Chapter 29

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 I walked into Acadia with Deacon by my side. The first thing I noticed was the door led to a long hallway, and at the end of the hallway was a large room. As we got closer, I could now see that the room was filled with computers and other equipment. In the middle of the room was a chair. A gen 2 synth stood up and faced us. He had a strange appearance, with a face similar to Nick's, but with mechanical bits sticking out all over his backside. I studied him quietly, unsure whether I should speak first or not. The synth answered that question for me.

"I am DiMa."

I glance at Deacon, then back at DiMa. So this was who I was supposed to talk to. He could answer all my questions, I was sure of it. Problem was, I had no idea where to even begin. So I started with a simple greeting.

"Hi."

DiMa smiled softly and lowered his head slightly as he began to speak again.

"When I first made my way up the mountain, I thought, now here is a metaphor worth taking in. This is a place of clarity, understanding, peace. While you are here in Acadia, synthkind welcomes you as long as you welcome us."

"Oh, uh. Thanks. I feel very welcome."

I smiled sheepishly as I did my best to not cut off his obviously prepared and practiced speech.

"You must be here looking for something. Or someone?"

DiMa watched me closely as I nodded.

"Yes, Deacon told me I could find the answers to some questions I have by talking to you."

"Actually boss, there's someone else. Not just DiMa."

I looked at him.

"What? Who?"

"Before we get into that, I have a question for you."

I turned back to DiMa.

"Okay. What?"

"Are you a synth? Or a human?"

I blinked, startled by the question. I considered what to say for a moment before responding.

"I'm not sure. How can I tell?"

DiMa chuckled.

"If you're looking for a biological test, I'm afraid there isn't one. Not one that isn't fatal."

"Oh."

I furrowed my brow.

"However, there are signs. Interpret them as you wish."

"What signs?"

"Perhaps you have weird dreams, or gaps in your memory. What is the first thing you remember?"

I closed my eyes to concentrate.

"Before the bombs fell, I was getting ready for the ceremony, then I grabbed Shaun-"

DiMa cut me off.

"That was when you were an adult, correct? Anything from before that?"

I shook my head.

"No, that's the earliest I can remember. I was told the cryopod damaged my memory."

DiMa nodded thoughtfully.

"That is entirely possible. It is up to you to decide for yourself. Either way, you are welcome here."

I chewed on my lip as I considered what he said. I was always so sure that I was a human, but being a synth would explain so much. My memory loss, my strength, my involvement with the Institute. But it was a painful explanation. If I am a synth, then I took someone else's life. I made up my mind right there that I would do whatever it took to find out the truth for myself. I had to know what I really am. I was shaken from my thoughts by DiMa calling out across the room.

"Chase, can you come here a second?"

I blinked and watched a dark haired woman walk through the central room. She looked me over as she approached DiMa. He spoke to her in a low voice, too quiet for me to hear more than a few words.

"Chase, get ... -please."

Chase glanced back at me and gestured with her arm.

"She's right there!"

DiMa shook his head.

"Go to the hydroponics lab."

"Fine. I'll be right back."

Chase left the room, closing the door behind her. DiMa gave me a smile as he spoke.

"Chase will be right back. I have a feeling you'll have a lot of questions for one of our residents, so I sent Chase to have them join us. Please, have a seat while you wait."

He gestured to a couch and a few chairs that were huddled in the corner of the room. I smiled a bit at them. They reminded me of the furnishings I had back in Sanctuary.

"Thank you."

Deacon and I walked over. I sat on the couch and he draped himself over a chair in front of me.

"So, boss. Ready to have your questions answered?"

I nodded, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees.

"I have been for a long time. But I have a question for you. Why all the secrecy? Even for you, it's been a bit overkill."

Deacon adjusted his sunglasses.

"It'd be better to hold off until Chase comes back."

I frowned. He knew more than he was letting on. There must have been a good reason for it, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating for me to be so out of the loop.

"Fine."

I pulled up my Pip-Boy to check the time and a few other things. When I looked back up, the door opened and Chase walked through. I stood up o fast that I nearly blacked out. I steadied myself before walking over to Chase and DiMa.

"Well?"

Chase nodded to DiMa as if they had a secret code. Which they probably do. DiMa looked to me.

"Are you ready?"

I nodded, annoyed by how many time people ask me that.

"Yeah. Let's get this show going."

DiMa chuckled.

"Well said."

Chase opened the door. I craned my neck to get a good look at who came in. I glanced over to Deacon to see if this was really happening. He nodded to me reassuringly. I blinked and my mouth gaped as I tried to think of what to say. I wanted to walk over, but I found myself frozen in place. I found myself face to face with someone that I recognized all too well.

"I'm sure you must have a lot of questions for me. I'll do my best to answer them all."

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