Sowing the Seeds of Suspicion

Posted on Fri Jul 31st, 2020 @ 7:36am by

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: Royal Castle
Timeline: After Informing James
555 words - 1.1 OF Standard Post Measure

After taking what he could from the shuttle after Josephine's startling announcements of not only was a Federation starship
in orbit but that she had contacted them, Westin headed not to his and Josephine's home in London but rather to the king's castle
He had work to do in convincing the king there were Spanish spies in their mist. He knew he had precious little time to convince
the king as an away team (s) would be beaming down hunting for him.

After arriving an seeking an audience with the King, Westin waited to be admitted. Several minutes past before he is admitted
to see the King. "Westin, why are you here? Is something amiss?"

"My King, I have news. Spanish spies are either in our mist or soon will be." He let the statement hang in the air.

"Spanish spies!?" The King roared. "Are you sure?"

"I never lied to you before sire."

"What must we do?"

"Capture them my liege, find out what they know. Use it to our advantage."

Westin paused for a moment then continued. " I must also tell you most distressing news. I believe Josephine my dear sister has been in correspondence with them and led them here. I don't believe she did this knowingly but rather had written letters and been taken in by
the lies of the spies. So I ask that you not judge her too harshly."

"It is only because of your faithful service and loyalty to the court that I do not order her arrest and execution on sight Westin. However she must be taken into custody."

Westin nodded, "Of course sire and I thank you for your grace in this most distressing and embarrassing situation."

The King waved him off. "The spies, what must we do?" He pressed.

"We must be observant. Take notice of any newcomers among us. Especially those asking questions about the court. Once we have found and
identified them, we can question them at our leisure."

"I will alert the guard at once."

Westin shook his head, "No sire. That will only let them know we are aware of their presence. "You must do this quietly as not stir up a panic among the people. Send couriers to the outlying areas of the kingdom as well as to your most trusted deputies and advisors here in the city. Saying to be watchful of any newcomers." Then he added the final piece. "I will lead the search my king. To find the spies and bring them before you."

"You are loyal subject. I will send notices quietly. The court is far more informed with your presence here and does not hold your sister's ill advised writings against you." The king stated.

"Most kind sire." Westin replied his head bowed. This all might work out in this favor after all. Capture the away team as well a Josephine. Imprison them and he could continue with his grand plans. "Now, I must take my leave of you so I can coordinate the search and capture of the spies." Saying that he turned and walked away leaving the king by himself. As he went to put both the word out and begin a coordinated search he allowed a small smile to come to his face. *Yes, this all just might work out* he thought.