[color=00aeef][b]The Institute - Synth Retention Bureau[/b][/color]


Director Thomas strode into the Synth Retention Bureau’s secure lab as the sliding doors hissed to a close behind him. He then continued onward down the short flight of stairs which led to the Bureau’s reclamation area. A set of empty glass holding tubes lined the small walkway that funneled to the centerpiece of the room, a neuro-matrix reconfiguration chair where Synths would be placed in order to be reprogrammed or wiped. The ‘chair’ consisted primarily of connection nodes which interfaced directly into the Synth’s spinal column, which meant the Synth would have to lay back onto these nodes in order for the connection to be made successfully and for the process to begin. 

In this case, a Synth was already connected onto the chair and beginning the reprogramming procedure. Dr. Alana Secord, the newest Director for SRB following Dr. Ayo’s demotion, was standing by overseeing the process along with a Courser unit that was required to be present during reclamation and reprogramming: just in case any unexpected ‘erratic’ behavior resulted from the process, one of many such safety protocols that had been implemented following an extensive overhaul of SRB’s policies in the wake of Ayo’s demotion. 

Thomas smiled as he examined the Synth attached to the chair, a grizzled looking man with scars and a patchy beard that looked exactly like a soldier who’d just crawled out of the trench after a six month stint. 

“The Robotics Division outdid themselves with the physical makeup,” He said as he turned to Alana, “Exactly to specifications. Even down to the last dimple. It's hard to imagine a better rendition of a 'veteran soldier', just what I was looking for.”

“Yes…” Alana replied with a nod, “The tricky part of course, will be ensuring that we have the psychological workup of a Brotherhood soldier correct. We didn’t capture any during our conflict with them unfortunately, so we’re working off observational data only, along with your own anecdotal information of course Director.”

“It will suffice. How soon with the neuro-reconfiguration be complete?”

“Within the hour I suspect,” Alana checked the clipboard she was holding, “The armor and weapons kit that I requested produced by Facilities should be completed shortly as well. I believe it matches quite well with the equipment carried standard issue by The Brotherhood chapter that assaulted Boston.”

“If Dr. Li’s information is correct, then its unlikely the Midwestern group will recognize the difference anyway. They’ve been cut-off from contact for some time.”

Alana nodded in agreement, “In any case, the ruse will only need to hold for a short time. Once we’ve gathered enough intel about this new chapter, we can analyze the data and determine what sort of a threat, if any, they pose. With any luck perhaps we’ll get further information about other groups as well. As I understand it, this Midwestern chapter is the primary power in the central U.S. region.”

“If they’re a bridge between east and west, as I suspect they might be,” Thomas replied, “Then this could be a substantial intelligence mine. The Synths we sent to the meeting in Vegas indicated that The Brotherhood had dealings with multiple groups in several different parts of the continent. Most notably war with this ‘Cult’ group that everyone appeared to be losing their heads over. Perhaps we can finally get some detailed intel on that little mystery.”

“Robert House is included in that group of contacts, correct?”

Thomas’s look soured, “Yes...I’ve rarely had reason to doubt Robert’s judgement before...but in two centuries it's hard to say what he’s become. Either way, I can only hope his cooperation with The Brotherhood is a ruse, or perhaps he understands something that I do not about them. We’ll know soon enough.”

Footsteps down the stairs caused both Alana and Thomas to halt their conversation and turn around. 

“The Bird’s prepped an’ ready to go,” Cait announced as she entered the reclamation room, “Took those damn clockwork Synths of yours long enough to get her fueled up, but she’s ready any time…..and I guess this is the lucky toaster your're sending?” She said as she looked down at the Synth. 

“I wish you wouldn’t call them that…” Alana protested, “The Synths are highly complex synthetic organic constructs….hardly household appliances.”

“Tomato, to-ma-to. They aren’t human, that’s all I know. Maybe if you eggheads stopped trying to pass them off as humans, people would stop trying to break them out of here. That Railroad of yours probably wouldn’t be trying to free six foot tall spiders I bet.”

Thomas smiled, he enjoyed her somewhat...blunt opinion on matters, especially where it concerned The Institute. One lesson that The Institute had always overlooked, and thankfully his son hadn’t, was that sometimes an outside perspective was needed. Even if that outside perspective was mockery....mockery in and of itself could often reveal harsh truths. 

“Unfortunately a six foot tall spider would hardly help this particular Synth’s mission my dear. While it might scare off The Railroad...I doubt The Brotherhood would be fooled into thinking that their eastern cousins had enlisted a giant mutant arachnid into their ranks. No matter how little contact they’ve had.”

“Hmm. So it’s one of those spy ones then? Suppose you’re trying to feel out this new Brotherhood group.”

“Exactly. And it needs to be a very good one if we want to ensure they're fooled enough to get the information we need.”

Suddenly, the Synth gave a jolt, and the connection nodes gradually began to withdraw from its spinal column. Alana checked the terminal readout, 

“Looks like the process is complete. It should be online in 3...2...1…”

The Synths eyes sprung open and it began to stand up, unsteady at first, but the initial shock of re-initialization quickly wore off.

“Where...where am I?” The Synth said, as he looked around the room and at the strange individuals in front of him. 

“Nevermind that now, do you remember who you are?” Thomas asked quickly. 

“My name is...Robert Kyle. Lancer-Sergeant Robert Kyle, Brotherhood of Steel registration KT-351LS. Stationed on The Prydwen.”

“And where are you going?” 

“I need to discover the whereabouts of the lost Midwestern Chapter and report the defeat of our forces in The Commonwealth.”

“And the details of the defeat?”

“Our airship was destroyed by an unknown group, possibly a local uprising, I was away on transport mission when the attack came. Communications were quickly cut-off and we lost contact with The Prydwen and all forces stationed at the airport.”

Thomas nodded in approval, “That should do it. Lets get it suited up and to the airport tarmac. J3-36: initialize shutdown.”

The Synth went limp and Alana walked over to finish her final inspection, “The memories should reset and re-initialize once J3 has left The Commonwealth. The time frame from The Brotherhood’s defeat to now will be explained by time spent with a fictitious group of hold-outs, of which ‘Robert Kyle’ will be the final survivor of. The Vertibird and his equipment has been appropriately ‘pre-worn’ as it were, to keep up appearances. Without compromising the integrity of the vertibird of course...we want him to make it west in one piece. Of course we’ll also be sending along a pod of Watchers to help keep track of J3, they should arrive shortly after the vertibird does.”

“Excellent keep me posted on any developments Alana. I’m very intrigued to see where this investigation will take us.”

“Hopefully you programmed him as a damn good pilot..” Cait quipped, “Otherwise he’s gonna be buried in a heap of fiery metal before he even gets there...”