The thing that woke me up was the cold. I instinctively curled up to escape it. The touch of my skin under my fingers made me open your eyes in panic. I could no longer feel the fabric that once covered me.

Getting up on one of your elbows made me suffer, a sharp pain running through my skull. I put my free hand on my head and then inspected my fingers to find blood.

I've been knocked out.

I shivered and sat up with difficulty, every part of my body seeming to hurt. Me nakedness was the next thing you noticed. With my arms covering my chest, I inspected the surroundings.

The room was only a few square meters in size, the walls were made of smooth, new metal, which was very unusual in the Commonwealth. A closed door was to my left and I let out a sound of surprise when I saw the glass ceiling.

People were watching me. Well, first generation synthetics. Metal skeletons with inexpressive eyes. There were two of them. After only a few seconds I saw them disappear from my field of vision.

What's going on?!

I stand up before heading for the heavy door, throwing a few well-placed knock on it.

"HEY! GET ME OUT OF HERE! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH ME!"

No answer. I suspected so, but I had to try. I rubbed my forearms, trying to generate some heat with the friction while looking around. There was nothing in this room except for that door and... ho? I spot a grate at the top that seems to be designed to accommodate air movement.

Too small to fit through.

At least I know they didn't want me to choke to death. How reassuring is that?

A shrill sound from a speaker echoed through the room, causing me to cover my ears for a moment. A voice called out, monotonous and pragmatic.

"Welcome-"

Papers rustled as the speaker searched for the rest of his text.

"-patient Z67-B. The institute thanks you for your collaboration in our experiments that will help humanity to recover."

Cooperation?!

I clench my fists and stamp my foot, not knowing where to divert my sudden anger.

"I AM NOT COLLABORATING! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU IDIOTS?!"

"You will be subjected to many tests during your stay with us. We ask you to obey the scientists and synthetics who will accompany you during your travels through the facilitie."

"He doesn't hear me... or listen to me..."

I came to lean against a wall as the scientist continued to dilapidate his text, wincing under the contact of the cold metal on my bare skin.

Okay... He talked about the institute so I'm still in the complex where I was introduced. He also talked about experiments. So they're continuing their research despite their reduced numbers.

I sighed.

Father... Or rather Shaun... had more than one trick up his sleeve. There must be more than one hidden facilities. The good news is they're going to get me out for their experiments. I'll be able to take advantage of it to escape.

The voice had finally stopped after listing the rules to follow in case of fire.

But without my weapons and my clothes I won't get very far. Especially since I don't know the layout of the complex, they knocked me out and captured me before I could study the place.

My finger began to tap against the metal, following the rhythm of one of my favorite songs from the Diamond City radio while thinking.

Even if I could find a way to get to Desdemona, would he send someone to rescue me? No... I have to find a way alone, I don't want to put anyone in danger.

I heard the door to the room creak before it opened with the familiar sound of decompression. Taken by surprise I covered your chest with my arms in an instinctive gesture of modesty. It was not necessary given the nature of my host; a second generation Synthetic entered the room, the door closed behind him.

The Synthetic was wearing the usual suit with which they were dressed. He looked at me with his inexpressive eyes.

"Don't touch me!"

I thought I saw the Synthetic's gaze drop to my naked body for a moment before quickly returning to my face. Wait a minute... This generation had no concept of nudity, did they? I must have been hallucinating.

The intruder then approached me with a confident step. When he was close enough I tried to punch him in the face but he stopped my fist in the palm of his hand with ease. I let out a scream of rage as i tried to do the same with my other hand. The Synthetic did the same to my other hand. He raised them above my head, against the wall, his face close to mine.

"Calm down. It's me."

My eyes widen, staring at the Synthetic's in front of me. I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

"Nick...?"

I whispered.