Beauty & The Beast

The following takes place following: Rebels on the Run

Meanwhile, high in the Citadel, the imperial office is adorned with gaudy decorations, gold-plated furniture, and a giant painting of Travers wearing a crown, all self-proclaimed emperor-style. Emperor Travers sits behind a grandiose desk, stroking his fancy new moustache, while Mr. Konrad, his loyal but exasperated assistant, stands to the side as they are in a meeting with Master Roger Wyndam-Pryce, Senior Director of the Masters Council.

Travers: So, Rog, here's the thing... I've been thinking it's time for a change in Waldonia. A new era, if you will. What with my new empire and all... And so, with that, I've decided to dissolve the Masters Council, effective immediately.

Roger: Dissolve the council?? You can’t be serious! This is utter madness, Mr. Travers. For centuries, the Masters Council has been the steadfast guardian of balance. Creatures of folklore need guidance, as is clearly evident here... You would tear down the very institution that has preserved order?

Travers: Times have changed, Rog. The secrecy, the hidden activities – that's the old Waldonia... it's time for a New Waldonia to know the truth. People deserve to know the whole story, and I want to be the one to tell them.

Roger: What story?

Travers: The Masters Council's story... It's history. All the hidden dealings, the cover-ups – it's time to reveal it all. Under my benevolent rule, we’re going to be transparent — starting with releasing the Council archives to the public.

Roger: This is outrageous. I should warn you, Mr. Travers. Until now, the Masters Council has opted to keep out of the political affairs of Waldoshire – but threatening the existence of the Council is a red line, and we will not stand for it.

Travers: Come on, Rog. Be reasonable. I've already got Master Devlin running around out there causing me more than enough trouble. Now, I admit, I got a little carried away but I'm really trying to be a good ruler. And I think that open and honest governance is what's needed.

Roger: Honesty? You know nothing of it, Travers. You are a tyrant and a pretender. Your entire history is but a tapestry of lies and deceit.

Travers: As old-time colleagues, I'm gonna let that one slide, but you are speaking out of turn, Rog.

Roger: We have never been colleagues. You have never served the Council. And should you attempt to dismantle it, be assured you will face an almighty struggle.

Travers: I'm sorry to hear that, Rog... You can go now. But I implore you to think it over...

Roger: We’ve weathered tyrants before, Mr. Travers. None lasted long

Master Roger stands, stiff as a board, and departs with a measured, disdainful nod.

Travers sighs.

Travers: Any luck finding Master Devlin and the rebels, Mr. Konrad?

Mr. Konrad: I'm afraid not. The trail has gone cold... Also, this afternoon's pursuit cost approximately £4.7 million...

Travers: Oh, for Ed's sake, Kyle. You're not going on about money again, are you?

Mr. Konrad: Your Excellency, we don't have any more money... This nation is going bankrupt. That's what I've been trying to tell you...

Travers: I can't worry about that right now. I have to get my friend back... All this... He's supposed to share it with me... It's no fun if he's not around...

Suddenly, the Waldobeast crashes through the office window and lands before Travers' desk.

wB: What's up boss? Yousa wanting to see Wiffuhuh?

Travers: Uh, yes. Come in, Wally... Now, um... What's this I’ve been hearing about you torching buildings again?

wB: Don't worry. They were full of baddies.

Travers looks incredulous... He looks down at a report again.

Travers: It says you just burned Willowdale High School to the ground...

wB: Yes, well... They must learn.

Travers: Learn?? What can they learn? 427 dead!

The Waldobeast shrugs.

wB: Some will have survived. They'll learn...

Travers shakes his head.

Travers: Look, Wally... I don’t mean to seem ungrateful but you're supposed to be the PROTECTOR of the realm. Not DESTROYER!

wB: Yes, well, we've been thinking... Thing about that is... Protector is pretty boring. Besides, that was yesterday Waldobeast. Today Waldobeast is Terrorist! Ha ha. Lot more fun no doubt...

Travers: NO. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, WALLY!

wB: Oh?

The Waldobeast walks up and towers over the little goblin.

wB: And what are you going to do about it, eh?

Travers: Um...

wB: Who do you think you are anyway?

Travers: I'm uh... ahem... Well... I'm, I'M THE EMPEROR! And frankly, how dare you speak to me like that?

wB: Oooh issat so? Listen, pal. We tolerate your little imperial role play here because we don’t care who wears the crown, but this is still the WALDOVERSE, buster... It's our face up there next to the peppersteak and don't you forget it...

Travers: ...

wB: Now we'll have no more speaking out of turn from you, little goblin. Wiffuhuh will do as it pleases... Otherwise it's full BBQ time in Travers Town...

Waldobeast struts over to the caved window and flies away.

Travers turns to Mr. Konrad.

Travers: I think things may have gotten a little out of hand, Kyle...

Season 7 continues in The Resistance