Red Head Redemption
The following takes place following: Family Stakes
At their campaign HQ in the west wing of the Royal Palace, Travers reclined on a comfortable sofa, flanked by Master Devlin and Kyle Konrad standing on either side. They were glued to the broadcast of WBC2's Newsnight:
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Kaplan: “Welcome to WBC Newsnight. Tonight, we discuss Harris Travers’ meteoric rise in the polls. Is this a dangerous step toward the erosion of democracy, or simply the will of the people? Joining us: Ian Boothe, former Home Secretary and now member of the Waldonian Freedom Party; Fiona Malone, representative of V.A.M.P. and former Reform Party minister; and Claudia Merrick, social commentator and author.”
The camera panned to the panel. Ian Boothe, broad and jovial, adjusted his tie. Fiona Malone leaned back in a black dress, smirking faintly. Claudia Merrick shifted uneasily, her eyes flicking nervously toward Malone while trying desperately not to show fear.
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Master Devlin: “Looks like Malone didn’t take your advice to get out of town.”
Travers leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. He said nothing, watching intently.
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Kaplan: “Mr. Boothe, let’s start with you. Harris Travers’ rise has been... polarising. Some say he’s dangerous—possibly even a threat to democracy. Your thoughts?”
Boothe chuckled warmly, his West Country accent lending charm to his measured response.
Mr Boothe: “Sarah, let’s not get carried away with hysterical nonsense. This is democracy—the people are speaking. Loudly.”
Kaplan: “But what about the snap election? The constitutional reforms by the Prime Minister and the Queen? Your government was formed just seven months ago, and Travers is already dismantling it.”
Mr Boothe: “Under the Waldonian Constitution, all of that was entirely legal. Yes, it was drastic—but necessary. Desperate times and all that... Vampires exploited weaknesses in the democratic system to weaponise it against the people. We’re simply correcting that vulnerability.”
Kaplan’s expression tightened. Turning to Malone, her tone softened.
Kaplan: “Ms. Malone, as a vampire, surely this rhetoric feels dangerous. What would you say to those who fear growing hostility toward your community?”
Malone tilted her head, her smirk broadening.
Fiona: “Actually, Sarah, I agree with Mr. Boothe.”
The atmosphere shifted. Kaplan froze, blindsided. Merrick gasped audibly.
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Travers leaned forward, his expression curious. Kyle glanced at him, baffled.
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Fiona: “When I got into politics, I wanted to fight corruption and government overreach. Yes, I made mistakes—but never out of malice. What I’ve seen lately, though... it’s beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Kaplan stammered, blindsided.
Kaplan: “Well, uh, perhaps we should clarify—”
Fiona: “No need. I’ll clarify.”
Malone slid a folder onto the table with a deliberate motion.
Fiona: “These are documents proving what’s really been going on: vampiric brainwashing, political prisoners drained at secret blood banks, and names of officials complicit in this corruption. Everything Travers has said, everything the Chronicle exposed—it’s all true.”
She flipped through photos and documents, the camera catching glimpses of shocking images.
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At the Malone residence, Tina raced into the living room holding her phone and changed the channel to WBC2 as her confused grandparents looked on. They were filled with shock and confusion at seeing their daughter on TV.
At V.A.M.P. HQ, Alaric paced furiously, cursing her as the other vampires cowered in silence.
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Fiona: “This isn’t just rhetoric. This is happening. People deserve the truth, and here it is.”
Kaplan’s composure fractured, panic creeping into her voice.
Kaplan: “I think we should—”
Fiona: “No, Sarah. You asked me what I think. So I’ll tell you.”
The camera zoomed slowly as Malone grew visibly emotional.
Fiona: “Yes, I am a vampire, but I didn’t choose this life. Viktor Alaric did this to me—”
Kaplan: “But surely you consented—”
Fiona: “No, I didn’t bloody well consent! I was taken, used, and turned against my will. And now I’m damned... Cursed with this... hunger. The bloodlust—it’s real. It’s so bad that I’ve been terrified to even see my daughter again because I don’t trust myself.”
Malone’s voice sharpened, anger and sorrow mingling.
Fiona: “But one thing I couldn’t stand as a human, and still can’t stand now, is seeing elites oppressing and exploiting regular, hardworking people. And that’s exactly what my kind—what vampires—have been doing these past months.”
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Travers leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face.
Travers: “See, Master Devlin? Didn’t I say she was my best girl?”
****
Malcolm McDowell (Narrator): And so, with Fiona Malone’s stunning change of heart, she redeemed herself in the eyes of the Waldonian people, helping Harris Travers secure a landslide victory, becoming the first elected President of Waldonia. He immediately set to work dismantling corruption with the help of his allies, particularly Detective Lockley, who served as Special Prosecutor with direct jurisdiction over vampire-related crimes, bypassing legal red tape. Many vampires were eliminated while resisting arrest, and although casualties were high on both sides, V.A.M.P. was ultimately dismantled and its conspirators executed.
Master Devlin, President Travers' Chief of Staff, personally oversaw the execution of Viktor Alaric and his wife, leaving them to perish with the sunrise. Human collaborators faced trials—some treated for brainwashing, others executed, often fed to George, the bull shark in his tank. While most vampires met the same fate, a few, including Malone, were pardoned by the president and sent to the Masters Council for rehabilitation. Now sober for four months and living on a pig’s blood diet, Fiona has even been granted visitation rights to see her daughter. Rumors suggest she’s rekindled a relationship with President Travers, who has reportedly been paying her regular visits.
Despite the constitutional reforms, Queen Mayuri remains a beloved ceremonial figurehead, while Vice President Kyle Konrad and their allies serve in the Travers administration, working to create a brighter future for Waldonia. Meanwhile, Widdle Frunkut continues his search for the elusive Stanley Shrike.
What will Travers do with his newfound power? Can he be trusted this time? For now, we’ll have to wait and see...
****
Post-Credit Scene:
Master Devlin glanced over his paperwork, then stepped onto a raised platform with a gleam in his eye.
Master Devlin: "Ah, Mr. Rubin-Goldenstein… I’ve been waiting a long time for this… Charges… Conspiracy to commit treason? Oh dear…"
Suspended from a crane, a bound DRG shouted and thrashed.
DRG: "You'll pay for this!! This is blatant anti-Semitism!"
Devlin smirked.
Master Devlin: "Yes, quite… Well, let’s get started, shall we?"
He pressed a button, lowering DRG toward the shark tank. George the bull shark lunged, savaging his legs. DRG let out a blood-curdling scream.
Master Devlin raised him back up, blood pooling from his severed limbs, watching with dark curiosity.
Master Devlin: "I’ve been wondering… Can a vampire be killed by a shark? How many pieces can one tear off before a vampire turns to dust? Hmm… Let’s find out, together, shall we?"
DRG: "NO! NO! Please!"
The Master chuckles and lowers him again, as DRG screams in agony as the shark tears his wilkins off.
The Waldoverse continues in TBD