THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES #2

THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES # 2 Sherlock Holmes was taking a rest, after her most recent case. Tabitha had decided that she needed a rest, after both the case, of the phony photos, and the next case. The case, which followed the photo-shopping case, had been one where a woman had come to the detective, asking Tabitha to consult, and verify that the womans husband was, in fact, having an affair. The woman MAY have been genuine, but the case was anything but. Doctor John Watson had taken time, away from his studies, for his pilots license, in order to facilitate Sherlock's investigation. The problem would be that NEITHER of them was prepared for what they were to learn. The detective, and the doctor, would come to an astonishing conclusion. Based upon evidence, and clues, leading to multiple locations, Holmes, and Watson, would find themselves not only confirming the husbands adultery, but his wifes adultery, as well. In fact, by the time Holmes declared the case "closed", Holmes, and Watson, had discovered that the couple were members, of a club, dedicated to mate-swapping. Holmes had, never, felt so "dirty" as she did, the day she made the discovery. Englands underground culture had an entire SERVICE, dedicated to mate-swapping. This contained a database, members lists, dues, and so on. Everything an adulterer needed, for a successful affair. When Tabitha had called the wife in, to give her report, John Watson was certain that the woman was NOT prepared for what Sherlock Holmes would tell her. Tabitha was right on the money, as she informed the woman "I have found information, not only verifying that your husband has been involved, in multiple liaisons, however, I have located information verifying that yourself is, at present, involved in two affairs. My sources verifies that both you, and your husband, have been involved, in such matters, for as long as three years." When the woman seemed about to say soomething, Tabitha had said "Please, do not bother attempting to deny this information. I have cross-referenced every fact, and interviewed your lovers. You knew what I would discover, all along. The only, remaining, question is that of "Why did you bother to retain my services, when you were, already aware of what I would locate?" When the woman had said "I needed to know if my husband was just having sex, as I was, or if he was in a relationship." When Tabitha would say "Define relationship, for me, if you would, please?" The woman would say "My husband has become most distant, in recent months. He has shown me less interest than usual. I needed to learn if he has found a replacement love." Tabitha had said "In that case, you may, now, relax. I have verified who the "other woman" is, and I can assure you that your husband plans to file, for divorce, soon. After that, you will be as "free", as you choose to be." By the look, on the womans face, as she left the Baker Street address, Watson could tell that the woman was NOT prepared to hear that her husband was planning to divorce her. The detective, and the doctor, did not have much packing away, to do, after the case, since neither wanted to view the materials, more than necessary. While neither Tabitha, nor John Watson, would claim to be "angels", morally speaking, the idea, of men, and women, having up to a dozen "lovers", per person, was revolting. This is why, after this case, Tabitha had goone to visit her family. This, while John Watson continued preparing for his pilots examination. Now, sure, both of them heard, and saw, the news, about a new exhibit, coming to England. Nothing new about that. The British Empire, often exchanged collections, with foreign museums. No, what Tabitha, and John Watson, found unusual, about the coming exhibit, was how the lending group, wanted things such as Lloyd's of London insurance, on the display, yet the owners would not allow insurance investigators anywhere near the exhibit. From the whispers, which Tabitha was hearing, even Scotland yard, which was being asked to provide extra security, for the exhibit, was not being allowed near the exhibit. When Tabitha's mother would say "Blimey, those are cheeky bastards. Expect all kinds of insurance, and security, yet wont let anyone near the display. Sounds downright suspicious, if you ask me. What do you think, Tabitha?" Tabitha would, only say "No way will Lloyd's, of London, or any other, insurance company, provide coverage, for any item, which has not been, properly, catalogued, and appraised. As for Scotland Yard, I can just hear Lestrade, right now. No way will security be increased, without just cause." Two weeks later, John Watson would take his first, official turn, at the joystick, of a helicopter. Whille the man insisted that "I am, by trade, a medical man, I suppose that the skill, of aviation, could come rather in handy." This, even as Lestrade would be calling in Tabitha Holmes, for a bit of a sit-down. Tabitha was not even surprised when a member, of Parliament, as well as a member, of Lloyd's, of London, were present. Holmes had a suspicion, of what this meeting would be about, due to the news. Lestrade would be the one who, after inviting Tabitha into the conference room, would say "Holmes, for the record, this gathering never occurred." Once Tabitha looked about her, the detective would say "Allow me some conjecture. Either you are about to request that I pilfer the piece, and replace it with a fake, until the exhibition is over with, OR, You are preparing to suggest that I commit grand larceny, by stealing the display." Lloyd's of London would be the first to say "Hardly." This is when Lestrade would say "Holmes, we have a most unusual suggestion, for your consideration. Should you agree to accept, I have been promised that you will be amply, compensated." Tabitha would add "On the condition that I am neither detected, nor apprehended, in the copurse of duty. Am I correct?" Parliament would add "It is imperative that neither the empire, NOR the royal family, be implicated, in any way, in this matter. Am I being clear enough?" Tabitha would say "As clear as pure water. Total deniability. Now, what adventure am I about to embark upon?" Lestrade would say "Holmes, I am certain that you are aware of the display, which is in the process, of being lent to the British Museum, am I correct?" When Tabitha would say "Ofcourse. That is the display which the owners will allow no one near, until the display is open, to the viewing public." Lloyd's of London would add "And the unit, whose owners will not allow PRE-inspection." When Tabitha would ask "Maybe I inquire. If I am, neither to purlion, nor replace, the display, then what action is the empire recommending I pursue?" Lloyd's of London would say "What we, and the empire, are asking of you, is a discreet surveillance, of the display." Parliament would add "To be more precise, the empire is suggesting that you "find your way", into the display, and document its contents. Once you do this, and report in, the empire would proceed, according to law." When Tabitha would look at Lestrade, asking "What will Scotland Yards involvement consist of?" Lestrade would suggest "I am empowered to detain the shipping container, for twenty-four hours, for a "routine inspection." I presume that you, and Doctor Watson, will be able to penetrate, evaluate, and extricate, yourselves, within that time frame." This is when Tabitha would ask "Is this ALL you are requesting? That I evaluate the contents, of the exhibit?" When Parliament would say "Not quite. It seems, my dear Holmes, that the owners are accepting few chances, of the display being "tampered with". Gaining access, to the display, will be similar to gaining illegal access to monetary funds." When Tabitha would say "I would have assumed as much. Tell me this. Why have no port, or regular, police units, intervened, before now?" Lloyd's of London would say "Under normal circumstances, such an inspection would be both routine, and common place, however, the owners PAID a substantial sum, of funds, for a special, "no search", admittance." Tabitha would say "So, this is where Doctor Watson, and I enter the scene. You want me to, covertly, examine the display, and report my findings." Parliament would caution "Remember, Holmes, this dislay is protected by some of the best, in modern, detection gear, on the planet. You will need to move, most cautiously, in order to avoid detection." This is when Lestrade would ask "Well, Holmes, what do you think? For the empire?" Lestrade knew, from years of experience, that Sherlock Holmes could, never, resist such a challenge. To accept defeat, without even engaging in an effort, was not in the Holmes blood. After some moments, of contemplation, Holmes would suggest "For this activity, I would require an extensive amount, of intelligence, as to what types, and what amounts, of security, the display has. This, as well as the security, of the container, itself." When Parliament would say "Excellent. We will proceed with the preparations, with necessary expediency." (Tabitha only hoped that John had succeeded, in obtaining his pilots instruction. This would be needed, no matter if the task was to take place, on land, or water.) Tabitha did ask one favor, of Parliament: "Would you happen to have any helicopters, available. One which would not be missed, if it failed to return, from an assignment?" Parliament would say "I shall have an answer, for that inquiry, shortly." While this was going on, at Scotland Yard, John Watson would be finishing his instruction. With points, given, for his military service, to the crown, the doctor would more than pass his instruction. He was just not prepared for how soon, and what manner, of flight, he would, soon, embark upon. Sherlock Holmes was more than curious, as the intelligence began arriving, via computer, at Baker Street. The display was being shipped, via freighter, along with top quality, destroyer escorts. What was puzzling, to the detective, was how SLOW the ships were moving. For some, un-specified, reason, the ships were travelling at only one-third, of normal speed. The freighter, and destroyers, all capable, easily, of 25 knots, were travelling at only 6 knots. Holmes had to wonder WHY this was. In the time it was taking, for the convoy, to reach British waters, Holmes, with both Watsons, and others, aid, and assistance, had converted a dis-used warehouse into a version of what Parliament THOUGHT the freighters interior MIGHT look like. Holmes spent a good portion, of this time, practicing her cat-burglar skills. She even had the electricians add some laser detectors, for her to practice with. Parliament had Lloyd's of London allow Holmes to "borrow" an object, of about the same, alleged, mass, as the display, for Holmes to practice on. While Holmes practiced cat-burglary, Watson was busy, checking, and re-checking, the medical supplies. That, and his extra clips, of ammunition. To the surprise of both the detective, and the doctor, Parliament had, surprisingly, come through, with a magnificent machine. Instead of a military "work-horse", of a helicopter, Parliament had allotted the detective one of the latest designs, of helicopters. With a stealth body, and more electronics, than Watson could learn, in six months time, the "bird" was a beauty, to behold. Watson only understood the purpose, of the second helicopter, which accomapnied the first, when the pilot, of the primary helicopter handed Doctor Watson the machines operations manual, then smiled, as the pilot told Doctor Watson "We were, never, here." Then saluted, marched over, and entered the second helicopter. Moments later, the second machine was gone. Just as Watson was about to ask Tabitha what was going on, Tabitha suggested "My dear Watson. I do believe you have some reading, ahead for you. Best you lay any doubts aside, for the moment, and study our latest means of transportation." Holmes was right, as always. The helicopter was the latest thing, in stealth technology. The machine, also, packed enough weapons to destroy a town, maybe half the size of London. What amazed Watson, most, however, was the overhead propeller assembly. When the helicopter was on the ground, the blades closed up, like a hand-fan. The blades tucked in, right behind the compact engines. What astounded the doctor was how, each time he put the helicopter into "attck/pursuit" mode, the double blades fanned out, like the intake, on a jet engine. When a Royal Air Force pilot checked Watson out, on the controls, Watson was amazed at how much versatility this helicopter had. (Who ever thought that a helicopter had a top speed, in pursuit mode, of 300 miles per hour.) For Tabitha, however, the most suspicious time she had was when, somewhere, near the mid-Atlantic Ocean, the convoy just stopped. G.P.S. showed the ships holding position. The question was "WHY?" When Lestrade was sent to inform Holmes of the suspicious holding action, Tabitha agreed that it WAS most suspicious. Why would the freighter, and the destroyers, just halt, in the "middle" of the ocean? Why at those coordinates? Tabitha was not certain, however, she thought she was onto something, when she noticed the ships loading logs. The logs showed that the point, of departure, authorities had filed a notice, stating that the exhibits owners insisted upon their own people, loading the cargo. When the shipments owners then requested that the dock-workers sign off, on the loading process, both the workers, and the supervisor, declined to sign. Result, this was a disputed shipment. Based upon the amount of time, that the ships were halted, Holmes realized that the ships cargo holds COULD have been cleared out, and the ships send on, either empty, or with different cargo within. With only Watson by her side, Sherlock would plan a discreet entry, onto the ships, BEFORE they reached port. Watson would fly the helicopter close enough, for Sherlock to board the vessel, then "peel off", into the night, to await her signal. If all went well, the operation should take no more than two hours, MAXIMUM. As Holmes prepared for the incursion, another thought came to her mind. The thought of HOW the owners could have financed, and won approval, of insurance, on a shipment, which no one had seen. Yes, there was a one million dollar policy, in effect, until the exhibit reached the British Isles. Holmes just could not understand HOW a company could underwrite something, without even SEEING the item?" Two days, prior to her departure, from England, for her trip, to the ship, the Royal Air Force had sent a group, of U.A.V.'s out, over the ships. While the freighter managed to jam all of the radar, and other, surveillance, systems, of the U.A.V.'s, the pilots, back in England, managed to fly the birds, manually. Since no one had thought of blocking camera images, the U.A.V.'s got close enough to send real time video, and photographs, of the ships. It would seem that, while the ships crews did not mind jamming electronics, there was no action, taken, to down the robots. As a result, Holmes, soon had a three-D model, to work with. Experts, from the royal army, verified what Holmes had thought. This ship was no ordinary freighter. This ship was armed with enough fire-power, to repel an invasion, of up to 100 soldiers. (And Holmes did not like the fact that the fire-power was out, in the open.) Why would pirates, or others, display fire-power, to a potential enemy? When Watson would say "It MUST be a trap. Its like they are baiting authorities, by saying "We DARE you to come aboard!" Sherlock would suggest "Maybe, THAT is the point. Display enough fire-power, that no one WANTS to examine the cargo." While Lestrade was ready, with his plan, to hold the freighter, in "quarantine", for a routine inspection, one, of Sherlock's "network" would bring the detective new information. As the agent would inform Tabitha "Word, on the street, is that the cargo owners KNOW of the plan, to hold the cargo, in port. They are planning to move the cargo to another, smaller, ship, then allow the freighter to proceed to port..." Tabitha would add "While the cargo heads for land, un-detected." What Watson would ask both persons "What is so bloody important that it is worth all of this? What are they planning to do? Smuggle in a nuke, to blow up Buckingham Palace?" When Sherlock would say "Dont bet against that." Watson would say "I was only surmising. What other reason could there be, for refusing access to the display?" The agent would say "Word, on the street, is that the display is full of diamonds, and gold. Enough to last anyone, for fifty lifetimes." Sherlock would say "Nice theory, yet most im-probable." When Watson would ask "WHY?" Sherlock would say "The contents, of that display, are very well known. No thief would cut it apart, and no jeweler, or smelting operation, would have it on their premises, since this would all but guarantee arrest." When Watson would ask "What, then? If not theft, what does that leave?" Holmes mind would race, for a moment, then she would say "Ransom. There will be a ransom." After the agent departed the apartment, and Waston would ask "Who would be dumb enough to ransom off something, which could, only, be sold, to the original owner?" Sherlock would say "That may be true, however, consider this. The insurance company, which insured the transit, did so, with-OUT inspecting the shipment. This is suspicious, in itself, since no shippers insurance will insure any container, without verification of the contents." When Watson would suggest "You dont think that the owner is shipping an empty container, to England, do you?" Sherlock would say "Doubtful. However, if I am correct, then the container does NOT house the original item." When Watson would ask "Where is the original?" Sherlock would say "Elementary. The original is locked away, someplace safe. The unit, appproaching England, is a copy. A "fake", if you will." When Watson would ask "For what purpose?" Sherlock would say "Most probable assumption is that the owner is planning to collect on the insurance, once the fake is discovered." When Watson would ask "HOW can the owner keep the original, AND collect the insurance? Wont the original show up, sooner or later?" Sherlock would say "The mastermind, whom I believe planned this, would have planned to store the original where no one would think to look for it." When Watson would ask "How do we PROVE this conjecture?" Holmes would say "Elementary. We follow through, on the original plan, and expose the fake, while it remains at sea." With the now-certified pilot, Doctor John Watson, at the controls, of the helicopter, and Sherlock Holmes seated across from him, the helicopter lifted off as silently as a bird, taking flight. With the propeller fanned out, like a jet intake, the helicopter would rise, effortlessly from the ground, and sail, into the night, as quietly as the wind. Even without engaging the turbines, the helicopter made excellent time, to the coast, then out, to sea. Sherlock only hoped that the model she had been practicing with was accurate. Once on-board the ships, one, bad, move, and she would not have to worry about her next case. While Sherlock would not have been surprised to find the freighter lit, as brightly as a city, she was a bit relieved when, after coming onto radar, that she, and Watson, could SEE the darkened outline, of the ship. This is when Watson would caution "They MIGHT have night-vision gear. Be careful." Sherlock would smile as she said "I am, at all times." Repelling from the helicopter (which the ships radar could not see), Sherlock landed on what appearred to be a shipment, marked "Frozen edibles". Once Sherlock was on-board the ship, Watson would bring the helicopter down, to the ships side (and well below its radar site), then hover, until Sherlock gave the word. What struck Watson as un-nerving, was the fact that, while hovering between the ships, he noticed no crew, on any of the ships. Why were these ships pretending to be fully manned, when all were computerized(?). This made no moree sense than Sherlock's own discovery. What surprised Sherlock Holmes was how "empty of life", the ship seemed. It was like she was all alone. But, HOW could that be, with a multi-million dollar cargo, in the hold? Slipping inside the superstructure, Holmes found the vents, that she wanted to use, to access the hold. She was just relieved that she had been correct, about the lasers. While she had, yet, to see a single crew member, she found plenty of evidence, of technology. When Sherlock sprayed a smoke mist down a corridor, she found what she had trained for. Enough lasers, to keep all except mice, at bay. It was a good thing that her "cat-suit" was made of radar reflecting material. This would allow her to lie, on the floor, and slide past the lowest sensors, with little effort. Sherlock did not encounter her first "booby-trap" until she made it within ten feet, of the hold. Sure, it had taken three hours, to reach this point, however, it should be noted that not one alarm had sounded. Once at the hatch-way, Sherlock put on her combination comm-set, and camera (a "gift", from Lloyd's of London, with which to examine the piece) As a result, Watson, Lestrade, Parliament, and Lloyd's of London, could watch as Sherlock worked her way through the lock, setting. Ten, long, minutes, later, and Sherlock was inside the hold. What she saw, in the near distance, amazed the woman. It looked like real gold. Maybe 500 weight, of the substance. And the diamonds. So bright, they would have formed rainbows, in the sun-light. The object stood in the center of the hold yet, upon closer inspection, Sherlock wondered why such an obviously heavy object did not place more strain, in its base. While Sherlock Holmes was aware, that lifting the object from its base would set off shreeking alarms, all over the ship, still, she lifted what she THOUGHT would be one heavy piece, of gold, and diamonds. Sherlock was surprised, and shocked, to find the object just a bit heavier than an industrial glove. The gold was spray-painted on, and the diamonds, Sherlock knew, from her own childhood, were from a childs "princess" kit. No wonder the owners would not allow anyone, to see the object, even to insure it. It would take an insurance expert all of five minutes, to de-bunk the fake. It was not, however, until Sherlock tried to leave the hold, with the object, that the electronics went active. Sherlock just smiled, as the gas began to pour from the vents. She had prepared for this. Her suit had a built in, five-hour, air supply. As for the lasers, in the hall, it took Sherlock all of five minutes to figure out the laser routine, and work her way through it, without touching it off. When she called upon Watson, for her extraction, Watson was, fully, prepared to come up, to the deck, facing missiles, and machine guns. This is why he was surprised when all of the weapons seemed to be pointing at thee hatch, where Sherlock was preparing to make her escape. Realizing what would happen, if the trap worked, Watson would choose the weapons, as best he could, and take out as much, of the fire-power, as possible, before Sherlock emerged from the interior. Sure, the explosions left plenty of debris, for Sherlock to navigate, but, as she would point out, she would, rather, run such an obstacle course than to try and avoid automated gun-fire. It was not until Sherlock was aboard the helicopter that Watson noticed the flashing beam, of a laser-targetting device. Watson recognized this, from his days, with military invasion forces. The laser was designed to seek out either stationary, or mobile, targets, lock in, then fire either guns, or missiles. Watson was just amazed that the laser had not locked onto the hull, of the helicopter, yet. The laser was, still, in "search mode". It was not until Sherlock tossed the fake object into the back, of the helicopter, then said "Let us return home, shall we?" Watson would say "I thought you would, never, ask." What shocked, and surprised, both the detective, and the doctor, was how, by the time they arrived, at Scotland Yard, with the fake object, that the owner was claiming that the original had been stolen. Thee owner was insisting that the original was on-board that ship, and that it was gone. When the owner had said "I will sue!", their insurance company would say "Now, hold on. First things first. Lets make sure the item is missing." When Holmes stepped up, to the monitor, asking "Are you referring to this?", the insurance company would say "That APPEARS to be similar, to our clients lost piece." When Holmes would inquire "You say it appears. How can you not be certain?" The insurance company would say "Its not that we do not trust Sherlock Holmes, but we would, rather, make the identification in person." This is when Lestrade would say "Happy to have your company. When shall I inform my staff to expect your arrival?" While the insurance company would say "Forty-eight hours should be fine. You understand. Permission to travel, at company expense, arranging flights, and so on." Lestrade was just saying "Fine, see you then." When the owner would interfere, saying "I want my money, NOW!" The insurance company would say "Patience. Once the unit is verified, everything will be handled." Now, ofcourse, when the insurance accuator arrived, and saw the copy, they no-sooner informed their client, when the client insisted that Sherlock Holmes had switched the objects, in the time between finding the ship, and the company's arrival, in England. This was debunked, when Lestrade lead the insurance comppany to police holding, and let the insurance company SEE the property. After the insurance company declared the copy, as FAKE as Holmes had, the owner insisted that the freighter crew must have switched the objects, during that un-schedulled stop, in mid-ocean. Problem was that this was impossible to prove, since, once the object was removed, from the freighter, the ship had changed course, due south. Add in the fact that Sherlock had seen no human crew, and the list, of suspects covered everyone, on Earth, with access to a computer. Then, there was the fact that the nation, where the owner lived, had NO law enforcement treaties, with England, and it would be impossible to gain a search warrant, for the owners property. The fake item, would be returned to storage, while the owner filed claim after claim, all stating that either the non-existant crew, of the freighter, or Sherlock Holmes, herself, had stolen the original. The insurance company would not pay off, as well, since no one had, actually, SEEN the object, prior to shipment. Result, somewhere, out there, there was a piece, of art, valued at over $500 million, and either no one knew where it was at, or they were not telling. Tabitha remained convinced that the reason why the owner nevver allowed anyone to VIEW the object, while in transit, was so that no one would suspect the fake. The escort ships would be found to be fakes, as well. Ships, purchased, from junkyards, and just made to appear as "muscle". While she could not prove it, Tabitha felt certain that, when the ships stopped, at sea, that either one, of two things, happened: 1) The crews were paid off, and sent out, on other ships, never to be heard from, again 2) The crews had been executed, and their bodies dumped, at sea. The ultimate graveyard. Could she PROVE either of these hypothesis? No. They just seemed the most elementary. Over the coming months, Tabitha's "network" would hear stories, about a similar piece, being placed, for auction. Seller: Unknown. Verification: UN-Available, at sellers request. Rumor had it that the object had been sold, atleast four times, and for no less then $750 million, each. Truth, or fantasy? All that Watson knew was that, within the next month, he would receive a post, with ownership papers, for a helicopter. The postmark was the Ministry of Defense. When Watson showed this to Tabitha, she would say "Elementary, my dear Watson. The ministry, and Parliament, expect future work, to come our way. Now that we have transportation, we may travel farther abroad, than ever before." The game is afoot! Tally Ho!