Criticism in Westminster

Posted on Sun Sep 13th, 2020 @ 5:02am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: The Palace of Westminster, House of Commons
Timeline: After the King's Proposal to Interdict traders
551 words - 1.1 OF Standard Post Measure

William Wilde stood and spoke. "Members of this Assembly, May I have your attention?" He then spoke. "The king's advisor says there's Spanish spies in our Kingdom. So he sends our guard out to harass travelers, and imprison 'any strangers.'" The MP shifted his stance. "Indeed we get many strangers in our kingdom. Some bring treachery and others bring gold and silver to trade with our kingdom. We all can say trade is good for our kingdom. The Americas are rich in opportunity, but only if we let this trade flow into our coffers. Are we going to harass every merchant? Every diplomat? Just because the King's Advisor thinks there are Spanish spies here?" Wilde spoke again.

"And has the King offered proof of these allegations? Why must our United Kingdom hobble itself over Spanish spies? Spain could do nothing to invade out islands, Spain couldn't even defeat our royal navy, Spain cannot even properly develop its colonies without pillaging them. Spain is a popish puppet who's glory is long past. Little more of importance than the Italians or the Germanies. So why indeed should we fear any Spanish spies? When our nation is the greatest sea power in this world? This house demands proof that we should increase the guard?"

Another MP spoke. "If the king wants to hunt down spies, let him hunt down spies. But this Parliment will not let this become an excuse for his Catholic military escapades. We've been down the road of executing our king before, If we fund the King's army too much. We'll be the ones hanging on the gallows. Let's not dig up Oliver Cromwell. We're not going to fall for this plot of 'Spanish Spies' to increase taxes for an army. Let Charles have is mischief, but not our pocketbooks. This will last no more than a week, and then everyone will forget about it, now let us get back to Parlimentary business?"

There was a mummer and it grew louder and soon the reason became apparent. James Westin the King's Advisor was entering. Whether you liked him or not, agreed with his polices or not, you had to admit he was charismatic as he smiled and greeted some of the loyalists. He strode to the front of the assembly and without preamble spoke. "Do my ears deceive me? A plot? Will you say the same when your speaking Spanish? Further you disrespect the King in his duty of keeping the country safe and keeping you safe. All so you can question his motives and my word? While you drink ale and eat mutton. No word was mention of calling out the army. The spies can be caught through the help of local sheriff's. Nor was any word spoken of a tax increase. However I will tell the king of the unusual questioning of his motives. I'm sure he will be most interested."

As he finished a page rushed up and whispered in his ear. He nodded and patted the page on the shoulder before addressing the members of Parliament again. "News. An accused spy had been captured and is being brought here. I will speak with this accused spy and see what I can learn and brief you all accordingly." With that he spun on his heel and left.