The Doctor's voice was somewhat cold as he sternly corrected Leman Russ's arrogance. "They are not patients groveling before Rhodes Island, nor will Rhodes Island use medicine to dictate their futures. The Infected, ordinary people, and Rhodes Island share an equal and mutually beneficial relationship. We are committed to building a peaceful world."
Ah... neither servile nor overbearing. His words carried both human warmth and official formality.
Leman Russ could not help but regard the Doctor more highly. At the very least, this hooded man was qualified to work in the Administratum. As for what position he could hold, that required further observation.
Knowing his part was over, Leman Russ folded his arms and said nothing.
Magnus also stepped forward at just the right moment and said to the Doctor, "What a noble ideal. I have always held great admiration for those with ideals. There are too few of them, and they are all too prone to burning themselves away completely, turning to ash before their ideals can be realized."
"The Doctor won't turn to ash!" Rosmontis called softly from behind him, clutching the Doctor's trench coat in her little hand.
Magnus showed the adorable girl ample patience and tolerance, merely smiling in agreement with Rosmontis.
"Then... what do you need?" the Doctor continued. Magnus, meanwhile, rubbed his hands together like an impatient fly as he answered.
"We have heard of some of Rhodes Island's deeds, so we are quite curious about you. If possible, we could..."
"Join Rhodes Island?" The Doctor looked at the two of them rather oddly.
Magnus nodded, looking very sincere.
Leman Russ remained expressionless, showing no opinion whatsoever about joining Rhodes Island.
After thinking for a moment and recalling the other absurd things he had encountered in the past, the Doctor finally nodded at them.