Rivet City stands as one of the most iconic settlements in Fallout 3, offering safety and community within a stranded naval aircraft carrier. While browsing the bustling market deck, players can encounter Moira Brown's ambitious questline to document the true origin of this massive fortress. Uncovering the genuine narrative behind the ship requires navigating local politics, exploring hidden corridors, and gathering historic records from reliable survivors.
Starting the Research Assignment
To begin this optional chapter of the Wasteland Survival Guide, speak with Moira Brown inside Craterside Supply in Megaton. She tasks you with uncovering how Rivet City was founded, suggesting that you speak with long-time residents to gather authentic testimony. Traversing the Capital Wasteland to reach the naval vessel marks the first crucial step toward completing this investigative mission.
Upon arriving at the aircraft carrier, speak with prominent community figures to hear differing accounts regarding the founding of the city. While several citizens offer general background details, Bannon claims to be the sole founder and primary visionary behind the entire establishment. Relying entirely on his boasting will yield incomplete historical data, making further verification necessary for an accurate report.
Finding the True Historical Record
To uncover the verifiable facts, seek out Pinkerton, a reclusive founding member residing in the severed bow of the carrier. Reaching his isolated lab requires swimming through submerged corridors or picking a lock on the exterior deck. Once inside, engaging in conversation reveals that Pinkerton holds the original municipal charter and early meeting logs detailing the founding council.
Pinkerton explains how a group of scientists, local merchants, and security personnel united to reclaim the abandoned ship from super mutants. He gladly provides a copy of the documentation to set the public record straight regarding Bannon's exaggerated claims. Delivering this authentic evidence back to Moira ensures that her guidebook contains genuine wasteland history.
Optional Objectives and Rewards
Fulfilling the optional objective requires obtaining the physical evidence from Pinkerton rather than simply taking Bannon at his word. Delivering the complete historical record to Moira unlocks bonus rewards, including additional caps, supplies, and unique survival perks. The accurate entry contributes significantly to creating a comprehensive reference book for future wasteland travelers.
Beyond the immediate quest rewards, completing this task deepens player understanding of the regional lore and faction dynamics. The experience demonstrates how oral histories in post-apocalyptic settings can often be distorted by personal ambition. Investigating thoroughly allows players to appreciate the intricate storytelling woven into the ruins of the Capital Wasteland.