S9-23, also known as Shaun and as synth child is a prototype synth created by the real Shaun, and lives in the Institute (location) until the Sole Survivor arrives during the mission The Nuclear Option, and sends him to the Commonwealth or leaves him to die. Shaun was created at the behest of Father, the director of the Institute, and is a Gen 3 synth based on the real Shaun's DNA. Madison Li expressed discomfort and irritation according to her personal holotapes as Advanced Systems has been tasked with the creation of Shaun. She was unable to understand the scientific need for the creation of a child synth, something that Father did not bother to divulge. In actual fact, Shaun was created not for any research or scientific advancement, but simply on the whim of Father.