I do not own the Fallout series.
Institute Ending, Good Karma
Intro, narrated by Ron Perlman
The Sole Survivor, the man who had cheated time in Vault 111, who had faced the Wasteland to find his son, had instead changed the Commonwealth forever.
The Sole Survivor, narrated by Ron Perlman (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Assuming command of the enigmatic Institute as its Director, the Sole Survivor had brought the boogeyman of the Commonwealth out of the shadows and into the light. The Sole Survivor chose to aid his son in his ambitions over destroying the fears of the people of the Commonwealth. After centuries of operating behind the scenes, the Institute had risen to be the dominate power in the ruins of Massachusetts.
Tempering pragmatism with compassion, the Sole Survivor allowed the Institute to take control of the Commonwealth. He shattered the dogmatic Brotherhood and routed the anarchistic Railroad, paving the way for the Institute's success. Though he had lost his home, his nation, and his family, the Sole Survivor refused to give in to the vice and despair as others before him had. Instead, he chose to be better, to gain and give hope to this brave new world.
The Institute, narrated by Father (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
When faced with the son he had lost, the Sole Survivor did not find the child who had been stolen from him by the Institute, but a grown man who had spent a lifetime under its guidance. Offered with the choice of his own happiness or the Commonwealth, the Sole Survivor chose his son and, by extension, the Institute. While on his deathbed, father and son held one last conversation and Shaun thanked the Survivor for helping him accomplish his dreams before he died.
At first perceived as nothing more than a replacement for Kellogg, the new Director soon made it clear that he was more than some common mercenary and dragged the Institute kicking and screaming back to rest of the Commonwealth. Change did not come easy for them, it never does, but in time, the Institute went from the manipulative monster in the dark, to a guiding hand driving the Commonwealth towards greatness. Under the leadership of the Sole Survivor, the Institute would earn the right to call itself 'the Best Hope for Humanity'.
The Brotherhood of Steel, narrated by Arthur Maxson (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
The Brotherhood had fallen. They proved themselves a dangerous threat to the Institute's progress and were removed as a variable. Liberty Prime, their own champion, was their executioner. The robotic titan brought down the mighty Prydwen, reprogramed to believe it to be a Communist vessel. With their leadership killed, and the headquarters annexed, the remaining Brotherhood personnel were no longer considered a viable threat to the Director, and he spared them. The Brotherhood of Steel was no more in the Commonwealth.
While the Institute celebrated its first successful military operation, the Citadel back in the Capital Wasteland trembled. Not only had a decade of progress been wiped clean, but among the hundreds killed, was Arthur Maxson. An ancient bloodline, a ruling dynasty that had led the Brotherhood since its formation had been destroyed. It was the end of an era for the Brotherhood, and nothing would ever be the same.
The Railroad, narrated by Desdemona (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Agent Whisper proved to be a liar and a traitor. Weeks after the disastrous Battle of Bunker Hill, the Survivor led an attack on the Old North Church, wiping out the Railroad leaders and finally removing a long-persisting annoyance on the Institute's radar. Only a handful of operatives in the field survived the attack, and feebly tried rebuilding, but it was for naught. Eventually, no one would believe they even existed.
The Synths still enslaved by the Institute were not forgotten by the new Director though. Quietly over time, the Survivor introduced more humane living conditions for them. He could not free the Synths, but he could make their lot in life a little more bearable.
The Commonwealth Minutemen, narrated by Preston Garvey (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Do not help rebuild the Minutemen)
Though he saved the settlers from Jericho's raiders and helped them establish the settlement of Sanctuary, the Soke Survivor had no interest in rebuilding the Minutemen. At the time he was too concerned with finding his son, and later had the responsibility of directing the Institute. In the end, the Minutemen were left to fade away as the Institute rose to power.
Under the benevolent guidance of the new Director, the Institute would become a cold, but not compassionless protector of the Commonwealth. Their technology and resources gave them a unique advantage over the threats plaguing the Commonwealth, advantages the Minutemen even at the height of their power, could not compete with. The Minutemen were no more, but in a strange way, the Institute carried on their message to an almost literal degree. Protect the people, at a minute's notice.
X6-88, narrated by X6-88 (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
X6-88 stood witness to the Institute's inevitable victory at the side of the Sole Survivor. Any doubts the Courser had about the Director had burned alongside the Prydwen as it crashed into the earth. With the destruction of the Railroad, the X6 had a new prime directive as the Director's personal agent and enforcer. The synth continued to stand by the Vault Dweller's side for years to come as the Institute ushered a new age into the Commonwealth.
The new Director was a curious change from the standard. He balanced pragmatism with compassion. In anyone else, this would have earned the synth's scorn, but having seen the Director's success firsthand, X6-88 considered this new approach. Overtime, the Courser would slowly embrace his own humanity, something he had denied for years.
Codsworth, narrated by Codsworth (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Though Codsworth had his reservations about the Institute, he was glad to see his master achieve some closure after everything that happened. He continued to serve the Sole Survivor even as he took on the role of Director. The antique Mister Handy was seen as an oddity by the Institute, though many of them grew somewhat fond of the archaic robot.
Piper Wright, narrated by Piper Wright (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Piper Wright was horrified to see the Sole Survivor help the Institute succeed. At first, she feared the worst, mass-increases in snatch-jobs, open occupation of Diamond City, martial law, the works. Instead, the Institute maintained a quiet and almost neutral presence and cautiously, Piper opened up to the idea that maybe with Blue in charge, the Institute might improve. Hope for the future was a dangerous thing to have faith in, but sometimes it's all you have.
Nick Valentine, narrated by Nick Valentine (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Complete Long Time Coming)
After a lifetime of living with memories that were never his, Nick Valentine finally found some form of peace with the help of the Sole Survivor. Still, when his partner through his lot in with The Institute, the Synth Detective called him out on it. Their partnership ended on frosty terms, though the Survivor left letting Nick know if he ever wanted his help, all he had to do was ask.
Paladin Danse, narrated by Paladin Danse (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Spare Danse during Blind Betrayal)
Danse was horrified to see the Sole Survivor betray the Brotherhood and aid the Institute. When the dust settled, the Director visited the former paladin and offered him a place in the Institute. Danse, of course, refused. Seeing that there was no way to reason with his former friend, the Sole Survivor reluctantly did what needed to be done. Danse was killed and buried within the bowels of Listening Point Echo, his execution coming at last.
Deacon, narrated by Deacon (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
When Bunker Hill went bust, you didn't have to be P.A.M to know what was coming next. Sure enough, the next time Deacon saw the Sole Survivor it was with a squad of Coursers at his back. The Survivor gave the Railroad one last chance to cease their 'thefts' and turn over any knowledge of 'stolen Institute assets'. Needless to say, Des's answer was a big no. Deacon died with the rest of the Railroad in the depths of the Old North Church. His last though? You can't trust everyone.
Preston Garvey, narrated by Preston Garvey (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Do not rebuild the Minutemen)
Though Preston Garvey was grateful to the Sole Survivor for saving him and the settlers at Concord, the death of the Minutemen was a harsh blow. The Institute's new stance on defending the Commonwealth both eased and fanned his fears for the future. He tried to be content with being Sanctuary's defender, but he spent the rest of his life thinking about what could have been.
Cait, narrated by Cait (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Cure Cait of her addictions)
Cait kept traveling with the Sole Survivor for a while after getting her addictions purged at Vault 95. The two parted ways after the Institute started runnin' the show, though. Cait didn't much like the idea of The Institute bossin' everyone around and left for greener pastures. Still, she was grateful to the Survivor for helpin' her the way he did, and she left the Commonwealth a happier, healthier person.
Curie, narrated by Curie (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Romance Curie)
After Curie was freed from the confines of Vault 81, she took great joy in traveling with the Sole Survivor in her new synth body. This joy grew greater when she saw the Institute for herself. A haven of knowledge and innovation, under everyone's feet all this time. The Institute's personnel quickly took to the former Miss Nanny, if anyone knew what she really was, no one said anything, perhaps out of fondness of her, or respect of the Director who made Curie's heart flutter. Love was a new discovery and one she was looking forward to exploring with the Sole Survivor.
Hancock, narrated by John Hancock (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Hancock didn't have much to do with the Sole Survivor after the Institute took over, wasn't really a big fan of theirs. Still, they never bothered Goodneighbor much, and that was good enough for the ghoul. Even if things had changed in the Commonwealth, one thing was sure as hell gonna stay the same: Of the People, for the People.
MacCready, narrated by Robert MacCready (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Complete Long Road Ahead)
After retrieving Prevent from Med-Tek, MacCready was relieved to hear it worked weeks later. Eventually, the Merc left the Sole Survivor's company and headed back home to his son. He was one of the few who wasn't surprised by the Vault Dweller's decision to support the Institute. He knew what lengths a man was willing to go for his son, after all.
Strong, narrated by Strong (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Kill Strong)
Strong was killed at the top of Trinity tower by the Sole Survivor, another mutant put out of its misery by the Insti-tute. The Insti-tute and its fake-men killed nearly all mutants to make up for its crimes. The milk of human kindness came to them, but Strong would never see it.
Diamond City, narrated by Piper Wright (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
After the Institute destroyed the Brotherhood, the residents of Diamond City feared the worst. They feared open invasion and kidnappings and killings, like what happened at University Point. Instead, very little changed, now that they could operate openly, the Institute lost interest in Diamond City, just sending a few emissaries to ease tensions. Coincidentally, 'Mayor Mcdonough' happened to fall ill soon after and 'died', and the city had its first election in a long, long time. The future of the Great Green Jewel wasn't clear, but maybe it wasn't as bleak as everyone feared.
Goodneighbor, narrated by John Hancock (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
The Institute never had much use for Goodneighbor, and that was just fine with Hancock. At most they sent a couple of synths to act as emissaries and later human personnel after the synths got trashed by the drifters. Twice. In any case, even with the big bad boogeyman out and about one thing remained the same in the old 'Neighborhood: Of the People, For the People.
Bunker Hill, narrated by Kessler (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
After the battle and the destruction of the Brotherhood, Bunker Hill was temporarily occupied by Institute forces, in the hopes of catching any stolen Synths and/or Railroad agents who had not learned of the organization's fall. This turned out to be a surprising boon as the synths assigned to guard the Hill wiped out any enterprising raiders for 'interfering with Institute operations.'
Vault 81, narrated by Overseer McNamara (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Vault 81 opened up slowly following Austin's recovery and began expanding out into the Commonwealth. Despite, or perhaps because of, their similar natures, the Institute never took much notice of the Vault and that was fine for everyone involved.
Covenant, narrated by Amelia Stockton (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Save Amelia Stockton)
Though he supported the Institute, the Sole Survivor had no tolerance for Dr Chamber and her sadistic experiments. Following the Institute's victory, he returned to Covenant with a detachment of synths in tow and purged the town. Amelia and her father left the Commonwealth soon after, fearing retaliation from the Institute. To their surprise, none ever came.
Sanctuary, narrated by Sturges (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Sanctuary continued to grow and develop following the Institute's ascension. It took time for the Quincy settlers to adjust to their new home, but in time, they grew fond of the little island settlement. For whatever reason, the Director never visited often and when he did, he strode right by the town, only having eyes for the vault on the hill.
The Raiders, narrated by Bosco (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Kill all named raider bosses)
With the death of the rabid warboss, Bosco, the raider empire in the Boston ruins fell to pieces. A hundred different splinter gangs formed and were easy pickings for the Institute. Like all of the Institute's actions following the destruction of the Brotherhood, it served two purposes. It endeared the Institute to the Commonwealth and removed a potential annoyance from the organization's radar.
The Gunners, narrated by Captain Wes (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Kill Captain Wes)
With the Brotherhood and Railroad destroyed, the Gunners mercenary company was the only potential threat to the Institute left. Fortunately, prior to the Battle of Boston Airport, Gunner Captain Wes was killed by the Sole Survivor within his makeshift stronghold. With his death, the Gunners quickly began warring among themselves and the Institute thrived in the discord.
Quincy, narrated by Clint (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Do not kill Clint)
After Captain Wes's death, Gunner installations all over the Commonwealth went to war with each other, and Quincy was no different. Though the traitor Clint tried his best to keep a handle on things, it was useless. The Quincy Gunners fell to the Institute's onslaught and the praise served to further extend the Institute's rule over the Commonwealth.
The Forged, narrated by Slag (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Kill Slag)
Following Slag's death, the Forged joined the already frenzied fighting of the raider wars spreading throughout the Commonwealth. This made Saugus Ironworks an easy target for the Institute, who seized it and its crucible. The Ironworks would be a useful asset for future endeavors.
The U.S.S Constitution, narrated by Captain Ironsides (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Side with the crew of the Constitution)
The loyal crew of the U.S.S Constitution celebrated its successful venture and escape from the dastardly Weatherby Savings and Loans. The sight of the mighty vessel careening through the Boston skyline was surely an awe-inspiring image to all. The good Captain Ironsides began drawing plans for the next voyage to the Atlantic to begin its approach to China.
The Cabot Family, narrated by Jack Cabot (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Kill Lorenzo Cabot)
Jack Cabot and his family mourned Lorenzo following his death, none more than Jack himself. Despite everything Lorenzo was and did, Jack loved his father greatly and was devastated he could not free him from the cursed crown. Out of respect for Jack, the Sole Survivor did not press the ancient scientist for his secrets, though the Institute surely would have found them fascinating.
The Yangtze-31, narrated by Captain Zhao (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Captain Zhao returned to his home in the Yangtze, after 200 years of penance in the ruins of the city he burned. As he reached China's shores for the first time in two centuries, his hearth swelled. He hoped his capitalist friend would find his own peace, as Zhao had.
Dr. Li, narrated by Madison Li (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Though Dr. Li had her reservations about Father's choice of successor, the Sole Survivor surprised her. Instead of another detached director was someone who genuinely wanted to use the Institute's resources to better the Commonwealth. In time, she became something of a confidant and un-official right-hand to the new Director. Hope was not something Madison Li had in spades, but perhaps, this would be different.
Kent Connoly, narrated by Kent Connoly (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Complete the Silver Shroud)
After the fight at Milton General, Kent knew he had his fill of adventure. The Institute's take over was a surprise to many, Kent included. An even bigger surprise was their more benevolent policy. Maybe the Institute had its own Silver Shroud working behind the scenes, protecting the innocent from their own dangerous natures.
Pickman, narrated by Pickman (Institute Ending, Good Karma, Kill Pickman)
Pickman died within the bowels of his own 'gallery'. The mad artist had been put out of his misery by the Sole Survivor. Despite this, raiders and wanderers alike would avoid the Pickman Gallery for years to come, terrified that they would be the serial killer's newest masterpiece.
Dr. Virgil, narrated by Brian Virgil (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
After curing himself, Dr. Virgil was retrieved from the Glowing Sea by the Sole Survivor. The new Director gave the exiled scientist and offer, use his knowledge of FEV and the Institute's resources to begin developing an anti-mutagen. Naturally, Virgil accepted and the FEV Lab was refurbished and repurposed as the Pan Immunity Virion (PIV) Lab.
Scribe Haylen, narrated by Scribe Haylen (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Scribe Haylen was hit hard by the destruction of the Prydwen during the Battle of Boston Airport. The Brotherhood's betrayal of Paladin Danse and the Sole Survivor's betrayal of the Brotherhood later was too much for the young Scribe. She deserted the Brotherhood shortly after the battle and narrowly avoided the Institute's raid on the Cambridge Police Station. Haylen left the Commonwealth for parts unknown and was not heard from by the Brotherhood again.
Shaun, narrated by Shaun (Institute Ending, Good Karma)
Shaun stayed in the Institute with his father, never realizing just what he was. Only the Director and Dr. Li knew for certain, and though many of the Institute's personnel guessed, none every brought it up to the Director. It didn't matter, in any case. At long last, Father and Son had reunited and nothing was gonna change that again.
Kellogg, narrated by Conrad Kellogg (Instituted Ending, Good Karma)
After over a century of life, Kellogg finally met his match in the bowels of Fort Hagen. No one mourned the grizzled old merc, and he was buried in an unmarked grave. It was more than he deserved and certainly more than anyone, Kellogg himself especially, would have though the Sole Survivor would afford the old monster.
Closing narration, narrated by Ron Perlman
So ends the story of the Sole Survivor, another chapter in the annals of the history of humanity. But the tale of humanity will never come to a close, it is the eternal struggle, a conflict with no prize, a war without end. And war…war never changes.
AN: And there we, a Good Karma Institute Ending. This one was harder to come up with because as much as I love Fallout 4, there's very little nuance to the Institute. Still, I worked with what I had and tried to instill a more bittersweet and cathartic ending, compared to the Minutemen's more traditional happy ending. If I did a good job on that or not, well that's up to you. In any case, next up is the Bad Karma end for the Institute, as well as Chapter Three of Hazbin Hollow. And maybe, no promises, a new fic sometime in the next few months. We'll see. Until then, that's all folks. - Bones