Chapter 1: The Restructuring of the Institute
February 21, 2288
The Board Room of the Institute was buzzing with activity as numerous department heads began discussing the arrival of the Binets, the Volkerts, and Alana Secord.
"Allie, do you know why the Director called us in today? The Directorate was not supposed to meet for another month." Li asked
"I am not quite sure, Madison. Director Grant told me that all department heads were required to attend because he would be discussing the Institute's future following his son's passing."
As Li went to speak, she heard Justin scoff in response, "The Institute doesn't need to change. We were doing just fine before Father's passing. If anything, we should put the new Director in his place before he begins asserting more control over us that we show him who's boss."
Li was about to respond to Justin's outrageous remarks until the doors to the Board Room slid open. The Advanced Systems Director watched as the new Director of the Institute walked in wearing what appeared to be a pre-war army service uniform like the ones, she had seen in Pentagon ruins. Additionally, she noted how two coursers were flanking him as he entered the room.
As Nathaniel took his seat at the head of the table, he quickie greeted the amassed scientists. "Good afternoon, everyone. I know this meeting was unscheduled and may be inconvenient for some of you based on the reports I have read. But I would like to thank all of you for making time in your schedules because what we are about to discuss will determine the fate of the Institute and the world for the foreseeable future. Which is why I saw fit to invite the Binets, the Volkerts, and Alana Secord." Nate watched as the department heads nodded, understanding why he had called in members not part of the Directorate to be part of the meeting. "I guess we should begin by reviewing how I plan to restructure the Institute and the Directorate. Today's meeting will lead to the creation of one new division and three to seven new subdivisions. Furthermore, by the end of today, the Directorate will expand from five seats to ten, so we can better govern our proud organization and bounce ideas off one another leading to further innovation.
"Clearly, the outsider doesn't understand—" Justin immediately stopped his outburst as the sound of a gun firing reverberated throughout the room.
"Care to finish that, though, Justin?" Nate said coldly as he placed the Kellogg's revolver on the table. "If not, we can continue the meeting." He watched as Justin did not say another word. "Let us begin today's meeting by focusing on the Synth Retention Bureau and the vacancy that Dr. Zimmer has left. While reviewing the records within the SRB, I have discovered Dr. Zimmer has been categorized as MIA for the last ten years since he undertook a mission to retrieve a high-priority asset in the Capital Wasteland. This evidence correlates with an interview conducted by my son in his capacity as Director of the Institute when he questioned our current head of advanced systems, Dr. Li, before she was admitted into the facility. In the interview, she stated that she learned about the Institute from Dr. Zimmer. Furthermore, she describes an instance in Rivet City where she overheard the 'Lone Wanderer' talking to his slave in the market. In this exchange, she stated that she overheard him say, 'I can't believe that kooky scientist thought Harkness was an android. At least he's out of our hair now and headed back wherever the fuck he came from, isn't that right, my beautiful Clover.' So, my question to you, Dr. Ayo, is why hasn't there been an investigation into his disappearance? Why hasn't a courser been sent out to ascertain the whereabouts of Dr. Zimmer?"
Ayo began stuttering as he tried to respond, "It was not within my purview to task coursers to look for missing personnel."
"That is a poor excuse, Ayo; you were the acting head of the SRB with dozens of coursers at disposal, most of whom are walking around the halls of the Institute. Even if you couldn't retask a courser to look for Dr. Zimmer, you could have used Kellogg. Let's face it, you only chose not to search for him because you feared he would threaten the power you had obtained as acting head of the SRB. On the other hand, if he were found dead, Father would be well within his right to replace you, especially if it would help ease tensions with the other departments. Even though you were Zimmer's right-hand man, this does not give you any advantages, especially when more qualified personnel are within your department."
"Dr. Zimmer never could see beyond finding that damn prototype courser of his. I told him he should have scrapped it for parts, but he was too damn sentimental for that first-generation courser, especially when it started disobeying or questioning his orders. He wanted to know what was causing the quote-on-quote androids to gain a degree of sentience because we certainly never programmed them to have personalities, so following A3-21's escape, the decision was made to separate the coursers from the rest of the synths. Everything I have done has been for the Institute to ensure that synths wouldn't gain sentience or have the resources or supporters to escape." Justin replied defensively.
"You sick bastard, X7-26 and Z4-39, take Mr. Ayo to his quarters and make sure he can't jump off the balcony." [Sighing] Nate looked over to Alana. "Miss Secord, I have gone over your reports, and I cannot fathom why Dr. Zimmer wouldn't choose you to be the interim director of his department. Do you think you could enlighten me as to why he possibly chose Justin over you?"
"Sir, I believe Dr. Zimmer chose Justin over me because I rejected the romantic advances he made toward me when I began working in the SRB about 32 years ago. At that time, he oversaw the fledgling courser program. Besides that, Dr. Zimmer might have chosen Justin because of his ruthlessness and the fact that he was willing to do whatever it took to get results." As Alana stopped talking, she watched as the Director began to nod at her statement.
"Be that as it may, you will have big shoes to fill, Alana, because starting today, you will be the new Director of the Synth Retention Bureau." Nate watched as the room began to applaud the new departmental director as she took the seat previously occupied by Justin Ayo.
"Thank you, sir. I will not let you down."
"See to it, Director Secord, now moving on, I will be appointing Alan Binet to the Board of Directors since he has overseen the robotics division since Shaun stepped back from the role a few years ago." Nate stopped allowing the assembled scientists to applaud Alan Binet's appointment as he sat next to Directors Filmore and Holdren. "On that note, I will also be appointing Dean Volkert to the Board of Directors but not as the Head of Biosciences. Instead, Dr. Volkert will hold the position of Chief Medical Officer. Now before we begin discussing Brendan Volkert and Liam Binet. I want to tell you about the robots I have encountered during my adventures in the wastes. While I know many of you believe synths are just machines, I have noticed that throughout the Commonwealth, some robots have shown a degree of sentience, which is well beyond what programmers were capable of before the Great War. This leads me to wonder if all synths are capable of achieving sentience because those who have escaped exhibited a strong desire for self-determination. In contrast, other synths within the Institute seem content with their programming and performing menial tasks." Taking a deep breath, Nate continued, "It is to that effect that I am creating a separate department within advanced systems that will determine if specific models within the Gen 3 population are beginning to show signs of sentience. Those that do will be removed from the general population and tested to see what makes them different from the others before we let them choose their own destiny. That is why I have chosen to name Liam Binet as the head of this new subdivision, and he will work with G7-81, commonly known as Glory, a former Railroad Heavy that I managed to capture when I was eliminating their central leadership. Their work will enable us to prevent an uprising amongst the Gen 3s from ever happening and hopefully prevent more synths from running away."
"While this is an intriguing proposal, I would like to know what you plan to name this new subdivision. Because, as you said, it would be under Advanced Systems yet separate from the other activities within my division." Li stated as everyone turned to him.
"You see, Dr. Li, since we deal with advanced robotics, this new subdivision's main goal will be to see if certain units exhibit sentience. So, I saw fit to give them the acronym of S.O.A.R., which I have defined as the Office of Sentience Observation for Advanced Robotics."
"How fitting," Alan stated as everyone nodded in agreement with his statement.
"I am glad you feel the way, Dr. Binet. Now onto the last member of the Institute that will be part of the restructuring process is Brendan Volkert while he is not as scientifically inclined as the rest of his peers." Nate began before turning over toward the man in question, who was currently staring at the floor. "He does, however, seem to exhibit the best aspects needed in a project manager as evidenced by overseeing a group research assignment while in school and by improving the productivity of the botany department by 17% when he joined the bioscience division. Therefore, I am proud to announce that as of today, Brendan Volkert will become my right-hand man taking on the position of Deputy Director of the Institute. He will oversee projects I deem vital to humanity's survival, ensuring they remain on schedule to hit their projected deadlines. Moreover, Deputy Director Volkert will have the authority to settle disputes that may arise between two divisions while I am away asserting the Institute's supremacy in the wasteland."
"While that is all well and good, Director Grant, wouldn't you rather have a scientist as your right-hand man instead of a second-rate researcher at best?" Holdren asked, appalled that the new director would appoint someone to such a position of power when the man in question held very little knowledge of the inner workings of the Institute. Not only that but Brendan only has a limited understanding of the field of botany.
As Nate began looking away from his new assistant, he glared at the Head of Bioscience. "Dr. Holdren, we do not need more scientists in positions of power helping to guide this organization. We need men of action. Before my arrival, you lost synths in droves to a small band of freedom fighters without a professional army. It was only through my military expertise and leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill that we finally put a dent in their operations. I would also like to ask who was responsible for finally quelling the threat the Railroad posed to our organization, Dr. Holdren? Was it a courser with a legion of synths? Was it Kellogg? No, I was the one who single-handedly crippled The Railroad. I was the one that killed Desdemona. I was the one the acquired P.A.M., a robot which, I remind you, is currently being analyzed by those working in Robotics. So, who do you think is more qualified to determine the Institute's future, me or you? Lastly, Clayton, I frankly don't give a fuck what you think about my staff selections. If you don't like my leadership style, you are more than welcome to challenge me. Just know when it comes time to choose weapons. The challenged party has the right to determine what weapons will be used, and I will always pick knives." Nate said coldly as he responded to Holdren's question.
"That is more than alright, sir. If you believe in Brendan, I will give him a chance." Clayton replied as he slowly began to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"Before we move on to the policies and projects, I would like the Institute to undertake in the coming future. I would first like to introduce you to three outsiders I have decided to bring into the fold." Nate said as he motioned to the door, which began to slide open as if on command. While the senior members of the Directorate, before its expansion, were shocked that the new director would bring in wastelanders without consulting them. The newer members were excited to see what new perspective these newcomers would hold.
Li knew what the Sole Survivor was up to. Unlike her compatriots, she saw the same thing happen back in the Capital Wasteland following the deaths of Owen and Sarah Lyons, with sentinels trying to install loyal lieutenants in the upper echelons so that they could maintain their power. Though what stunned her the most was that of the three people that walked into the conference room, one of them was a man she hoped she would never see again.
"Members of the Directorate, I would like to introduce you to Curie. This little minx is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of diseases. Before gaining a synth body, Curie was a heavily modified Miss Nanny unit created by Dr. Kenneth Collins, a vault-tec scientist stranded in the research portion of Vault 81."
As Nate prepared to move on to Isabel, he was interrupted by his little Minx "Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Grant. I always enjoy the compliments you give."
Giving a small smile, he continued introducing his guests, "Now moving on." Grant said, motioning to the person standing next to Curie. "This fine young lady is Isabel Cruz. She is an expert in pre-war robotics, reprogramming hundreds of units from Robco and General Atomics International to improve the livelihoods of those trying to make a living in the Commonwealth. Lastly, we have Augustus Autumn," Nate said, gesturing to the man who stepped forward. "A former high-ranking military officer within the Enclave, an organization which can trace its roots back to the pre-war federal government. Now while many of you may be wondering why you have never heard of the Enclave, it is because, like us, they have kept a low profile operating in the shadows of Wastes for the last two hundred years. Furthermore, Mr. Autumn has informed me that their once prospering organization had bases spread throughout the former United States. But, due to the actions of anarchists hailing from vaults 13 and 101, the once proud organization has been left in a state of disarray with no clear chain of command. Following the destruction of their west coast and east coast headquarters, one in the year 2242 and the other in 2277. Though I believe that with our technology and Mr. Autumn's credentials, we can use the remaining facilities and expand the Institute's power well beyond its current reach. So that future generations will no longer have to live in fear of groups like the Brotherhood destroying everything they hold dear. For will eliminate them before they even step foot into the Commonwealth."
While the newest members of the Directorate began applauding his decision to bring in outsiders. Li could not help but voice her discontent. "Sir, Mr. Autumn, better known as Colonel Autumn to those residing in the Capital Wasteland, is a criminal responsible for the deaths of countless scientists and engineers working on Project Purity. I personally watched him execute my lab assistant. Who knows what other atrocities he could have committed since the destruction of the Enclave's Raven Rock facility and hidden agenda he may have in store for us."
As Nate went to reprimand Dr. Li for her outburst. Colonel Autumn had taken it upon himself to reply to accusations. " , while I can understand your misgivings about me, given the death of Janice Kaplinski, I do not regret killing her. If she had not died when she did, President Eden would have had her abducted and tortured until she told us everything she knew about Project Purity. At least Dr. Kaplinski died a martyr for what would have been a noble cause had the Lone Wanderer chosen to sacrifice himself to activate the water purifier. But due to his inaction, he allowed the water purifier to overload and explode. One of the consequences of his actions was that the Capital Wasteland remained highly irradiated and infertile, which would indirectly lead to the death of thousands due to the Great Water Shortage of 2278. Now, as for the crimes I may have committed following the destruction of the Enclave's Raven Rock facility have only been out of necessity. Following the events of 2278, I began to make my way north toward Manhattan to evade being captured by the Brotherhood. Within two years of my arrival, I became the Deputy Chief of Security for the settlement at the old New York International Airport. But as the old saying goes, the past always has a way of catching up with you. As I began settling into my role, the Brotherhood began expanding its influence, and within days squads of Brotherhood soldiers began patrolling New York. I knew it was only a matter of time before somebody recognized me, so I packed up my bags and made my way to Diamond City, and within six months, I became the Chief of Security following the death of Donald Corbin. I only became interested in the current Director of the Institute following his interview with the lovely Miss Wright. Though my intrigue would only grow after his radio broadcast and the destruction of the Prydwren. My only agenda is to reunify the United States and help rebuild it, which is somewhat similar to what Director Grant ultimately wants."
Nate quickly cut off Autumn before he could divulge any more of his plans for the future. "Thank you, Mr. Autumn. Now, if we could get back to the meeting at hand, I would like to inform you where I am placing them within our organization. Now, Curie will join the Bioscience Division to aid in the department's disease research and help Dr. Volkert ensure each member of the Institute is maintaining their health. Isabel Cruz will head a new subdivision with ties to Advanced Systems and Robotics called PRD, which will mainly focus on producing military robots such as assaultrons, eyebots, mister gutsys, and sentry bots. In contrast, multipurpose robots like protectron will see only limited production runs. Meanwhile, Mr. Autumn will run the Surface Operations division, which will supersede the Synth Retention Bureau and have a seat on the Directorate. The SOD will focus mainly on military operations, intelligence gathering, and espionage. Moreover, during peacetime, the SOD will also be tasked with managing future construction projects to rebuild Boston until a new subdivision can be created and personnel can be found to run it."
"But why must we cooperate with the surface dwellers, sir? They have never wanted to work with us before. Certainly, you don't your leadership will make that big of a difference?" Holdren asked
"Can we table that question until we begin discussing policies and future plans? Because I feel that many of the questions you may have will be answered shortly." Grant waited as all of them nodded. "Great, now the last order of business before we can begin discussing policies is that of Dr. Brian Virgil many of you were led to believe he had died, but the harsh truth is that my son lied to you for the past eight months. Dr. Virgil has resided in the Glowing Sea after injecting himself with a modified version of the FEV, allowing him to become a Super Mutant but retain his intelligence. Furthermore, he helped me breech the Institute to help me reunite with my son, and in return, I found the serum he had created to turn him human again. That is why I am proud to announce that he will be returning to our humble organization where he will resume his position as head of the biochemical division of bioscience."
As Nate finished talking, Virgil entered the room and began walking over to the corner to stand by Curie and Liam.