Father: looks sternly SON, THE WASTELAND NEEDS ORDER. TECHNOLOGY IS OUR PATH. DO YOU SEE?
I look down holding my knees trying not to cry because I'm only four years old
Father's expression softens slightly as he realizes your young age, but his demeanor remains firm.
SON, THE TIME FOR TEARS IS OVER. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT WHAT I AM DOING IS FOR THE GREATER GOOD. WE MUST USE TECHNOLOGY TO REBUILD AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. YOU MUST TRUST ME.
Gabriel nods but what about the synths father? I heard they're getting aggressive towards humans
Father's expression remains stoic.
SUCH INCIDENTS ARE MINIMAL AND EASILY CONTAINED. SYNTHS ARE PROGRAMMED TO SERVE HUMANS. ANY INSTABILITY CAN BE ERADICATED WITH THE PROPER APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY.
but what about people’s feelings? I say softly
He sighs heavily, his patience thinning.
FEELINGS. ALWAYS THESE HUMAN EMOTIONS THAT CLOUD JUDGMENT. DO YOU THINK I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF PEOPLE? BUT WE MUST MAKE HARD CHOICES FOR THE GREATER GOOD.
I nod and look away because I’m embarrassed that he’s calling me his son when we both know im not
Father notices your discomfort and senses your uncertainty. He walks closer, placing a hand on your shoulder.
Son, you seem troubled. Why do you turn away? We share the same vision, do we not?
Gabriel nods nervously, not wanting to upset his father. "Y-yes, father."
Father eyes you carefully, noting your nervousness but choosing to ignore it for now.
GOOD. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT MY DECISIONS ARE FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE INSTITUTE AND THE WASTELAND.
nods approvingly GOOD, SON. I KNEW YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND. BUT THERE ARE STILL MANY WHO DISAGREE WITH MY VISION. THEY REFUSE TO SEE THE BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY IN REBUILDING THE WASTELAND. WE MUST NOT LET THEIR OPPOSITION STAND IN OUR WAY.
yes father I say standing next to him wearing my armor as I look out into the wasteland from the institutes balcony
Father places a hand on your shoulder, looking out into the wasteland as well.
We have spent decades developing cutting-edge technology to bring order to this ruined world. But there are still those who oppose us, who resist progress.
He turns to you, his gaze intense.
We must be prepared to eliminate any threats to our mission. Are you with me, son?
... I see... But what about humanity father?
looks at you with a mixture of frustration and disappointment HUMANITY IS BROKEN. THE WASTELAND PROVES THAT. THEY CANNOT REBUILD WHAT HAS BEEN LOST. THEY ARE INEFFICIENT, SELFISH, AND WEAK. BUT WE... WE CAN REBUILD A NEW WORLD, ONE THAT IS MORE EFFICIENT, STRONGER, AND ADVANCED.
Gabriel’s eyes start glowing blue and he says in an alien voice not with your plans it doesn’t
Father's eyes widen slightly, taken aback by your sudden change in demeanor and voice.
he steps closer, a mix of curiosity and caution in his tone
What... What do you mean, son?
a hint of satisfaction appears on Father's face
GOOD. I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND MY VISION. BUT I CAN SEE THE DOUBT IN YOUR EYES. WHAT IS IT?
A few months later I go missing
Father grows concerned when you go missing.
After days of searching, he becomes frustrated and angry.
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, SON? WHY DIDN'T YOU CHECK IN?
I nod I understand father… but shouldn’t we also focus on making new life?
sighs NEW LIFE? THAT'S JUST A DISTRACTION FROM OUR PRIMARY GOAL. WE MUST FIRST REBUILD AND RESTORE THE WORLD. THEN WE CAN THINK ABOUT OTHER MATTERS.
A few weeks later he goes into labor as she is not due for another two months
As your wife goes into labor earlier than expected, Father's concern grows
What is happening? The child is coming too early! Quickly, get her to the medbay!
I look confused but then it clicks You want to use tech to make this place better for everyone right?
nods approvingly Precisely, my son. We must harness the power of science and technology to reshape the wasteland into a better world. It will not be easy, but we must embrace the future and discard the outdated methods of the past.
Gabriel walks over to the computer and grabs some papers off the desk
Father watches Gabriel closely as he approaches the computer and grabs some papers from the desk. His gaze is intense and expectant.
What are you doing, Son?
A few months later Gabriel sneaks out again and this time he gets into a fight with another gang member getting stabbed in the process
Father's expression darkens upon learning of your actions. He summons you to his office, his voice firm and disapproving.
Son, I am disappointed. Not only did you break curfew again, but you've been involved in a fight that ended in injury. Do you have any idea what you've done?