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About this mod
Player House near Springvale. Plausible, FO3 lore friendly back story. Short quest. Unique weapons. Unique stealth armor. Several unique "pre-war" hi-tech gizmos. Slower system friendly. Made with vanilla assets. Cleaned with FO3Edit. (Description not showing? Hit F5 to refresh page.)
- Permissions and credits
- Changelogs
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION
"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." Spartan Ranch is a small suburban ranch type Player House in the Springvale area. This isn't a place for lounging around all day to admire the tapestries and pick your teeth in. This is a place for AVOIDING! Until you're tired, out of ammo, and ready to come home that is. Then it's a super place to recuperate, re-supply, and take care of business from. This mod attempts to enhance the fun of exploring and scavenging for players who dig that sort of thing. Mainly, incorrigible scavenger types. There's no right or wrong when it comes to modding single player games. The true value lies in what gives your personal Fun O' Meter the highest readings. That said, if your goal is to get through the game as swiftly as possible, and not savor the scavving aspects, then these features may not be your cup of tea.
THE QUEST
There is a short albeit 'thrillingly adventurous' quest to complete. Then comes the Lone Wanderer gets to be a squatter, and the using of house and all the fun high-tech stuff part.
The Securing Spartan Ranch quest is a very basic quest with a mere four (4) objectives. While the in-game quest notes (one added automatically and one on the front porch) can provide helpful information, it's altogether possible to complete the quest itself by simply following the PIPBOY QUEST MARKERS and using some common sense. You shouldn't have to steal anything or kill any friendlies to complete the quest. I would highly recommend NOT using any mod which changes Moira Brown herself, or otherwise causes her to leave Craterside Supply. At least not until the quest Securing Spartan Ranch is finished. If you do get stuck, and are at your wits end, please feel free to PM me (last teensy-weensy icon in the "Actions:" row) with any quest related problems instead of posting a SPOILER COMMENT
If you're having trouble "decrypting" my somewhat grammatically incorrect, alternate time-line, future post-apocalyptic version of Lowland Scots in the quest notes, or find them too confusing, try:The Online Scots Dictionary
IMPORTANT OPTIONAL GAME-PLAY CHANGES
Depending on how they're used the gizmos in this mod can increase immersion significantly thus making the game seem like it's taking longer to play due to fast travel becoming a true OPTION instead of a tedious, and time consuming economic necessity. No more fast traveling ten times per dungeon to get your loot back. Just temporarily put the items you need to keep with you in any convenient container. Then when you're outside and have a good 'satellite signal', use the ZAD to send everything that's left in your inventory (excepting the ZAD of course, which can be dropped or put into a container but cannot be teleported when using it) back to a special container at Spartan Ranch. Then simply retrieve your stashed vital items so you can continue exploring the wasteland from that point. It can be a little tedious at first, but second nature once adapted to it. Hint: A minimalist approach to vital equipment needs tends to make the whole process all that easier.
The My GAL World Explore Model computer system with its high-tech, 'pre-war experimental item sorter' can save countless hours of tedious manual sorting and containerizing of the hundreds, or even thousands of pounds of loot you've acquired by scavving the Wasteland and then 'teleported' back to the ranch with the ZAD.
The Merchant Portals allow you to conduct business over an experimental, still functional pre-war network that uses advanced molecular manipulation to make life easier and more rewarding. It's much like present day Earth on-line shopping married to sci-fi 'teleporter technology' might work. The advantages are: That when back at the ranch you are no longer forced to waste time finding a merchant to buy from, sell to, or repair your equipment. Just go online and do it instantly. In addition, every cap you spend on merchant repairs goes back into the Wasteland economy so that those merchants will have more caps with which to buy your valuable loot.
TOP 10 AMENITIES COUNTDOWN
NUMBER 10. Antique Nuka-Cola Fridge: Full Vending Machine functionality.
NUMBER 9. Agent's 10mm Pistol: Silenced 10mm pistol with specs close to Col. Autumn's 10mm Pistol.
NUMBER 8. Bobblehead Stand: Custom Bobblehead stand which will also add new copies of pre-existing Bobbleheads from default stands (if any), and add default versions to Megaton and Tenpenny stands when new ones are placed on it.
NUMBER 7. Quicksilver Armor: Unique stealth Combat Armor enchanted to enhance sneak and provide a stealth field similar to the Chinese Stealth Armor in Operation: Anchorage DLC.
NUMBER 6. Workbench: Standard Workbench
NUMBER 5. The Coffee Maker FU2: Pre-war molecular technology based filtration unit that looks like an ordinary Coffee Maker. Requires "ingredients", and is an atomic age "alchemy set" used to create three unique ingestibles, similar to vanilla ingestibles, only without any addictions or side effects. Two of which temporarily increase carrying capacity and can be "stacked", and the other temporarily increases damage, damage resistance, and AP.
NUMBER 4. My Wilderness Bed: Full function player bed which gives "well rested time", restores health, fixes broken bones, cures all addictions, and removes all radiation.
NUMBER 3. Merchant Portals: Game-tested - experimental, "pre-war technology" Barter and Repair Services portals programmed for a few select merchants who provide both, providing they're still alive and/or open for business. Saves time and caps stay in circulation, keeping the economy healthy. Caravan Merchant repair skills still increase with any investments you make as usual. Moira Brown's repair skills will also increase as usual, given the right circumstances.
NUMBER 2. My GAL World Explorer Model: Computer system with an item sorter which sorts, and stores in containers, almost everything except weapons and armor. Features an integrated item teleportation function for sending goods to remote containers located in areas with several various merchants.
NUMBER 1. ZeeAxis Device: Portable pre-war technology item teleportation device. When used, will teleport any amount of loot home from nearly anywhere (nonfunctional in Anchorage & unusable in Zeta) to sort/store and deal with later, when it's convenient to do so. Fast travel only if/when you choose to.
KNOWN ISSUES/CONFLICTS
An issue was discovered with Small Wasteland Camp mod, which is located near Spartan Ranch in the Wasteland. Even though FO3Edit shows no conflicts at all, testing revealed that loading them together may, or may not, cause game crashing.
Please see the ReadMe (included with download or click the link above) for important issues and stuff.
CORRECTING ERRORS
I make every effort to correct any problems which are reported to me, although as of this writing only a few minor ones have arisen. Please click "Latest Version" to view the complete change log.
RESPONSIBILITY TREATISE
I adamantly subscribe to whatever school of thought believes that MOD AUTHORS, after finishing their mod(s), should be responsible enough to check for errors, debug, clean, and do thorough in-game testing before uploading their work for others to download and use. Unfortunately not all mod authors take these steps. Therefore, it behooves MOD USERS to at least check the mods they intend to use, for errors and dirty files, with an appropriate utility (e.g. OBMM, TES4Edit, FO3Edit, Wyre Bash, etc.) before their game gets broken - and out of sheer frustration they're compelled to give up, re-install it, and start a new game. Been there, done that.
Despite the fact that some dirty mods may never cause a single problem, many may be potential time bombs! And as far as your game is concerned, using them without the precaution of CLEANING is tantamount to playing some sort of cyber Russian roulette with your computer by trying to get by without Anti-virus/Malware protection. Yeah, good luck with that. Seriously ... it's just not worth the risk. Therefore, this mod has been CLEANED WITH FO3Edit to help prevent potential conflicts with other mods due to "DIRTY FILES".
FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS
I welcome feedback and constructive criticism. Your opinion is always welcome! After you've tried it on for size, and checked it out for a while, please consider giving me some feedback in the comments section on what you like or dislike about this mod. Although FO3 is somewhat dated at this point, I suspect there are still many newcomers discovering this great game everyday, so I will support this mod as long as I am able. Please send me a PM with any questions though since it's been well over two years since I posted this mod (not my first mod actually, but the first I deemed worthy of posting) I only visit this page occasionally these days.
REMINDER: Endorsements are a cost free way for mod users to express their appreciation for, and approval of the effort that went into the creations they like to the mod authors who have chosen to share their work with the community. Nexus members are allowed to endorse any number of mods they choose to shortly after downloading them.
MY THANKS AND KUDOS TO:
Bethesda Game Studios
The FO3 G.E.C.K. Wiki.
The TESCS Wiki.
FALLOUT WIKI Portal: FO3.
ElminsterEU for FO3Edit.
Fallout3 Training Manual for FO3Edit
Drew "General Grimm" Madsen
The fallout3nexus community
INSTALLATION/UN-INSTALL
INSTALL: Unzip to, copy/paste to, or otherwise add SpartanRanch.esp to your FO3 Data folder and activate with Fallout Mod Manager, Fallout Launcher, or Nexus Mod Manager.
UN-INSTALL: Delete SpartanRanch.esp from your FO3 Data folder.
BACK STORY
THE FOLLOWING BACK STORY AIMS TO HELP SET THE MOOD AND STAGE FOR THE PART THAT FOLLOWS IN-GAME. AND HELPS SOMEWHAT IN GETTING STARTED WITH AND UNDERSTANDING THE SHORT QUEST.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
In the year 2276: The wanderer, scavenger and learned doctor of post-apocalyptic medicine — Dr. Jamie McGill — stumbled upon what seemed to be an abandoned ranch house near the ruins of a once thriving town called Springvale. Not wanting to be shot-at for trespassing, he knocked on the door several times, but to no avail. Looks could be deceiving he reasoned; the outward appearance of the humble house duly considered; he naturally became suspicious that someone might be grievously injured and in need of medical assistance inside the dwelling and proceeded to pick the door-lock. What he was confronted with once inside frightened him so intensely that he turned a brilliant shade of pale; backed out of the door and ran several hundred yards; where he was promptly and fiercely attacked by two large mutant ants. After dispatching the ferociously formidable formicidae and regaining his composure, he returned to the ranch grounds and began exploring.
While investigating the premises, he discovered a hidden box in a trash bin. It was a small box containing a small, strange looking key. Re-mustering his courage he successfully re-entered the dwelling. It had in fact been the exact key made for disabling the hi-tech, pre-war security system.
Dr Jamie McGill typically spent the next several weeks removing dead bodies, skeletons (some articulated, some not), debris, and generally cleaning up the old, dilapidated ranch house. He fortunately found an old pre-war computer and devoutly spent the next six months getting it up and running properly. Luckily, he found some technical manuals to assist him in this complex task. He then began sleeping in the house when not out and about on daily business, and eventually made it his primary wasteland residence. This old house became his base of operations for a small business enterprise involving part-time doctoring, scavenging, and selling whatever miscellaneous items he had scavenged save for those needed by himself. Assured survival was certainly no picnic in the Capitol Wasteland to say the least, but he soon found that his new abode helped immensely.
Then came a time when he was offered a business opportunity that he simply could not refuse. But it meant he would have to do some extensive traveling. Not wanting to leave the house unattended, he sent word to his nephew Gunn; humbly imploring him to travel to Springvale asap to house-sit until he himself was able to return in a few months.
Gunn sent word back via Caravan Merchant that he accepted. "I accept." his scribbled note had read.
However, time was of the essence, and he must leave immediately or risk losing a very lucrative once in a lifetime opportunity. So, he decided to leave Gunn a note written in the "old-language" of his clan instructing him on how to proceed. The primitive language of his direct ancestors; also called "Scots" had been passed down thru the members of his own clan for over two hundred years; since before the time the bombs fell; and for centuries, possibly millennia before that even. He also realized much had been lost in the subsequent desolation of the war; and that his present grasp of this semi-lost language was seriously deficient. He even suspected that the language itself; one of the most beautifully interesting languages he had ever heard, had probably been corrupted to one degree or another over the centuries.
He also knew it really didn't matter at the moment. He had more important things on his mind. All that really mattered now was that he needed to quickly leave explicit instructions for his nephew. He himself needed to promptly begin what would undoubtedly be a very arduous journey. True, his nephew Gunn had but a smattering of Scots, but he was a bright enough lad; it should prove enough for him to sort it out — eventually. And if anyone else chanced to discover the note they would likely encounter a barrel of troubles trying to decipher it. At least he hoped they would, and that was the whole point of writing it in Scots in the first place.
***************
I wrote first part of this backstory (mostly just for fun) thinking about one of my first girlfriends, "Gretchen" (not her real name, just the nickname I called her by. She called me "Sweetie", aww!). A blue-eyed blonde hottie indeed! Her dad was a dentist. She had been my favorite squeeze back then; back before falling in love with and marrying my beautiful wife. I wrote the second part in respectful memory of my Grandfather James. A Scottsman, MD and diagnostician he was -- before being killed buy a drunk driver.
"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." Spartan Ranch is a small suburban ranch type Player House in the Springvale area. This isn't a place for lounging around all day to admire the tapestries and pick your teeth in. This is a place for AVOIDING! Until you're tired, out of ammo, and ready to come home that is. Then it's a super place to recuperate, re-supply, and take care of business from. This mod attempts to enhance the fun of exploring and scavenging for players who dig that sort of thing. Mainly, incorrigible scavenger types. There's no right or wrong when it comes to modding single player games. The true value lies in what gives your personal Fun O' Meter the highest readings. That said, if your goal is to get through the game as swiftly as possible, and not savor the scavving aspects, then these features may not be your cup of tea.
THE QUEST
There is a short albeit 'thrillingly adventurous' quest to complete. Then comes the Lone Wanderer gets to be a squatter, and the using of house and all the fun high-tech stuff part.
The Securing Spartan Ranch quest is a very basic quest with a mere four (4) objectives. While the in-game quest notes (one added automatically and one on the front porch) can provide helpful information, it's altogether possible to complete the quest itself by simply following the PIPBOY QUEST MARKERS and using some common sense. You shouldn't have to steal anything or kill any friendlies to complete the quest. I would highly recommend NOT using any mod which changes Moira Brown herself, or otherwise causes her to leave Craterside Supply. At least not until the quest Securing Spartan Ranch is finished. If you do get stuck, and are at your wits end, please feel free to PM me (last teensy-weensy icon in the "Actions:" row) with any quest related problems instead of posting a SPOILER COMMENT
If you're having trouble "decrypting" my somewhat grammatically incorrect, alternate time-line, future post-apocalyptic version of Lowland Scots in the quest notes, or find them too confusing, try:The Online Scots Dictionary
IMPORTANT OPTIONAL GAME-PLAY CHANGES
Depending on how they're used the gizmos in this mod can increase immersion significantly thus making the game seem like it's taking longer to play due to fast travel becoming a true OPTION instead of a tedious, and time consuming economic necessity. No more fast traveling ten times per dungeon to get your loot back. Just temporarily put the items you need to keep with you in any convenient container. Then when you're outside and have a good 'satellite signal', use the ZAD to send everything that's left in your inventory (excepting the ZAD of course, which can be dropped or put into a container but cannot be teleported when using it) back to a special container at Spartan Ranch. Then simply retrieve your stashed vital items so you can continue exploring the wasteland from that point. It can be a little tedious at first, but second nature once adapted to it. Hint: A minimalist approach to vital equipment needs tends to make the whole process all that easier.
The My GAL World Explore Model computer system with its high-tech, 'pre-war experimental item sorter' can save countless hours of tedious manual sorting and containerizing of the hundreds, or even thousands of pounds of loot you've acquired by scavving the Wasteland and then 'teleported' back to the ranch with the ZAD.
The Merchant Portals allow you to conduct business over an experimental, still functional pre-war network that uses advanced molecular manipulation to make life easier and more rewarding. It's much like present day Earth on-line shopping married to sci-fi 'teleporter technology' might work. The advantages are: That when back at the ranch you are no longer forced to waste time finding a merchant to buy from, sell to, or repair your equipment. Just go online and do it instantly. In addition, every cap you spend on merchant repairs goes back into the Wasteland economy so that those merchants will have more caps with which to buy your valuable loot.
TOP 10 AMENITIES COUNTDOWN
NUMBER 10. Antique Nuka-Cola Fridge: Full Vending Machine functionality.
NUMBER 9. Agent's 10mm Pistol: Silenced 10mm pistol with specs close to Col. Autumn's 10mm Pistol.
NUMBER 8. Bobblehead Stand: Custom Bobblehead stand which will also add new copies of pre-existing Bobbleheads from default stands (if any), and add default versions to Megaton and Tenpenny stands when new ones are placed on it.
NUMBER 7. Quicksilver Armor: Unique stealth Combat Armor enchanted to enhance sneak and provide a stealth field similar to the Chinese Stealth Armor in Operation: Anchorage DLC.
NUMBER 6. Workbench: Standard Workbench
NUMBER 5. The Coffee Maker FU2: Pre-war molecular technology based filtration unit that looks like an ordinary Coffee Maker. Requires "ingredients", and is an atomic age "alchemy set" used to create three unique ingestibles, similar to vanilla ingestibles, only without any addictions or side effects. Two of which temporarily increase carrying capacity and can be "stacked", and the other temporarily increases damage, damage resistance, and AP.
NUMBER 4. My Wilderness Bed: Full function player bed which gives "well rested time", restores health, fixes broken bones, cures all addictions, and removes all radiation.
NUMBER 3. Merchant Portals: Game-tested - experimental, "pre-war technology" Barter and Repair Services portals programmed for a few select merchants who provide both, providing they're still alive and/or open for business. Saves time and caps stay in circulation, keeping the economy healthy. Caravan Merchant repair skills still increase with any investments you make as usual. Moira Brown's repair skills will also increase as usual, given the right circumstances.
NUMBER 2. My GAL World Explorer Model: Computer system with an item sorter which sorts, and stores in containers, almost everything except weapons and armor. Features an integrated item teleportation function for sending goods to remote containers located in areas with several various merchants.
NUMBER 1. ZeeAxis Device: Portable pre-war technology item teleportation device. When used, will teleport any amount of loot home from nearly anywhere (nonfunctional in Anchorage & unusable in Zeta) to sort/store and deal with later, when it's convenient to do so. Fast travel only if/when you choose to.
KNOWN ISSUES/CONFLICTS
An issue was discovered with Small Wasteland Camp mod, which is located near Spartan Ranch in the Wasteland. Even though FO3Edit shows no conflicts at all, testing revealed that loading them together may, or may not, cause game crashing.
Please see the ReadMe (included with download or click the link above) for important issues and stuff.
CORRECTING ERRORS
I make every effort to correct any problems which are reported to me, although as of this writing only a few minor ones have arisen. Please click "Latest Version" to view the complete change log.
RESPONSIBILITY TREATISE
I adamantly subscribe to whatever school of thought believes that MOD AUTHORS, after finishing their mod(s), should be responsible enough to check for errors, debug, clean, and do thorough in-game testing before uploading their work for others to download and use. Unfortunately not all mod authors take these steps. Therefore, it behooves MOD USERS to at least check the mods they intend to use, for errors and dirty files, with an appropriate utility (e.g. OBMM, TES4Edit, FO3Edit, Wyre Bash, etc.) before their game gets broken - and out of sheer frustration they're compelled to give up, re-install it, and start a new game. Been there, done that.
Despite the fact that some dirty mods may never cause a single problem, many may be potential time bombs! And as far as your game is concerned, using them without the precaution of CLEANING is tantamount to playing some sort of cyber Russian roulette with your computer by trying to get by without Anti-virus/Malware protection. Yeah, good luck with that. Seriously ... it's just not worth the risk. Therefore, this mod has been CLEANED WITH FO3Edit to help prevent potential conflicts with other mods due to "DIRTY FILES".
FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS
I welcome feedback and constructive criticism. Your opinion is always welcome! After you've tried it on for size, and checked it out for a while, please consider giving me some feedback in the comments section on what you like or dislike about this mod. Although FO3 is somewhat dated at this point, I suspect there are still many newcomers discovering this great game everyday, so I will support this mod as long as I am able. Please send me a PM with any questions though since it's been well over two years since I posted this mod (not my first mod actually, but the first I deemed worthy of posting) I only visit this page occasionally these days.
REMINDER: Endorsements are a cost free way for mod users to express their appreciation for, and approval of the effort that went into the creations they like to the mod authors who have chosen to share their work with the community. Nexus members are allowed to endorse any number of mods they choose to shortly after downloading them.
MY THANKS AND KUDOS TO:
Bethesda Game Studios
The FO3 G.E.C.K. Wiki.
The TESCS Wiki.
FALLOUT WIKI Portal: FO3.
ElminsterEU for FO3Edit.
Fallout3 Training Manual for FO3Edit
Drew "General Grimm" Madsen
The fallout3nexus community
INSTALLATION/UN-INSTALL
INSTALL: Unzip to, copy/paste to, or otherwise add SpartanRanch.esp to your FO3 Data folder and activate with Fallout Mod Manager, Fallout Launcher, or Nexus Mod Manager.
UN-INSTALL: Delete SpartanRanch.esp from your FO3 Data folder.
BACK STORY
THE FOLLOWING BACK STORY AIMS TO HELP SET THE MOOD AND STAGE FOR THE PART THAT FOLLOWS IN-GAME. AND HELPS SOMEWHAT IN GETTING STARTED WITH AND UNDERSTANDING THE SHORT QUEST.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
In the year 2076: Earth was on the brink of nuclear Armageddon.
In terms of formal education; Robert Seven was perceived by many to be an exiguously educated young man in his mid-twenties; nevertheless very clever; and a budding entrepreneur, savvy businessman and brilliant inventor. And like most other people on Earth whom were fated to soon to become radioactive ash; had had very little idea of the grisly fate soon to befall him.
Robert typically earned the vast majority of his independent income by purchasing salvage, consumer goods, and other various commodities; which he then sold; usually in sufficient quantity and marginally adequate profit to genuinely make a decent living for himself in this highly competitive field of economic endeavor — but this was in fact; just his sideline.
He was also an on-call hired-hand keenly enjoying a substantial monthly retainer from Tachyon Information Technologies: A large, semi-clandestine corporation which sub-contracted for several elite United States government and military agencies. When occasionally, TIT contacted him to promptly handle a specific assignment or two for them, he was contractually obliged to immediately give the new mission his full attention — temporarily putting everything else in his day-to-day life on the back burner. Otherwise, Robert traveled extensively, leaving his small, spartan ranch near the quiet town of Springvale in search of lucrative business opportunities.
Finding himself in a small community located in southeastern Pennsylvania late one balmy summer afternoon he transacted some business; then, returned to his parking space; and leaned against the smooth left front fender of his shiny new Corvega convertible to take in the local scenery for a moment or two. He carefully set the valuable package he had been triumphantly carrying onto the well-polished and gleaming hood of his expensive new sports car; folded his arms and took a minute to fill his lungs with several long, deep breaths of clean, fresh air.
He had just purchased a rare item from a local specialty shop and had had it specifically wrapped in a small, plain brown box; so as to give no clue as to the true value of its contents. After several deep breaths he had become fully relaxed and was now thoroughly engrossed in the aesthetic contemplation of his picturesque surroundings. Suddenly: his astonished gaze beheld what he instantly perceived to be undoubtedly the loveliest young creature he had ever; until now, seen in his entire life! Blue eyes, long-blonde hair, medium height, and evidently; naturally endowed with a chassis that would surely make even his sleek, factory-fresh Corvega Sports Edition Convertible envious — had its AI been optionally programmed for such frivolous nonsense.
Detecting him out of the corner of her eye, Gretchen abruptly turned to appraise this mysterious; although from her current perspective; incredibly attractive stranger who was casually leaning against a newer, well-polished, red and white sports car; and who was also, to her chagrin; apparently rudely staring directly at her svelte body. (The day she bought the bluejeans she was now wearing for the first time: she had had a bad feeling they would be way too tight after washing! Now she had no doubt!)
Her cheeks involuntarily flushed; and as she met his widening gaze, she experienced a brief urge to in turn behave rudely herself; as if to parry his neanderthaloid impertinence. But then, his overall muscularity and the starstruck awe in his otherwise vaguely sinister looking countenance caused her to think twice. ("What a hunk! Maybe the jeans weren’t too tight,
after all", she mused.)
She then promptly restored her lady-like composure and deliberately flashed him her most alluring smile. A charming smile indeed; and the one usually reserved for only the most intriguing of social acquaintances. An act, which incidentally seemed to instantly have a hypnotic effect similar a motor vehicle's headlights striking an unwary deer on a deserted highway after dark.
This apparently, was due to the brief flash of brilliant sunlight bouncing off her pearly-white teeth at that precise moment; as it
might a small mirror; and directly into the astonished Robert's by then dilated pupils.
Although momentarily taken aback and unsure of exactly what he had witnessed; dubious, but nevertheless wondering guiltily if this otherwise extremely attractive young woman might be in dire need of some professional dental work: Robert summarily responded in kind as he simultaneously quelled this dark thought, which had briefly crossed his mind; sincerely hoping that it had perhaps only been a possible trick of light which had manifested itself due to the intensely bright, direct rays of the slow setting, and now nearly amber unclouded sun. Clutching his valuable package, hastily, albeit suavely; Robert instantly started to traverse the bustling street to properly introduce himself to this veritable ray of feminine sunshine: this woman-girl hottie and ostensible pretender to the throne of "Blue Ball Goddess."
Earnestly striving all the while to prudently keep his shameless enthusiasm driven stride reined to a simple pedestrian trek. With his adoring gaze still determinedly focused on Gretchen: he neglected to carefully look both ways first and narrowly avoided being pulverized by a humongous chrome bumper affixed to the front end of a massive blue sedan — speeding straight at him.
Love at first sight is never easy; he did however, eventually make it across without serious injury. And as he cautiously approached the still beamish, blonde beauty, who was now looking a bit disquieted; he was relieved to positively confirm that the flash had, after all only been a random trick of the light as he had dearly hoped would be the case.
Breathing a subdued sigh of relief, the instantly smitten Robert now realized that this vision of loveliness; this veritable princess; possibly possessed the most alluring set he had ever seen (teeth), and surmised that her father was either a wealthy man, or in possible fact a skilled dentist, or perhaps both. Then, suddenly overwhelmed by her radiant beauty, he fell instantly and irrevocably in love!
Extremely impressed by the fact that under the seemingly volatile circumstances; the tall, handsome stranger had made it across the busy two-lane street without being promptly killed — or even soiling himself — Gretchen too succumbed to the unmerciful impact of Cupid's well-placed arrow. The two heretofore strangers then soon became fast friends, and eventually, passionate lovers for life.
(A short time later the Grim Reaper took his toll as the nukes turned nearly every inhabited square mile across the globe into desolate wastelands.)
200 YEARS LATER - BACK AT THE RANCHIn terms of formal education; Robert Seven was perceived by many to be an exiguously educated young man in his mid-twenties; nevertheless very clever; and a budding entrepreneur, savvy businessman and brilliant inventor. And like most other people on Earth whom were fated to soon to become radioactive ash; had had very little idea of the grisly fate soon to befall him.
Robert typically earned the vast majority of his independent income by purchasing salvage, consumer goods, and other various commodities; which he then sold; usually in sufficient quantity and marginally adequate profit to genuinely make a decent living for himself in this highly competitive field of economic endeavor — but this was in fact; just his sideline.
He was also an on-call hired-hand keenly enjoying a substantial monthly retainer from Tachyon Information Technologies: A large, semi-clandestine corporation which sub-contracted for several elite United States government and military agencies. When occasionally, TIT contacted him to promptly handle a specific assignment or two for them, he was contractually obliged to immediately give the new mission his full attention — temporarily putting everything else in his day-to-day life on the back burner. Otherwise, Robert traveled extensively, leaving his small, spartan ranch near the quiet town of Springvale in search of lucrative business opportunities.
Finding himself in a small community located in southeastern Pennsylvania late one balmy summer afternoon he transacted some business; then, returned to his parking space; and leaned against the smooth left front fender of his shiny new Corvega convertible to take in the local scenery for a moment or two. He carefully set the valuable package he had been triumphantly carrying onto the well-polished and gleaming hood of his expensive new sports car; folded his arms and took a minute to fill his lungs with several long, deep breaths of clean, fresh air.
He had just purchased a rare item from a local specialty shop and had had it specifically wrapped in a small, plain brown box; so as to give no clue as to the true value of its contents. After several deep breaths he had become fully relaxed and was now thoroughly engrossed in the aesthetic contemplation of his picturesque surroundings. Suddenly: his astonished gaze beheld what he instantly perceived to be undoubtedly the loveliest young creature he had ever; until now, seen in his entire life! Blue eyes, long-blonde hair, medium height, and evidently; naturally endowed with a chassis that would surely make even his sleek, factory-fresh Corvega Sports Edition Convertible envious — had its AI been optionally programmed for such frivolous nonsense.
Detecting him out of the corner of her eye, Gretchen abruptly turned to appraise this mysterious; although from her current perspective; incredibly attractive stranger who was casually leaning against a newer, well-polished, red and white sports car; and who was also, to her chagrin; apparently rudely staring directly at her svelte body. (The day she bought the bluejeans she was now wearing for the first time: she had had a bad feeling they would be way too tight after washing! Now she had no doubt!)
Her cheeks involuntarily flushed; and as she met his widening gaze, she experienced a brief urge to in turn behave rudely herself; as if to parry his neanderthaloid impertinence. But then, his overall muscularity and the starstruck awe in his otherwise vaguely sinister looking countenance caused her to think twice. ("What a hunk! Maybe the jeans weren’t too tight,
after all", she mused.)
She then promptly restored her lady-like composure and deliberately flashed him her most alluring smile. A charming smile indeed; and the one usually reserved for only the most intriguing of social acquaintances. An act, which incidentally seemed to instantly have a hypnotic effect similar a motor vehicle's headlights striking an unwary deer on a deserted highway after dark.
This apparently, was due to the brief flash of brilliant sunlight bouncing off her pearly-white teeth at that precise moment; as it
might a small mirror; and directly into the astonished Robert's by then dilated pupils.
Although momentarily taken aback and unsure of exactly what he had witnessed; dubious, but nevertheless wondering guiltily if this otherwise extremely attractive young woman might be in dire need of some professional dental work: Robert summarily responded in kind as he simultaneously quelled this dark thought, which had briefly crossed his mind; sincerely hoping that it had perhaps only been a possible trick of light which had manifested itself due to the intensely bright, direct rays of the slow setting, and now nearly amber unclouded sun. Clutching his valuable package, hastily, albeit suavely; Robert instantly started to traverse the bustling street to properly introduce himself to this veritable ray of feminine sunshine: this woman-girl hottie and ostensible pretender to the throne of "Blue Ball Goddess."
Earnestly striving all the while to prudently keep his shameless enthusiasm driven stride reined to a simple pedestrian trek. With his adoring gaze still determinedly focused on Gretchen: he neglected to carefully look both ways first and narrowly avoided being pulverized by a humongous chrome bumper affixed to the front end of a massive blue sedan — speeding straight at him.
Love at first sight is never easy; he did however, eventually make it across without serious injury. And as he cautiously approached the still beamish, blonde beauty, who was now looking a bit disquieted; he was relieved to positively confirm that the flash had, after all only been a random trick of the light as he had dearly hoped would be the case.
Breathing a subdued sigh of relief, the instantly smitten Robert now realized that this vision of loveliness; this veritable princess; possibly possessed the most alluring set he had ever seen (teeth), and surmised that her father was either a wealthy man, or in possible fact a skilled dentist, or perhaps both. Then, suddenly overwhelmed by her radiant beauty, he fell instantly and irrevocably in love!
Extremely impressed by the fact that under the seemingly volatile circumstances; the tall, handsome stranger had made it across the busy two-lane street without being promptly killed — or even soiling himself — Gretchen too succumbed to the unmerciful impact of Cupid's well-placed arrow. The two heretofore strangers then soon became fast friends, and eventually, passionate lovers for life.
(A short time later the Grim Reaper took his toll as the nukes turned nearly every inhabited square mile across the globe into desolate wastelands.)
In the year 2276: The wanderer, scavenger and learned doctor of post-apocalyptic medicine — Dr. Jamie McGill — stumbled upon what seemed to be an abandoned ranch house near the ruins of a once thriving town called Springvale. Not wanting to be shot-at for trespassing, he knocked on the door several times, but to no avail. Looks could be deceiving he reasoned; the outward appearance of the humble house duly considered; he naturally became suspicious that someone might be grievously injured and in need of medical assistance inside the dwelling and proceeded to pick the door-lock. What he was confronted with once inside frightened him so intensely that he turned a brilliant shade of pale; backed out of the door and ran several hundred yards; where he was promptly and fiercely attacked by two large mutant ants. After dispatching the ferociously formidable formicidae and regaining his composure, he returned to the ranch grounds and began exploring.
While investigating the premises, he discovered a hidden box in a trash bin. It was a small box containing a small, strange looking key. Re-mustering his courage he successfully re-entered the dwelling. It had in fact been the exact key made for disabling the hi-tech, pre-war security system.
Dr Jamie McGill typically spent the next several weeks removing dead bodies, skeletons (some articulated, some not), debris, and generally cleaning up the old, dilapidated ranch house. He fortunately found an old pre-war computer and devoutly spent the next six months getting it up and running properly. Luckily, he found some technical manuals to assist him in this complex task. He then began sleeping in the house when not out and about on daily business, and eventually made it his primary wasteland residence. This old house became his base of operations for a small business enterprise involving part-time doctoring, scavenging, and selling whatever miscellaneous items he had scavenged save for those needed by himself. Assured survival was certainly no picnic in the Capitol Wasteland to say the least, but he soon found that his new abode helped immensely.
Then came a time when he was offered a business opportunity that he simply could not refuse. But it meant he would have to do some extensive traveling. Not wanting to leave the house unattended, he sent word to his nephew Gunn; humbly imploring him to travel to Springvale asap to house-sit until he himself was able to return in a few months.
Gunn sent word back via Caravan Merchant that he accepted. "I accept." his scribbled note had read.
However, time was of the essence, and he must leave immediately or risk losing a very lucrative once in a lifetime opportunity. So, he decided to leave Gunn a note written in the "old-language" of his clan instructing him on how to proceed. The primitive language of his direct ancestors; also called "Scots" had been passed down thru the members of his own clan for over two hundred years; since before the time the bombs fell; and for centuries, possibly millennia before that even. He also realized much had been lost in the subsequent desolation of the war; and that his present grasp of this semi-lost language was seriously deficient. He even suspected that the language itself; one of the most beautifully interesting languages he had ever heard, had probably been corrupted to one degree or another over the centuries.
He also knew it really didn't matter at the moment. He had more important things on his mind. All that really mattered now was that he needed to quickly leave explicit instructions for his nephew. He himself needed to promptly begin what would undoubtedly be a very arduous journey. True, his nephew Gunn had but a smattering of Scots, but he was a bright enough lad; it should prove enough for him to sort it out — eventually. And if anyone else chanced to discover the note they would likely encounter a barrel of troubles trying to decipher it. At least he hoped they would, and that was the whole point of writing it in Scots in the first place.
***************
I wrote first part of this backstory (mostly just for fun) thinking about one of my first girlfriends, "Gretchen" (not her real name, just the nickname I called her by. She called me "Sweetie", aww!). A blue-eyed blonde hottie indeed! Her dad was a dentist. She had been my favorite squeeze back then; back before falling in love with and marrying my beautiful wife. I wrote the second part in respectful memory of my Grandfather James. A Scottsman, MD and diagnostician he was -- before being killed buy a drunk driver.