End of the Line: Hail Emperor Spendus Maximus

In sombre mood, a determined Emperor Spendus Maximus enters the cavernous hall of the Senate to address a disgruntled throng of senators gathered before him. As he approaches the lectern upon which is emblazoned the motto of the Falsus Empire (“Excellence, strength, virtue”) Emperor Maximus feels cold beads of sweat gathering on his furrowed brow. Emperor Maximus: Senators of Falsus, we live in difficult times. It has come to pass that our overseas wars have cost the empire dear. It is time to consolidate our wealth in order to ensure the continuation of our glorious empire. [A low murmur swirls around the hall] Emperor Maximus: Senators, it is time to act. The moment has come to make the difficult decisons necessary for the sake of all of Falsus. I forthwith decree that we cut the number of senators by at least 150 and servants by a larger figure. [The murmur has morphed into to audible chatter. Some senators, beside themselves with rage, shout out “no!”, “scandalous!” and “shame!”] Emperor Maximus: I hear your anger senators; I understand your frustrations but we must not think of ourselves at this time. The glory of Falsus requires us to take these painful decisions. Senator Suspitio: Sire, beloved leader, with the greatest respect, the people of Falsus will not tolerate such measures. There will be a citizen’s revolt; there will be blood on the streets. Senator Adversum: Yes sire, this course of action is unwise. The removal of so many senators and servants will imperil the Senate’s work and make it impossible for us to administer the affairs of state. [Shouts of “here, here!”] Emperor Maximus: Senators, senators, please hear me, I take this decision with a heavy heart but it is the overseas campaign that has sapped our wealth. We can no longer put up with this drain on our resources. If we fail to act at this moment Falsus’s future cannot be guaranteed. Senator Adversum: Well sire, should we not consider having fewer wars? [A ripple of laughter around the hall eases the tension. The emperor glares at the offending senators] Emperor Maximus: Senators, we cannot rest on our laurels. Our enemies must be defeated. Senator Suspitio: But glorious Emperor, our financial burdens would be less parlous, would they not, if we made cuts elsewhere? Though, I hesitate to say this sire, your own coffers have swelled several fold over recent years and the state doles out enormous sums on festivals and games all for the greater glory of Falsus. Emperor Maximus: Senator Suspitio, you must restrict yourself to the matters in hand. What, prey, are the savings beyond those mentioned that you consider viable? Senator Suspitio: With respect Emperor, I have in mind the Academy of Atrophied Muscle Mass. Is it not the case sire, that this admirable centre of scholastic excellence has nonetheless cost far more than originally anticipated by your advisers and that this is the source of the Empire’s present difficulties? [The hall erupts to cries of “profligacy!” “waste!”, “folly!”] Emperor Maximus: Senators, let reason prevail. The Academy is for the greater good of our citizens and therefore the glory of Falsus. Senator Adversum: But dear leader, was it not the case that the treasury awarded only a small amount of monies to the Academy and that the cost of new building will greatly exceed initial estimates? Emperor Maximus: Without the academy we may see the ruination of our people. The atrophying of muscles has greatly impacted our military forces and the ability of gladiators to participate in games. The academy will enable us to combat these problems. Senator Adversum: Yes sire, but with it we have no effective senate! [Cries of “long live the senate!”] Senator Suspitio: Could it be, dear Emperor, that this folly is your legacy to the glories of Falsus and that we, the senators and servants, have to pay the price? Emperor Maximus: That senator is not my view, what I do; I do for the well-being of our citizens and if by such actions I am hailed as the leader who gave greater glory to Falsus then so be it! Senator Suspitio: And what of our sacrifice sire, how will that be recorded for posterity? Emperor Maximus: Do not worry senator Suspitio, statues are being erected as I speak! Hail Falsus! [Senators shuffle towards the doors without glancing back at their Emperor].

End of the Line: Hail Emperor Spendus Maximus

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Head of Teaching & Learning | NAISDA

Australian Signals Directorate

Assistant Professor in Real Estate / Sustainability / Technology

Director of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality

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