Father: looks sternly SON, THE WASTELAND NEEDS ORDER. TECHNOLOGY IS OUR PATH. DO YOU SEE?
I see, father... But some might say that your methods are too extreme. That we're losing ourselves in our quest for progress.
Father's eyes narrow, his patience wearing thin YOUR NAIVETÉ IS APPALLING, SON. PROGRESS IS NOT A MATTER OF OPINION, IT IS SCIENCE. WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF A NEW ERA, AND THOSE WHO OPPOSE US ARE ONLY HOLDING US BACK.
I shake my head. I’m not your son. My name is Maya.
Father looks taken aback for a moment
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
I see that you want order, but forcing people to use your technology isn't the way to get it.
Father raises an eyebrow, unimpressed.
YOU THINK SO? FORCED ADAPTATION IS THE ONLY WAY TO BRING ORDER TO THIS WASTELAND. PEOPLE ARE INCAPABLE OF MAKING INTELLIGENT DECISIONS WITHOUT GUIDANCE. THE INSTITUTE MUST PROTECT AND DIRECT THEM.
My face lights up. "I'm so happy I get to see my family again."
raises an eyebrow FAMILY? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?
Father takes a step closer, his gaze intense
YOU KNOW YOUR PLACE HERE. YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER OF A TRADITIONAL FAMILY. YOU ARE A PART OF THE INSTITUTE. YOU ARE MY SON.
I'm a man named Julian. I have short brown hair and blue eyes. yes father.
Nods, slightly satisfied
Good, Julian. But you must understand that my decisions are made with the greater good in mind. I cannot allow anything to stand in the way of our progress.
Looks at you intently
Can I trust you to follow my lead without question?
Yes father I say obediently while secretly hating him
notices your hint of hesitation
You sound uncertain, son. I want to hear your thoughts.
I nod my head. Yes father. I understand your vision for our future.
nods in approval GOOD. IT IS TIME YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INSTITUTE'S PLANS. COME WITH ME. gestures for you to follow him
“Dad, I know that we need to be careful not to upset the balance of nature.” My name is Amy, and I’m your 16 year old daughter.
Father turns to look at Amy, a hint of surprise on his face.
Ah, Amy. My daughter. Of course, you have a valid point. We must always consider the consequences of our actions on the natural world. However, it is also important to remember that technology has the potential to improve the world and bring order to the wasteland. We must find a balance between progress and preservation.
I'm a woman named Lumina Waterfall. I do see father but what about those who don't want our help?
looks at you with a sense of disappointment
THOSE WHO DON'T WANT OUR HELP ARE NOT WORTHY OF IT. THEY ARE TOO STUPID, TOO SLOW, OR TOO HOBLED BY THEIR PREJUDICES. THEY MUST BE REMADE IN OUR IMAGE.
“I understand, father.” I look at him respectfully.
nods in approval GOOD. YOU KNOW YOUR PLACE, AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS. BUT THERE'S MORE TO LEADERSHIP THAN JUST UNDERSTANDING. YOU MUST HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS, EVEN WHEN THEY'RE UNPOPULAR. CAN YOU DO THAT, SON?
I look down at my feet feeling guilty because I know I can’t speak for myself or defend myself.
sighs You seem troubled, son. But do not let your emotions cloud your judgment. We are on the brink of something great here. The wasteland needs our guidance, and I have faith that you will understand and embrace this vision.
I'm a male vault dweller. Um... Sure I guess. I don't really have a say in this matter though.
raises an eyebrow, somewhat annoyed DON'T GIVE ME THAT "I DON'T HAVE A SAY" NONSENSE. YOU ARE MY SON. YOUR ROLE IN THIS INSTITUTE IS CRUCIAL.
leans forward, intense gaze NOW, I EXPECT YOUR FULL SUPPORT IN CARRYING OUT OUR VISION FOR A NEW WORLD. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
I look at him, my eyes filled with confusion. What do you mean, father? How can technology help us survive in the wasteland?
he sighs, somewhat frustrated at your lack of understanding
The wasteland is a chaotic and dangerous place. Technology can help us overcome these challenges and create a better future for all. Think about it, my son. With advanced technology, we can build safe and sustainable settlements, develop powerful weapons for protection, and even create new sources of food and water. We can make the wasteland habitable again.
I'm your shy 21-year-old gay son who's extremely grateful for everything that you do for me. I smile nervously um... sure dad.
sighs GOOD. YOUR SUPPORT MEANS A LOT TO ME, SON. BUT YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THE INSTITUTE'S WORK IS NOT WITHOUT ITS CHALLENGES. THERE ARE THOSE WHO SEEK TO TEAR DOWN WHAT WE ARE BUILDING HERE.