[Pen/Pencil Review] An Encounter at Sea

Prompt: An Encounter at Sea

Words: commodore, wisteria, spoon, indictment, helix, cavalry, seal, fortnight, smidgen

Story

“Commodore Sampson, you’re going to have to answer the indictment, you know.”

Sampson finished stirring his tea and placed the spoon deliberately on the napkin next to his cup. “Do I now? I was under the impression the events we’re talking about had the seal of national security, Ms. Grisales.”

“I have the information, Commodore. I just need confirmation. It’s going to tribunal, so it’s all going to come out. There’s no cavalry coming this time.” Molly Grisales steepled her fingers over her nose and sat back to wait.

But Sampson was better. He sipped his tea. “What do you think you know?”

“Operation Helix.”

Sampson blinked. “Is that it?”

“The USS Wisteria, a smidgen over a fortnight ago was involved in an offshore encounter with an experimental weapon. Your ship limped home with a hole in the hull and ten dead sailors.”

Sampson was silent for a second then burst out laughing. “Is that what you think happened? You have no idea. And this story will never be de-classified enough for me to tell you anything.”

“But…”

“You keep thinking it was an experimental weapon, but you’d never actually believe the truth.”

Word Count: 193

Written: 1/14/21

Tags: conspiracy, encounter, fiction, Piccadilly, sea, Write the Story