Michael
Overview
Michael is a scientist and senior figure within The Underground. Known for his analytical mindset and interest in the biology of the Forsaken, he becomes closely associated with research efforts related to the Forsaken Virus.
Within the leadership structure of the Underground, Michael operates as a trusted advisor and right-hand man to Vince.
Background
Michael arrived in the Underground as a survivor during the early years following The Collapse. Witnesses described him as a hardened individual who appeared to have survived direct encounters with the Forsaken before reaching the settlement.
After his arrival, Michael rarely appeared among the general population. Rumors circulated within the settlement that Vince had taken a particular interest in him and kept him working on specialized projects.
Over time, Michael developed a reputation for being methodical and highly analytical. Unlike many residents of the Underground who feared the Forsaken, Michael viewed the infection as something that could be studied and potentially understood.
He believed that simply avoiding the Forsaken was not a permanent solution and that long-term survival would require humanity to gain leverage over the virus itself.
Role in the Underground
Within the leadership structure of The Underground, Michael served as one of Vince’s most dependable subordinates.
Where Vince focused on maintaining order and stability within the settlement, Michael concentrated on understanding the biological threat posed by the Forsaken. His work centered around researching the virus and analyzing how it affects infected organisms.
Although the official policy of the Underground emphasized containment and avoidance of the virus, Michael privately pursued deeper research into its properties, believing that mastery of the infection could secure the settlement’s future.
Story
Michael appears during the events of the JunkRats campaign as part of the leadership structure within The Underground. His actions and decisions influence several events that affect Adrian, Lucy, Gabriel, and Zariah as the story progresses.
Act I Spoilers
Michael secretly conducts unauthorized experiments involving the Forsaken Virus on captured subjects. During one of these experiments he infects Adrian, Lucy, Gabriel, and Zariah with a modified strain of the virus.
The experiment produces unexpected results when the infection stabilizes rather than causing full mutation.
After recording the results, Michael attempts to eliminate the subjects and secure the data.
Act II Spoilers
Michael later presents the results of his research to Vince. Vince accuses him of endangering The Underground by experimenting on citizens without authorization.
Vince executes Michael in his office shortly afterward.
Personality
Michael is portrayed as calm, precise, and intensely analytical. He rarely acts impulsively and prefers to evaluate situations based on measurable outcomes.
His fascination with the Forsaken stems from a belief that understanding the virus is the only path to securing humanity’s survival.
Relationships
Michael is closely connected to several major figures in the JunkRats narrative.
His actions during the campaign directly influence the events that lead to the formation of the JunkRats.