Fabula
S12E15 · Genesis of the Daleks Part 5

Davros’ Calculated Surrender: The Gambit of Submission

In the dimly lit laboratory, the air thick with the distant echoes of rebel gunfire, Davros—mastermind of the Dalek project—deliberately orchestrates a shocking reversal. As Nyder, his loyal subordinate, pleads for a counterattack to repel the Kaled rebels, Davros instead orders a full surrender, instructing Nyder to disarm and submit to the rebel leaders. His command is met with disbelief, but Davros remains unshaken, his cryptic insistence on obedience hinting at a deeper, unseen strategy. The exchange reveals Davros’s ruthless pragmatism: he is not defeated, but rather playing a long game, using the rebels’ momentary triumph as a pawn in his grander design. This calculated surrender is not an act of weakness but a tactical maneuver, setting the stage for a devastating counterstrike that will exploit the rebels’ overconfidence and the Doctor’s moral dilemma. The scene underscores Davros’s mastery of manipulation, where even submission is a weapon, and the Doctor’s impending confrontation with genocide is now inextricably tied to this moment of feigned capitulation.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Nyder urgently informs Davros that the Kaled rebels are taking over and requests permission to deploy his elite guards. Davros, seemingly unfazed, listens to Nyder's report about the rebels taking over.

urgent to calm ['darkness']

Davros shocks Nyder by ordering him to surrender to the rebel leaders, hand over weapons, and instruct the Elite guards to do the same. He claims this is to avoid bloodshed and to allow him to listen to the rebels' demands, raising Nyder's suspicions.

urgent to disbelief

Nyder questions Davros's order to surrender, but Davros insists on obedience, hinting at a hidden motive. He assures Nyder that the rebels will soon understand his true intentions, solidifying the sense that Davros has a secret plan.

disbelief to ominous

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

4

Shocked and confused, oscillating between urgency and resignation; his emotional state is one of disorientation, as he grapples with the unexpected order and its implications for their cause.

Nyder enters the laboratory in a state of urgency, his voice tense and his posture rigid with concern. He pleads with Davros to act against the advancing Kaled rebels, proposing a counterattack using his hidden forces in Section Nine. When Davros orders a surrender instead, Nyder is visibly stunned, his disbelief evident in his repeated questions and protests. Despite his confusion, Nyder ultimately accepts Davros’s command, though his hesitation and skepticism linger, reflecting his struggle to reconcile the order with his understanding of Davros’s usual ruthlessness.

Goals in this moment
  • To convince Davros to take immediate action against the rebels, using the hidden forces in Section Nine to regain control of the laboratory.
  • To understand Davros’s true intentions behind the surrender order, as he struggles to reconcile it with his loyalty to Davros’s vision.
Active beliefs
  • That the rebels pose an immediate and existential threat to Davros’s work and must be stopped by force.
  • That Davros’s orders, no matter how unexpected, must ultimately be obeyed, as his strategic genius has never failed them before.
Character traits
Urgency-driven Loyal but skeptical Conflict-averse in the face of authority Quick to act but slow to question Emotionally reactive
Follow Nyder's journey

Feigned calm masking deep strategic confidence; his emotional state is one of controlled anticipation, knowing his plan is unfolding precisely as intended.

Davros sits in the dimly lit laboratory, his back to the door, listening intently to the distant echoes of automatic weapons fire. His fingers tap rhythmically on the console, a calculated and deliberate motion that underscores his control. When Nyder enters, Davros responds with measured calm, issuing an order that shocks Nyder: surrender to the Kaled rebels. Davros’s voice is firm, his posture rigid, and his tone leaves no room for negotiation. He insists on obedience, framing the surrender as a strategic move to avoid bloodshed, though his cryptic phrasing suggests a hidden agenda.

Goals in this moment
  • To deceive the Kaled rebels into believing they have won, thereby lowering their guard for a future counterstrike.
  • To maintain control over Nyder and the Elite Guards by reinforcing his absolute authority, ensuring their compliance with his hidden strategy.
Active beliefs
  • That the rebels’ momentary triumph will be their undoing, as their overconfidence will make them vulnerable to his countermeasures.
  • That absolute obedience from his subordinates is non-negotiable, and any hesitation will be met with swift and severe consequences.
Character traits
Calculating Authoritative Manipulative Strategic Unshaken under pressure
Follow Davros's journey
Supporting 2
Kaled Rebels
secondary

Triumphant and overconfident, believing their victory is imminent and that Davros has been forced into submission.

The Kaled rebels are not physically present in the laboratory during this event but are implied through the distant sound of automatic weapons fire and Nyder’s urgent reports. Their actions—advancing on the laboratory and seizing control—drive the tension of the scene. Davros’s order to surrender is directed at their leaders, who are positioned as the recipients of this unexpected capitulation. Their presence is felt through the urgency of Nyder’s pleas and the strategic implications of Davros’s feigned submission.

Goals in this moment
  • To seize control of the laboratory and Davros’s research, thereby dismantling his work and ending his tyranny over the Kaled people.
  • To establish a new order on Skaro, free from Davros’s oppressive rule and the threat of the Daleks.
Active beliefs
  • That their armed uprising is justified and necessary to overthrow Davros and his regime.
  • That Davros’s surrender is a genuine concession to their strength and a sign of his defeat.
Character traits
Determined Militant Opportunistic Unaware of Davros’s true intentions
Follow Kaled Rebels's journey

Prepared and ready to act, though their emotional state is not explicitly shown; they are likely confused by the order to surrender but trust Davros’s judgment implicitly.

The Elite Guards are mentioned but not physically present in the laboratory during this event. Davros orders Nyder to instruct them to disarm and surrender to the Kaled rebels, framing this as a temporary measure to avoid bloodshed. Their role in this event is passive but critical, as their compliance with Davros’s order is essential to the execution of his hidden strategy. Their absence from the scene underscores the precision of Davros’s plan, as he manipulates both the rebels and his own forces to achieve his ends.

Goals in this moment
  • To follow Davros’s orders without question, ensuring the smooth execution of his strategy.
  • To remain hidden and ready for the counterstrike that Davros has planned, exploiting the rebels’ momentary advantage.
Active beliefs
  • That Davros’s orders, even when unexpected, are always for the greater good of their cause.
  • That their disciplined obedience is the key to maintaining control and achieving victory over the rebels.
Character traits
Disciplined Loyal to Davros Obedient to orders Tactically positioned
Follow General Elite …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Davros' Laboratory Console

Davros’s laboratory console serves as a critical tool in this event, symbolizing his control over the situation and his ability to manipulate outcomes from the shadows. As Davros taps its keys rhythmically, the console’s faint glow illuminates his determined expression, reinforcing his authority and strategic mindset. The console is not just a control interface but a metaphor for Davros’s mastery over the Dalek project and his ability to orchestrate events from afar. Its presence underscores the high-stakes nature of the moment, as Davros uses it to issue orders that will shape the fate of Skaro and the Daleks.

Before: Functional and active, with its keys illuminated by …
After: Unchanged in function but now imbued with the …
Before: Functional and active, with its keys illuminated by a faint glow, reflecting Davros’s focused attention and the tension in the laboratory.
After: Unchanged in function but now imbued with the weight of Davros’s strategic command, as the console has facilitated the execution of his plan to deceive the rebels.
Elite Guards' Firearms (Davros' Laboratory)

The Elite Guards’ weapons—unspecified but implied to be automatic firearms—play a pivotal role in this event as symbols of power and submission. Davros orders Nyder to hand these weapons over to the Kaled rebels, framing the act as a concession to avoid bloodshed. The weapons represent the shifting balance of power in the laboratory, as their transfer from the Elite Guards to the rebels marks a temporary surrender of control. Their presence in the scene is a tangible reminder of the high stakes and the precarious nature of Davros’s strategy, as the weapons could easily be turned against him if his plan fails.

Before: Possessed by the Elite Guards, loaded and ready …
After: Transferred to the Kaled rebels, now in the …
Before: Possessed by the Elite Guards, loaded and ready for use in a counterattack, symbolizing their military readiness and loyalty to Davros.
After: Transferred to the Kaled rebels, now in the hands of their leaders as a sign of Davros’s feigned submission, though their ultimate fate remains tied to Davros’s hidden countermeasures.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Davros' Laboratory (Skaro’s Kaled Facility Main Bunker, Research and Command Hub)

Davros’s laboratory in Skaro’s Kaled facility serves as the epicenter of this high-stakes confrontation, its sterile and high-tech environment amplifying the tension between Davros’s calculated maneuvering and Nyder’s urgent pleas. The laboratory is not just a physical space but a battleground of ideologies, where the fate of the Dalek project and the Kaled people hangs in the balance. The distant echoes of automatic weapons fire penetrate the walls, a stark reminder of the rebellion unfolding outside and the urgency of Davros’s decision. The laboratory’s humming equipment and stark consoles create an atmosphere of controlled chaos, where every word and action carries weight.

Atmosphere Tense and charged with anticipation, the laboratory is a pressure cooker of strategic maneuvering and …
Function Command center and battleground, where Davros orchestrates his deception and Nyder grapples with the implications …
Symbolism Represents the intersection of scientific ambition and moral corruption, where Davros’s pursuit of the Daleks …
Access Restricted to Davros, Nyder, and the Elite Guards, though the Kaled rebels are rapidly closing …
Dim lighting, casting long shadows and emphasizing the tension in the room. Distant echoes of automatic weapons fire, a constant reminder of the rebellion outside. The faint glow of the laboratory console, illuminating Davros’s determined expression. The hum of equipment, creating a backdrop of controlled chaos and urgency.
Section Nine

Section Nine is mentioned as a hidden defensive position within the laboratory complex, where Nyder has stationed a dozen crack Elite Guards. Though not physically depicted in this event, Section Nine looms as a critical tactical element in Davros’s strategy. Its existence underscores the layered nature of Davros’s plan, as he positions his forces for a potential counterstrike while feigning surrender. Section Nine symbolizes the unseen preparations and contingencies that Davros has in place, ensuring that his deception will ultimately lead to his victory over the rebels.

Atmosphere Tense and ready for action, though not explicitly shown; the atmosphere in Section Nine is …
Function Concealed defensive position, where the Elite Guards are hidden and ready to execute Davros’s counterstrike …
Symbolism Represents the hidden layers of Davros’s strategy, where his true intentions are obscured even from …
Access Restricted to the Elite Guards and Davros’s most trusted subordinates, with access tightly controlled to …
Dimly lit and concealed, ensuring the guards remain hidden from the rebels. Equipped with weapons and communication devices, allowing for rapid deployment when the time comes. Positioned strategically within the laboratory complex, providing a tactical advantage for a counterattack.

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

2
Kaled Rebellion (Rebel Faction)

The Kaled Rebellion is the driving force behind the tension in this event, as their armed uprising threatens to overthrow Davros’s regime and seize control of the laboratory. Though not physically present, their actions—represented by the distant gunfire and Nyder’s urgent reports—shape the dynamics of the scene. Davros’s order to surrender is a direct response to their advance, and his feigned capitulation is designed to exploit their overconfidence. The rebellion’s presence looms large, as their victory or defeat will determine the fate of Skaro and the Dalek project.

Representation Via the distant sound of gunfire and Nyder’s reports, which convey their rapid advance and …
Power Dynamics Exercising pressure on Davros and the Elite Guards, forcing them into a defensive position and …
Impact Their actions threaten to dismantle the institutional power structures that Davros has built, potentially leading …
Internal Dynamics United in their opposition to Davros but potentially divided on the methods and long-term goals …
To seize control of the laboratory and Davros’s research, thereby dismantling his work and ending his tyranny over the Kaled people. To establish a new democratic order on Skaro, free from Davros’s oppressive rule and the threat of the Daleks. Military pressure, through their armed uprising and rapid advance on the laboratory. Moral and ideological appeal, as they position themselves as the liberators of the Kaled people from Davros’s regime.
Elite Guards

The Elite Guards, as Davros’s loyalist faction, play a crucial role in this event as the enforcers of his will. Though not physically present in the laboratory during this exchange, their obedience to Davros’s order to disarm and surrender is essential to the execution of his strategy. Their disciplined compliance underscores the absolute authority that Davros wields over his forces, even in the face of an apparent defeat. The Elite Guards’ hidden presence in Section Nine also serves as a tactical reserve, ready to strike when Davros gives the signal.

Representation Through Nyder’s relay of Davros’s orders, which command their immediate disarmament and surrender to the …
Power Dynamics Operating under Davros’s absolute authority, with their actions dictated by his strategic commands. Their power …
Impact Their actions reinforce Davros’s institutional control over the Kaled military and scientific complex, ensuring that …
Internal Dynamics United in their loyalty to Davros but potentially questioning the wisdom of his orders in …
To maintain absolute loyalty to Davros, ensuring the smooth execution of his deception and counterstrike. To remain hidden and ready for the counterstrike, exploiting the rebels’ momentary advantage to regain control of the laboratory. Military discipline and unquestioning obedience to Davros’s commands, ensuring his orders are carried out without hesitation. Tactical positioning in Section Nine, allowing for a rapid and coordinated counterattack when the time is right.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 1
Thematic Parallel medium

"As Gharman dismisses the Doctor's warnings about Davros (beat_4b723a82ef3295f2), Davros remains unfazed regarding the rebellion (beat_6616521ad6ffad44), highlighting a parallel where both sides underestimate their opponent."

The Doctor’s Warning Ignored: Hubris Before the Storm
S12E15 · Genesis of the Daleks Part …
What this causes 2
Causal

"Davros's feigned surrender plan leads to the confrontation between the Kaled rebels and Davros (beat_27e3ae537695bb90)."

The Elite’s Ultimatum: Davros’ Defiance and the Fracture of Kaled Unity
S12E15 · Genesis of the Daleks Part …
Causal

"Davros's feigned surrender plan leads to the confrontation between the Kaled rebels and Davros (beat_27e3ae537695bb90)."

Davros's Theatrical Hesitation: The Ultimatum and the Console's Secret
S12E15 · Genesis of the Daleks Part …

Part of Larger Arcs

Key Dialogue

"NYDER: Davros, they're taking over. We must act quickly. In another hour they could be totally in control. Do you hear me, Davros? I have a dozen crack men hiding in section nine. Let me order them into action. Davros!"
"DAVROS: I hear you."
"NYDER: Then what are we going to do?"
"DAVROS: I want you to find their leaders and hand over your weapons to them."
"NYDER: Surrender?"
"DAVROS: Order all members of the Elite guards still at liberty to do the same."
"NYDER: Do you know what you're saying?"
"DAVROS: I know precisely what I am saying. Now, I will command and you will obey. You will do as I order! You will inform the rebel leaders that I have given these orders to avoid bloodshed. Tell them I submit, and will listen to their demands. That is all."
"NYDER: Then we are admitting that we're beaten."
"DAVROS: That is what they will believe."
"NYDER: You mean that..."
"DAVROS: You and they will find out exactly what I mean all in good time. Now carry out my orders."