Just a Fallout 4 fanfic

Infighting

(Nico is currently on the bridge of the prydwen, sifting through data gathered from the institute. But then Maxson walks up to him, and he does not look happy)

Maxson: Is there anything you wished to tell me, fellow elder?

Nico: Like what? It's not like it's a big secret what I'm doing right now

Maxson: I find that very hard to believe. I had Proctor Quinlan complete the institute data decryption on the identities of infiltration grade synths. Some of them went missing, or escaped the facility. After careful analysis of this information, we've discovered something... unprecedented. Paladin Danse's is one of the synths on that list

Nico: What? That can't be true

Maxson: I'm afraid not. The evidence is quite damning. The data Nathan brought back included a record of each subject's DNA. We keep the same information on file for all of our soldiers. And Danse's is a perfect match for a synth called M7-97

Nico: Knight-Sergeant. Find Paladin Danse and bring him to the bridge immediately

BOS Knight-Sergeant: We can't, sir

Nico: Why not?

Maxson: Because he's gone AWOL. Disappeared without a trace. I tried to have Danse brought before the council to explain himself, but he has evaded us. His sudden absence at this discovery only raises my suspicions. I believe he may have been a spy for the institute. Our mission is clear. And so is our policy for traitors. I want Danse hunted down

Nico: Fuck... Does Nathan know about this?

Maxson: No. He doesn't. Danse was his mentor, and his personal feelings will interfere with the mission. He doesn't need to know

Nico: Does Sarah at least know?

Maxson: Yes. She's organizing a search party as we speak. If you hurry, you can catch her on the flight deck before she leaves

Nico: No. Tell them to cancel their search. I'll handle it myself

Maxson: What? You can't be serious

Nico: If we roll out in force, Danse will only retreat further into hiding. This problem can't be solved with boys and bullets. You need to let me find him. Before it's too late

Maxson: Fine. Make sure to tell Sarah before you go

(Nico nods to Maxson and leaves)

(Nico walks out to the flight deck, where he finds Sarah leaning on a balcony, looking a bit depressed at this recent development)

Sarah: Nico... Do you actually plan on killing Paladin Danse?

Nico: I never said that. I at least want to hear him out first

Sarah: Good. Please, listen to me. We've both known Paladin Danse since he was just an initiate. We've served as his role models and mentors for a while. We've trained with him. Fought alongside him. Had drinks with him even. He's earned my respect. And the admiration of many during that time. There's no way he's an institute sleeper agent. I don't care what Quinlan's report says. And I don't care if he's a machine or not. He's still Danse

Nico: Yeah... He's a selfless man. He's risked his life based on nothing more than principle alone, more times than I can count. That's why I'm asking you... Find him if you can. Bring him home

Nico: I will. I promise

(Nico and Sarah lean in and share a kiss)

Sarah: I know you'll do the right thing. And that's why I love you