Chapter Sixteen: The Genesis of a New Civilization
The lab had evolved beyond a mere workspace; it had become the birthplace of something greater—a new civilization. Yet, a society could not flourish with only two individuals. That was why Dr. Dew and Leonardo da Vinci had dedicated the last several weeks to constructing a machine capable of creating life. Not just any life, but Generation 3 synths—fully biological, autonomous, and freed from the Institute's control. Unlike their predecessors, these synths would not be disposable tools or mindless automatons; they would be individuals, capable of building, farming, and forging a future independent of the remnants of the old world. The technical process itself was not the challenge—the Institute had already perfected the method of creating synthetic humans. Gen 3 synths were essentially clones, with their only technological implant being a synth component used for identification and programming. However, while the Institute sought to dominate their creations, Dr. Dew had a different vision. "Animals are straightforward," he remarked, adjusting a calibration node on the machine. "They operate on instinct. There's no need to reprogram a cow or a chicken because they'll naturally behave as such. But humans—humans are complex. The Institute wanted obedience; I want freedom." Leonardo observed him, intrigued. "And how do you intend to ensure they don't become a threat? Creating life is one thing. Guiding it is another." Dr. Dew leaned back, stretching his arms. "That's where the real work begins. I won't just bring them into the world and abandon them. I plan to raise them inside a controlled environment—a simulated world." Leonardo raised an eyebrow. "A virtual upbringing? An artificial childhood?" "Exactly," Dr. Dew nodded. "They'll be monitored by an advanced AI that will guide them, ensuring proper development. And since it's a virtual environment, we can accelerate the process—what takes years in reality can be completed in months or even weeks. By the time they enter the real world, they'll already have the knowledge and experience to function in society." Leonardo tapped her chin thoughtfully. "And what about those who don't meet your standards? There's always the risk of malevolence taking root." Dr. Dew exhaled. "That's why they won't be released until they're deemed safe. If someone exhibits dangerous tendencies, they'll remain in the virtual world for extended observation and intervention. And if, after all that, they still pose a threat…" His voice turned firm. "Then we deal with them accordingly. I won't allow another Institute or Enclave to rise under my watch." Leonardo studied him carefully. "It's a harsh, but necessary measure. Still, you're giving them a chance. That's more than most would." Dr. Dew glanced at the console, fingers tightening around the control panel. "Unlike the Institute's synths, mine will also be capable of natural reproduction. Their children will grow like any other human, and eventually, they will die of old age—unless they choose otherwise." Leonardo tilted her head. "Unless they choose otherwise?" Dr. Dew met her gaze, his voice even. "Immortality is both a blessing and a curse. I won't force it upon them, but I'll offer the choice. When the time comes, they'll fully understand the consequences before deciding. I can handle it—I can control my own emotions. If I wanted, I could dampen my emotions like sadness, anger, and even happiness. But that comes at a cost. The more I suppress what makes me human, the closer I come to becoming something like a machine." Leonardo's expression softened. "That sounds lonely." "It can be," Dr. Dew admitted. "But it's the trade-off I accepted long ago." He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. "Anyway, I can't make them truly immortal—just difficult to kill. That's the best I can offer." Their conversation shifted as the first humanoid synth was constructed. Fully biological, indistinguishable from an organic human, the prototype lay dormant in its assembly pod as Dr. Dew examined the results with a critical eye. "The process works. Now we refine it." Leonardo ran her hand over the synthetic flesh. "Incredible. It's as close to natural life as anything I've ever seen." But humanoid synths weren't the only focus. The machine was also designed to create synthetic animals for farming and resource management. "The Institute used synthetic crows for reconnaissance," Dr. Dew explained, reviewing genetic sequencing for livestock. "They modified them to scan areas and gather intel. I'm applying the same concept—but for practical survival." Leonardo skimmed the blueprints. "Cows, chickens, pigs, sheep—logical choices. But why exactly?" Dr. Dew gestured at his notes. "Food and materials. Cows for milk and leather, chickens for eggs, pigs for meat, sheep for wool. Just because we don't need food doesn't mean we won't enjoy it. And proper clothing wouldn't hurt either." Leonardo chuckled. "Ah, so you do have a sense of luxury under all that practicality." Dr. Dew smirked. "Survival is necessary. Comfort is a choice. I choose both." Creating synthetic livestock proved challenging. While the Institute had experimented with synthetic wildlife, their focus had been surveillance. These creatures had to behave exactly as their real-world counterparts—producing milk, eggs, wool. The process took longer than expected, but in the end, the results were flawless. The first synth cow stood in the testing chamber, its movements fluid and natural. The first synth chicken pecked at the ground, acting exactly like an organic bird. Leonardo marveled. "This is something even my time could never have imagined. True artificial life, crafted with such precision." She turned to Dr. Dew. "And what about the risks? What happens if something goes wrong?" Dr. Dew was prepared. "Fail-safes. Genetic stability monitoring, controlled reproduction, automatic shutdowns if an anomaly is detected. Unlike the Institute or the disasters at Big Mountain, I'm making sure this remains under control." Leonardo's curiosity deepened. "You mentioned something about a machine in Nuka-World that spliced genes together. What was that about?" Dr. Dew nodded. "The cloning machine at Nuka-World's Safari Adventure. Originally built to create new animals for the park, it was meant to enhance conservation efforts. But after the bombs fell, a malfunction caused it to produce Gatorclaws—a terrifying hybrid of deathclaws and American alligators." Leonardo raised an eyebrow. "And let me guess—it didn't stop producing them?" Dr. Dew sighed. "Exactly. The machine kept churning them out non-stop. Someone eventually shut it down, but not before the park was overrun." Leonardo exhaled. "And you're ensuring that doesn't happen here?" "Of course," Dr. Dew reassured her. "I don't plan on making monsters. Only safe animals—or ones we can control." Leonardo grinned. "Practical as always." The synth creation machine was nearly complete, and with it, the foundation of something greater. As Dr. Dew and Leonardo da Vinci stood in the lab, watching the first generation of synths take shape, a quiet sense of accomplishment settled between them. Leonardo placed a hand on his shoulder. "We've done something truly remarkable today. The world may never know it, but we're shaping the future with our own hands." Dr. Dew nodded. "And now, we make sure it lasts." The lab was complete. The first generation of synths had been born. But the real work was only just beginning.
End of Chapter Sixteen