The Not of This World quest serves as the dramatic opening chapter for the Mothership Zeta add-on in Fallout 3. Players are unexpectedly beamed away from the post-apocalyptic Capital Wasteland into an alien starship high above the Earth. Surviving this extraterrestrial abduction requires quick thinking, resourceful combat strategies, and cooperation with fellow abductees.
Starting the Quest and Infiltration
To initiate the quest, players must tune into a mysterious Recon Craft Theta radio signal transmitted near the alien crash site in the Capital Wasteland. Upon approaching the downed vessel, an alien tractor beam instantly transports the Lone Wanderer onto the massive mother ship. After a brief scene of alien experimentation, you awaken inside a holding cell without your equipment.
Escaping the Holding Cells
In the holding cell, you meet a fellow captive named Somah who outlines a plan to draw the guards. Interacting with Somah to stage a fistfight prompts two alien guards to open the cell door to intervene. Defeating these guards allows you to reclaim basic weapons and explore the holding cell block.
Partnering with Sally and Reclaiming Gear
Navigating through the holding corridors leads to another cell holding a young girl named Sally. By overloading a nearby power generator, you free Sally, who then assists by crawling through small vents to unlock sealed doors. She leads you toward a storage container where all your confiscated inventory items are safely stored.
Navigating to the Engineering Core
With your equipment recovered, you must fight through alien patrol squads armed with advanced shock batons and energy rifles. Sally guides you through the inner corridors until you finally arrive at the Engineering Core, which acts as the main hub of the ship. Reaching this central location completes the objective and sets up the remaining main quests of the expansion.
