Why Was Ulysses in Big MT? Unraveling the Motivations of Fallout’s Enigmatic Figure
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Ulysses’ presence in the Big MT Research and Development Center, colloquially known as Big Empty, is not accidental. He wasn’t simply wandering aimlessly through the wasteland. His journey to this pre-war scientific behemoth was driven by a complex interplay of observation, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to understand the forces shaping the post-apocalyptic world. In short, Ulysses went to Big MT because he recognized that the violent storms plaguing the Divide were man-made, specifically, the result of technological manipulation. His travels from the Divide led him to trace the origin of these devastating weather patterns back to Big MT, seeking answers about their creation and potentially finding a way to quell them. This quest for knowledge and control over the environment forms the core of his presence in the Big Empty.
Ulysses’ Journey to the Big Empty
Following the Storms
Ulysses was not just a traveler; he was an astute observer of the world around him. He noticed the unnatural nature of the storms ravaging the Divide and recognized their technological fingerprints. Unlike naturally occurring weather phenomena, these storms showed signs of being engineered, leading Ulysses to investigate their source. His deductions led him to the Big MT, a place known for its clandestine experiments and advanced scientific capabilities.
The Convergence of Destinies
Ulysses’ arrival at Big MT wasn’t isolated. His path intersected with both Father Elijah, who was also drawn to the facility’s secrets for his own nefarious purposes, and Christine Royce, a Brotherhood of Steel assassin tasked with eliminating Elijah. This convergence created a tense situation. Ulysses, upon arriving at Big MT, encountered Elijah, who had captured Christine. This led to Ulysses rescuing Christine from the Y-17 medical facility and bringing her to a safer location. This event also brought him face to face with the eccentric Think Tank of Big MT. However, Elijah escaped during the chaos without engaging the Think Tank, creating his own escape route from Big MT.
Seeking Answers from the Think Tank
Ulysses’ motivations extended beyond just rescuing Christine. He was deeply curious about the Big MT, its creators, and its technology. He sought an understanding of how the storms were created, and who was behind it. This led him to confront the Think Tank with questions regarding their identity and history, which they had long forgotten. Ulysses’ inquisitive nature also triggered in the Think Tank some recollection of pre-war America. This highlights Ulysses’ role, not just as a visitor to Big MT, but also as a catalyst for change and self-discovery for its inhabitants.
Ulysses and the Big MT Narrative
Ulysses’ presence in Big MT is a significant turning point in his personal journey. It exposes his intellectual prowess, his willingness to investigate complex mysteries, and his deep-seated desire to reshape the world according to his vision. By tracing the storms to Big MT, he establishes himself as a proactive figure who seeks control over his environment, driven by his past traumas and philosophical beliefs. Moreover, his interactions with Elijah, Christine, and the Think Tank make his journey to the Big Empty a pivotal part of his and their stories. It deepens his character and his connection to the broader themes of the Fallout universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Ulysses become obsessed with reshaping the wasteland?
Ulysses became obsessed with reshaping the wasteland after tragically losing his home due to the Courier’s unintentional actions. This event led him to believe that the old symbols of the Old World needed to be discarded to create a new order.
2. Was Ulysses a hero in the traditional sense?
No, Ulysses is not a traditional hero. He is a complex character with his own agenda and methods. He is driven by his convictions, sometimes leading to actions that are considered villainous.
3. What was Father Elijah seeking in Big MT?
Father Elijah went to Big MT to research the old technologies to weaponize the Cloud for his own goals. He was aware that the technology of the Sierra Madre was derived from Big Mountain’s research.
4. Is Big MT more advanced than the Institute?
Yes, Big MT is significantly more technologically advanced than the Institute. The scale and nature of their pre-war experiments and achievements place them far ahead.
5. What is the significance of the ‘Big Empty’ name?
The ‘Big Empty’ is a colloquial name for Big MT. It reflects the vast, empty landscape it resides in and the experimental nature of its location.
6. How did Elijah manage to escape Big MT?
Elijah escaped Big MT by hacking into the Think Tank’s mainframe, disabling Dr. 8’s voice module, re-routing Dr. 0’s processors to control the train network. He then used a train to create a path out of the tunnels.
7. How did Ulysses meet the Think Tank?
Ulysses encountered the Think Tank after saving Christine Royce from the Y-17 medical facility. His exploration of Big MT led him to their location.
8. What is Ulysses’ relationship with the Courier in Fallout New Vegas?
Ulysses sees the Courier as the reason for his misfortunes. He seeks revenge for past events, believing the Courier played a role in his tragic loss.
9. Why did the Think Tank ask for a mirror?
The Think Tank requested a mirror to consult with it, highlighting their eccentric and detached view of reality. It reflects a distorted view of self and a desire for external validation.
10. What is the purpose of the Big Mountain Transportalponder?
The Big Mountain Transportalponder is a weapon you receive after completing the Old World Blues DLC. It allows you to teleport back to the Mojave from Big MT.
11. Did Ulysses cause the Think Tank to remember America?
Yes, Ulysses’ questioning prompted the Think Tank to recall their pre-war identities and some aspects of American history they had forgotten due to their long isolation.
12. Why was Christine Royce trapped in Big MT?
Christine Royce went to Big MT to kill Father Elijah. However, Elijah captured her and had her trapped at the Y-17 medical facility where Ulysses found and rescued her.
13. Was Father Elijah always in Big MT?
No, Father Elijah was not originally from Big MT. He was drawn to the area by the prospect of finding technological advancements for his own purposes. He had knowledge that some of the tech in the Sierra Madre originated in Big MT.
14. What happened to Ulysses after the events of Lonesome Road?
If Ulysses survives the events of Lonesome Road, he can be found near the pass to the canyon wreckage, where he will help the Courier make campfire recipes.
15. What was the significance of the Divide in Ulysses’ backstory?
The Divide was Ulysses’ home and is also the location where he suffered immense personal loss, making his actions largely motivated by revenge. He also believes that the Courier is partially responsible for the devastation the Divide suffered.