Katherine Swan

Katherine "Kat" Swan is a potential lite ally living in Appalachia. She is a professional astronomer, as well as an avid extraterrestrial theorist.
Katherine was unlockable upon reaching rank 25 of the Zorbo's Revenge season, and a plan for her was released with the Invaders from Beyond update.
==Background==
As a teenager, Katherine was aloof, and she thought about majoring in biology, chemistry or physics. However, she never felt fulfilled learning about these subjects, finding them mundane. When she heard the poem "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" by Walt Whitman, which she learned to recite from memory, it changed her outlook to extraterrestrial pursuits.A Vault Dweller: "[Perception 4+] That tells me why humanity would want to study aliens. Not you."Katherine Swan: "You're right, darling. I didn't answer your question. Not truthfully, anyhow. The reality is, as a teenager I planned on majoring in one of the standard disciplines. Chemistry, physics, or biology. But for whatever reason, I never felt fulfilled. It all seemed so mundane."A Vault Dweller: "What changed?"Katherine Swan: "I read a poem. "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer". I can recite it for you, if you like."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "Sure, I'd like to hear it."Katherine Swan: "Very well. "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer", by Walt Whitman. "When I heard the learn'd astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me," "When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them," "When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room," "How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself," "In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.""(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Allured by the thrill of discovery itself,A Vault Dweller: "Not my thing, but I can see why it inspired you."Katherine Swan: "Exactly, darling. I feel it applies to everyone, from the astronomers who study the sky to a Mole Miner burrowing tunnels on the ground. Science is the foundation for what we do, but not the foundation of why we do it. Gazing up at the stars, I felt a passion I didn't have for other fields. That is not something I will soon forget."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "It's a worthy field study. There's a lot out there we don't know."Katherine Swan: "We are braving the unknown, charting the uncharted, diving headfirst into the great expanse! If that doesn't shake you to your core, then I would check your pulse and make sure you aren't already dead."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "All right. I look forward to seeing what you uncover."Katherine Swan: "As do I darling, as do I."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "That's an interesting job to have, given the times."Katherine Swan: "Of course. Just because the world isn't worth a nickel in a dime store doesn't mean the sky isn't still its illustrious self. One only needs to look up to see what humanity can still discover."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "Finding out the answer to life's greatest question is thrilling."Katherine Swan: "Yes. "Are we alone?" We most certainly are in the metaphorical sense, but in the literal? It's highly unlikely. And meeting another species would not only offer us a chance to expand our sense of existence, but also offer a chance at self-reflection."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) she knew she found her calling.A Vault Dweller: "No thanks."Katherine Swan: "Very well, I will refrain. I will tell you though that when I read it, I looked up at the night sky and for the first time in my career, I knew I had found my calling."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)Katherine Swan: "Stargazing is more than a hobby. For me, it's a career."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Seeing the poem as a way one should live their lives.A Vault Dweller: "That's a beautiful poem."Katherine Swan: "And a reminder of how one should live their life."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "I like it."Katherine Swan: "It's a good poem, but it also serves as an important reminder, whether you are a scientist or a scavenger."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
The story of how her parents met changed as she grew older. For years, they told her how her mother was a nurse. In actuality, her mother was a former patient at Allegheny Asylum, and her father worked at Vault-Tec University and needed her mother's help for a project he was working on. He pulled some strings and got her out of the asylum, and along the way, she stole a worker's uniform. When the scandal broke, she decided to confess to the lesser crime of being a patient. This revelation shocked Katherine, who became concerned that she would develop any mental illnesses herself.A Vault Dweller: "Do you have any family?"Katherine Swan: "None I dare speak of publicly. My parents met under unusual circumstances, my mother being a former patient of Allegheny Asylum. For years they told me she was a nurse. When the scandal broke, she decided to confess to the lesser crime of being a patient."A Vault Dweller: "How did she get out?"Katherine Swan: "A nail file in a cake? That's their version, at least. In reality, it was just university pressure. My father worked at VTU, and was in need of mother's help for a paper he was working on. He tracked her down, pulled some strings, and got her out. She stole a worker's uniform on the way out though, which always amused me."A Vault Dweller: "Where are your family now?"Katherine Swan: "They died shortly after the war, thank goodness. At the time, it was quite traumatic, but now I realize they were spared the worst of it."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
Seeking to validate her sanity, she decided to test the question, "How far does the apple fall from the tree?" literally. She found and shook a tree viciously, only stopping when apples rained down on her. In her embarrassment, she realized that she had never any reason to suspect her mother was mentally ill. Although at peace with this information, her mental sanity is a continual sore spot.A Vault Dweller: "Did you ever have any concerns about your own mental health?"Katherine Swan: "Oh yes. When your passion is studying little green men in flying saucers, it does beg the question, "How far does the apple fall from the tree?" I even found an actual apple tree and shook it with every muscle in my body. It was my own little Newtonian experiment. But in the midst of making a fool of myself, apples landing on my head, I realized I never had any reason to suspect my mother was ill. It wasn't until she told me her history that the thought wormed its way into my head."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) If she is called "crazy," she will threaten to slap the offender, but will back off in the name of germaphobia.A Vault Dweller: "So you're not a real scientist, but a crazy person. Understood."Katherine Swan: "Well, that's rude. I'd slap you, but you're covered in filth of the wasteland, and I don't want to get my hands dirty. But I digress. Copernicus was "crazy." Galileo, Newton, and countless others."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
Shortly after the Great War, she lost her family, traumatizing her, and she managed to comfort herself by the thought that they were spared from the aftermath. At some point, she traveled to the ATLAS Observatory and managed to make her way through the hostile robot guards. She was disappointed to discover it had been used as a front for ulterior motives (specifically, weather manipulation).A Vault Dweller: "As an astronomer, have you been to the ATLAS Observatory?"Katherine Swan: "Yes, I have. Suffice to say I was quite disappointed with what I found, and I don't mean the army of hostile robots. But I suppose it's not the first time scientific discovery has been used as a front for ulterior motives. In this case, weather manipulation."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "Manipulating the weather isn't inherently evil. You can make rain for crops."Katherine Swan: "Yes, but if that were your motive, you should advertise it plainly. It's like when my ex told me she loved books, and I'd find her novels while I was on travel as a gift. It would've saved us both a lot of trouble if she admitted she couldn't read. Although I suppose the inability to read road signs was the first clue, but she was cute, so I believed her."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
She would later return to the site, now dubbed Fort Atlas, after it became occupied by the Brotherhood of Steel. Katherine describes the Brotherhood as "an interesting lot." Although she is suspicious of their motives, due to their proclivity of hoarding technology, she is satisfied that they at least will keep the more dangerous stuff away from the raider clans.A Vault Dweller: "Any thoughts on the Brotherhood of Steel taking it over?"Katherine Swan: "They are an interesting lot, no doubt, but their motives leave me suspicious. I would almost prefer villains like Doctor Zorbo who laugh maniacally and wear their brains on their head. Villains who look and talk like us are far more insidious."A Vault Dweller: "Why would the Brotherhood of Steel be villains?"Katherine Swan: "My apologies darling, "villain" is the wrong word. They are hoarders. And the natural inclination of a hoarder is not to share. If they were to discover the body of an alien species and their technology, I don't think they'd be announcing their findings in the Watoga Times. But I suppose they also wouldn't sell those ray guns to the local raider clans, so at least there's that."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
At some point, Katherine had a girlfriend, who she was only interested in for two reasons; one, Katherine believed that she was an alien (possibly because of how she would also pronounce the letter "s" longer than needed),A Vault Dweller: "Have you ever met an extraterrestrial?"Katherine Swan: "None that have been confirmed, but many whom I've suspected. There was my pet tabby cat, Herschel, named after Caroline, who seemingly teleported from place to place, although I never witnessed the act. And of course, there's you, who I find unlike anyone I've ever met before."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) and two, she was pretty. This ex-girlfriend told her that she loved books and Katherine would scrounge for novels for her while she was traveling as a gift. This woman was actually illiterate, but Katherine was willfully blind to her inability to read road signs. She would also chastise this woman for not paying more in taxes prior to the War, only later coming to the conclusion that she was correct for doing so.
During her time in Appalachia, she would meet and ally with at least one former dweller of Vault 76. At some point she would meet, and be disappointed with "Xerxo."Katherine Swan: "Interviewing Mister Xerxo, which is obviously not his real name was, quite frankly, one of the most frustrating experiences of my career."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) She has never met a living astronaut, and would be very interested in meeting Sofia Daguerre. The Vault 76 dweller can tell Katherine all about Daguerre, and she will be enthralled by her story.
==Personality==
An astronomer by profession, Katherine is also an avid extraterrestrial theorist.Katherine Swan: ""A Vault Dweller: "Nice to meet you."Katherine Swan: "The pleasure is all mine, darling. I've never met a person so polite and well mannered. No human, anyway. Of course, I should mention, I'm not just any astronomer. My study is specific to one particular field. Extraterrestrial life."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Neither of these professions have much of an income, so she sells weapons and schematics that have a vague connection to the former, rather than the latter.A Vault Dweller: "That's all very intriguing, but how do you survive? Studying aliens doesn't put food on the table."Katherine Swan: "Well yes, I don't deny my time is often limited by earthly considerations. But that is where people like yourself come in. Benefactors who will gladly donate their time and resources in exchange for that which is priceless: knowledge. Still, if you're concerned about the practicalities of having me in your employ, I can provide you with schematics and weapons relevant to my study."A Vault Dweller: "Hopefully you'll get abducted by day's end."Katherine Swan: "The abductions happen at night darling, but point taken."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "Let's see what you've got for sale."Katherine Swan: "There was a meteor shower the other day that led to some interesting discoveries. Take a look."A Vault Dweller: "Let's see what you've got for sale."Katherine Swan: "All the best in otherwordly goods."A Vault Dweller: "Let's see what you've got for sale."Katherine Swan: "You'll find my shop items to be out of this world."A Vault Dweller: "Let's see what you've got for sale."Katherine Swan: "From the stars in the sky to the pack on your back."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Katherine's aforementioned alien theorizing is to the point of obsession, which she either actively or subconsciously bases on her personal preferences and biases. For example, she chooses to idealize a fictional alien civilization that she created while deriding humanity. She derisively refers to humanity as "boring," "cowardly," "ridiculous," and a "failed experiment."A Vault Dweller: "I want to know more about you."Katherine Swan: "Of course you do, my darling. Everyone that encounters my otherworldly charm assumes my story is as infinite as the cosmos. But I assure you, no life is as interesting as the stars. Not even mine. Yet I will do my best to make it so. So go ahead, ask away."A Vault Dweller: "Why the interest in extraterrestrials?"Katherine Swan: "For me, the thrill of discovery is enough. And would it be cruel to say that terrestrials bore me? Well, that's not entirely fair. I've never met an alien, after all. Who's to say they aren't dreadful conversation partners?"A Vault Dweller: "But why aliens?"Katherine Swan: "Why indeed. I suppose like all discoveries, the point is to not only learn about others, but learn about yourself. There's no denying that humanity is, more or less, a failed experiment. But it's an experiment that's been given a second roll of the dice. An encounter with an advanced civilization would give us something to aspire to be, or at worst, give us an example of what not to become. And that's why I believe it's important."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Meanwhile, she either cannot or does not want to discern science fiction from reality. Such is the case with her opinion on The Adventures of Captain Cosmos and its characters.A Vault Dweller: "What about Jangles the Moon Monkey?"Katherine Swan: "It's not implausible. After all, the first organism in space was not a man, but a Persian house cat named Mr. Pebbles. We call ourselves brave explorers, and yet we've often had our pets do the dirty work that we are too cowardly to do."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "What are your thoughts on science fiction, like Dr. Zorbo and Captain Cosmos?"Katherine Swan: "I'm of two minds, really. On the one hand, any sort of scientific curiosity and interest in astronomy is a positive force. On the other hand, if that information is presented in a scientifically inaccurate sideshow, some of that positivity goes to waste. But to your question - do I believe in little green men, or that an evil green doctor is trying to thwart our attempts to travel through space? "(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "You think Dr. Zorbo is real?"Katherine Swan: "I don't think it's impossible, no. It's no more ridiculous a mythology than any of our current religions. Whether it's a vengeful god or an evil doctor with a death ray, the stories originate from somewhere. Sometimes, that story is a complete fiction, born from the imagination. Other times, it only seems that way."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "What do you think of Captain Cosmos?"Katherine Swan: "I find his portrayal to be more absurd than Dr. Zorbo, to be honest. But only because he's meant to be a mirror image of man. And we delude ourselves into thinking we're better than we are. Especially, the men."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "Your thoughts on Stella Skyfire?"Katherine Swan: "A character perfect for Hollywood. So thin you can barely make her out. If the writers know their history, maybe her name's a reference to Annie Jump Cannon, the astronomer who discovered stellar spectra. I just wish they gave her more lines so we could know for sure."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
This habit extends into her personal as well as her professional life, for example, choosing to date a woman for two reasons, one being that she thought that she was an alien.A Vault Dweller: "Tell me more about this ex of yours."Katherine Swan: "If you have a few hours, I could probably tell you all about her. Suffice to say, thinking about the experience is difficult to stomach. If I'm being perfectly honest, I only started dating her because I thought she was an alien. So, my eventual disappointment was on several levels."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) She believes she has a "winsome" personality,A Vault Dweller: "What other services do you offer?"Katherine Swan: "You mean besides my winsome personality? For one, I can help you use your scopes more effectively. Whether you use that scope to gaze at the stars or target the head of a Blood Eagle is up to you."A Vault Dweller: "Are you comfortable selling your research materials?"Katherine Swan: "Of course. One has to make a living, after all. In this world, we can hardly depend on wealthy benefactors and the kindness of strangers. But rest assured, anything I sell to you has been thoroughly investigated, poked, prodded, and inquired. In short, they have exhausted their scientific value, and must now enter their second phase of life, as a commodity."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) while at other times she shows signs of self-absortion and narcissism. She is also very vain,A Vault Dweller: "I want to know more about you."Katherine Swan: "Of course you do, my darling. Everyone that encounters my otherworldly charm assumes my story is as infinite as the cosmos. But I assure you, no life is as interesting as the stars. Not even mine. Yet I will do my best to make it so. So go ahead, ask away."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) choosing to blame her aliens for her aging.Katherine Swan: "Almost all unknown phenomena can be attributed to the extraterrestrial. Witchcraft, paranormals, gray hairs that you're absolutely certain you plucked the day before... all of it can be attributed to alien interference."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) She jokes about filing frivolous lawsuits,A Vault Dweller: "What, you don't like blizzards in August?"Katherine Swan: "Well, I do have plenty of fashionable winter wear, but it helps to have some measure of predictability. Imagine diving into in the pool in your two piece bathing suit only to find the water half-frozen by the time you descend. Even if I survived the fall, I'd still need to have my lawyers file a rather lengthy suit."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) and used to chastise her loved ones over not paying more in pre-War taxes.A Vault Dweller: "It's terrible that noble endeavors can be twisted like that."Katherine Swan: "Yes, I imagine quite a bit of taxpayer money was used to fund the project. But those are concerns of a world we no longer inhabit. I used to chide my ex for not paying more in taxes, but seeing the wars we funded, clearly the last laugh is hers."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
===For fun===
Katherine truly loves her work, although at times she feels overworked, considering herself to be constantly busy. As she puts it, "it literally hangs over [her] head," like the Sword of Damocles. Believing in proper work-life balance,A Vault Dweller: "I don't have that problem. I never get tired of doing what I love."Katherine Swan: "Is that so? Perhaps you're the extraterrestrial being I've been searching for all along. It would explain a lot. But alas, the rest of us ordinary humans need breaks. Even from what we love."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "Not me. I've got all the free time in the world."Katherine Swan: "That sounds like a recipe for boredom. Personally, I believe in a balance. The stars in the sky are beautiful, no doubt, but without the empty space, the light would be blinding. However, if all you had was the void, you would feel empty and alone."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)Katherine Swan: "It's important to read, but it's equally as important to experience. Finding the balance is key."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) in her free time, she likes to watch science fiction movies,A Vault Dweller: "I met a uniformed astronaut named Sofia Daguerre. Have you heard of her?"Katherine Swan: ""A Vault Dweller: "She was put in suspended animation, as part of the Deep Sleep Project."Katherine Swan: "Well, the deep sleep part sounds wonderfully relaxing. But I have to imagine that it was anything but."A Vault Dweller: "It gets worse. They were being experimented on, and had their brains linked to an A.I."Katherine Swan: "That sounds like the ending to every sci-fi movie I've ever seen. In the end, the true monster is man. I'm glad she managed to survive his clutches. I would like to speak with her one day, that would be an interesting conversation to be sure."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) listen to classical music (though she prefers jazz when she wants to dance),Katherine Swan: ""(Katherine Swan's dialogue) read (even the occasional comic book),Katherine Swan: "I don't mind sitting down and reading a comic book. I just hate the fact that Captain Cosmos always wins."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) drink wineKatherine Swan: "I drink red wine when I'm studying planets, because it reminds me of Mars. White wine is for the stars. When I'm doing both? A rosé."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) and play board games, sometimes competitively. Her favorite game is The Legendary Run, despite its flaws.A Vault Dweller: "What do you do in your free time?"Katherine Swan: "I don't know if I ever have a free moment. When your life's work literally hangs over your head, it's always on your mind."A Vault Dweller: "That makes it sound ominous."Katherine Swan: "Yes, like the Sword of Damocles, but that's hardly the case. Astronomy is what I love, but even a loved one can suffocate you at times. In any case, to answer your question, I like to drink wine and play board games, believe it or not. It's the perfect way to disengage."A Vault Dweller: "I love board games! What's your favorite?"Katherine Swan: "Well, I'd be hard pressed to choose just one. But I suppose I'm partial to The Legendary Run, despite all its flaws. We should definitely carve out some time to play together. Fair warning though, I can get quite competitive."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) In her words, she has never been bored with Don't Be Bored Games Company products.
When stuck on a theory, Katherine likes to meditate, believing that meditation and exercises are good for the mind.Katherine Swan: "When I'm stuck on a theory, I like to meditate. Meditation and exercise are good for the mind."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) She believes that people should memorize the constellations as a way to not get lost while traveling in the wasteland. This is because, even though they are patterns projected on the stars in the night sky,Katherine Swan: "Constellations are funny things. Patterns we project upon things that predate us."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) they will not change over time.Katherine Swan: "If you get lost out there in the Wasteland, you can always use the sky as a map. Winds may change, but the north star will never lead you astray."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
===Science===
Katherine believes that any medium that promotes scientific curiosity and interest in astronomy is a positive force, even if it is poorly written science fiction.A Vault Dweller: "What are your thoughts on science fiction, like Dr. Zorbo and Captain Cosmos?"Katherine Swan: "I'm of two minds, really. On the one hand, any sort of scientific curiosity and interest in astronomy is a positive force. On the other hand, if that information is presented in a scientifically inaccurate sideshow, some of that positivity goes to waste. But to your question - do I believe in little green men, or that an evil green doctor is trying to thwart our attempts to travel through space? "(Katherine Swan's dialogue) This also applies to the ATLAS Observatory's weather manipulation technology.A Vault Dweller: "I would love to get my hands on such a device."Katherine Swan: "The way you said that, with the twisted smile and furrowed brow, doesn't give me confidence you'd use it responsibly."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) That said, she either chooses to not discern between fiction and fact. She ultimately treats science as a religion, while also denouncing religion as "ridiculous."
She takes her extraterrestrial theorizing extremely seriously.Katherine Swan: "As someone who takes their profession seriously, it is quite frustrating dealing with claims of extraterrestrial abduction."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) At times, she finds investigating the claims of abductees and individuals to be extremely frustrating. The most frustrating interview she had ever done was with "Xerxo," the insane former Hollywood actor turned ghoul. However, she does like to have fun while on the job, such as theorizing about alien abductions,Katherine Swan: "I sometimes get a queasy feeling when thinking about abductions. Like I've eaten a pot of butterflies."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) and drinking while stargazing. She likes to drink red wine when studying planets, because it reminds her of Mars, white wine whe studying the stars, and when doing both, a rosé.Katherine Swan: "I drink red wine when I'm studying planets, because it reminds me of Mars. White wine is for the stars. When I'm doing both? A rosé."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "I like discovering a bottle of whiskey when I raid an empty warehouse."Katherine Swan: " I personally would prefer a glass of red wine under a constellation of white hot stars. But that's really the point, isn't it. In discovering others, we find out who we are."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) When studying the extraterrestrial, the few answers she does get usually leads to more questions.Katherine Swan: "When studying the extraterrestrial, the few answers we do get always lead to more questions. But at least it means I'll always be employed."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
One of the few things that she is sure of is that the aliens would not need to use cliché Hollywood lines such as "take me to your leader." Katherine believes firmly that they would not need an escort to find them.Katherine Swan: "One thing I'm sure an alien would never say is, "Take me to your leader." Rest assured, they don't need an escort."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Among her beliefs is that almost all unknown phenomena can be attributed to the extraterrestrial, from witchcraft to her gray hair. Including that cats are aliens in disguise, because they come and go as they please, and are often adopted and cared for by humans, allowing for easy observation.A Vault Dweller: "You suspect your cat was an alien?"Katherine Swan: "Maybe. It would make sense for aliens to disguise themselves as felines, after all. They come and go as they please, and yet are often adopted and cared for by humans, allowing for easy observation."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Such was the case with her pet cat Herschel, who could seemingly teleport from place to place. Another of her beliefs is that the nuclear apocalypse set human-alien relations back by at least a century; or at least she hopes that it did, as she fears them invading with human civilization in its current state.Katherine Swan: "The apocalypse probably set us back a century in extraterrestrial relations. At least, I hope it did. God forbid they see it as a chance to invade."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) As she believes that humanity could use the experience of meeting another sentient species as a change at self-reflection.A Vault Dweller: "I agree. Meeting other species would have a profound effect on us."Katherine Swan: "Undoubtedly, it would provide us with a chance to change our fate. Hopefully we can use that information to better effect this time around."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
Among her investigations is Colton Pickins' pre-War claim to have met the Flatwoods monster.Colton Pickins's police report She has never met Mr. Pickins, and how she came across this encounter is unclear. From what little she has gathered she believes, correctly, that the Flatwoods monster is in fact an alien. From there, everything she believes turns into baseless conspiracy and conjecture, jealous that Colton had the encounter rather then herself and judgmental of the man's carrier of selling hotdogs.A Vault Dweller: "I have questions about your work."Katherine Swan: "As any curious mind should. What did you want to ask me?"A Vault Dweller: "What do you know about alien activity in Appalachia?"Katherine Swan: "There is one tale that caught my interest. A story about flashing lights, floating octopi, and curiously, the smell of hot dogs."A Vault Dweller: "I believe you're referring to the Flatwoods Monster."Katherine Swan: "Naturally. What some have described as a round, octopus-like head, I believe to be a space helmet. Which, of course, only leads to more questions. Is our atmosphere toxic to their species? Or is it merely the composition? If only I could speak with the man who was abducted, Mr. Colton Pickins, I would be able to do more than hunt and peck for clues."A Vault Dweller: "What do you think happened to Colton?"Katherine Swan: "I believe he was telling the truth. But his truth. Or rather, the truth his abductors wanted us to know. Keep in mind, our dear hot dog vendor did not have to be returned. He did not have to be contacted. He could've easily been abducted and disappeared and no one would have bothered to look for his remains. The question I struggle with, is why?"A Vault Dweller: "It's not complicated. The aliens just wanted to experiment on him."Katherine Swan: "Would that not seem rather inefficient? We have ample medical records, information that could be easily obtained at a local library. Nor would I think a man who lives selling and consuming hot dogs to be a model representative of humankind. In any case, part of me is envious of our dear Colton. It makes me wonder what the criteria is for abduction, and why I can't seem to meet it."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "The aliens have discovered hot dog technology?"Katherine Swan: "That would be dreadful. I would hope an interstellar species would have evolved past the point of consuming mystery meat. No, no, the hot dogs would be a reference to the workplace of one Colton Pickins, alien abductee."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "That sounds scary and oddly delicious."Katherine Swan: "While I'm contractually obligated to agree with your dining decisions, I do hope you reconsider that thought. On the other hand, we've all had to consume much worse to survive, so who am I to judge Mr. Colton Pickins and his career choices."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)A Vault Dweller: "I have no idea what you're referring to."Katherine Swan: "Surely you've been through Flatwoods, and heard of the monster that haunts the surrounding forest? Well, it's my opinion that monster isn't a creature of this planet, but rather, contact from an alien life form. Why it chose Mr. Colton Pickins as its emissary, however, is beyond me."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
She is frustrated that she cannot seem to meet the criteria to become a target for alien abduction. Moreover, she believes that she should be invited in, dreaming that said aliens would take her to the furthest stars and walk on other worlds, especially if she is taken with someone who can be her friend.A Vault Dweller: "You want to get abducted?"Katherine Swan: "I want to be invited. I want to travel to the furthest star and walk on worlds beyond. But if I am abducted, I hope it's with someone like yourself by my side. With my brains and your ingenuity, commandeering that spaceship would not be out of the realm of possibility. And then we'd get to travel the galaxy on our own terms."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
She has no tolerance for those she considers idiots or fools,Katherine Swan: "Here on Earth, I've met my share of hare-brains and nincompoops. It'd be foolish to assume alien life doesn't have its fair share of the same."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) and would prefer accomplishing her work over being seen as sane, as most people try to avoid spending time with her due to her narcissism. She also is critical of historically patriarchal institutions, citing Maria Mitchell's scientific discoveries being published under her father's name. If a Vault Dweller is polite to her and tolerant of her wild theorizing, she will grow fond of them. If the same Vault Dweller happens to be female, Katherine will refer to them as "highly attractive."A Vault Dweller: "You think I'm an alien?"Katherine Swan: " That is one too many highs, and I don't even use chems. Still, a cursory examination of your body shows you are human. Not that I've done anything more in depth, of course. That would be inappropriate."A Vault Dweller: "You think I'm an alien?"Katherine Swan: " That is one too many highs, and I don't even use chems. Still, a cursory examination of your body shows you are human. Not that I've done anything more in depth, of course. That would be inappropriate."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) She will grow fond of the Vault Dweller(s), impressed at their ingenuity and productivity; she hopes that they could be her assistant, or even better, her protégé.A Vault Dweller: "Studying the infinite cosmos is a noble pursuit."Katherine Swan: " Perhaps you'd like to be my assistant. Or, even better, my protégé."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
Although she says that a good scientist has a healthy curiosity and an open mind,Katherine Swan: "A good scientist has a healthy curiosity and an open mind. Too many learned men turn to books assuming the answers are already known."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) she will deride other scientific theorists, such as astrology and "cryptid" hunters, considering them to be pseudo-scientific bunk which she has no time for.A Vault Dweller: "Oh wow, can you read me my horoscope?"Katherine Swan: "No, that's astrology. Pseudo-scientific bunk. I'm an astronomer. I study the sky, and I don't tolerate idiocy."(Katherine Swan's dialogue) Furthermore, she considers such people as the infamous Calvin van Lowe the worst.Katherine Swan: "Cryptid hunters like Calvin van Lowe are the worst. To say he got what was coming to him is the understatement of the year."(Katherine Swan's dialogue)
===Captain Cosmos===
Katherine's views on the Adventures of Captain Cosmos include that the character "Jangles the Moon Monkey" is a perfect representation of the "cowardice" of mankind, those who would rather use animals instead of humans in dangerous explorations. She says that Dr. Zorbo, an evil green doctor actively trying to thwart humanity's attempts to travel through space with his death ray, is a story that has human origins and has the same level of credibility as religion. She also states that his portrayal was less ridiculous than that of Captain Cosmos. In her opinion, he was meant to be a "mirror image of man," one who always wins. To Katherine, Captain Cosmos represents how humanity is completely deluded in how important they are. This specifically alludes to how she sees men as a whole. She views Stella Skyfire as a perfect Hollywood cartoon character, thin on characterization and quieter than she should be. Katherine wishes that she was more prominent on the show.
==Interactions with the player character==
===Interactions overview===
==Inventory==
==Notes==
==Notable quotes==
==Appearances==
Katherine Swan appears only .
==Behind the scenes==
* Katherine frequently references historical figures by name, ranging from female astronomers such as Caroline Herschel, Maria Mitchell and Annie Jump Cannon, to classical thinkers such as Aristotle, Copernicus, and Newton.
** She also references several in-game characters, such as Calvin van Lowe and Sofia Daguerre.
* Katherine's outfit first appeared on Ellie Perkins from Fallout 4. It is also used on the body of Amy Kerry.
==Gallery==
Score s7 camp ally katherineswan l.webp|Icon
FO76 itv season7 katherine.webp|Katherine
==References==
Category:Night of the Moth characters
Category:Fallout 76 merchants
Category:Fallout 76 scientists
Category:Fallout 76 allies
ru:Кэтрин Суон