Joseph falls back onto his pillow in sorrow. “Why? Why did Equestria even w--” Suddenly Joseph was cut off from his own words by a knocking at his front door that seemed light and quick. Joseph groans and jumps out of bed and he trots out of his room and down the stairs. He then reaches the door and uses his magic to pick up his silver keys and uses them to unlock his door and he opens it.

“Yes?” He asked as he saw the pony standing at his door.

“Good day to you sir! Today is your lucky day! You and many other lucky ponies have been picked to have early access to the 'Equestrian Vaults'.” The pony replied before smiling.

“E-Equestrian Vaults?” Joseph stuttered.

“Mmhm. The 'equestrian vaults' are various sets of fallout shelters that are connected to one other. The vaults were built when the war of Equestria started. I am willing to let you have early access to one. So that you won't be affected by any nukes or bombs.” He replied.

“Is there such nukes or bombs coming here?” Joseph replied with a hint of concern and worry.

“The possibilities are high. Since Manehatten has already been nuked.” The pony replied with a saddened look.

“Manehatten is a few thousand miles from here, am I right?” Joseph asked.

“Indeed. But the nuke they used was a small one. But it was able to destroy half of Manehatten.” The pony replied with his own hint of worry.

“Fascinating and terrifying, aye?” Joseph asked.

The pony nodded and said, ”Now... since you have early access to this vault. May I ask you to pack your belongings and come with me?”

“A-alright,” Joseph replied before heading back inside to gather whatever he had left. He took a saddle bag from his closet and he started to pack up many items he needed or wanted. “Well… seems my fears are finally coming true.” Joseph thought. “Me, accessing a vault for the first time and not knowing what lies ahead.” He said to himself before finishing packing. He then puts the saddlebags on and heads outside.

“Good.” The pony replied before smiling. “Let get on our way to the vault I shall lighten you on what you will be doing in the vault. You can also ask some questions.” The pony then began to walk away from Joseph’s home and Joseph follows.

“What do you suppose I'm going be doing in the said vault?” Joseph asked.

“You will be given multiple job opportunities in the vault. From cooking to engineering to cleaning.” He replied with a cheerful smile.

“Wait wait, what? Are you saying I'm the Janitor of the place?” Joseph replied so suddenly.

“Not exactly. You get to pick your job. Depending on your skills and knowledge of the job of course.” He replied.

“Hmmm... interesting,” Joseph replied.

“You will also be given a pipbuck when you're in the vault.

“Pipbuck? Have I heard of those before somewhere?” Joseph asked while recalling the TV commercial.

“On TV? Maybe. They're little devices that wrap around your hoof. It can tell you many things about you. Such as your physical health. It's a really advanced tech. It usually costs 2,000 bits for just one. Or I should say 2,000 caps.” The pony replied.

“Caps? When did the currency change?” Joseph asked while giving the pony an odd gaze.

“Caps is the currency in the vaults. You will be paid caps per week. The princesses plan on to replacing bits with caps in the future too.” He replied.

“But why? What's the use of switching currency when we have one that makes sense and is easy for us to understand?” Joseph asked.

“Don't ask me. Ask the princesses. They're the ones pulling the strings.” He replied.

“If I or you ever see them again that is,” Joseph replied with a dry tone.

“I wonder if they'll ever show their faces again. To be honest... I feel sorry for them.” He replied.

“How so?” Joseph asked.

“With the war and all. Putting their subjects into danger. Putting us into danger.” He replied with a sad look.

“Risking everything for the sake of resources and beliefs. It's sad isn't it?” Joseph replied.

“Indeed…” He replied with a short moment of silence. “We're almost there... Any more questions?”

“Just one, how long am I gonna be in there for?” Joseph asked while thinking about the vault.

“For as long as you want. If that makes you safer.” He replied with a smile.

“Thanks,” Joseph replied

They soon make it to a large hill. Mounted into the hill was a large metal entrance that had three numbers on it. One number was rusted out. But the other two numbers were visible. "#82” They both go over to a panel and the pony presses and few buttons. Joseph could remember him putting in, ‘373484’. After a minute or two of silence, the large metal door began to shift and move.

Joseph piers inside the vault as the doors opened and gulped. The metal floors, walls, and ceiling were pretty alien in his mind as he never saw such advancements before. Soon the metal door had slid to the side. Allowing the two stallions to go inside.

As they entered they both spotted two other stallions wearing odd uniforms. Joseph turns to look at the stallions.

“Welcome to the vault!” A light blue pegasus stallion replied with a large smile.

“And, you are, sir?” Joseph asked in curiosity.

“Blueberry is the name. But you can call me Blue for short.” Blue replied.

“And I'm the doctor. Dr Hooves.” Hooves replied. Joseph noted their clothing to be a light blue jumpsuit with yellow lines on their shoulders to their sleeve.

“Nice to meet you, Blueberry and Doc,” Joseph replied finally after looking over their attire. The doctor seemed to notice Joseph’s stares and grunts.

“Heh. Sorry about our clothing. The Overmare directed all dwellers to wear these jumpsuits. Like them?” Hooves asked.

“No it’s alright, actually they look rather pleasing to me if I don’t say so myself,” Joseph said. Hooves smile and then passes him a similar jumpsuit.
Joseph then puts on the jumpsuit and looks himself over. “Well, what do y'all think?” He said and turned to his side just to face everyone.

“Not too shabby,” Blue replied. “Fits you perfectly.”

“Heh, I might get used to wearing this.” He replied with a chuckle while looking himself over again.

“Well... looks like you guys are getting along. I better be off. Blue and Hooves will help you with everything else.” The pony replied.

“Its Dr, Hooves. Not just Hooves.” Hooves replied.

“Whatever doc.” The pony replied before trotting out of the vault.

“Seems he doesn't show much respect to you, Aye doc?” Joseph asked after he left.

“No, he doesn't. But I don’t care either way.” Hooves replied.

“Anyways…” Joseph asked to move on.

Blueberry nodded and said, “Let's take you to the reception. To get you officially signed in.”

"Reception?" Joseph questioned.

Blue nodded and said, “The Reception is a place where you will go to, to get everything sorted out for you. Let's go.” He then motions Joseph to follow.

Joseph follows Blue to a hall that an empty of life. On the way to the Reception, Joseph sees a unicorn mare wearing the same vault Jumpsuit. She was banging on a door that had the words ‘Female toilet’ on it while yelling, "Open up!! I need to pee!!!"

Joseph tilts his head while staring at the mare. “Huh?” He asked.

She notices Joseph staring at her and blurted out, "What?!"

“N-nothing just was wondering what was all the racket, that's all.” He replied as Blue and Hooves watched to see what would happen.

"Well, the racket is that I need to pee!! This vault needs more bathrooms!!" She yelled as she pounded on the door more.

Blueberry sighs, "Yeeeeaah. That's the thing about this vault. It's comfy and all but it has barely any toilets." He replied.

"I can agree with you there." Dr, Hooves replied with a short glance at Blue.

Joseph sighed and shakes his head in disappointment. “Why vault builders, why?” He asked to himself.

"Well, you better tell the overmare about it!! Since your in the second command!" The mare yelled at Dr, Hooves.

Joseph Turns to Dr, Hooves, “Y-your second in command?” He asked.

"You could say so. Although the overmare treats me like a Dweller." He replied as the toilet door suddenly opened and out trotted another unicorn mare. When she stepped out she began to walk away from them.

"Why does she treat you like a Dweller?" Joseph asked.

"I don't know really. Maybe because she wants to be the only one in command." The Doctor said as the desperate mare went into the bathroom.

“Maybe you're right, but we'll have to see if this is true...or not,” Joseph replied.

"Never!! The Overmare is very powerful. We might as well keep our distance and stay out of her business." Blueberry replied. Joseph then looks at Blueberry sternly.

Blueberry sighed and said, "Never mind... let's get to the reception."

“Alright,” Joseph replied.

Blueberry continues leading Joseph to a door that had a sign on the top of it saying, 'Reception'. Blue opens the door and said, "Go on in. There will be somepony inside to help you. Good luck." He replied with a yawn. He then goes off down the hall with Hooves. Joseph then steps inside.

Inside the room was multiple unoccupied desks. All except one that had a familiar pony stationed at the desk. It was Rarity. Joseph was spooked to see her here, he trotted slowly towards her nervously. She seemed to be busy typing on a typewriter and looking at a terminal. Joseph went up to her desk but was a bit nervous to speak up. The only thing that broke the silence was the typewriter.

“H-hello?” He asked in a nervous tone.

Rarity looks up from her typewriter. "Hmm? Oh! Sorry. I didn't notice you there darling."

“Rarity it is, is it?” He asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, it's me."

“I-I don't understand. I thought you still worked at the Carousel Boutique.” He replied in worry.

"I did... but the princesses made me quit and they put me to work in this place." She replied with a sigh.

“Why? What happened?” Joseph asked with curiosity.

Rarity sighs and muttered, "Rather not say."

Joseph wondered why the princesses made her quit. He then asked, “Too personal?” After a long pause, she nodded slowly.

“I see. I'm honestly sorry to hear.” Joseph said with a slight sigh.

"It's okay darling. Anyway, why are you here?" She asked.

“I was apparently called to come here for some strange reason. I'm still not sure why I am here.” Joseph replied.

"I see. So you're Registering in?" She asked.

“I'm not sure. Dr Hooves wanted me to come here for something, but I'm not so sure what it is.” He replied/

"Well, I think he wants me to help you with your registration darling." Rarity replied. She then picks up a piece of paper and a pen. She then uses her magic to open the pen lid. "Let's start with your name?" She asked.

“Joseph Hearts,” Joseph replied.

"Date of birth?" She asked whilst writing on the paper.

“September 12th, (Insert Date here)” He replied nervously.

Rarity nodded and then kept writing until she was satisfied with the result. She then gives Joseph the sheet of paper she wrote on and on it was an information sheet full of different information to be put in. But it seemed his age, sex, eye colour and mane/tail colour. But she left "Choice of Job" empty.

"Is this alright?" She asked with a smile. Joseph sweated a little, then nodded his head.

She smiled. She then passes him a wrapped up scroll. It had lists and lists of jobs within the vault. There were so many that Joseph could only stare at the sheet in confusion.

"Hehe... Yeeeeah. That what I did when I first saw the jobs." Rarity replied.

“I-I see.” He replied with feeling like he was going to pass out.

"You can pick from any job that you are good at." She replied with a giggle.

Joseph looked at his flank, unfortunately, what he saw was nothing. Joseph never found his destiny when he was young, due to his interests were all over the place. He tried many things during his childhood, like acting, being an artist, or trying to be supportive to others. None of them was able to get his cutiemark. Joseph then turned and looked down at his hoofs.

"Having a hard time darling?" Rarity asked. Joseph then nodded.

"Well if I suggested a few jobs... could you give them a try?" She asked.

“I guess.” He replied with a sigh.

"My first suggestion would be the job I am currently doing. The office job. It's where you tend to all the new Dwellers and even tend to reports from them. My next suggestion would be an engineering job. It is where you mend to the machines like terminals, doors, elevators and generators. Oh, and even pipbucks. My last suggestion would be a cooking job. Though you probably understand what you do in the cooking job." She replied.

After hearing the suggestion Joseph sighed, breathed in calmly and said, “I think I'll be the engineering job.”

"I see." Rarity replied before writing down something on a terminal. "Good. We'll all done here. You will start your job tomorrow. For now, you can wonder the vault, even rest in your vault bedroom or chat with your roommate."

“Roommate?” He asked suddenly.

Rarity nodded. "Everypony gets one. Even me.” She replied before looking back at the terminal. “Your roommate is Blueberry. Your room is five floors down from here and the door number is '507'."

“Wait, wasn't he the one that was with me a few minutes ago?” Joseph asked. “Y’know? The blue tire pegasus?”

"Mmhm. That's him. He must be going to his room. Since he does night shifts and gets tired and grumpy in the day.." Rarity replied.

“Guessing it's hard doing the night shift, aye?” He asked.

She nodded. “Mmhm. He has to sleep sometimes in the day.” She replied.

“Does he get into crabby moods in the morning?” Joseph asked.

"Not from my knowledge. But if he does. Just leave him be. I bet you'd be the same in his hooves." She replied.

“Yeah, true,” Joseph replied.

Rarity then types on the terminal and said, "Okay... you're in the system. You can keep that personal information sheet. But I'll need that job list back."

Joseph gives the job list back to Rarity and asked, “So, where do I go from here?”

"Go down the hall to the right. It should take you to an elevator. Then go down five levels and then find room 507." She replied.

“A-alright. Thank You.” He replied before handing his hood out for a hoof shake.

She shook his hoof. "Nice to see you." She replied.

“Same to you Rarity.” He replied before exiting the room. He then looks down the corridors of the vault. There were some ponies out and about. Joseph didn't recognise anypony.

"I might have to get used to this place, but there's something here that seems rather...fishy. I better find out soon..." He replied to himself. Joseph, then he began to wander the corridors. Soon he reaches an elevator and he steps into it, then the door closes behind him.

He looks at the number of buttons for the floors and was surprised to see that there were more than 60 different buttons. But one button was lit up. 'G'. He presses the "-5" button and the elevator begins to descend.

Soon the elevator reaches floor -5 and a robotic voice said, "You have arrived at your floor." The doors then opened.

“Ok… how advanced did we get again?” Joseph thought as he walked towards his room.

He then reaches his room and opens the door. Inside his room was a bunk bed, two desks, two chairs, a terminal in the corner of the room and two boxes. One of the boxes was full of personal belongings and the other was empty. Joseph then notices Blue sleeping in the top bunk.

Joseph went up quietly to the bunk and saw Blue sound asleep, he then set his stuff down slowly on the bottom bunk and sat quietly. The room was all but quiet all for the light snoring of Blue and the passing ponies from outside their room. Joseph sighs and lays on his bunk, he closes his eyes and goes into his deep thoughts. Many questions roamed into his mind.

“Why me? Why did they choose me? What do they want with me?” He thought to himself. So many questions left unanswered about this place, maybe I should investigate when I find the time to do so.

Joseph sighs again, then falls asleep, however outside his room, a pony watches the sleeping Joseph, then they disappear down the corridor and out of sight…

Author's Note

The OC Joseph belongs to https://www.deviantart.com/alduthecat and other OCs used in the chapter were either made up OCs or my OCs.