It turns out that Overton has found his child, Dr. Zombie Bruce, who is now the leader of the academy. However, unlike in the game, when he called Steve to the academy together, their child, Sam, was dying from a terminal illness and ultimately passed away in their arms. Despite the tragedy, this outcome was still luckier than in the game—at least, after a lapse of 60 years, their family was reunited.
Before his death, Dr. Zombie Bruce handed over his position to Overton. Following a series of negotiations and battles, Overton suppressed opposition within the academy and committed to ceasing all hostilities against the surface world. No more replacing wastelanders with synths, freeing all synths who wished to be free, and suspending self-aware and adult-making synth production at the expense of railroad reconciliation.
Of course, the railroad also acknowledged that erasing synths' memories and implanting fabricated ones, along with conducting plastic surgeries on them, had been emergency measures in desperate times. In the future, they would only reprogram synths who voluntarily wished to change their memories.
Now, Overton hoped that Tim Hortans, the general of the militia, would cooperate with him in uniting the forces of the railroad, the academy, and the militia to restore order to the land.
"What about the Brotherhood of Steel?" Tim Hortans asked.
"I hope that by consolidating our strength, we can bring the Brotherhood to the negotiation table. Too much blood has already been shed on this land."
"Alright. Let me know the date of the negotiation, and I'll join you," Tim Hortans agreed.
Finally, Tim Hortans asked a question that had puzzled him since his previous life in the game: "Why does the academy create third-generation synths? Wouldn't first-generation synths be sufficient for their needs? Why develop self-aware beings that could rebel?"
"I believe it's because, after isolating themselves for so long, the people in the academy began to see themselves as gods, looking down upon the ignorance and backwardness of the surface world," Overton replied with a sigh.
"So they sought to create a new kind of life to replace humanity and rule over them as divine beings."
"As the great man once said: 'If the path is wrong, the more knowledge one has, the more reactionary one becomes.' If the academy had used its technology for good instead of pursuing this distorted vision, the Federation could have already become a thriving haven for humanity."
"That's exactly why I chose to take over the academy's leadership. I still resent them for taking my child and for all the harm they've caused. But I also recognize the potential in their technology—it could change the world for the better. Destroying it in a moment of vengeance would be shortsighted. Reforming the academy and making it atone for its past mistakes is a far better path for the Federation and the entire world," Overton said, his voice pained but resolute.
"You're right," Tim Hortans said, placing a reassuring hand on Overton's shoulder. "I hope that, one day, all beings in this wasteland can unite and use their strengths to rebuild the world. Though I'm just a traveler passing through, I want to see this world have a future. After all, as a plane merchant, I benefit most when every world prospers."
Overton managed a small smile. "Thank you, Tim Hortans. Your help has made a real difference. Settlements and farms are full of new life, and the attacks I faced on my journey back were much less frequent than when I first left."
That night, Overton stayed at Sanctuary. The militia headquarters was now based there, as it offered greater room for development. The original castle had been repurposed into an important fortress and a training center for recruits on the east coast.
Significant construction had been completed at Sanctuary Villa. The militia, using manpower and advanced robots, built a new fortress complex around the hills of Vault 111, complete with a hospital, warehouse, and school. The villa itself had become a thriving city, home to residents eager to rebuild society.
Thanks to purified soil, extensive greenhouses had been established. Repaired computers and robots were utilized to automate these farms, allowing crops to grow free from radiation storms and contamination. The agricultural products from Sanctuary Villa, largely free of radiation and disease, became highly sought-after in the wasteland. The militia's issued food stamps were even beginning to take on the role of hard currency.
Two days later, the Brotherhood of Steel responded with a letter agreeing to negotiations. The meeting was set to take place in Diamond City at noon the next day. Each faction could bring one leader, one deputy, and ten guards. Tim Hortans, noting how different the Brotherhood seemed from the game, felt cautious about their willingness to negotiate. He made necessary preparations, believing that caution was always wise.
Early the next morning, Tim Hortans donned his new general's uniform (his old one had become too big) and rode to Diamond City with Oden Smith and ten elite mobile militiamen, each mounted on an armed robotic steed.
The mobile militia, newly formed less than a week prior, consisted of experienced fighters organized into an elite rapid-response force. Each member was equipped with a mix of bulletproof fabric and armor, ample ammunition, and runestones for added defense. Most importantly, every soldier had an armed robot as their vehicle and battle companion. This negotiation would mark their first official appearance.
Upon arriving at Diamond City's gates, Tim Hortans found the railroad representatives already waiting. Leading them was a middle-aged woman with blonde hair—Desdemona, the leader of the railroad.
Desdemona seemed surprised at Tim Hortans' youthful appearance but stepped forward and shook his hand. "Thank you for supporting our just cause and treating synths with fairness."
"Our militia is dedicated to restoring order and eliminating evil in this wasteland. We treat all beings equally, whether they are synths, intelligent ghouls, or even peaceful mutants willing to coexist."
After a brief pause, Tim Hortans added, "But I must ask you to stop secretly placing synths in our strongholds. Their sudden appearances cause unrest."
"Apologies. That will no longer happen. With the academy now willing to change its approach, we no longer need to smuggle synths into hiding. Honestly, if the academy truly reforms, the railroad might one day become unnecessary. And we'd all welcome that future," Desdemona said with a relaxed smile.
As they discussed the academy's transformation, a flash of blue light signaled Overton's arrival. He appeared at Diamond City's gates, accompanied by Cummins and several stalkers.
Though tension lingered among the railroad members, the leaders of both factions shook hands, signaling reconciliation.
A moment later, the sound of engines roaring across the horizon marked the arrival of the final party to the negotiation—the Brotherhood of Steel.
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