Once Upon A Wasteland: A Fallout Story

This episode is the prologue to "Once Upon a Wasteland: A Fallout 76 Love Story." You can find more show information on Twitter at @OnceUpon76Pod. In the late 23rd Century, a mysterious client has hired an archaeologist and a historian to track down a family treasure that's been lost for more than a century. After a long, arduous search, they've finally made it to what they think is the right place - a vacant but otherwise ordinary-looking house in Appalachia. Will they find the treasure? And even if they do, will they take it to their client or keep it for themselves?

Freelance intelligence operative Beth Kirby and Brotherhood of Steel Scribe Odessa Valdez meet while pursuing a lead involving unknown technology and its associated research that's causing a stir among Appalachia's various gangs. They forge an immediate connection and decide to work together to crack the case, not only to protect Appalachia's nascent attempt at civilization, but also because of the intoxicating chemistry they feel when they're together.

Beth visits an old friend to try to make progress after discovering that she may somehow be involved in the mystery. She and Valdez begin their quest by seeking out a reclusive Wastelander - a former VTU professor who also lived in the Vault - with pre-war knowledge that they hope will help them overcome their first dead-end.

Beth consults her most trusted friend as she deals with the fallout of the previous night's interruption of "dessert." She discusses the case with her father, who reveals new information that draws Beth and Odessa back together, providing an opportunity for Beth to make things up to Odessa - an opportunity she's determined not to waste. Beth and Odessa dress to the nines and go undercover at a high-end club as their pursuit of the mystery both deepens and intensifies.

As a figure from Beth's past unexpectedly returns, the deepening mystery creates a pair of very strange bedfellows - and puts Odessa in danger. Content Warning: This episode contains a scene depicting attempted sexual assault by placing a drug in someone's drink. The scene begins at 23:00 and ends at 32:06.

Two weeks after Amanda and Odessa's initial team-up almost ended in disaster, they prepare for Beth's return to Appalachia. The Brotherhood of Steel finally have a breakthrough in their pursuit of the Morningstar's minions, and Odessa is called back into action at Fort Atlas. Beth's return and her reunion with Odessa are interrupted by an emergency at Foundation that shakes her to her core.

Beth visits her parents to discuss the incident at Foundation and uses the opportunity offered by her father's brief absence to discuss how they stayed together even as the world fell apart around them. In advance of the dinner when she'll finally discover what happened between Odessa and Amanda while she was away, Beth checks in on Amanda and makes a shocking discovery. In the midst of sudden and surprising turmoil, Beth and Odessa focus on each other in an attempt to center themselves, and in doing so finally reach the epiphany they'd both been craving.

In the show's first behind-the-scenes minisode, creator Brad Williams does a deep dive on the origins of Elizabeth Kirby, "Once Upon a Wasteland's" co-lead character. You'll also hear some show reviews and gain some insight into the mechanics of character creation, both in general and specific to our Beth.

After spending the night together, Beth and Odessa receive an unexpected visitor who throws their peaceful morning into turmoil. Following a trip back to Atlas, they formulate an incredibly risky plan that neither of them is comfortable with, but seems like the only option. Beth is forced to face a terrifying situation and unable to find a way to escape but an unexpected ally joins her to help her find her way.

In the show's second behind-the-scenes minisode, creator Brad Williams discusses the process of getting a story from the brain to the page. You'll also hear some show reviews and gain some insight into the mechanics of writing a screenplay, both in general and specific to our show. Link to NYFA article on loglines: https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/so-what-exactly-is-a-logline-and-why-do-i-need-one/ Link to Pond5 article on the process: https://blog.pond5.com/9419-screenwriting-101-7-basic-steps-to-writing-a-screenplay/

In the show's third behind-the-scenes minisode, creator Brad Williams discusses getting a story podcast off the ground. You'll also hear a show review and gain some insight into the mechanics of creating and preparing a story for eventual publication as an audio drama podcast, both in general and specific to our show. We won't get into nuts and bolts like casting or selecting a distribution platform - those can be part of a more detailed discussion in a later minisode if you'd like more insight into that side of creating a story podcast.

Odessa and Dr. Holcomb work frantically to save Beth as her trip into the Visiontron goes terribly wrong and tragedy appears imminent. Beth's parents and the Brotherhood of Steel receive new intel that points to a potentially disturbing conclusion regarding what the Morningstar has planned for Appalachia, and for the Brotherhood specifically.

In the show's fourth behind-the-scenes minisode, creator Brad Williams and Vitriol Plays - the voice of Odessa in our show - do a deep dive on both the character and Vitriol's own background and experiences. You'll also hear some show reviews and gain some insight into the mechanics of character creation, both in general and specific to our Odessa.

Odessa wakes up in a gilded cage as she recovers from her injuries with the help of a new face as well as a familiar one. Beth calls in favors and rallies the troops as she attempts to locate Odessa and then to retrieve her. Following an epic battle, Beth makes a shocking discovery as the Morningstar's endgame begins.

As Beth and Odessa ponder their situation and formulate a plan to escape, the combined forces at Fort Atlas try to determine their best path forward - trust Beth's plan or go in with guns blazing. Amanda and Cindy have a tense reunion following Amanda's sudden return to Appalachia and put all of their respective cards on the table. The Morningstar reveals his plan and forces Beth to make a heart-wrenching decision that will alter the trajectory not only of her life, but Odessa's.

Beth is off on a mission for MODUS, so Amanda and Odessa spend time together and get some training in before Amanda's big weekend with Cindy. A strange noise in the basement causes Amanda and Odessa to investigate, leaving Cindy to manage the bar along with Bones.