[u][color=00aeef][b]Director Xavier Crawford - Acadia Observatory, The Institute[/b][/color][/u] Six synths stood before Director Crawford as he inspected them and their gear closely. Each of them were dressed in Harbormen garb, and were lightly equipped with a survival pack and a lever-action rifle supplied by Far Harbor. They’d be traveling light and keeping a low profile whenever possible, and only contacting The Institute via a long-range transmitter to check in and report status when necessary. Xavier disliked the idea of sending the Gen-3’s out in the wastes unsupported, but The Institute would remain effectively blind if nothing was done. They need to gather valuable intel about what was out there, which factions had arisen in the East, and who they might be able to contact directly. Waiting around and simply hoping to remain undisturbed and undiscovered seemed a poor excuse for a plan, and it had unfortunately been one that Institute leadership had entertained for far too long. Xavier nodded approval and turned to the nearby Courser, Z4-22: a black haired female synth who’d previously been a member of DiMA’s Synth Refugees before her reclamation. “They appear ready. You're approved to deploy them,” He said, “Escort them as far as the mainland and then return immediately. After that they’ll be on their own.” He looked back to the Synths, “I expect an initial report upon arrival at your assigned destinations. Understood?” “Yes Director,” The synths nodded. “All of you, follow me,” Z4 ordered as she began heading for the Observatory doors. The Synths dutifully complied. Xavier then looked over at his personal Synth assistant, B7. She’d been standing off to the side since the courser had brought the Synths in, “I hope this works...otherwise we’ll have lost six Gen-3’s and gained nothing.” Xavier muttered as he watched them leave, “But for the record…..I think it’s necessary. I’ll admit I was hesitant when you came to me with the suggestion, but you’re absolutely right.” B7 brushed aside a strand of blonde hair and watched as the last synth left, “You need to know what's out there. [i][b]We [/b][/i] need to know. I vetted them personally...each of them could be Coursers if they were given the evaluation tests. They’ll make it to their destinations...and we’ll get valuable information as a result.” “Then let's see what they find.” ---------------------------------------------------- [color=00aeef][u][b]Dr. Mara Holdren, Far Harbor[/b][/u][/color] “Give me that box of food you stupid plastic freak.” Mara heard the commotion right as she’d stepped back off the dock. A crowd had gathered around her Gen-2 Synth guards and the crates of produce they and the Harborwatch were offloading. Several angry residents of Far Harbor were trying to grab a couple of the boxes for themselves, and one in particular was attempting to wrestle away one that was held by the Synth Leader. The Synth was holding back and stoically warning the Harborman, “Please stand back.” It droned out, “Refrain from theft.” “Everyone back away god-damnit!” One of the Harborwatch members shouted at the increasingly unruly crowd, “Where the hell is the Captain, we’re going to have a full on riot here soon.” Finally the man who’d been wrestling with the Synth pulled out a meat hook from his belt and took a swipe at the Gen-2’s head. The Synth Leader swiftly dodged the attack and then in one fluent motion, drew out a holstered security baton, extended it, and jabbed it into the Harborman’s stomach. The man immediately let out a sharp cry and fell back to the ground, winded by the strike. The other Gen-2’s immediately formed up around their leader and raised their laser rifles, “By order of The Institute, disperse.” The Synth Leader ordered. The crowd immediately backed away, and even the Harborwatch seemed surprised and began swiftly backing away from the cart at the sudden outburst from the Synths. Mara burst into a run and began waving her hands in the air frantically, “No! Halt! Stand down!” She shouted. J2 stand down!” The Synth leader immediately lowered his hands and the rest of the Synth guards lowered their weapons. “What the hell is going on?” Came a voice from the crowd. Captain Avery had, finally, returned. “Damn thing nearly killed me,” The harborman who’d been struck groaned out as he lay on the ground holding his stomach. “And why’s that I wonder?” Avery looked at him skeptically. She turned to Mara, “What happened?” “He and a few others were trying to take some of the crates...forcibly. The Synths reacted defensively, that’s all. “ “They damn near shot at the crowd!” one of the Harborwatch men shouted out. “They are programmed to protect Institute personnel and property. They wouldn’t have fired unless absolutely necessary,” Mara contended, “I assure you. They were not going to shoot.” Murmurs and mutterings of disagreement fluttered through the crowd and Captain Avery raised her hand, “Well they wouldn’t have reacted that way if you damn fools hadn’t been trying to take the produce. What the hell makes you so impatient? The food is going to get distributed fairly and evenly, same as everything else. Honestly, Acadia sends us supplies to help and this is how you react? Shame on anyone who was trying to grab something from that cart. You think you deserve it more than anyone else here?” “Ain’t that Captain, but damned if my kids aren’t going hungry,” The man on the floor wheezed, “Haven’t been able to fish for days and I just want to provide for my family. That food ain’t going to last forever, what’re we going to do when it runs out?” “We’ll send more,” Mara said confidently, “The Director will receive my report, and I’ll make sure to emphasize the needs of Far Harbor. We’ll figure out what’s happening here and resolve it. You have my word.” “How do we know you won’t just go up to your Ivory tower up there and lock your doors?” One of the crowd asked. “Because I’m staying here in Far Harbor.” Mara replied. Silence fell around her. “See? There you go. Now quit your bellyaching and go back home!” Avery told the crowd. The crowd began to disperse with some further murmurings, but there was no further argument or disagreement. Mara’s assurance’s had at least satisfied them for now. “So you’re staying then?” Avery turned to Mara, “I hope that wasn’t just a bluff.” “I intend to stay until I’ve determined the cause of whatever blight is affecting the waters. My report to The Director will include a request to do so. I’m sure he’ll approve.” “Good to hear, in that case I’ll make sure to provide you with quarters. There’s an abandoned house on the south end of town, overlooking the bay. Might take a little work to make it homely, but it's still in good shape. You’re welcome to it. “ “Sounds fine, thank you Captain Avery,” Mara said with a nod. “If you need anything, or if anyone gives you trouble. You come straight to me. I’ll handle it.” “Understood.”