The operations room at Rhodes Island HQ was filled with an air of anticipation. Operators bustled around, exchanging information and coordinating missions. Amiya stood at the helm, her face set in a determined expression as she gave orders.
"Make sure the medical team is ready for the incoming operators from Chernobog," Amiya instructed. "And double-check our defenses. We can't afford any more surprises."
Kal'tsit, standing nearby, observed with a calm yet wary eye. She had always been the silent guardian of Rhodes Island, her wisdom and experience guiding the team through many crises.
Suddenly, the main door slid open, and the Doctor walked in. The room quieted, and all eyes turned to the masked figure. The Doctor had always been an enigmatic presence, their strategies and leadership instrumental in Rhodes Island's successes.
"Doctor," Amiya greeted, her tone formal but warm. "We're just finalizing the details for our next mission."
The Doctor nodded, their gaze intense behind the mask. "Good work, Amiya. But there's something we need to address."
Kal'tsit's eyes narrowed slightly. She sensed an unusual tension in the Doctor's voice. "What is it, Doctor?"
The Doctor stepped forward, their posture authoritative. "Rhodes Island has been fighting a losing battle. We are not achieving what we set out to do."
Operators exchanged puzzled looks. Amiya's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, Doctor? We've made significant progress against the Reunion and other threats."
"Progress?" the Doctor scoffed, their voice dripping with disdain. "We're merely playing defense, reacting to crises instead of shaping the future."
Amiya's eyes widened, filled with confusion and hurt. "Doctor...why are you saying this?"
"Because," the Doctor said, their tone growing colder, "I did it...for her."
The room fell into a stunned silence. The mention of Theresa, the former leader of Babel, hung heavily in the air. Amiya's voice trembled as she spoke. "For Theresa?"
The Doctor's eyes flashed with a fervent light. "I will continue her ideal by establishing the new Babel!"
Gasps echoed through the room. Ch'en, who had been listening from the sidelines, stepped forward with a growl. "Doctor...how could you betray us like this?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.
"Betray?" the Doctor echoed, a bitter smile forming beneath the mask. "I'm simply finishing what she started that Rhodes Island failed to follow."
Kal'tsit moved closer, her eyes piercing. "And you believe this new Babel will succeed where Rhodes Island hasn't? You would forsake everything we've built?"
"Yes," the Doctor replied without hesitation. "Because Rhodes Island has lost its way. We need a stronger, more decisive approach."
Amiya shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "But Doctor...Theresa believed in protecting the infected, in finding a cure."
"And that's exactly what I'll do," the Doctor insisted. "But through strength, not weakness. By controlling our enemies, not just reacting to them."
Ch'en's fists clenched. "You sound just like the enemies we've been fighting. You're becoming what you swore to destroy."
"Enough!" the Doctor snapped, their voice echoing through the room. "This is not a debate. I've made my decision."
Operators murmured in shock and disbelief. Amiya's eyes filled with tears. "Doctor...please reconsider. We need you here, with us."
The Doctor turned away, their voice softer but no less resolute. "I'm sorry, Amiya. But this is the only way."
As the Doctor walked out of the operations room, a heavy silence fell over Rhodes Island. The Operators were left grappling with the shattering realization that their leader, their guiding star, had chosen a path of betrayal.
Kal'tsit placed a comforting hand on Amiya's shoulder. "We will get through this, Amiya. We must stay strong for Rhodes Island."
Amiya nodded, her determination slowly returning. "You're right, Kal'tsit. We can't let this break us. We have to continue our mission, for the sake of all the infected who depend on us."