Several days passed without much change in the girls’ circumstances. They had been provided with blankets, but there were no cleaning facilities, meaning they were stuck having to use the sink in the toilet and a dwindling supply of wet wipes from Rarity. The aspiring fashionista was having a particularly hard time, forced to stay in the same increasingly dirty clothes for days on end.

Three times a day James would make the trip down to see the girls, usually bearing food and drink for them. He used these opportunities to speak to the girls about where they were from, as well as for performing detailed examinations to make sure they were healthy. In return, he told the girls everything they wanted to know about the world they were in.

During each of these visits, James had been intensely curious about their magic, though each time he reiterated that they should keep it a secret for now. He explained that such things were entirely unheard of in this world, and he believed the Overseer would attempt to purge what he would see as dangerous mutations.

After the most recent of these visits, Sunset was curled up in a ball on the floor, rocking slowly back and forth. Her monthly cycle had started that morning. Rarity had come to the rescue with spare sanitary towels but, between the cramps and the lack of real hygiene, Sunset was still feeling utterly like crap. "Ugh, I miss being a pony. I didn’t have to deal with this."

"You’re telling me ponies don’t get periods?" Rainbow asked enviously. "When can I move to Equestria?"

"Don’t be vulgar, Rainbow Dash," Rarity muttered, perched glumly on a crate in the corner.

"Equines don’t menstruate in the same way that humans do, they go into estrus instead," Twilight elaborated.

Applejack looked up from where she was resting on a blanket. "Wait a minute, you’re tellin' me you go into heat?"

Sunset glared at the two of them, then lowered her head onto her knees. "Used to," she grumbled.

"It actually happens to a lot of the animals I speak to," Fluttershy added.

"Are you saying Sunset’s an animal?" Pinkie asked.

Fluttershy’s eyes went wide as she tried to stammer out a denial, but Applejack cut over her. "When she was in heat? Ah’d say so. Ah’ve seen a mare in heat, Ah know how they behave."

"Can we drop this subject?" Sunset ground out through gritted teeth.

Rainbow grinned at her. "Aww, come on, Sunshim, tell us how you used to behave like a randy animal."

"I didn’t behave like a randy animal!" Sunset snapped, "You just have around a week of feeling restless and thinking about romance all the time. It makes you need to pee all the time, too."

"Don’t forget the winking!" Applejack called, winking suggestively at Sunset, who felt the heat rising in her face; a combination of embarrassment and fury.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Winking?"

"Clitoral winking. Mares do it to… show that… they’re…" Twilight trailed off, wilting under the scorching look Sunset gave her.

An awkward silence followed, all of the girls blushing to some extent. The sudden clang of the door being unlocked startled the lot of them. Assuming it was James coming down for his latest visit, Sunset was surprised to see Officer Gomez step through the door, followed by the Overseer, with James himself trailing close behind.

The Overseer motioned for the girls to stand and waited for them to do so before he spoke, "Well, girls, you will no doubt be pleased to know that James has discovered no evidence of infection or any other contagion during his tests."

"Well that’s good news." Applejack huffed.

"Hear hear." Rarity agreed.

"Indeed it is good news," the Overseer remarked. "I also hear that your behavior during your quarantine has been civilized and you have treated my personnel with respect. James tells me that you are not unintelligent, and that you are willing to work to make up for the damage you caused upon your arrival here." He paused, seemingly reluctant to continue. Finally he sighed. "In light of this, I have decided to permit you to join the population of the Vault on a probationary basis, while you attempt to find a way to get yourselves back wherever you came from."

The Overseer crossed his arms as the girls all made noises of relief and excitement. "However, before we take you upstairs to your new quarters, there are certain things I would like to go over. James tells me he has already made you aware of the general situation regarding the sealing of our Vault."

Sunset looked at James, then back at the Overseer. James had indeed told them about the Vault, about how it had been constructed centuries ago to protect the population from a fierce nuclear war raging outside that had destroyed all civilization. Some lucky people had managed to survive outside, and build little communities, but they were dangerous. James himself was originally an immigrant from the Wasteland, but the current Overseer believed a policy of total isolation was safest for the Vault.

Sunset considered what to say if they were to keep up their charade of actually being from the outside, themselves. "He told us it was opened in the past, but has been sealed for almost two decades now to protect it from the outside."

The Overseer nodded curtly. "Indeed. However, as far as anyone who was born after the doors were closed is aware, Vault 101 has never been opened before and never will be again. We encouraged this belief to prevent any more ill-advised expeditions into the Wasteland."

"We are born in the vault, we live in the vault, and we die in the vault." James intoned. "Unfortunately, this poses us a somewhat unusual problem."

"How to explain us to the rest of the vault population?" Twilight asked.

"Precisely." the Overseer replied. "Luckily for you, I believe we have come up with a workable solution. We have told the other residents that you are from the old North block."

Sunset waited for someone to elaborate. "North block?" she prompted.

"It was a fairly small section of the vault that has been sealed since long before I even arrived here almost, twenty years ago." James explained.

"It was mostly residential quarters, with a cafeteria and a spare generator," Officer Gomez clarified. "The reactor section was prone to Radroach infestations and eventually one of them damaged the generator, causing that to start leaking radiation."

Nodding again, the Overseer continued. "Seeing that this would be an ongoing drain on our resources, the remaining residents of North block were moved to safer areas, and the whole section was closed off. Security are sent in periodically to ensure the radroach population is kept to manageable levels, and that the reactor hasn’t started leaking again." The Overseer gestured vaguely around at the girls. "The story we have given to the other vault residents is that you girls are the last descendants of a group that refused to leave, and have been living separately in North block ever since."

"This also allows us to explain your… coloration… as a side-effect of unusual radiation from the malfunctioning reactor," James added.

Applejack frowned and crossed her arms. "Surely there will be some residents who know this ain't true though. Won’t that cause problems?"

The Overseer shook his head. "I shouldn’t think so. There are a few senior members of the hierarchy who have been made aware of the true situation, and those others who may be able to connect the dots can be trusted to keep quiet. All of the residents have been ordered not to ask you about life in North block, and you are hereby forbidden to speak of life outside the Vault if you wish to remain here."

Sunset picked up on the unspoken threat. "We understand, right girls?"

All of the girls quickly agreed. This seemed the quickest and easiest way to start working on a way home.

Seeing that they were all willing to toe the line, the Overseer clasped his hands behind his back and cleared his throat "Good. Since that is settled then, Stanley?"

Stanley came through the door at the Overseer’s summons, carrying a pile of neatly folded clothes which he set down on a box.

"This is the standard attire of all Vault 101 residents and is to be worn at all times," the Overseer explained. "Your current clothes will be placed in storage for the time being."

Sunset fingered her Geode worriedly. "What about our necklaces?"

The Overseer frowned, considering. "I suppose you may keep your little decorations." he said, his lip curling with distaste.

"Let us know once you are done changing," James called out as he and the others left the room.

Once the door was closed, Sunset turned to the others. "Well, girls, at least this is an improvement."

Rarity grimaced. "Speak for yourself darling." She held out the clothes she had picked up, a simple blue jumpsuit with yellow trim around the zip and a yellow ‘101’ on the back. They were just like the ones the men were wearing.

"They ain’t so bad," Applejack said cheerfully. "Kinda like work overalls."

The girls each stripped down and put on their new jumpsuits, Rarity with audible reluctance. Once they were all dressed, and had piled their old clothes neatly, Sunset knocked on the door. The Overseer came in with Stanley close behind, carrying a heavy looking box.

The Overseer frowned for a moment at Applejack's Stetson, but decided to let it slide. "Now that you are suitably dressed, you will be given these, which are also required to be worn at all times, save for when you are sleeping."

Stanley pulled several devices out of the box that matched those the men all wore on their forearms. "They’re called Pip-Boys," he explained, holding one up. "These are the old 3000a model. It’s an older model, but very reliable."

Sunset allowed Stanley to slip one onto her forearm, examining it as he went around the others. It looked like a very old boxy computer system, with several knobs and a little screen. As she watched, it switched itself on, going through what looked like several loading and diagnostic screens covered in glowing green script before finally settling on a stylized image of a smiling boy wearing a Vault jumpsuit.

The Overseer pointed at the screen on his own Pip-Boy. "These contain a general overview of your health, a map of the vault, and any work assignments you will be given. They can also be used for any notes you wish to remember, as well as for picking up radio transmissions such as the Vault 101 PA system. Mr Brotch will give you a more comprehensive lesson on their use tomorrow."

Sunset tried to smile at the Overseer. "Thanks, we really are grateful for the help you’re giving us."

The Overseer’s expression didn’t soften in the slightest. "So long as you follow the rules and perform the tasks expected of you as Vault 101 residents, I have no problem allowing you to remain here for the time being. You may use your free time to attempt to find a way back to your home, but remember that you are not to speak of it to any other than myself or, if he is not working himself, James."

James frowned, shaking his head. "I’m afraid I will be busy catching up on the work I’ve missed, so I won’t be able to help much, sorry,," he apologized.

"It’s alright, you've helped us so much already," Twilight replied as the other girls all nodded in agreement.

He smiled warmly. "Well, if that’s settled, shall we show them to their quarters, Overseer?"

"Very well, follow me," the Overseer instructed. "Quietly, if you please."

The girls followed the Overseer and James out of the storage room and through what James had told them was the Reactor level, with Officer Gomez bringing up the rear. Stanley split off from the rest of the group and headed off to the room where the girls had originally arrived, wondering aloud how far along Andy was with a review of the damage.

Following the Overseer up a set of stairs the girls soon came to a cleaner, brighter series of corridors.

Sunset looked around as they walked, making a mental note of everything they passed. One thing struck her as odd. "Where is everyone?"

The Overseer called over his shoulder. "Aside from security, all other residents have been asked to remain in their quarters until you are safely ensconced in yours. Please refrain from speaking any further until we are there."

Sunset glowered at his back, but couldn’t suppress a smile as she saw James roll his eyes. Continuing on, they passed by a cafeteria area and into another corridor, this one with several doors leading off. The Overseer led them straight to the end of the corridor, to the very last room. Another security officer was standing outside. He stood to attention as the Overseer approached, snapping a crisp salute. "Everything is clear in this section, Overseer"

The Overseer smiled for the first time since the girls had seen him. "Thank you, Chief Hannon, we can take over from here. I want you to check on the rest of your team and meet me back at my office with a full report once you are done."

"Yes, Overseer!" Chief Hannon snapped another salute and marched away, unable to help glancing at the girls as he walked past. He flinched as Pinkie waved enthusiastically at him.

James pressed a button next to the doorway and, instead of opening inwards, the door slid smoothly up into the ceiling. He and the Overseer stood aside to allow the girls into a living area with a couple of sofas and a dining table surrounded by chairs.

"These will be your quarters for the duration of your stay," the Overseer informed them. He indicated a door in the corner. "Through there you will find your bedroom and cleaning facilities."

"There are only two beds, so I’m afraid you will have to make do," James said apologetically.

"We’ll manage, thank you." Sunset replied.

Pinkie Pie darted into the room and dove onto one of the sofas. "It’s going to be just like a big slumber party!!"

The Overseer threw a glare at Pinkie before turning to the others. "I don’t want any of you to leave this room for the rest of the night. I shall send someone along tomorrow morning to give you a quick tour of the Vault and introduce you to some of the residents. After that, you will be handed over to Mr Brotch, who will test your abilities and decide on suitable work placements. Depending on your behavior, you will receive your first assignments the following day."

The Overseer narrowed his eyes, giving each of the girls a hard look. "While I may be allowing you to join the population of the Vault on a probationary basis, I want to make it clear that I will not tolerate any… fraternizing, with the other residents."

Sunset felt her face warm as she realized what he was talking about. Twilight and Fluttershy both shifted uncomfortably, and Rarity muttered indignantly under her breath as she caught on too. Sunset opened her mouth to steer the conversation in another direction, but Applejack cut in first, "Frater- what now?"

James replied absently, not looked up from his notes. "What the Overseer means is that, for the time being, we would like you all to refrain from any sexual interaction with the other Vault residents."

There was a moment of shocked, awkward silence.

"Sorry I asked," Applejack muttered, pulling her hat down low to hide her blush.

"Just what kind of girls do you take us for!?" Rarity spluttered angrily.

"Until James has finished analyzing your genetic makeup for any abnormalities, I don’t want some multi-coloured trollop threatening the genetic stability of this Vault," the Overseer countered.

"That‘s… not the kind of party we‘re looking for right now," Pinkie muttered awkwardly, tugging at the neck of her jumpsuit.

"Seriously. Not cool," Rainbow added, trying to hide a blush of her own.

"You won‘t have to worry about that from us," Twilight said, giggling nervously. "Besides, I kind of already have someone back home that I’m interested in. I mean, not in that way. I mean, not not in that way, but…"

Sunset spoke up as Twilight buried her face in her hands, blushing furiously, "I think that’s the last thing on any of our minds at the moment."

"It had better stay that way." The Overseer sniffed. "Now, I have other things I must attend to. I want you to stay in these rooms until someone comes to collect you in the morning. James, I leave them in your hands."

"Thank you Overseer," James replied quietly.

Sunset let out a deep breath as the Overseer stalked away, helping herself to a chair. Something about that man made her nervous. The other girls settled themselves on the sofas, Rarity still muttering angrily, as James closed the door. "I’m sorry about that, girls, I could have put that a little more delicately," he said gently.

"It’s alright. It was just a little… unexpected," Sunset replied, smiling awkwardly to try and defuse the tension.

"You said it, sugarcube," Applejack added quietly, a pink tinge still on her cheeks.

Fluttershy looked over at the bedroom door. "At least now we get an actual bed to sleep in."

"And a chance for a wash, at last," Rarity sighed.

"Take your time tonight to get yourselves settled, just make sure you are up early in the morning," James advised. "I highly doubt the Overseer will come to collect you himself, but whoever is sent to collect you will probably expect you to be up and dressed at least."

Twilight checked the time on her new Pip-Boy. "What time should we expect them by?"

"I’d say probably around 9 o’clock. Most of the vault residents will be up and at their work assignments by then. And don’t forget, keep your magic a secret." James opened the door again. "Well, I shall leave you to it. There’s some sandwiches in your bedroom if you are hungry. My room is the next one on the left, so if you need anything desperately in the night just let me know. Just don’t let anyone catch you out of your room."

"We will. Thanks James," Sunset replied with a smile.

James nodded. "Goodnight then, girls"

There was a chorus of goodnight's from the girls as he left, closing the door behind him. Feeling famished, Sunset and the others rushed into the bedroom to find the food and a jug of water laid out on a tray on a dresser unit. Two large beds had been made up, with several extra blankets folded on top of a chest of drawers. Curling up on the beds with sandwiches, the girls finally managed to relax somewhat.

"So, what do you think?" Sunset asked the group, taking a bite out of her sandwich.

"Well I think that the Overseer is an absolute brute!" Rarity replied tartly.

"He’s got a mean streak all right," Applejack agreed. "Hopefully there’s some more decent folk like James here, too."

"Officer Gomez and Stanley seem like nice people," Fluttershy chimed in.

"James is a gentleman, though he does lack a certain amount of tact." Rarity finished her sandwich and got to her feet. "Right now though, the only thing I care about is a soak." She flicked her hair and sauntered off to the washroom.

Sunset leaned back on a pillow as the sound of running water filled the room. "We’ll find out what everyone else is like soon enough, I guess. We are getting a guided tour of the place tomorrow."

Pinkie suddenly shot bolt-upright. "Do you think they’ll throw a party?!"

"Why would they throw a party?" Twilight asked.

"It could be a 'Welcome To The Vault For Our New Friends' party!" Pinkie yelled, waving her arms madly.

"I doubt they will, somehow. Sorry, Pinkie," Sunset told her.

"Awwww" Pinkie slumped back onto the bed.

Rainbow grabbed another sandwich. "I hope we get to see what the outside looks like."

"You mean the Wastelands? What the heck for?" Applejack asked.

"Hello? Post-apocalyptic wastelands? It sounds totally awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"I bet they’re filled with all sorts of glowy mutants and creeeepy skeletons!" Pinkie added, perking right back up.

"I hope we don’t see them, they don’t sound very nice," Fluttershy muttered.

Twilight tilted her head, her brow furrowing as the thought. "Well, the Vault is sealed, so I don’t think we’ll really be able to see that much. I’m more concerned about the test the Overseer said we’ll be having tomorrow afternoon."

Sunset finished the last of her sandwiches and stood up, brushing crumbs off her lap. "First, we'd all best have a wash and get an early night. We want to make a good impression when we meet the other residents tomorrow."

Applejack tilted her hat back. "You say we should all get an early night tonight, right?"

"Yeah?" Sunset asked.

"So why in the heck did we let Rarity use the washroom first?" Applejack shot

"I heard that!" Rarity called as the others fell about laughing.

Next Chapter: Chapter 4 - Vault 101 Estimated time remaining: 48 Hours, 34 Minutes