Chapter 2

Institute, Nate POV, 2291

This was it. After years of work, scavenging the wasteland for parts and researching avenues of science once thought to be a fantasy, I was ready. We were ready. At this point in time, the Institute had continued to expand operations onto the surface of Boston. Raiders, ghouls and super mutants had all been pushed out of the metropolis its suburban surroundings. Security work is sometimes designated to Preston, the General of the Minutemen, after he led an attack on Nuka World to finally clear out the last stronghold of raiders.

And something incredible was discovered.

A G.E.C.K. Otherwise known as a, "Garden of Eden Creation Kit" A device designed to bring life back to the irradiated wastes. Upon its discovery, work immediately went into replicating its effects and unlocking it's many secrets. With 6 months of research, a break through was made. An upcoming researcher in the Institute, Jason Moore, successfully decoded the device and managed to completely copy the GECK's schematics.

After testing in the Wasteland, he was awarded a special position in the engineering division for his work, which had undoubtedly saved the lives of thousands. This 'special position' is where our story begins. One of Jason's duties led him to an abandoned enclave research centre, in which he was able to pull data from the systems mainframe before it was destroyed. This data included hypothetical research into the warping of space and time, as well as how such an action could be achieved. Or that is how the lab coats explained it to me.

All I understand is that it makes time travel work, and that is good enough for me. Apparently, the engineers don't like when I call it time travel, because its not 'scientifically accurate'. Well, woe is me.

And now, their fruits of the labour are in front of me. A massive chamber with two…. Pylons? Extending from the ceiling and floor the meet in the centre. A walkway led to the joint, and apparently that is where the magic happens. I've been told we may only have one shot at this before the reactor is drained.

I best make it count.

I stood in my heavily modified "institute model T-70" power armour, watching the comings and goings of the chamber.

"Sir?" A voiced called from behind me. I turned around to see the form of X6-88, aviator glasses, uniform and all. XV-88, in contrast to before, had also recently been fitted with an advanced AI personality matrix, making him a bit more 'human'.

"XV88" I replied.

"Sir, Dr Moore reports that all readings are within designated parameters. Completion time is set for 5 hours. Have you prepared yourself?" He explained.

"I have XV-88. Well, as much as I can. This may not even work, after all." I said flatly.

"Have faith sir. Dr Moore would not report results he himself was not completely certain of." XV-88 spoke.

"Indeed." I answered.

Chamber POV, 5 hours later

I marched intro the centre of the chamber, XV-88 in lockstep by my side. Dials, sensors, entire rows of computers and researchers spread throughout, all working to this point. I was proud. Proud of all we had achieved.

Dr Moore stood in the midst of it all, pointing and commander in a way one would expect a general to, not a scientist.

"Father" He spoke. Jason was not one for titles and honorifics, but 'father' was one I could never break out of him. He knew it, too.

"Jason" I replied. "Are well all prepared?"

"Yes sir. All readings are nominal, everything is as it should be. Congratulations! You may very well be our first-time traveller!" He laughed. His sandy blonde hair bounced over his shoulders as they rolled back.

I smiled in response. "Shall we begin then?" I murmured.

His smile bent downwards into a frown. He opened his mouth to speak. "You are taking a tremendous risk, sir. But the potential reward is unfathomable. If you are successful, the War will be stopped and billions will be saved. If you are not, we will be exactly where we already are. The only thing we have to lose is you." Jason explained.

"Hmmm. Then we better get going Jason." I chuckled.

The scientist smiled once more.

"Now that's the spirit."

Final preparations before Launch, Chamber.

I stood on the podium prepared for this moment. Watching me were hundreds of researchers, synths, coursers and soldiers. I tried to look at every face I could, before I finally spoke.

"Today. Today is the sum of your achievements. For so long, Mankind has lurked amongst the shadows of its ancestors. Before the War, we were flawed, as all men are. But we were something. Not survivors, but people. Perhaps, in the future of the past, we can be people once more. My orders are still standing. We have no idea what the effects of here and now will be, but the Institute will continue its work as usual. Thank you all!" I shouted.

A wave of shouts and applause echoed over the walls.

I stepped down.

I turned towards the central chamber, and marched into the darkness once more.