In a haunting flashback, Barb Howard, a prominent Vault-Tec executive and Cooper's beloved wife, earnestly urges him to step into the limelight as a spokesperson for Vault-Tec. She sees his potential and believes in his ability to inspire and reassure the masses.
In the grim present, Maximus cunningly adopts the guise of Titus, concealing his true identity from the Brotherhood's relentless pursuit. Fearful of their wrath, he hides within the imposing power armor, his secret unknown to even his newest compatriot, Thaddeus, the Brotherhood's replacement squire.
Meanwhile, Lucy's perilous journey continues as she traverses a sodden, flooded landscape. But her solitude is shattered by the sudden, violent attack of a gulper, a monstrous creature that savagely devours Wilzig's head. Howard, swift to act, arrives on the scene with CX404, a loyal companion, and devises a risky plan to use Lucy as bait to lure out the gulper. Alas, their efforts are in vain, and the head remains in the creature's possession.
Frustrated and desperate, Howard takes a drastic measure. He captures Lucy and forces her to accompany him into the unforgiving wasteland, leaving CX404 behind. Little does he know that fate has other plans.
Not long after, Maximus and Thaddeus arrive on the scene, CX404 in tow. They embark on a daring mission to retrieve the precious head from the gulper's maw. Despite the creature's ferocity, they succeed in their endeavor, emerging victorious with the head in hand.
Back in the confines of Vault 33, the atmosphere is tense. Norm, a staunch advocate of justice, argues for the execution of the surviving raiders who wreaked havoc on Vaults 32 and 33. However, his call for vengeance falls on deaf ears. The interconnected Vault 31, which remains unscathed by the attack, serves as a reminder of the fragility of their existence and the need for caution in meting out punishment.
