering and being able to stick on the wall will do." Vanguard, for frontal assault and patrolling in group of five,2 with 7.62*39mm ,one with a tri-laser ,one with a plasma cannon and the last one with 50.cal. Nano polymer alloy armor, with reflective coating with pattern suited for wasteland warfare. electromagnetic joints for seamless movements, dodging and short jumping. HD lens with infrared and thermal scope. Fitted with a cooling system. Size should be around half human size. Having an auto-destruct feature. Sentry bots , for base security, higher quality armor can be a bit bulky ,able to mount on floor, walls, or ceiling. Will be placed in a group of two, one with 5.56mm piercing rounds, the other will be a small Gatling laser.HD lens with infrared and thermal scope.

All of them should be Powered by a fusion core ,one unit of small quantum chip and transmitter."

"NIM run simulations for this , compile list of materials."instructed Victor.

"We will be ready for some wasteland fun." He thought to himself.