Democracy, Eh?

The following takes place following: Stan Devlin in the 22nd Century

The Empress, Mayuri von Walverschmidt, appears on televisions and Traverscast screens across the land to deliver a series of important announcements.

Kaiserin Mayuri: "My fellow Waldonians, I'm relieved to report that the last of the dinosaurs have left our great city of Widdlington and have migrated to the countryside. We must now find a way to coexist, and I know that as a resilient people, you are more than up to the task. It will not be easy, but life will find a way. Now comes a time to mourn those we lost, reflect on what we hold dear, and begin to rebuild.

I do have some happier news I'd like to share with you all... We have a new addition to the family..."

She reaches offscreen and lifts a baby girl, barely a week old, into view.

Kaiserin Mayuri: "Tutturu! I'd like to introduce you all to Mildred Kagari Shiina Wyndam-Pryce von Walverschmidt.

She came into this world at 5:40pm on the 10th of June, in the year of our Ed, 2024. Wesley and I couldn't be happier, and we would like to share this joy with you all by announcing a national day of celebration on the first of July. I hope to see you all there.

I'd also like to share an update on the new imperial palace being constructed in the Stanley Hills. I'm told it's coming along nicely and should be completed within the next month or so. I want to thank you all for your patience, especially those in the Waldobury Heights area, for any disruption it may have caused. Wesley and I are most eager to move in as soon as possible, so that we may be closer to the people rather than way up here in the clouds.

Which brings me to my last big announcement — perhaps the most important one of all.

Although I willingly accepted the role of Empress of this fair realm nearly six months ago, it was not a responsibility I sought. I have endeavoured to rule with benevolence and care, but in my heart, I believe in democracy — and so I wish to place the future of our governance in your hands.

I am announcing a referendum to be held on the 7th of July.

It is my personal wish to establish elections, through which you may choose your representatives and, in doing so, form a government. I will remain as your figurehead, should you desire it — though with reduced powers.

But the choice is yours.

If you prefer to continue under the current system, with me as your sole ruler, I will accept that responsibility with humility.

An information booklet will be delivered to every home in the realm, outlining the question and available options in detail. I urge you to read it carefully, reflect deeply, and make your voice heard in the referendum.

And with that, I shall leave it to you — to discuss with your friends, family, and neighbours. Please, keep it civil. I don’t want any riots waking baby Millie.

Good day, and Ed bless Waldonia."

****

At the Chronicle building, Travers, Master Devlin, and Waldo have just finished watching the imperial address in Travers' office.

Travers: "Democracy, eh? What on earth is she thinking? Parliament elected by those nutters out there? Insanity."

Master Devlin: "Well, personally, I think it’s rather honourable that she’s willing to give up power in favour of democracy."

Travers: "The power I handed to her myself... and now she wants to just give it away? It’s such a waste... Although... maybe I could become an MP? Yeah... Harris John Travers — Right Honourable Member for Waldminster. From smut merchant to member of parliament... I like it! You know what? I’ve changed my mind. It’s a great idea."

wF: "Yeah! We could reform the Goblin Party! Hey Stan, maybe you could run for MP of Witherfield! 😆"

Master Devlin: "Quiet, you! Umm... Travers... Haven’t you had enough politics for one lifetime? You were already the disgraced, unelected Mayor of the city. Then an illegitimate Emperor... Why do you want to be an MP now?"

Travers: "Because... well... it’s a different title! And this time I’d only be responsible for a single constituency, not a whole town. If things go poorly, I can just blame someone else. Besides, I’m not saying I’ll run for sure anyway. It was just a thought..." wF (putting on his goblinhouse1973 voice): "Not that you'd know out about democracy, Masta Devlin. Whent was last time them masta bastards were elected ant were accountable t'it public? Eh? Never... they coom over 'ere ant leech off us, and us common folk can't say nowt abou-tit."

Travers: "He does have a point there, Master Devlin... I said as much when I was a senior member of the council..."

Master Devlin: "Did you now...?" 😒

Travers: "Yes. But they didn't like my ideas. They were threatened by them, so they kicked me out and gave me some hush money... That's why you erroneously believed I was never in the Council's employ. They scrubbed me from the archives... But it's true... all of it..."

Master Devlin: "Except I’ve been in the Council for a very long time, and you, Travers, have only been in existence for about three years… y’know what, never mind. To your point, Widdle Frunkut: the Masters Council is not a public body. It is an organisation above that of the government."

wF: "So how's that democratic then? Ruled by a private organisation accountable to no one..."

Master Devlin: "That's not for you to worry about."

wF: "It's like the EU! Bastards... Bunch of unelected bureaucrat elites screwing over us regular folk... Yer a fookin hippo critter, a tell ye!"

Master Devlin: "Here, Wally… have an apple. 🍎"

wF: "An absolute disgra— Oh, hey... Thanks Stan!" Waldo takes the apple and starts munching into it. 🙂 "This is a tasty apple! Um. What was we talking about again?"

Master Devlin: "I'm not sure. Oh well, not to worry. I'm sure it wasn't important... Oh look, Wally. A shiny red ball. 🔴"

wF: "Wow!"

Master Devlin: "Perhaps you'd like to bounce it?"

wF: "Really?? No foolin'?"

Master Devlin: "No fooling." The Master chucks the ball to Waldo.

wF: "Gee thanks, Masta. This is real swell!"

Master Devlin: "You're welcome, Widdle Frunkut. Now you run along and play..."

The Waldoverse continues in TBD