Lockdown
The following takes place following: Outbreak
It was day three of Travers’ mayorship and the second day of the Town Hall lockdown, while the so-called “Super Flu” swept through Widdicombe. The situation outside had only worsened — reported cases had tripled overnight.
Travers lounged restlessly in a leather chair, watching the grim news cycle play out on mute. Master Devlin sat in the corner, hunched over his phone, reviewing reports in silence.
Suddenly, Travers snapped to life.
Travers: Kyle!
Mr Konrad entered, fully clad in PPE — face shield, gloves, even plastic booties.
Mr Konrad: Yes, Mr Mayor?
Travers: Mayor Travers could use some good news for a change... What’ve you got for me?
Konrad nervously flipped through a clipboard of printouts. He stalled, hesitated… then finally brightened slightly.
Mr Konrad: Um... ah, here! Reported rapes at the JSM Hospital are at an all-time low, Mr Mayor.
Travers: Excellent! That is good news indeed. Now, Master Devlin — why don’t you release that to the press and explain why they have Mayor Travers to thank for that...
Mr Konrad: Well, um, actually — the report says it’s due to the staff being overwhelmed with the Super Flu. The hospital’s on the verge of collapse. Staff are fleeing in record numbers.
Travers: Oh...
His attention drifted back to the TV. He unmuted it just as the news ticker flashed:
“WHERE IS MAYOR TRAVERS?”
The broadcast cut to a panel of frustrated anchors.
Reporter: "...No sign of leadership from Mayor Travers. Sources suggest he has not left Town Hall in nearly a week, and that no staff are allowed in or out. With hospitals buckling and infection rates soaring, questions are mounting about what — if anything — the Mayor is doing. Many are accusing him of hiding away while the rest of the borough is left to fend for itself..."
Travers: That’s outrageous! How dare they speak that way about Travers?? Fake news! Out of turn!
He shot a furious glare at Master Devlin.
Master Devlin: What are you looking at me like that for? You’re the one who chose to ignore the epidemic. Why don’t you do something useful with your mayorship?
Travers: Well then advise me! You’re the Chief of Staff, ain’t ya?
Master Devlin: You need to be seen doing something as mayor. Go visit a hospital. Do a speech. I don’t know.
Travers: Hospital?? What are you, nuts?? Didn’t you see the news?? There’s a terrible flu going around!
Master Devlin: Well, since you’re blaming me for this, I suppose I’d better go find a vaccine.
Travers: Wait — you can do that?
Master Devlin: Possibly. I’ll need to head over to the Council and see Widdle Frunkut.
Travers: Have you learned nothing, Master Devlin? You created this epidemic because you used cheap goblin-brand swine flu from that insane street urchin... and now you plan to go back to him for the cure?? Preposterous! Utterly preposterous.
Master Devlin: If he made it, he can probably unmake it. Unless you have any other suggestions... Mr Mayor?
Travers: Why don’t you use the Council’s vast resources to create a vaccine? I thought you claimed to be some kind of scientist man, anyway.
Master Devlin: Oh, fine then. I suppose we could try that...
Travers: Excellent. You do that! And I will... uh... hmm...
Master Devlin: Oh dear, Travers... you really don’t seem to have a clue. Maybe I should be mayor?
Travers: Noooo. No no no... Quite impossible! Travers is Mayor! Duly elected!
Master Devlin: No... no, you weren’t. You won by default. There wasn’t even an election.
Travers: Nonsense. I earned this position — and you are speaking out of turn...
Master Devlin: You didn’t earn this. You just sabotaged the other candidates until there was no one left. You were picked by default. But anyway — I’m here to speak plainly to you.
Travers: Well I’ve had just about all of personal lockdown I can take. I need some fresh air... Mr Konrad, tell Mr Boothe to warm up the car. We’re going out. No flu is going to keep Travers from doing his mayorly duties...
Master Devlin: What are you going to do?
Travers: Just as you suggested. I’m going to visit some essential workers on the front lines. Good luck with the vaccine, Master Devlin. We’re all praying for you.
He turns to Konrad.
Travers: Oh — and Mr Konrad, prepare a speech and send word to the local authorities... We’re quarantining Widdicombe. Lock it down!
****
Travers and Mr Boothe slipped past a small handful of reporters and paparazzi as they climbed into the mayoral limo and sped off.
Master Devlin soon followed, leaving Town Hall without comment. A few press members trailed him briefly, but gave up when he refused to speak. He walked alone through the largely empty streets of Waldobury, heading toward the Council HQ.
Fifteen minutes later, as he reached the campus gates, his phone buzzed. He checked the alert.
BREAKING NEWS: MAYOR TRAVERS SPOTTED AT STRIP CLUB
Missing Mayor emerges from hiding to go to “The Sass Hole” gentlemen’s club in Wallywood.
Devlin closed his eyes, exhaled slowly, and muttered:
Master Devlin: You really are a fucking idiot, Travers...
Season 6 continues in No Refunds