I'm posting this as a warning and perhaps a cry for help for anyone who may be playing this game and had faced similar issues. Upon completing several quests involving the great Khans, I returned to Hidden Valley to speak with the new Elder, and take on my quest to join the Brotherhood of Steel. At this point, I saved, and prepared to leave the bunker only to find that the only way out is now locked, and the door says it requires a key to open. After speaking with every NPC in the area I have found that I really am trapped here, and my 36 hours I've put into the game since release day have been completely wasted.

I'm really at a loss here, and warn others to save frequently before attempting this part of the quest. If I am mistaken, perhaps someone can show me a way to get out of here. Finally, I ask that the developers please check on this and fix this game breaking bug in their next patch, as this, if it is as permanent as I think it is, has completely ruined my game play and such my entire experience with this game has come to a crashing halt.