How To Fix a Zero Sanity Doctor

[Redacted] - Slaying the Slayer

Sanity count: 12

"Is that high?" Hellastic asked. When given a random number, the context behind it was important if he wanted to determine the true magnitude of the number. If it was a percentage, then that number would be low. But if it was a fraction, perhaps one out of 12, then it would be remarkably high.

"That's..." Dobermann started, staring at the number in shocked silence.

"Surprisingly low," Ace finished for her. He scratched his chin contemplatively. "Especially considering you've just replenished not long ago."

"A side effect of my amnesia, maybe?" Hellastic stipulated. The constant feeling of his memories being there, but just out of reach, was frustrating him to no end. It was like he was grasping at thin air, trying to remember anything from the past.

"Maybe. But don't think too much about it, Dokutah. We can worry about it once we get back to Rhodes Island. Let's focus on rendezvousing with the others first."

"Sure thing."

Amiya didn't mention the dirty thoughts that formed in a deep, dark corner of her mind, one that sparked an odd feeling inside her. If Dokutah loses sanity at a higher rate than normal, he needs to replenish more, which means...

She shook her head, trying her best to dispel these dark thoughts.

Their discussion was interrupted by a knock on the door. "It's Ikeshon and Swift."

"Enter."

"Our surveillance drones and Recon teams have come back with a report," Ikeshon said upon entering the room. "Good news is we've determined possible routes we can take to the agreed upon Rendezvous point. Bad news is there's an approaching catastrophe."

"Mix that in with the mass riots led by Reunion happening outside in the streets of Chernobog and we've got a dangerous situation on our hands," Swift chimed in. "From what we've seen, the local police force has been more than ineffective at keeping the rioters in check. Worse still, we've sighted a Reunion multiple commander among the mix as well as other, dangerous, high priority targets."

Hellastic took the report from Swift. "Good work you two. Now get some rest. We move in 10."

--

"Doctor, surveillance drones spotted a medium sized squad of Reunion soldiers three clicks ahead," Komyun reported.

"Any way we can avoid them?" Hellastic asked.

"The route we're taking should avoid them," Komyun answered. Noticing the questioning gaze the Doctor directed at her, she quickly added, "There are Ursus citizens among them as well. Likely hostages."

Amiya's eyes widened at the statement. "Dokutah! We have to save them!"

"Hold on a second, Amiya!" Dobermann said, grabbing onto the distressed girl's shoulder. "We can't go making hasty decisions without a plan."

"But they'll die!"

"Amiya, listen. Taking in refugees and fighting avoidable battles will only lead to more casualties. As the Leader of Rhodes Island, you have to think about the operators under you and what to prioritize. With our main objective secured and an incoming catastrophe, our current and only goal should be to leave Chernobog as soon as possible," Dobermann scolded. Then, with a softer tone of voice, she added, "As much as we like to, we can't save everyone."

"Dobermann..."

"No."

"Dokutah?"

"We can still save them."