Outbreak

The following takes place following: The Web of Sleaze

WBC NEWS: Health authorities are raising alarms over a mysterious novel virus that’s quickly making headlines across Widdlington. Dubbed the “super flu” by some experts, this virus is believed to have hybrid qualities combining traits of swine flu and HIV, sparking considerable concern among scientists and medical professionals alike. So far, there have been seventeen confirmed cases, mostly clustered in the Witherfield neighbourhood of the borough of Widdicombe, with many more suspected infections under investigation. Dr. Helen Cartwright, Chief Epidemiologist at the Waldoshire Health Authority, stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation. This virus behaves unlike any flu we’ve encountered before, and containment is our top priority.” Meanwhile, police officials urge calm. Sergeant Liam Forbes commented, “We ask residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with health guidelines. There is no need for panic, but caution is essential.” As of now, neither the Widdlington City Council nor the UK government has issued an official statement regarding the outbreak. We will continue to follow this developing story closely.

Master Devlin: Oh dear...

Travers turns to the Master and gives him a furious look.

Travers: What have you done, Master Devlin?

Master Devlin: Me??

Travers: Yes, you! This is all your fault, isn't it? You said you were going to give the Platt boy swine flu! Now suddenly this super flu breaks out in Witherfield... What, do you expect us to believe that's just a coincidence??

Master Devlin: You wanted the Platt boy dealt with! It was your idea!

Travers: I said to give him your cold, Master Devlin. Not start an Ed-damn pandemic! You're supposed to be cleaning up my mess, not starting new ones.

Master Devlin: It was Widdle Frunkut who made it. It was supposed to be non-contagious. But if this is the cause of the flu, then—as usual—Widdle Frunkut can’t be trusted, despite how highly you speak of a goblin you've never met.

Travers: Oh no... I warned you! It was your hare-brained scheme to involve Mr Waldo—against my recommendation—and have him concoct some cheap-ass flu. And now you're trying to pass the buck to me. Absolutely out of turn!

Master Devlin: Hrrrmm...

Travers: Anyway, it's done now. No need to fall out over it.

He waves a dismissive hand and picks up a folder.

Travers: Back to the matter at hand. I think you should go through these documents and start working on preemptively discrediting anyone who might bring to light any of these unfortunate past Travers sins... Leak some stuff to the press—fabricate it if you have to. I hear computers can do wonders these days...

You can start with Miss Platt. I want to see her face on every tabloid, broadsheet, and "wank rag"—as you Limeys say. "The Whore of Witherfield." Super-spreader of Super Flu. And benefit scrounger. Popping out another kid so she can get that new house in Waldwych on the taxpayer's dime.

Master Devlin: We have much more important things to deal with now, Travers.

Travers: More important? What could be more important than Travers' public image?

Master Devlin: The outbreak of a super flu sweeping through the city, perhaps?

He turns to Konrad.

Master Devlin: Mr Konrad, put out the word—we need to prepare to lock down Witherfield to contain the spread. Possibly the whole borough...

Travers: LOCKDOWN?? Now wait just a minute, Master Devlin. You are legislating out of turn! What are you, nuts? I'm not going to lock down the people.

Master Devlin: Why not?

Travers: Waldonians won't stand for it! This town was built on long-held libertarian values. That was one of the reasons I moved here. I'm not having riots in my first week as mayor. People can make their own Ed-damn choices!

Master Devlin: So what do you suggest we do? Just let it spread?

Travers: Why not? It’s the flu, for crying out loud.

Master Devlin: Weren’t you listening? It’s novel—new! It appears to be far more virulent than the usual flu... and if we’re right, it’s borne out of one of Waldo’s concoctions, which means it could be highly lethal! Now what are you going to do about it? Do you want bodies piling up on your watch?

Travers: What am I, a doctor? I'm the mayor, for crying out loud! What do you want from me?

Master Devlin: You need to give the order to stop the spread. Restrict people’s movements.

Travers: Forget it! It's not going to happen, pal...

Master Devlin shakes his head in frustration.

Travers: Alright, look... how about this: we put out an official alert recommending that people avoid Witherfield, encourage social distancing, handwashing, and such. But I won’t have the WPD harassing old ladies on park benches! We can't go around telling people what to do. Personal freedom, Master Devlin! Ever heard of it?

Master Devlin: We’re in government, Travers. Telling people what to do is literally our job. Besides, what about the personal freedom not to have someone cough in your face and give you a deadly virus?

Travers: Well—uh... Um... Hey, what am I, a philosopher? I didn’t sign up for hypothetical ethics debates!

Master Devlin: It’s not hypothetical. It’s happening right now.

Travers: Whatever. You have my decision. We put out a recommendation—nothing more!

He claps his hands once.

Travers: However, we should lock down this office...Mr Konrad, make the preparations immediately. Start sealing up the windows, and have all non-essential staff removed from the building... Except for the hot lady ones, of course.

Mr Boothe, go out and buy as many masks, cleaning products, and toilet rolls as you can carry. We need to stockpile!

Master Devlin: You’re unbelievable, Travers...

Travers: What? I advocated personal choice, and as mayor, it's my personal choice to lock this place down! I sure as hell don't want some super flu!

Master Devlin: Fine... Mr Konrad, make it so.

He pauses.

Master Devlin: Wait, where is Mayuri?

Travers: Shopping for new hats over at Waldeo Drive, I expect. She has to look the part as First Lady of Widdlington...

He strokes his moustache, suddenly scheming.

Travers: You know, I’ve been thinking—we should probably play it safe and just quietly close off this whole block to the general public. For routine maintenance works... or something. Yeah! Good idea. Mr Konrad, go find my wife and bring her back here, then get to it.

Mr Konrad looks at the Master glumly, then nods and departs with Mr Boothe.

Season 6 continues in Lockdown