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Doctor Clayton Holdren[1] (username Holdren.C)[2] is a member of the Institute. He is the director of Institute BioScience in 2287.

Background[]

The head of BioScience, Director Holdren oversees the Institute's research on agriculture, botany, genetics, and medicine, as well as its hydroponic food production.[3] Holdren dedicates himself to furthering the Institute (and Father's) goals. However, he also believes that research does not always need to pursue a utilitarian goal,[4] which has led to his passion project: the Synth Zoological Initiative, a mission to develop synthetic versions of pre-War animals, which he justifies as a way of showing the endless potential of synth technology.[3] Still, the SZI is just that, a passion project, and he knows to put it aside when more important matters are at stake... though he won't hesitate when opportunities for the project and his division arise,[5] and he is currently planning the justification for an aquatic phase of the project.[6]

Personality-wise, Holdren is courteous to all. He takes a teacherly attitude towards his subordinates and always presents himself as polite, if not apologetic, when delivering unfavorable news. He is very self-assured and has great confidence in his division and their research.[7] However, these traits also show him to be somewhat ambitious, and his teacherly attitude can become patronizing, if not mocking. Furthermore, although he genuinely believes that his and the Institute's work will pave humanity's future, he purposefully ignores the suffering of those on the surface (such as the Warwick family), seeing the Commonwealth's people as the "last remnants of a dying past."[8]

Interactions with the player character[]

Interactions overview[]

Interactions
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This character starts quests.

Inventory[]

Notes[]

In the trash can of his bathroom is a copy of the Join the Railroad holotape. A copy of Astoundingly Awesome Tales can also be found on the balcony of his room.

Appearances[]

Clayton Holdren appears only in Fallout 4.

Bugs[]

PCPC Playstation 4Playstation 4 When talked to, Clayton may be seen holding an invisible clipboard.[verified]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. Clayton: "Welcome! So good to have you here. Doctor Clayton Holdren, head of the BioScience division. I can't wait for you to see the work we're doing. It's truly amazing."
    (Clayton Holdren's dialogue)
  2. The Institute terminal entries; BioScience terminal; View Access Logs
  3. 3.0 3.1 The Sole Survivor: "I look forward to learning more about it."
    Clayton: "In that case, let me give you a brief overview of what we do here. As the name implies, the BioScience division specializes in fields of study such as botany, genetics and medicine. Our most important directive is to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in the Institute. To that end, we cultivate highly specialized breeds of flora for use in food and medicine. We've even started to explore the idea of synthetic animal life. You probably saw the gorillas... they're really just a pet project at this point, but the potential is exciting nonetheless."
    (ClaytonHoldren.txt)
  4. The Sole Survivor: "Sounds like a waste of time to me. You should create something more useful."
    Clayton: "It's just my opinion, of course, but I don't believe that every discovery needs to be useful. Sometimes, we innovate for no other reason than to learn what's possible. I'm sure I've taken up enough of your time as it is, but I have to ask... have you decided whether you'll join us?"
    (Clayton Holdren's dialogue)
  5. Institute BioScience terminal entries; BioScience terminal, Synth Zoology - The Next Step
  6. Institute BioScience terminal entries; BioScience terminal, SZI Phase 2 Development
  7. Clayton: "Doctor Karlin's doing some amazing things with our genetically-engineered crops."
    (Clayton Holdren's dialogue)
  8. Isaac: "Have you had time to examine my latest reports on batch two-seven-four?"
    Clayton: "Not yet. I've been reviewing Father's plans to expand our operations at Warwick. He's eager to get that going, so I've had to put everything else to one side."
    Isaac: "I wonder how the Warwick family is doing. Young Wally must be close to ten years old by now. It's remarkable that any child can survive for so long up there."
    Clayton: "I... try not to think too much about it. We have more than enough to occupy ourselves here. Those people are the last remnants of a dying past. It's best not to dwell on the subject."
    Isaac: "They're still people, and they're suffering. We can at least admit that it's regrettable. After all, how can we hope to redefine mankind if we can't even hold on to our own humanity?"
    Clayton: "Well, that's a question best left to our colleagues in the Robotics division."
    Isaac: "Yes, well... I suppose you're right."
    (Isaac Karlin's and Clayton Holdren's dialogue)
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