In Fallout 4, “Human Error” is a side quest that begins when the player arrives at a settlement called Covenant for the first time. Upon entering the settlement, the player is asked to help find a missing caravan that disappeared nearby. The player is then tasked with investigating the nearby compound to uncover the truth behind the missing caravan.
The pivotal decision point in the quest occurs when the player discovers that the people of Covenant, led by Dr. Roslyn Chambers, are kidnapping and torturing individuals suspected of being synths. The player is then faced with a challenging choice: whether to side with the people of Covenant or to help the kidnapped caravan member, Amelia Stockton.
- Side with Covenant: The player can choose to side with Dr. Chambers and the people of Covenant by agreeing with their methods and helping them continue their anti-synth operations. This decision results in the execution of Amelia Stockton and the continuation of the torture of suspected synths. The player will gain access to Covenant as a settlement and will be rewarded with a unique weapon called “Justice,” a powerful shotgun. However, this choice is morally questionable, as it involves supporting the torture and execution of potentially innocent people.
- Help Amelia Stockton: The player can choose to help Amelia Stockton by refusing to support Dr. Chambers and Covenant’s actions. This decision leads to a confrontation with the people of Covenant, during which the player must fight and eliminate them. After rescuing Amelia, the player will be rewarded with a “Compound Key” and can loot the compound for various items. This choice is considered the more compassionate option, as it involves saving a kidnapped person and putting an end to the torture of suspected synths. However, the player will lose access to Covenant as a settlement and any resources it could provide.
Both choices in the “Human Error” quest have their own outcomes and rewards. The primary impact on the player’s experiences later in the game is the potential loss of Covenant as a settlement and the unique weapon “Justice” if they choose to help Amelia Stockton. The quest serves as an opportunity for players to explore their moral compass and make a decision that aligns with their preferred playstyle.