Fabula
S3E13 · The Traitors

Chen’s Dalek Gambit Revealed

Mavic Chen’s office becomes the nerve center of his genocidal ambition as he openly admits his alliance with the Daleks to Karlton, revealing his plan to replace Trantis as the Daleks’ second-in-command. The theft of the taranium—critical to his power—has forced him into a desperate gambit: he orders Karlton to activate Emergency Plan B, a preemptive strike against the Doctor’s group after their crash-landing at the experimental station. Chen’s ruthless pragmatism is on full display as he dismisses Trantis as a liability and praises Sara Kingdom’s efficiency, signaling the full deployment of his Special Forces to hunt down Bret Vyon and recover the taranium. The scene marks the point of no return: Chen’s betrayal is now public within his inner circle, and the Daleks’ conquest of the Solar System is accelerating. The Doctor’s companions are now fugitives in a system where Chen’s authority is absolute, and the Daleks’ patience is nonexistent.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Mavic Chen reveals his ambition to rule the universe alongside the Daleks, prioritizing his position over Trantis within the Galactic Council.

ambition to determination

Chen confirms that his Special Force is dealing with Bret Vyon and learns that Sara Kingdom is in command.

concern to reassurance

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6

Professionally composed but slightly tense; he is fully committed to executing Chen’s orders, though the urgency of the situation is palpable.

Karlton reports on the status of the Special Force dealing with Bret Vyon, confirms Sara Kingdom’s command, and relays the crash-landing of the Doctor’s group at the experimental station. He listens to communications and conveys Chen’s orders to activate Emergency Plan B. His professional demeanor masks a slight tension as he executes Chen’s directives, signaling the escalation of the hunt for the taranium and the Doctor’s group.

Goals in this moment
  • Ensure the activation of Emergency Plan B to capture the Doctor’s group.
  • Coordinate the Special Forces to recover the taranium and eliminate Bret Vyon.
Active beliefs
  • Chen’s authority must be upheld at all costs.
  • The theft of the taranium is a direct threat to the Solar System’s security.
Character traits
Obedient Professional Slightly tense Efficient
Follow Bret Vyon's journey

Unseen but exerting oppressive control; their disapproval of Trantis and demand for results drive Chen’s actions.

The Daleks are the unseen but ultimate authority in the scene, driving Chen’s desperation and the activation of Emergency Plan B. Their disapproval of Trantis and their demand for the taranium are the catalysts for Chen’s ruthless actions. The Daleks’ influence is felt through Chen’s dialogue and the urgency of the situation, making their presence a looming threat.

Goals in this moment
  • Conquer the Solar System and expand their dominion.
  • Eliminate any obstacles, including Trantis, to achieve their goals.
Active beliefs
  • Chen is a useful but expendable ally who must prove his loyalty.
  • The taranium is essential to their plans for universal conquest.
Character traits
Authoritative Genocidal Unforgiving
Follow Dalek (Generic …'s journey

Unseen but likely coldly focused; her efficiency and loyalty to Chen make her a formidable adversary to the Doctor’s group.

Sara Kingdom is praised by Mavic Chen for her ruthlessness and efficiency. She is in command of the Special Forces dealing with Bret Vyon and is tasked with executing Emergency Plan B to capture the Doctor’s group. Though not physically present, her role as Chen’s enforcer is central to the activation of the plan, signaling the full deployment of his forces.

Goals in this moment
  • Capture Bret Vyon and recover the taranium.
  • Execute Chen’s orders without hesitation.
Active beliefs
  • Chen’s directives must be followed without question.
  • Mercy is a weakness in the face of traitors.
Character traits
Ruthless Efficient Loyal to Chen Unsmiling
Follow Karlton's journey
Mavic Chen
primary

Desperate and ambitious, masking his anxiety with a facade of control and ruthlessness. His emotional state is a volatile mix of frustration, determination, and paranoia.

Mavic Chen stands before the universe map in his office, his plans for universal domination now at risk due to the theft of the taranium. He openly admits his Dalek alliance to Karlton, revealing his plan to replace Trantis as the Daleks’ second-in-command. His desperation is palpable as he orders Karlton to activate Emergency Plan B, deploying Sara Kingdom and the Special Forces to hunt down the Doctor’s group and recover the taranium. Chen’s ruthless pragmatism is on full display as he dismisses Trantis as a liability and praises Kingdom’s efficiency.

Goals in this moment
  • Secure his position as the Daleks’ second-in-command by eliminating Trantis.
  • Recover the taranium and eliminate the Doctor’s group to prevent his plans from unraveling.
Active beliefs
  • The taranium is the key to his power and the Daleks’ conquest of the Solar System.
  • Trantis is a liability who must be removed to solidify his own position.
Character traits
Desperate Ambitious Ruthless Pragmatic Manipulative
Follow Mavic Chen's journey
Supporting 2

Unseen but under existential threat; likely determined to outmaneuver Chen’s forces.

The Doctor is mentioned as part of the group that crash-landed at the experimental station, now a direct target of Chen’s Emergency Plan B. His presence is implied through the context of the pursuit, though he is not physically present in this scene. The Doctor’s group’s survival and ability to evade capture are now critical to thwarting Chen’s and the Daleks’ plans.

Goals in this moment
  • Survive the crash-landing and evade capture by Chen’s forces.
  • Recover the taranium and disrupt Chen’s alliance with the Daleks.
Active beliefs
  • Chen’s betrayal must be exposed to prevent the Daleks from conquering the Solar System.
  • The taranium is the key to stopping Chen’s genocidal ambitions.
Character traits
Resourceful Elusive Threat to Chen’s authority
Follow The First …'s journey

Unseen but under threat; likely unaware of Chen’s betrayal but sensing the shifting power dynamics within the Dalek hierarchy.

Trantis is mentioned as a potential liability by Mavic Chen, who plans to have him removed by the Daleks to secure his own position as their second-in-command. Though not physically present, Trantis’s fate is a critical subplot in Chen’s machinations, highlighting the fragility of alliances within the Dalek coalition.

Goals in this moment
  • Maintain his position as the representative of the largest outer galaxy in the Dalek coalition.
  • Secure greater influence within the Dalek hierarchy.
Active beliefs
  • Chen is a rival who must be outmaneuvered to maintain his standing.
  • The Daleks’ favor is fickle and must be constantly earned.
Character traits
Ambitious Vulnerable A rival to Chen
Follow Trantis's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Karlton's Communications Receiver

The communications receiver on Chen’s desk is a critical tool in this event, serving as the conduit for real-time updates on the Doctor’s group’s crash-landing at the experimental station. Karlton picks it up and listens intently, relaying the urgent news to Chen. This device shatters Chen’s original plan, forcing him to activate Emergency Plan B and escalate the hunt for the taranium. Its crackling transmission symbolizes the fragility of Chen’s control and the accelerating stakes of the pursuit.

Before: Resting on Chen’s desk, ready for use but …
After: Still on the desk but now a catalyst …
Before: Resting on Chen’s desk, ready for use but inactive until Karlton picks it up.
After: Still on the desk but now a catalyst for the activation of Emergency Plan B, its transmission having triggered a ruthless escalation in Chen’s actions.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Mavic Chen's Office

Chen’s office serves as the nerve center of his genocidal ambition in this event, its walls dominated by a glowing universe map that symbolizes his aspirations for power. The confined space amplifies the tension as Chen and Karlton discuss the theft of the taranium, the activation of Emergency Plan B, and the fate of Trantis. The office’s atmosphere is one of paranoia and desperation, with Chen’s unraveling plans laid bare. The location functions as a command center where Chen’s ruthless pragmatism is on full display, and his orders are relayed to the Special Forces.

Atmosphere Tension-filled with whispered conversations and the weight of Chen’s desperation. The glowing universe map casts …
Function Command center for Chen’s genocidal ambitions and the activation of Emergency Plan B.
Symbolism Represents Chen’s delusions of grandeur and the institutional power he wields, now under threat due …
Access Restricted to Chen and his most trusted lieutenants, such as Karlton.
Glowing universe map dominating the wall, casting an eerie light. Communications receiver on the desk, crackling with urgent updates. Chen standing contemplatively, his back to the map, while Karlton listens intently.

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

3
Collective Dalek Race

The Daleks are the ultimate authority in this event, their influence looming over Chen’s actions and driving the activation of Emergency Plan B. Though not physically present, their disapproval of Trantis and their demand for the taranium are the catalysts for Chen’s ruthless pursuit of the Doctor’s group. The Daleks’ genocidal ambitions and zero-tolerance hierarchy position them as an existential threat, with Chen acting as their expendable but ambitious ally.

Representation Through Chen’s dialogue and the urgency of the situation, as well as the implied threat …
Power Dynamics Exercising authority over Chen and the Solar System, with Chen acting as a subordinate seeking …
Impact The Daleks’ influence is the driving force behind Chen’s desperation and the escalation of the …
Internal Dynamics Hierarchical and unforgiving, with no tolerance for weakness or failure among allies like Chen.
Conquer the Solar System and expand their dominion. Eliminate any obstacles, including Trantis, to achieve their goals. Threat of disapproval and punishment for failure (e.g., removing Trantis). Demand for the taranium as a critical resource for their conquest.
Space Security Service

The Special Security Service is represented through Karlton’s coordination and the activation of Emergency Plan B. As Chen’s elite enforcers, they are tasked with hunting down Bret Vyon, recovering the taranium, and capturing the Doctor’s group. The organization’s efficiency and loyalty to Chen are highlighted, with Sara Kingdom leading the operation. Their deployment marks the escalation of Chen’s ruthless pursuit, signaling the full mobilization of his forces to secure the taranium and eliminate threats to his alliance with the Daleks.

Representation Via Karlton’s coordination and the activation of Emergency Plan B, with Sara Kingdom leading the …
Power Dynamics Exercising authority over individuals (Bret Vyon, the Doctor’s group) and operating under Chen’s direct command …
Impact The activation of Emergency Plan B reflects the organization’s role as Chen’s ruthless tool, enforcing …
Internal Dynamics Loyalty to Chen is absolute, with no internal dissent or hesitation in executing his orders.
Capture Bret Vyon and recover the stolen taranium. Execute Emergency Plan B to eliminate the Doctor’s group and secure Chen’s position. Deployment of elite forces (Special Security Service) under Sara Kingdom’s command. Use of institutional protocols and contingency plans (Emergency Plan B).
Guardianship of the Solar System (Mavic Chen's Faction)

The Guardianship of the Solar System is represented through Mavic Chen’s role as its Guardian and his desperate efforts to maintain control. The organization’s authority is undermined by the theft of the taranium and the Doctor’s group’s evasion, forcing Chen to activate Emergency Plan B. The Guardianship’s stability is at risk, as Chen’s alliance with the Daleks is now publicly acknowledged within his inner circle, accelerating the Solar System’s descent into chaos and conquest.

Representation Through Chen’s actions as Guardian, his orders to Karlton, and the activation of Emergency Plan …
Power Dynamics Being challenged by external forces (the Doctor’s group, the Daleks’ impatience) and operating under the …
Impact The Guardianship’s legitimacy is at stake, as Chen’s betrayal and the activation of Emergency Plan …
Internal Dynamics Chen’s paranoia and ruthlessness are testing the organization’s loyalty, with no room for dissent or …
Recover the taranium to prevent the Daleks from conquering the Solar System. Eliminate the Doctor’s group and Bret Vyon to restore Chen’s authority. Deployment of the Special Security Service to hunt down fugitives. Use of institutional protocols (Emergency Plan B) to regain control.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 2

"Chen giving the order to kill Vyon (beat_c0719ecd357d0346) sets in motion a chain of events that culminates in Karlton reporting that Sara Kingdom is in command of the Special Force dealing with Vyon (beat_18f27996312168ab)."

Chen orders lethal pursuit of Vyon and Gantry
S3E13 · The Traitors

"Chen giving the order to kill Vyon (beat_c0719ecd357d0346) sets in motion a chain of events that culminates in Karlton reporting that Sara Kingdom is in command of the Special Force dealing with Vyon (beat_18f27996312168ab)."

Chen warns Karlton about overzealous agents
S3E13 · The Traitors
What this causes 3

"Chen learning that Sara Kingdom is in charge of dealing with Bret Vyon (beat_18f27996312168ab) leads immediately to him quizzing her about the fugitives and confirming her intent to capture them (beat_86f877e39f34f964)."

Kingdom Reports Fugitives Trapped
S3E13 · The Traitors

"Chen learning that Sara Kingdom is in charge of dealing with Bret Vyon (beat_18f27996312168ab) leads immediately to him quizzing her about the fugitives and confirming her intent to capture them (beat_86f877e39f34f964)."

Chen delays Sara’s pursuit with hidden motives
S3E13 · The Traitors

"Karlton initiating 'emergency plan B' after learning of the crash landing (beat_34ec3675a12024f0) creates the hostile environment in which Bret, the Doctor, and Steven find themselves when they arrive at Daxtar's office (beat_71b818fe72b81cb0)."

Trapped in Daxtar’s Office
S3E13 · The Traitors

Key Dialogue

"CHEN: Only because of the taranium am I on the council."
"CHEN: I want that position, right beside the Daleks. I'll govern the Universe!"
"CHEN: Trantis? Trantis! They don't like him. Agreed that his is the largest galaxy, but he's already demanding too much say in what goes on. They'll want him out of the way now, and I have a plan which may help them to achieve just that. Then it'll be me, Mavic Chen, who'll be next in line."
"CHEN: Kingdom? Ruthless, hard, efficient. And does exactly as ordered."
"KARLTON: Carry out emergency plan B. The traitors have arrived."