REGRETS

REGRETS That is what my skeptics were left with, as time passed. Regrets, such as the women, who had, openly, publicly, and LOUDLY, proclaimed "You are NOT a MAN!", "You dont DESERVE a WOMAN!", and "You will NEVER be anything!" These were the women who thought that having men, similar to "Conan the Barbarian", would mean that the men would let NOTHING stop them, from reaching their goals. These were the women who stood by while men talked, endlessly, about their goals, and how "famous" they would be, "some-day". These were the women, who waited in lines, at food pantries, for anything they could get. The women, who watched as men sat in front of televisions (when not working at any jobs they could find), eating snack foods, and drinking cases of beer. The women, who, eventualy, ended up becoming their mens "care-givers", once the mens body weight exceeded certain levels, and the mens legs gave out. Ofcourse, among some of these women, it was neither age, nor condition, which stopped men, from achieving certain goals. For these women, "conjugal visits" were the main time when the women, and their children, saw the men. The men were behind bars, serving time, for a wide variety of felonies. The women were left to raise children, on their own. And not to dis-clude the men, from among my skeptics. "Men", who, openly laughed at my idea's, and plans. Men, who would rather try to win drinking contests, than to consider the future. Then, there was Valerie. A woman I got involved with because her boyfriend wanted her to have her breasts enlarged, to "D" size, as well as other enlargements. Since Valerie had been told, by her friends, that I HAD to be a homosexual, yet these same women admitted that, at times, I had been helpful, on things like odd jobs, and reading mail, yet I never demanded sex, for my services. When Valerie got up the courage, to ask ME for my opinion, I told her that I couldn't give her any opinion, except that her outline, from her clothes, made her look very nice, to me. While Valerie knew it was a "trap", on my part, when she asked if she looked "kissable", I took her into my arms, and our first kiss ended up lasting LONGER than either of us had planned. The next time I saw Valerie, she had a bandage, on her neck. This is when she asked me "WHY do men need to BITE women?" When I told her "Not all men do." She smiled as she said "I'll bet". Valerie not only "lost" that bet, but, by the time I left her place, she had to sit back, rest, and enjoy the feeling, of the air, carressing her exposed, aroused, breasts. Valerie had said nothing, about our next "date", when she heard her friends saying that they doubted that I could "get it up." Valerie knew the truth, having tasted me, more than once. The reason why Valerie kept silent was because she wondered if I could, actually, bring about the changes, which, as she learned, while we snuggled, after the fact, that I was working on. It had taken Valerie just five hours, with a friends help, between visits two and three, to find the information, about my actions. So far, I had spoken with three, cultural, groups, and was preparing to meet others, all with a single goal in mind. I was doing everything, in my power, to prevent Washington D.C. from making the same mistake, which had cost the Russians so much money, with so little benefit. The White House was DETERMINED to build the wall, no matter how much opposition there was. The new Berlin Wall, was being pushed on the American people, just as past wars had been. Valerie found out that I was "championing" an alternative, to this waste of money. On "date" number three, Valerie had asked, and I gave her as much as I could, about my plan. A plan, which was gaining support, by the day. While Valerie knew it was a mistake, by the time "date" number four, was at hand, my plan, for state-hood, had the full backing, and support, of FIVE, cultural, groups. This is why, on "date" number four, she opened, wide, to me, and, once I had penetrated, she found herself hoping that I would forget about it, and leave it inside her. Valerie smiled at this thought, since she knew it was CONNECTED to me. While Valerie asked me what I thought, at the end of each "date", all I could think of, to say was "To me, you are perfect as you are. I would not change a thing." Valerie suggested that I was just saying this, just for access to her bed. She just did not know WHAT to think, when I provided her with a lovers ring. Later, while her boyfriend was off, doing who-knows-what, with who-knows-who, Valerie stood beside me, when no less than twenty-five cultural groups lent their support, publicly, to my state-hood idea. Now, sure, the White House threw another tantrum, over this, but what could they do? I had the support of the international community. While Valerie offered me the next three months, as permission, due to my national efforts, to enter her bedroom, what annoyed Valerie was her own mother. A woman, who was trying to turn our mid-week, and weekend, "dates" into courtship. No matter how many times Valerie said "Mother, we are FRIENDS. Nothing more." Her mother just gave that "I KNOW" look. While Valerie had offered me three months, of access, as the end, of our deal, drew near, she whispered "Do we need to watch the clock, that closely?" Six months later, and Valerie had me scheduled, in her personal calendar, even as she watched as I took on the White House, again. This time, over that insane idea, of ending school shootings, by providing teachers with fire-arms, and instructions to "return fire". While the White House had insisted that this was the ONLY way, to terminate shool, shooting, spree's, this action LOST any backing that it had, after three more attacks, took even more lives. These lives were lost, in the cross-fire, as students were gunned down, totally by accident, by teachers, who were aiming at shooters. What the White House just could NOT comprehend was that, during shootings, the public reacted, like stampeding cattle. All anyone wanted was to get away from the gun-fire. With so many bodies, rushing for safety, clear shots were impossible. When teachers began taking "best guess" shots, no one was certain of who shot, and killed, members of the student council, rotary club, or the two, track, stars, who were part, of the stampede. While the police were bagging bodies, the White House was proclaiming a "victory", since the shooters were killed, during the stampede, as well. (The parents, of the dead, were the opposite of this. All parents, and families, saw, were corpses, being bagged, for the morgue.) It was during this time when Valerie, in-advertently, became an advocate, for my own plan, regarding school violence. Valerie never intended, nor set up meetings, to talk to people, but she did discuss my alternative, to schools, being used as shooting ranges. Valerie was just thankful that, once she told me that parents were terrified of more stampede carnage (Even as teachers, at three schools, turned in fire-arms, telling administrators "I am a TEACHER. I am NOT a gun-fighter. I WONT be responsible for shooting students.") that I provided her with a clear, and simple, set of notes, on my proposal, for bringing a complete end, to school violence. When parents asked Valerie "Do you, REALLY, think it will work?" Valerie would, only, say "Remember. Soldiers are professionally trained, tested, and disciplined, in the proper use of fire arms. If anyone can reduce the numbers, of the dead, the army, and marine corps are the best we have." Just one problem, that Valerie did not count on. That was the fact that, once rumor spread, that we were a "couple", Valerie learned the COST, of loving an aspiring man. The way I differed, from her boyfriend, was how I handled our interrupted times. With him, it was nothing more than telling Valerie "I am going out, tonight. I should be back, by tomorrow." Valerie knew that this meant that he, and his friends, were going bar-hopping, and skirt-chasing. By contrast, most of the time, Valerie began taking my calls, and marking the calendar, days, even weeks, ahead of time, when groups wanted me to address them. Yes, Valerie knew where I was, and what I was doing, when I was not sleeping by her side. Her mother was harder to convince. This is why Valerie had her brother tune into the local, public access channel, to watch me give a talk, on using the military to bring an end to school violence. When audience members would ask "How can you be so sure that the military would do a better job?" All I would suggest was "Who would be stupid enough to take on a trained soldier?" While I was encouraging rational thought, on the subject, the White House was throwing ANOTHER tantrum, and even threatening to FIRE teachers, who rejected fire-arms, in schools. This, while churches, and families, were busy burying the dead. Dead, which included three cheerleaders, four football players, two student council members, and a student, whose grades had qualified them for a national scholarship, in a program, which would have opened all kinds of "doors", to the future. All, now, lay in coffins, their souls off to meet the divine, years, even DECADES ahead of schedule. The second time I ended up in the national "spotlight" was right about the time when the White House was issuing an "Executive Order", demanding that any teacher, who refused to carry a fire-arm, be fired. Problem was that the teachers union had gotten wind of this, coming, order and rallied teachers into a nation-wide strike. (This is when Valerie kissed me, then whispered "You're up. Lets see what happens".) To the outright FURY, of the White House, teachers, parents, and students, banded together, to support my proposal. As soon as the White House declared "I REFUSE to send troops into schools. I INSIST that MORE guns, in schools, will, EVENTUALLY, lead to safer schools." In a move no one hoped to regret, congress vetoed the White House, and approved the deployments. Soon, soldiers, in full, combat, gear, began appearing, on school grounds, and the students main reply was "Holy..." While some school administrators protested, claiming that they had "control" of their schools, it took only three fire-fights, each of which lasted less then two minutes, for soldiers to dis-arm attackers, to prove this to be a fantasy. With soldiers appearring, just abut everywhere, even school bullies had to re-think attack plans. HOW could these students terrorize victims, with soldiers walking halls, as well as the property? While one bully thought that just dragging a victim off of school property, was enough to allow the bully to act, what the bully did not understand is that this, entire, nation is the jurisdiction, of soldiers. Once faced with four M-16 rifles, the bully released their intended victim and accepted the handcuffs. In another case, it is reported that, when a "plain" girl had tried out, for cheerleading, the "princesses", on the squad decided to make sure the girl felt as un-wanted as possible. The cheerleaders made only one mistake. They forgot to check for soldiers, on patrol. When the victim was released, and the cheerleaders were marched into the command center, the cheerleaders maintained that they had the RIGHT, to make students feel "worthless". They claimed it was their DUTY. The military had not agreed. Nor had the judge, who charged the cheerleaders, as adults, sentencing the young girls to six months, in a reformatory. (Now, the cheerleaders had records, which would haunt them, for the rest of their lives.) While the bullies families were very UN-happy, with the new security, once school violence dropped out of the news (no more bullies, and students just studying for class), the bullies, and their backers had "faded, into the wood-work". While Valerie would have hoped that these, two, victories would be the highlight of my life, it was not long before I was being sought, again. It would turn out to be no ones surprise when, after the defeats, of the Berlin Wall, and school security, that the White House not only threw yet another tantrum, but the occupant vacated the premises, and returned to their own properties. Congress was told to handle the nations business, on its own. While Valerie had not been surprised, when she had been invited to the national stroll, down Pennsylvania Avenue, when a democrat won the next presidential election, by a "land-slide", what had annoyed her was when she had to inform the party that we were NOT, in fact, married. Soon after this, Valerie made me an offer. Permanent bedroom priviledges, in return for a wedding ring, and children. The way she said it was like "I want us to be OFFICIAL." When I declined this, reminding her that we were friends, and that she DID have a REAL boyfriend (whenever he chose to be around), she told me to take all that I wanted, on this visit. I would not be returning to her bed, again. On the plus side, I heard that, while her boyfriend refused to marry her, he did give her some children. Valerie spent the rest of her life trying to convince herself that she had done RIGHT. Maybe she had no ring, but atleast she had children. As near as I was able to learn, not one, of the men, whom the ladies preferred to me, turned out to be much of anything. The men had drunk themselves into early graves. Most had no markers, nor did they leave much behind. A few welfare mothers, and children the men could not care, less, about. Valerie might have ended up, like this, herself, except for the fact that, regardless of marriage papers, congress, and other groups, KNEW that Valerie could influence me. She was as close to me as any wife could be. This is why, when a corporation needed a "loss-leader", into which to dump excess cash, which they did not want to pay taxes on, Valerie had presented an idea, to me. It would seem that the property, where we had "met", had been turned over to some, un-identified, trust. In fact, the same fund, where dozens, of other properties, had been dumped, by people who wanted no liability. The idea, to turn the property into a "hide-away", for lovers, was Valeries. While, to the outside world, the place looked like any other apartment complex, it was the INTERIOR which drew people in. While Valerie and I continued to have some great times, her regret was that she never bore my children. True, I had lead the way in turning Moonbase: Alpha into a reality, but more as a stop-over, on the way to Mars, and other planets. I had "lead the charge", towards the development of Warp Drive, and Sub-Space radio. Valerie had thought it hilarious, when the media, accidentally, referred to her as my "wife". When Valerie asked her mother, father, and myself, what we thought of this, she received the same answer. Niether Valerie, nor her parents, nor myself, could be blamed for what people CHOSE to believe. We would correct people if they ASKED. If they didn't, the fault was theirs. While I, eventually, escorted Valerie to her mans funeral, the turn-out was about what we expected. The minister, Valerie, and myself. Since the mans children did not know him, they did not attend. The service was very short, indeed. Just a recap of the mans childhood, and high school years. The rest of his life was a blank. The state-financed service was as cheap as cheap could get. The man was a nobody, so no one would miss him. In fact, this is the way most of Valeries friends went. Valerie would escape this fate, because our "connection" gave her power, over various decisions. She even took her mothers advice, on avoiding fights. For Valerie, the most potent "weapon" was to converse with me, on various topics. Clothed, or nude, she knew how to talk to me. This is, no-doubt, why, even though Valerie was low-income, herself, she became enough, of a regular, at country clubs, and luncheons, that staff no-longer questioned her, after a few visits. Just like her father, who had retired from one of the last of the manufacturing jobs, in America, Valerie was becoming quite the debutant. By the time I perished, while overseeing the start-up, of one of Earths first, Martian, colonies, Valerie had become the go-to girl, for gaining my support, on projects. Warp Drive had, finally, made the planets, of the solar system just minutes, of travel, apart, not months. With Sub-Space radio, the announcement, of my demise, would reach Earth, in minutes. Valeries only regret, as she went into solitude, for her remaining years, was of the fact that she had not given me any children. Sure, she had a good life, and had been amazed at the turn-out, for my funeral, but she did wish that she had given me a family. Ah, the REGRETS, of life.

THE MORNING AFTER

THE MORNING AFTER Yes. That is what Lisa would regret, for many years to come. What Lisa hated, most, was the fact that I made her feel more like a woman than her fiance did. While I slept, Lisa wondered what it would be like IF she could return to the previous day (while retaining the knowledge, of the days, and nights, events.) Ofcourse, Lisa knew that, no matter how much she might WANT to, there was no way to erase the events, which had come to pass. They were "set in stone" history. History, which could not be changed. If only her fiance had not been so arrogant, about his accusations, both that I was NOT a man, and that I could, never, satisfy Lisa. That, and the oh-so-stupid bet. While Lisa and I had seen, and greeted, one another, long before the wager, what drew Lisa, to me was her friends conversations, regarding my "growing list", of achievements. At first, Lisa placed no "stock", into the stories, of my being a writer, of short story fiction. A man who HOPED to be remembered, one day, for achieving what so few were able to achieve. She had heard this same story, about far too many of the men, whom she dated. Even her fiance had TALKED, OFTEN, about his dream, of becoming a professional athlete. While HE was not the only man Lisa had dated, HE was the only one, who took the "dream", of professional sports, seriously. Most, of the other men, whom Lisa knew, had given up, on their main hope, once they learned just how much drug testing was involved. Just like their own dates had thought, the men had thought that all that mattered, in professional sports, was determination. It had not been until college recruiters had visited the high school, and the boys learned about "Mandatory Drug Testing", that the high schoolers challenged this. The boys had played a demonstration game, HOPING that THIS, not some "stupid", drug test, would prove the boys value, to recruiters. While recruiters had been impressed with the boys enthusiasm, the boys were told "Without a drug test, our hands are tied. Either you test, or we move on, to the next school." The girls heard atleast three, of the boys, saying "They should have told us, ahead of time." When the girls had asked "Would it have mattered?" The boys had said "Hell, yes! If we knew we were going to be drug tested, we would not have held that party, until AFTER the tests." The girls knew what the boys meant. After all, the girls had attended the party, which was only about 10-11 hours, before the recruiters showed up. While the other boys had been smart enough to step down from consideration, saying they had "other projects", to work on, only HE had "stayed the course", but with a condition. HE wanted to choose the testing center, as well as the testing date. When the recruiters walked away, HE had said "This is NOT over, yet!" While HE had been denied both the college scholarship, AND his chance, at college girls, Lisa had noticed that HE held "true" to his dream. Every time, since high school, that there were try-outs, for sports, HE had signed up. While two events, had pushed HIM out, for refusing to submit to testing, five others had returned his application, prior to the try-outs, highlighting the part, of the agreement, that all entrants take PRE-try-out drug tests. Still, HE would not give in. HE just kept promising Lisa "Stick with ME and, when *I* make the "big time", you can come along." While HE was attending less and less try-outs, for sports, HE was entering drinking contests, more often. HE also liked wagers. In fact, HE liked wagering, so much, that HE would not let Lisa move in, with HIM. Reason: HE considered Lisa "hen-pecked", since she paid her bills, then "played with" whatever was left. By contrast, any time HE heard of a wager, with odds of 20-50-to-1, HE put ALL of HIS money, on such wagers. This is why HE moved, often. In fact, by the time I knew HIM, HE had more residences, in the past few years, than I had, since kindergarten. HE had been evicted, for actual, non-payment, of rent, so many times, that only the worst places would have HIM, anymore. Still, HE promised Lisa "Stick with ME, and when I make it, big..." As Lisa would, eventually, tell me "The ONLY reason why I stay with him is because I HATE being single, and "available". When Lisa described how men treated women, who were "available", I could understand why women, like Lisa, HATED being "available". While I, as a man, thought it was disgusting, and hateful, for both men, and women, to shout/scream this phrase, in gentlemens faces "You're NOT a MAN!", and "You dont DESERVE a woman!" I had no idea that, for "available" women, it was just as bad. What with "men" waiving personal body parts in the womens faces, and saying "You KNOW you want it." Lisa said that any woman, who dared decline, was labelled "Lesbian", or "Dyke". This is why Lisa put up with HIM. She was used to HIM. HIM, and his never ending promise of, eventual, success. It was because of endless TALK, like this, both from HIM, and his friends, about what they HOPED to achieve "One day", that, when Lisa heard about my work, she decided to challenge her friend asking "Just HOW do you KNOW that he is, really, a writer? Did he "promise" you, just to get into your pants?" Her friend had said "As a matter of fact, NO. I was sent to his site, or blog, by some other people, who were reading his latest." When Lisa asked for the address, of my work, her friend added "Make sure you have food, and drink, on hand, when you sit down, to read." Lisa was glad that she followed her friends suggestion, about food and drink. When Lisa booted up her home computer, and brought up my site, she found that she did not need her nightly drugs, to fall asleep. After three days, of reading, Lisa was prepared to ask me about my future plans, as an author, when her friend informed her: "He's not just an author, of short stories. He has been working on stopping that idiot from building a new Berlin Wall, on the Texas border". When Lisa asked "HOW is he doing this?" Her friend would say "Tune into the public access channel, at 7 p.m. See for yourself." When Lisa decided that her normal time, spent getting high, with her friends, could rest, for a single night, Lisa, and (the network was reporting) "thousands" of other Americans, would sit before televisions, watching, and listening, as I reminded the audience of how badly the first Berlin Wall had FAILED, for the Soviet, Communist, Party. I reminded the audience of how Adolf Hitler had "kept" his "promise", to re-build a prosperous Germany, from the ashes of the post World War One era. How Hitler had "re-built" Germany, into a prison camp, not just for Allied soldiers, and Jews, but for the Germans, themselves. How Germans could be arrested, or shot-on-site, should either the Gestapo, or the S.S. decide that citizens were not "loyal enough" to Der Fuhrer. How this madness had sent many Germans into the Underground, aiding the resistance, to Nazi Party activities. How this underground had aided in supplying information, which aided the D-Day invasion, of Europe. How the combined forces, of England, France, the United States, and the Soviet Union, had pulverized the Nazi Party, while freeing Germany from the strangle-hold, of a mad-man. Hitler: The man, who did not CARE how many German lives his "dream" would cost. All Hitler wanted was his place, in history. Once the Germans were freed, of this mad-man's blood-thirsty tyranny, and England, France, and the United States, together, had decided to allow the Germans to re-build their democracy, Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin had other plans. Plans, which lead the Germans, in the Soviet sector, of defeated Germany, to begin an exodus, to the west. How the Soviet, Communist, Party had hoped that barbed wire, and concrete, would keep the Germans inside the Soviet sector. By the time I had explained how ingenious the Germans had been, in overcoming the Berlin Wall (while suggesting that Latino's were no less ingenious), even Lisa was happy to see the audience applauding me, for my suggstion that the Texas-Mexico Wall would be a useless waste, of taxpayer money. It was while Lisa was considering what she had watched, and the question of if my idea, of offering state-hood, was a better option, than a wall, that HE went into one of HIS "He does not know anything. I CAN, and I WILL, become a professional athlete, any time I want to. Besides, WHAT does he have that I dont?" Lisa knew who "he" was. "He" was me. The man, who was showing men, half my age, that age had nothing to do with fitness. Lisa had taken notice of the fact that, when the men laid a $20.00 bet, that, due to AGE, I would be heaviest of all, the men failed to take into account my diet, and exercise. Yes, out of pure curiousity, Lisa had "snuck a few peeks", at my diet, and exercise. This is why she was not, at all, surprised when the weigh-in took place, and my competitors came in 75-125 pounds HEAVIER than I was. When their women laughed as the men would say "My weight is muscle. Anything you can do, I can do." Another bet was made. This time, at $50.00 per man. I saw no harm in wagering one-third, of my winnings. While Lisa stood as close as she dared, to HIM, she watched as HE, and his friends, took turns, trying to lift weight, which was lighter than my fully-equipped bicycles. While Lisa had been "impressed", with my solid 210 pounds, she was, both amazed, and impressed, when I doubled the weight, that the other men could lift. Lisa did find herself blushing, when I lifted the crosss-bar, with 100 pounds per side. (She blushed because, for a moment, she visualized that it was HER that I was lifting.) After I won a total, of $500.00, that day, Lisa asked me to join her, in a walk. (The wagers, which I declined, following the fitness test, were wagers of who could drink the most booze, and swallow the most drugs). On our walk, Lisa mentioned my writing, and my work, on the wall. When she asked what other goals I was trying for, I mentioned my work, towards increasing school security. After our walked ended in another surprise, that of my offering to join Lisa in a salad, she would return to her place, to get ready for her next date, with HIM. She knew it did not take much preparation, for HIM. In fact, if HE went any FASTER, they would be finished before they started. Still, it was better than being "available". For some reason, however, HE was carrying on. HE was saying something about someone "showing off", and that a "REAL" man would spend his time, chasing women. It was not until HE looked, directly, at Lisa, saying "I DONT want you anywhere near him. Do you hear me?" When Lisa asked "Why?" HE, profanely, reminded her that she was HIS. After that, HE snapped her stretch bottoms off, threw her on HIS bed, mad a few motions, then removed it, making her watch as he "performed" solo. What puzzled Lisa was how he suggested "If you want more, like this, just keep watching that whimp." While Lisa left his place, having not expected GREAT sex, but, atleast SOME sex, she knew what she would do, with the rest of her night. Later, Lisa would be thankful that her high school best friends mother had been a lesbian. Maybe "closet-style", but lesbian, anyway. Thanks to the elder woman, Lisa's friend had access to all manner of lesbian products. (Including video's) While Lisa's friend would not be caught, dead, with her mothers property, when the woman announced that she was getting rid of the old, in favor of new, Lisa had suggested that SHE could "get rid" of the old, at NO cost. (Lisa just did not mention HOW, or WHERE). Nowadays, the womens products had a place, inside Lisa's apartment. Lisa could watch her favorite videos any time she wanted to. On a night like this one, Lisa planned to make full use, of ALL of the products. While none of it was as good as a man, it was "good enough" to get her through a lonely night. As for HOW the actual wager came about, I believe that it began with a general discussion, of how "effective" men were, in getting women aroused. I think it was somewhere, between booze, and reefer, that HE mentioned that Lisa had a "thing" for me. While Lisa was prepared to deny this, it was when HE mentioned that not even Lisa could "Get me up", that Lisa asked "For how much?" When HE tilted his booze, towards her, saying "How about we make it interesting" With that, HE described what he wanted Lisa to do, to me. While I was surprised when Lisa said "You're on!", that I asked "How long do we have, to "do the deed". (I wanted to belt HIM, when he suggested it would take Lisa a YEAR, to get me going.) The wager said that Lisa could not "do the deed", with me, even in a years time. HE was that certain that I was a hard-core NOT-man. While I was surprised when the "players" began throwing ALL, and I mean, ALL, of their money, into the "pot", all saying that even Lisa could not "start my engine", in a years time, even as Lisa smiled. It was on the walk, to her place, that Lisa snuggled up, to me, whispering "Easiest money I will, ever, make." When I said "Oh, really." She patted my bulge as she said "Just wait until morning. I promise you wont be able to get ANY rise, out of it." Lisa realized that she would regret those words when she had her first sight. She, no-sooner, looked at it when she said "This is going to be a night to remember." While Lisa dis-robed, with the grace, of a ballerina, or dancer, I was about the opposite. I bumbled out of my clothes, like a babboon. (Thankfully, Lisa laughed at this). What she did NOT laugh at was the amount of time I took, just to seduce her, prior to sex. Her concern became not that of "Can I get him up?", but "HOW do I handle him, once we get started." If not for the wager, Lisa was certain that she would have thrown me out, once I began showing her the attention, which she had, until that point, only READ about, in novels. At stake was $10,000. When I suggested that Lisa could have the money, if she gave me just a full weekend, Lisa smiled as she said "No, thanks. I will take the $5,000." Lisa ended up taking MORE than that, as seduction turned into passion, and Lisa went from thinking "Just complete the bet", and into thinking "How can I make this night last, just for a few YEARS?" Lisa grew even more "annoyed" when I took rest breaks, in between. After the third time, Lisa whispered "Do you HAVE to take the time, to kiss me, after every single time?" I suggested "While I am here, I am taking all I can get." Had she been with HIM, when it was over with, she would have thought "Thank God, thats over." With me, Lisa found herself wishing that it could have gone on, for SO much longer. To add "insult" to "injury", Lisa found that, after loving her, into the finest bliss she had known, in YEARS, when I dis-mounted, and she came close, I encouraged her to snuggle up to me. In fact, by the time I dropped off, to sleep, Lisa was wrapped around me, like a blanket. Before drifting off, herself, Lisa considered the possibility, of having two men. HIM, on the surface, and me, where it counted. Why not? After all, the reason why her friends mother stayed with the girls father was because the man had no objection, to his wife having two, to three, female, lovers, at any, given, time. Lisa had to shake herself out of this fantasy. After all, her goal was to, eventually, become a "trophy wife". There was no room, in her future, for a writer, and statesman. Lisa, also, had NO intention of telling me that, while asleep, she had a dream of being a mother, to three of my boys, and two, of my girls. No, she had PLANS, for her future. Yes, by morning, Lisa would have, gladly, paid ten million dollars, to erase the love we had shared, that night. Thinking back, Lisa realized that she, also, wished she could erase the entire conversation, which had lead to this night. Why? She thought. Why did she feel the need to prove HIM wrong? When I awoke, embraced her, and gave her a french-kiss, Lisa wondered "Why am I letting him do this?" Then she remembered "It is because I have been wishing that my own man would do this." Figuring that nothing, worse, could happen, when she felt me, close to her, she figured "Nothing to lose" She just relaxed, and enjoyed, while wishing the morning would, never, end. Afterwards, when I whispered "You are fantastic. I wish you were mine." Lisa smiled, at me, while thinking "Dont you dare tell him that you love him, and that you want to give him so much more." Instead, we shared a beautiful shower, then gathered our clothes. Even in the kitchen, I acted as she only wished HE would act. While logic told Lisa to point her cooking tools at me, say "Back off", then finish making breakfast, her heart won out, as Lisa allowed me not only to carress her, while she prepared breakfast, but to give her several, neck, kisses. After a delicious breakfast, I had just lay her back, on her table, kissing her, deeply, when she whispered "I think its time for you to go." At the door, I risked one, last, deep, kiss. After that, she patted my bottom as she said "Scoot. I have things to do." These "things" included using, then destroying, two, seperate, pregnancy tests. No matter how she used the test, Lisa came to the same result. "NOT Pregnant". A whole night, of the best sex she had, in YEARS, and all she had, to show for it was a satisfied body, and a bright smile. (How could the Divine be so cruel, to her?) A single night, with a man she would give a year, or five, to have with her, and she did not even get pregnant. What Lisa found odd was the fact that, for the first time, that she could remember, she did NOT grab a beer, from her cooler, to relax, after her disappointment. This time, she brewed, and drank, a cup, of tea. After that, and fearful that she, still, smelled of me, Lisa took another shower. Only after this did Lisa dare visit her mother. She just hoped that mothers "sixth sense" did not work as well as normal. Yes, mother had a sixth sense. She could read almost anyone. What annoyed both Lisa, and her sister, was how mother could take one look, at the girls, after dates, and tell the girls what kind of dates the girls had. Even when Lisa's sister tried a date, with a girl, mother knew, just by looking at her daughters. Lisa's concern, that morning, was that she would look "different", having spent a night in the arms of a very loving man. Sure enough, Lisa no-sooner entered mothers kitchen when mother was congratulating the girl on a fantastic date. When mother went to offer Lisa her customary beer, and Lisa suggested tea, instead, Lisa saw the look, on mothers face, and said "NO, I am NOT pregnant. I just dont feel like booze, this morning." While Lisa would, never, dare share the details, of the previous night, with her friends, she felt she could count on mothers discretion. Mother held the Encyclopedia, of Secrets, in her amazing memory. When Lisa shared the most personal details, of the night, all mother would say was "Please tell me you made another date, with him." Lisa would ask "Mother, haven't you been listening?" Mother would say "Sure. A bet, worth $10,000, that you could not get a rise, out of a man. You not only got the "rise", but you got the bonus, of some terrific love. Now, you dont want to collect, on the bet, since you think it will make the events less romantic." When Lisa would ask "Do you think thats what it is?" Mother would say "It is "written" all over your face. You have found a man, whom you would give several years, of your life, to bear children by. Now, the question is Which will it be? Admit to LOVE, and take your winnings, OR "lose" the bet, and protect your plans, to become a trophy wife." It was not until Lisa was taking a walk, through the very neighborhood, where she had grown up, that she received an "alert", of news, on her home computer. When Lisa returned home, she had to laugh, at what "local" news had "broken". It seems that, while Lisa was pouring her heart, and soul, out, for my love, the night before, HE had been out on one of his "hunts". According to the story, HE had managed two women, in private, and secret, yet, when HE saw number three, HE "threw caution to the wind." By the time HE was finished, with number three, the police had been called, with the nearest officer having the mis-fortune of being female. While police are trained to deal with human attackers, what no one can train for is "pure, animal, instinct". HE had not only dis-armed the officer, but took what he wanted. All in the full view of the cars on-board camera's. Under normal conditions, such people are sent away, for 10-20 years. Due to HIS "condition", however, HE was headed BACK to therapy. A secure setting, where HE would be put BACK on HIS medications. While this was HIS fifth infraction, to date, HE would serve no more than five years. This is what Lisa found so hilarious. She had felt ashamed for letting a man love her, deeper than anyone, except her own parents, and for a FULL night, while HE was out, attacking women, left and right. Mother was right. Lisa did have a question, which ONLY Lisa could answer. Should she remain "loyal" to a man, who would not be allowed access, to women, for years to come, all in the hope of becoming a "trophy wife", someday? Should she risk following her heart, and risk a life of little more than "Cook, Maid, and so on"? Did she, REALLY, want the life, that her mother had? Lisa would have to think this over, VERY carefully. After all, once she started down one path, "changing course" would be next to impossible. (If only Lisa could get the memories, of the previous night to STOP playing back, in her head, like a machine, set on "continuous play")

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!

THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES

THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES The problem would begin when some doctored photos would come to light. The problem, which these photos would cause was due to the fact that the photos depicted members, of the royal family, involved in lewd, sexual, and provocative, situations. The problem, with which Scotland Yard was tasked, was either the retrieval, or destruction, of the photos. This left the venerable Inspector Lestrade with a puzzle to solve. According to the report, which Lestrade had received, Mi-5, or MI-6, had canvassed the property, in question, where the photos were being held. The extortionists motives were clear. If the royal family did not abdicate, within a specified period of time, the photos would be "leaked", to the media. Even if un-true, the specter, of doubt, might cause serious distrust, of the royal family. When Inspector Lestrade would be told "We have considered every avenue, available. The only answer, which seems plausible, at this time, is a tacticle, nuclear, strike." When the inspector would say "See here, my good man, there are villages, in that area. No one is setting off a nuke, without warning the public, and a general evacuation." The instructor would inform Lestrade "IF we issue such a notice, then we are playing into the terrorists hands. They can evacuate, before the civilians are gone. What we need is something a bit less than orthodox." When Lestrade would say "Tell me, you DONT mean HER." The instructor would say "For someone, without security clearance, she has the finest retrieval record, in the empire." Lestrade would say "Let me guess. You want me to contact her, strictly on the Q.T." The instructor would say "You do catch on, quickly, inspector." With that, the instructor would leave the conference room, leaving the inspector to ask his subordinates "Do we know where Sherlock Holmes is, at this time?" Thirty minutes later, Lestrade would arrive at one of the most well-known addresses, in the world: 221-B Baker Street When the venerable housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, would invite the inspector into the residence, she would caution him "Sherlock is in one of her moods. All of that cat-and-mouse stuff. Not right, for an upstanding citizen." When Lestrade would thank the elderly woman, and make his way up the stairs, to the room, which he knew, so well, he would be surprised when he found the space vacant. The furnishings were, all, present, as if Sherlock Holmes had just stepped out, for a walk. Lestrade knew that he might have to wait for the "detective". How long? Who knows. It would not be until after some time, that Lestrade would check his pocket watch, asking "Where the devil?" This would be the moment, when a sleek, slender, form would appear, from the background, saying "Welcome Lestrade. I can see you are as "patient" as ever. By the way, I, still, prefer that you NOT smoke that vile tobacco, in my rooms. If you must smoke, use one of the tobaccos, which I prefer." When Lestrade would say "Dear me, I thought you gave up smoking, a good while ago." Sherlock would say "While I, no-longer smoke, I do not object if visitors indulge. Just smoke something which is not vile, to the senses." This is when Lestrade would say "Now, see here, Holmes, I did not come here, to have you trashing my preferred smoke. I came here because..." Sherlock would say "You are here regarding a case. A case, which Parliament has not had the ability to resolve. A case, involving some fake photos, of members of the royal family. The fear is that, IF the photos go public, no amount, of denial, will protect the royal family. Your job is to enlist my services, in order to "retrieve" the photo's, with as little embarrassment, as possible." When Lestrade would add "You should know that there are those, in authority, who are not in favor of your methods." Sherlock would say "Tell me something I do NOT, already, know." When Lestrade would ask "Will you take the case?" Sherlock Holmes would turn her head, as if in a light wind, saying "For the empire, ofcourse." When Lestrade would return to Scotland Yard, he would walk into a storm, of debate. A storm, which the man had expected. In the conference room, a speaker would be saying "She is a criminal! She was convicted of drug charges. There is no way we will allow her on our team." Lestrade would say "For as long as I have known Sherlock Holmes, being a "team-player", as you call it, has not been in her nature." While even Lestrade knew that it WAS true, that Sherlock Holmes had been convicted, of drug charges, and sentenced to serve five years, in detention, the inspector knew that there was much MORE, to the story. For Sherlock Holmes, being arrested, and charged, had been part of a plan. A plan, known only to Lestrade, and a few, select, people. Sherlock had made a point of going to a drug dealer, whom Scotland Yard had under watch. In order to make certain that the charge would "stick", Sherlock had made certain to obtain the Coccaine, in her pocket, from a very reliable source. This way, even if the "junk" she bought, on the street, was less than "pure", she could make sure that the police found the REAL substance. Sherlock was glad she had planned for this since, when she bought, from the dealer, in front of the police, she found that the pack she had bought was about 95% flour, and only 5% Coccaine. As a result, when the police arrested Sherlock, she had told them which pocket to search, for the REAL drug. The point, in going into prison, undercover, was to expose whether, or not, prison guards had, in fact, killed inmates, then just dumped bodies down the sewers. If the guards were innocent, Lestrade wanted absolute proof. Proof, which Sherlock Holmes could only gain, from behind bars. While the final report stated that it was a known FACT, that Sherlock Holmes had found, and reported, the evidence, that the guards had been framed, it was un-fortunate, that the mastermind had fled Great Britain, before an arrest could be made. Still, Sherlock Holmes had asked the police NOT to release her, at that time. According to official records, Sherlock's real name was Tabitha Holmes. The reason why she bore the famous name was due to a combination, of the family, she had been born into, and her ability, to solve cases, which no one else could solve. Un-like most criminals, who see prison as a place to "cool their heels", until release, Sherlock had used her time, behind bars, to meet, know, and understand, the skills sets, of the finest criminals, which Europe could create. When the prison warden made regular reports, stating that Sherlock Holmes was "conspiring", with some of the nations worst criminals, and these reports reached Lestrades desk, with workers asking "Whats going on?" Lestrade would, only, say "She knows what she is doing." Lestrade was correct. During her stay, in prison, Sherlock Holmes had learned from the very "best"? Everything from Cat-Burglary, to auto-theft, and computer hacking. At her out-mate review, Lestrade would have the reports suppressed, of her interractions, with other prisoners. The prison warden might have been opposed, to this, except for one reason. Due to what would turn out to be aged piping, and degraded seals, tanks, containing a "crowd control" gas, had mixed with tanks, containing "fire control" gas. The resulting mixture would be deadly, if inhaled. Un-fortunately, the prison gates had been programmed to prevent prisoner escape. This is why, when the warden ordered the gates open, to prevent gas-related deaths, the 21st century computer system, built into the prison, decided that the evacuation was, in fact, an escape attempt. As a result, even the Warden, and guards, were locked inside the prison, as the computer announced "Riot in progress." When the warden shouted, at the computer "OVERRIDE", the computer told the warden "Overrides dis-engaged. Riot MUST be contained." It was when the guards were asking the warden "How much time do we have?" That Sherlock did not like the answer, anymore than guards, or inmates did. The problem, that the prison had, that day, was that, among both prisoners, and guards, there was no one, of a slim enough build, to slip through the ventilation system, and shut off the gas. That is, not until Sherlock would ask "Where is the gas coming from?" The warden, with a cotton mask over his mouth, would point at a building, and say "There." A guard would point out "Sir, under roit conditions, the doors are disabled. Even our keys wont work." This is when Sherlock had spotted a grated vent. Now, her skills, learned in this prison, would be put to the test. Using skills, learned from a former acrobat, turned small time crook (after reaching a certain age) Sherlock had, acrobatically, swung herself up, to the vent, kicked it open, without it falling (learned from a former, high rise thief), and made her way into the vent. Sherlock had listened, and learned, that this was an air-cycling vent. This was to keep the air fresh, even within all of the concrete. Moving more like a snake, than a human, Sherlock had made her way, un-detected, past a battery of sensors, and into the storage area. Knowing she had only seconds, before the thick gas would kill her, Sherlock would grab a workers safety mask, and sinch it, tight, to her face. Now, sure, she DID receive a microscopic breath, of the gas, but her coughing passed as fast as it had come. Knowing that lives were "on the line" (even if they were law-breaking criminals), Sherlock found what she sought. Namely, sealing tape, and flexible hoses. Attaching one end, to bio-hazzard disposal units, and the other end, in both directions, to the tanks, Sherlock directed the deadly gas OUT of the prison, and into industrial strength air cleaners. The tanks would vent as safely as possible, even as the gas, in the venting system would be back-flushed, back to the building, then vented, through the filters. No lives would be lost, that day. The boring part, for everyone, in prison, was the DAYS that it took the computer geeks to disable the computers, allowing water to flow, and the delivery of food. While Sherlock declined any fan-fare, she did accept her release papers, and was on her way. Still, in the modern day, Lestrade would listen to managers, who would insist that "The woman is a convicted drug user! She cannot work with the police. That is in violation of the law." While Lestrade KNEW that Sherlock Holmes HAD used drugs, in the past, her goal, was, always, clear. Each time she took a drug, she made a list, of everything that she used, and how administered. Sherlock then kept a detailed account, of the drugs true effects, on her body. (NOT the supposed affects, as claimed by America's Drug Enforcement Administration). The D.E.A. was NOT happy, with the investigators reports, in medical journals. Especially those reports which stated that "Only LONG-term, Chronic, use, will result in claims, as promoted by the D.E.A. Casual users will have little to no side effects." It was not until Lestrade heard Dr. Watson's name being used, that the inspector began paying attention. Sure, Inspector Lestrade KNEW, from evidence, that Dr. John Watson was a medical doctor, and that he had been called, to combat duty, in the "endless invasions", of the Middle East, when other, combat, doctors had been injured, or died. Inspector Lestrade also knew why John Watson had been disabled out of the military. One day, Doctor Watson had no-sooner hot-wired five humvee's, for transporting wounded soldiers, when, the next day, after a morning raid, by American forces, on an Islamic temple (Where, it was CLAIMED, that insurgents were taking refuge), and the Americans had bombed the temple, when the soldiers realized that the "insurgents" were just as well-armed, as the Americans were. When American bombs reduced the temple to powder, infuriated members, of the local community, had opened fire, on the Americans, from all sides. Those soldiers, who survived the morning THOUGHT they were safe, inside a heavily defended American base. The problem was that the destruction, of the temple, brought the full RAGE, of locals down, even on the camp. Without a weapon to fight with, Dr. John Watson had made a fateful call. A call which no one would disagree with. The doctor hid under a mound, of dead Americans, as locals reduced the camp to ruins. (Ofcourse, American media was forbidden to speak about the temple bombing, yet made PLENTY of mention, of the "terrorist assualt", on the American base) Still, it was not until John Watson noticed that guns were no-longer firing, around him, that the doctor was prepared to resume his duty, providing medical attention, to injured soldiers. To his complete dis-belief, not one person, in the camp, had been left, alive. The doctor was in the middle, of a pool, of blood, and piles of bodies. No matter how long, or HARD, the doctor searched, he found no one alive, except himself. It was not until after a series, of American missile strikes leveled what was left, of the village, that an American patrol found the doctor. By this time, John Watson was so far "out of it", that HE was drugged, and sent to be med-evac. Even upon his return, to Great Britain, the doctor remained so "caught", in the memory, of the blood, and death, that he had to be sedated, until he was just short of comatose. A brilliant doctor, a fine soldier, and a good, odd-jobs man, was left in the psych ward, with doctors having no idea how to bring his MIND home, from the battle. It had not been until Sherlock Holmes got hold of the man, and had him FIGHT his way all the way from his deployment, through the massacres, and restraining the man, as the doctor screamed "WHY did I SURVIVE?! I SHOULD be DEAD, right NOW! WHY ME!!!" Sherlock had held the man, in a vice lock, as she asked "Yes, Why YOU?! WHY DID you survive?! What made you SPECIAL!" When John Watson crumbled to the ground, at Sherlock's feet, Sherlock would speak softly, as she asked "Name, rank, and serial number, if you please" It was then that John Watson repeated what he remembered. This is when Sherlock would tell the man "Face your demons! Take control! You are alive. Take control! You cannot change the past! You CAN help people, now! What will it be?! Help the living, OR rot in here!" All that John Watson could think of, at that moment, was to ask "Was I a coward, to hide among the dead?" Sherlock would say "You were un-armed, and under assault. Your desire was to ride out the attack, then tend the wounded, RIGHT!" It was when John Watson had said "Yes, I needed to tend the wounded. I hid because I had no weapon. I expected to spend days, treating the wounded." When Sherlock would ask "How many wounded DID you treat, on the battle-field?" John Watson would stumble as he said "I think, maybe 1,000. Maybe a bit more." When Sherlock would insist "How MANY of these soldiers LIVED to return home?!" John Watson would say "I think maybe 100 died, during, or after transport." Sherlock would emphasize "So, 900 soldiers came home, ALIVE, due to YOUR efforts. Even I would call that an equitable trade. 900 people, who are ALIVE, today, thanks to you. Dont you think its time for YOU to come home, now?" John Watson had to think about this, for awhile. John Watsons therapist would be astonished, yet delighted, when the formerly un-receptive patient had asked "Would you check the records, and find out how many patients I aided, who made it home, safely." When the therapist would look into his file, and say "Very impressive. Rendered medical, and evacuation, aid, in over 35 missions. Stole military vehicles, to transport wounded. Rendered care, under enemy fire. You know, John, if I did not know this to be fact, I would wonder if I were reading either General Pattons, or Field Marshal Rommels, record." When John would say "Just doing my job, ma'am." Lestrade remembered that, after Sherlock Holmes had ripped the man out of a living nightmare, Doctor John Watson had returned to his former self, and was seeking a new life, as a civilian. Like so many victims, of the Middle East invasions, once the people came home, they wanted no more part, of the military. What Lestrade had found so humourous was the fact that, as Sherlock began handling more cases, of bizzarre, human, circumstances, Sherlock began to call, regularly, on the good doctor. It was because of Sherlock Holmes that Doctor Watson became, first, an observer, and advisor, to the detective, then, as his "soul" returned, Doctor Watson began returning to physically aiding the detective, in the proper gathering of evidence. Nowadays, Doctor John Watson was a more-or-less, regular companion, to the detective. Not that Sherlock needed medical attention, very often. It was the fact that, those, around the woman, needed care, when Sherlock was too focused to remind people, of potential hazzards. Sherlock was most grateful, when Doctor Watson began saying things like "Atleast in battle, we KNEW what to expect." Sherlock had, only asked "What fun is there, when you KNOW what to expect. Isn't it the element, of danger, of the un-certainty, which makes us feel ALIVE." Doctor Watson would only say "I dont know who is crazier. You, for being who you are, or ME, for hanging around." Yes, Sherlock Holmes, and Doctor Watson, made an extremely effective pair. No doubt, this is why Parliament wanted this, distinguished pair, to handle this case. According to the information, which Scotland Yard had provided, the trip, to collect the evidence, would be a "piece of cake". Even Sherlock Holmes was not stupid enough to believe this. This is why, with Doctor Watson in tow, Tabitha (a.k.a. Sherlock), would activate her own "network", of "eyes and ears". With a small chunk of "food expense" money, in hand, Sherlock would visit various parts, of the city, making "contact" with cabbies, street-performers, newspaper venders, the (supposedly non-existant) homeless, and various others, Sherlock would offer a small "retainer", to each person, saying "You know what I want. Information, on those photos. That, and information, on those, who possess them. Remember, the BETTER the quality, of the information, the better the reward will be." This was all the "nudge" that people needed, to find the highest QUALITY, of information, for the detective. Since Sherlock knew that many businesses would not allow these people inside, it was a well-known (if secret) fact that, if information/assistance, proved most satisfactory, that sources would return home to find deliveries, of food, and personal, items. Now, the "game" was, really, afoot. The question of just how reliable Scotland Yards sources were. While Tabitha awaited word, from her "network", the detective did NOT sit still, at all. Doctor Watson never got over watching how, when not researching a case, that Tabitha was, constantly, refining her skills, learned in prison. Her outfit was, always, skin hugging. Doctor Watson had only inquired, a single time, if Sherlock planned to use the outfit to set others "off-guard", while she passed. Tabitha had corrected the doctor, saying "This outfit allows the most freedom of movement. If you are aware, of another outfit, which would allow as much, or more, freedom, then I am listening. Now, while awaiting word, Tabitha was flexing, and stretching, for coming combat. (Doctor Watson had returned to doing daily, military-style, exercises, since coming into Tabitha's life.) It would be a coule of days, before the "network" yielded results, yet the results seemed worth the delay, as the "agent" spoke, to Sherlock, of the differences between what Scotland Yard THOUGHT was true, and what was, actually, true. After this conversation, the detective, and the doctor, would be on their way, to meet with Inspector Lestrade, when they would find the inspector being berated, by some bureaucrat. It would seem that Lestrade was being berated, for not moving FAST enough, in apprehending the blackmailers. The rationale, for this: A picture, supposedly of a young, crown, prince, dressed in some kind of feathered costume, and "torturing" a victim, with whips, and bats. While the picture was digitized, to make it SEEM more realistic, the problem was that, FACTUALLY, the picture was impossible. The reason: At the very time, when the photo was, allegedly, taken, the prince, along with his family, were attending a social affair, for visiting royalty. Even her majesty, the Queen, was in presence. For security reasons, no one was to know, about the gathering, until the next days news. Add in the fact that the picture seemed to be taken, on one end, of the empire, while the prince was at the opposite end, and Parliament wanted to know WHY Lestrade was not making more progress. When Lestrade had asked "Why bother making a scene, about this. We KNOW the prince was present, at the gathering. We can bring in over 500 witnesses, to the fact." All that the bureaucrat would say was "Close this case, immediately! Send in special forces, if you have to. Bomb the place off the map." This would be when Sherlock would say "I would advise AGAINST such an assault." When the bureaucrat would ask "Tell me, "detective". Why would you advise against an assault?" Sherlock would say "That would provide im-proper motivation, for rumors, that the photo MIGHT be genuine. Otherwise, WHY bother with an all-out attack?" When the bureaucrat would say "May I presume, YOUNG woman, that YOU have a better plan, in mind." Lestrade would mutter "Dont bet against it." Sherlock would say "As a matter of record, I have coordinated a plan. With the aid of Doctor Watson, here, I intend to enter the location, where the photos are being kept, and, without firing a single shot, I intend to destroy all of the evidence. In the name of their royal majesties, ofcourse" When the bureaucrat would ask "May I presume to inquire about your motivation?" Sherlock would say "At present, an international criminal, named Natalya Novaskia, is enroute, to attend an engagement, at the fortified residence. On the surface, the gathering will be a fund raiser, to benefit the victims of the endless invasions, of the Middle East." When the bureaucrat would say "Yes, yes, we are aware of such information. How would you intend to proceed, in this matter." Sherlock would say "Elementary. With the aid of Inspector Lestrade, and his department, I am suggesting that Novaskia be "delayed", due to "questions, regarding some recent "purchases"", which will be found in her car. If Lestrade agrees to assist, then I will take Novaskia's place, at the gathering, and access, via the interior passages." When the bureaucrat would look at Lestrade, all the inspector would ask Sherlock was "Will twenty-four hours be enough, to accomplish your task?" Watson would say "If it takes us HALF that long, then we will have failed." Lestrade would say "If it saves lives, AND the reputation, of the crown, count me IN. I will have the Novaskia woman detained, at her entry point." This is when Sherlock would say "Very well inspector. Now, I must go, to DRESS for the part. There is plenty of work, to be done." Watson KNEW what this meant. While the doctor was cramming himself into a formal tux, Sherlock would be busy, transforming herself from "able detective", and into "ravishing beauty". Still, it was times, like this, when Tabitha both thanked, and HATED, her parents, for making the girl take dance lessons, during childhood, and her teens. Tabitha had hated waltzes, concertos, and all of that "high-brow" stuff, since, if it was played just a bit too slowly, it caused drowsiness. This is why Tabitha had built her own, home, music, collection. She preferred soft, to medium, 70's, rock. While she understood that Bach, Beethoven, Brams, and so on, had written, for heads of state, she preferred to fill her time with soft rock. This was never more true than when dressing for formal occassions. The times, when a formal dress had NO sleeves, and women were appearing, dressed in the finest jewels. While her mother had Sherlock's ears pierced, during childhood, telling the girl that "Young ladies should present themselves, properly, to both society, and potential mates." For as long as Sherlock could remember, her mother had spoken of the mating process. Sherlock wondered if her mother really believed that all that women were were sex objects, to fulfill mens desires, and to raise yet another generation. Or, COULD it be that, generations, of expectations, had caused the woman to act, automatically, with no, conscious, effort. Had her mother been "programmed", by her grand-mother? If so, how many generations did the "programming" go back, in time? What Sherlock knew, in the present, was that, while her ear-lobes remained pierced, she never used the holes, for jewelry. Instead, Sherlock preferred clip-ons. Quick on, and quick off. After slipping into her "work-clothes", Sherlock then set about finding the right dress, to cover her suit with. She needed a dress which was both "feminine", and easy to remove, what it was time for work. While Sherlock was doing all of this, Watson was busy, checking, loading, and "padding" his own weapons, inside his vest. Watson remained impressed that Sherlock had been thoughtful enough that she asked an armaments manufacturer to create a suit, which could not only deflect small calibur arms, but had "shielded" pockets, which scanners would "pass over", as though regular material. After the call, from Lestrade, saying that Novaskia was "in hand", Sherlock, and Watson set out, for the gathering, looking, to all the world, like a modern day couple. Scotland Yard had even managed to fax a copy, of the gatherings invitation, to Baker Street, cautioning Sherlock "Novaskia claims that NO one gets past the front gate, without an invitation." Sherlock would say "I expected that." Since neither Sherlock, nor Watson, maintained an automobile (and it would look suspicious, arriving, in a cab), Scotland Yard had agreed to allow the detective to borrow an impounded car. Sherlock had left the signing OUT, of the car, to Watson, while she checked the auto's interior. Watson would not prefer the way the mechanic would ask the detective "Any chance you might return THIS one, to the garage, in one piece?" Sherlock would say "THAT, my good man, depends, entirely, upon our host." On the drive, to the estate, the two would review their plans, for the evening. If all went well, Doctor Watson would be a "wall-flower", keeping watch, over both the guests, and the host, while Sherlock completed the assignment. If things went "south", it would be Watsons duty to secure their escape route, and to mangle any attempts at capturing the detective. By the time the duo reached the estate, Watson would notice the first hint, of trouble, just as Sherlock did, herself. In short, THESE gate guards were not the normal rent-a-cops. These men were built like a cross between a marine, and a football player. It would be Watson, the former, military, man, who would notice the biggest problem, with the guards. Watson would note "Sherlock, did you notice? The guards are not wearing regular pistols." When Holmes would say "Yes, I noticed. American M-16 series. Banana clip fed." Watson would say "Not just banana-clip fed. Did you see the SIZE of those clips? I would wager a years worth of my earnings that those magazines hold full-armor piercing rounds." Sherlock would add "Raises the question. Are they trying to keep people OUT, or IN?" Sherlock was a bit disappointed, when there was no valet parking. The parking attendant just showed each driver where to park. When Holmes and Watson climbed out of the car, a security officer (also wearing an M-16, with extended, banana clip), came forward, saying "Good evening, fair lady. May I trouble you for your invitation?" When Holmes presented Novaskia's invitation, the guard would say "Welcome. Enjoy the party." No sooner had Sherlock said "Thank you." when the guard turned on Watson, saying "With apologies, sir, unless you, also, have an invitation, I am to request that you remain with your car." When Sherlock would say "Officer, this man is my assistant. If I transact functions, within the gathering, he will record the information." (Not exactly the "truth" yet not a lie, either.) Still, the guard would say "With apologies, ma'am, I am under strict orders to allow no one to enter the party, without an invitation." Watson would tell Sherlock "I will be fine, really. I will wait, right here, by the car. If that is fine with the officer." The guard would say "Thats fine. By the way, if you find you have need, we have some first class "facilities" just down, past the end of the building." As a result, Sherlock Holmes would be entering the party, with-OUT back-up. It would be up to her to "wing it", or die. The only "good thing", about this party, was how many men wanted to dance with Sherlock, claiming "You are the most radiant woman, here." While classical music filled the room, Sherlock would use the dances to "scope the room". When men dipped her, she scanned the ceiling, as well. From what Sherlock could see, just about every entrance, in this place, was covered by camera's, and gratings. These black-mailers were serious, to the max. Time for plan "B". Slipping away from the party, and into the kitchen, Sherlock would toss her ball gown into a hamper, then don some workers clothes. If this plan worked, she could access to building, through the mechanical room. Her plan, now, was to bluff her way into the mechanical room, find the vent entrance, then dump her work clothes, and enter the air ducts. While attempting to ignore more than a few leering looks, from men, Sherlock made her way into the mechanical room, and to the entry point, of the vent. Sherlock smiled at the fact that, whomever designed this room had not bothered to grate the vent, since it was about twelve feet above the floor. Thanks to Sherlock's time, in prison, she noticed what a construction contractor would, never, notice. While there was no ladder, in place, Sherlock found that clamps, and other protrusions, would make for an easy climb, to the vent. While there was no need, for silence, in removing a grating, Sherlock DID find herself in a somewhat confining space, in the air duct. This is when she was relieved that she had her cat-suit on. While Sherlock slipped through the vents, as quietly as a kitten, outside the entrance, Doctor Watson was relieved, when another driver produced some drink, saying "We may be in, for a long wait." After that, a bit of rum turned into a casual conversation, with most drivers asking how LONG such benefits would last. One driver would caution "One night, I slept, in the car, since my mistress spent an entire night, in a party." Another driver would say "My master lost his position, after spending atleast a full evening, at such a party. That is why I am with a new master." While the conversation was allowing John to be less bored, while all of the drivers listened to party-goers, enjoying themseles, Sherlock Holmes would have spent 45 minutes inside the ducts, looking for the room that she wanted. While she found the room, she found herself feeling so impressed by the quality, of these crooks, that Holmes decided to video the entire room. She knew that, even if she stole the "evidence", currently in the possession, of the black mailers, it would take less than three hours, for the black mailers to create new "evidence". While Sherlock's sources were correct, about the fact that, when the detective activated a self-destruct program, within the computers, that an alarm would be sounded, there was one thing, which no one, except for the blackmailers, knew about. Even as Sherlock returned to the air vent, and began making her way to an exit shaft, from the pparking lot, John Watson would have to give her bad news. As Sherlock was saying "Prepare for extraction." Doctor Watson would say "About that, I have some bad news." The news being that, at the time when the alarm had sounded, the drivers, who wondered WHY they had been encouraged to park, in this location, found out the reason. As the alarms had sounded, the drivers had stood, in amazement, when spikes, of steel, would rise, from the ground, puncturing all four tires, on each car. When drivers went to call their employers, another voice would join each conversation, saying "This is a precaution, in case any of you are involved in the un-folding theft." When Sherlock had informed Watson to "Go to Plan C", Watson would ask "Plan C? I didn't even know we had a Plan B." Sherlock would say "You are a military man. Improvise! I will join you as soon as possible." After Watson looked at the cars four, flat, tires, the doctor realized why the Scotland Yard mechanic had asked "Any chance of returning this one, in tact?" Doctor Watson MIGHT have considered a nearby Land Rover. There was just one problem. HOW to clear the truck of the six guards, who waited within. Doctor Watson, next, considered a nearby tank. Watson knew that this tank was a relic, from World War Two. A King Tiger, if the doctors memory served. People kept them as lawn ornaments. No way would the tank be either functional, or efficient. Doctor Watson was left to scratch his head, until he heard Sherlock whisper, in his ear "I am heading for the roof." "Swell", Watson thought. To get to the roof, of this place, the doctor would need an airplane. But, that had to be nonsense. Even if he found an airplane, there was no room, on the roof, to land, or take off. What Doctor Watson needed was an "elevator". Something, which could RISE, to the roof, land vertically, then depart, vertically. Doctor Watson was just asking himself "Where am I going to find an elevator?" when he held a very familiar sound. The sound, of helicopter prop-wash. The doctor tried not to get his hopes up, figuring that, IF a helicopter was coming, it would be one of those hyper-complex, civilian, versions. No-doubt having key-code access. It was not until the helicopter came close did the doctors hopes rise. The approaching helicopter was a MIILITARY-style helicopter. One, of the very type, which the doctor had, once, hot-wired, to fly wounded soldiers out of danger, when "insurgents" began blowing up ambulances. It was not until Sherlock reached the roof, and called out "John, where are you?" That the doctor would say "On my way. Just be patient." Moments later, when the military helicopter was preparing to land, a security guard appeared, on the roof, and Sherlock would shout "GO!", at Watson. As Doctor Watson would move the helicopter AWAY from the building, Sherlock would do a "hire-wire" act, jumping, from cover, and catching the helicopter strut, as Watson veered away, and applied power, even as guns began shooting at the departing helicopter. While Watson was correct, that this helicopter was DESIGNED, and BUILT, to withstand small arms fire, the problem was that Sherlock was, still, outside, fully exposed, on the strut. When Sherlock did manage to climb inside the cockpit, some moments later, and put on her own helmet, asking Watson "May I inquire in regards to our original mode of transportation?" Watson would explain "When the alarms sounded, some kind of steel spikes rose, from the ground, and flattened all of the tires, on every visitors car. A voice, then informed us "In case any of you are involved in this."" Sherlock would say "So, my informers were correct. These people are VERY WELL equipped." Watson would say "As criminals go." Sherlock would say "Ofcourse, that is what I meant." Obtaining permission, for the helicopter to LAND, at Scotland Yard would take Inspector Lestrades every once/second, of time, between the time, when Sherlock called in, and the helicopter arrived, at Scotland Yard. During the debriefing, Sherlock had emphasized that the problem was dealt with, but only for the moment. The machines, which the black-mailers had, was very easy to come by, on the open market. Even the photograpic forgeries would be no problem, for Photo-Shop, or other computer programs. When Inspector Lestrade would say "If this is all fact, then HOW do we put an end to this?" Sherlock would say "Elementary, my dear Lestrade. We pitch our net, and hook the ring-leader. Until we place "Mr. BIG" behind bars, he, OR she, will just set up, someplace else." When MI-5, or 6, would ask "HOW do we catch this "Mr. BIG"?" Sherlock would suggest "We KNOW WHO was at that party. I have video, as proof. I suggest that Scotland Yard allow ME to use the departments own software, to create our own fakes. Make the party guests feel "violated", and see how long it takes either Mr., OR Mrs. BIG, to come forth. When MI-5 would ask "Why should this BIG person even CARE, about some party-goers?" Sherlock would say "An operation, of this scope, and effort level, MUST have multiple backers. No doubt, that was the REAL reason for the party. To raise operating capital. Investors are needed, for such an operation. Multiple investors, if my hunch proves correct. These are people who do NOT WANT scandal, of any kind, connected to them." Lestrade would add "I think that what Sherlock is saying is that, if we expose the activity, the investors will "vanish", as will the black mail. After all, even black-mailers need income, to finance themselves, between pay-off's." Sherlock was correct. As soon as the media began running stories, about those who MIGHT have been involved, in the "benefit", Sherlock's "network" would inform her that the backers, of the black-mail, had fled the empire. The royal family would be safe, once more. The empire would live, to see another day. As for Sherlock Holmes, she did as she, always, did. She converted her financial reward into hard currency, then sent shipments, of food, and other, personal, supplies, to each of those who had aided, in the case. The "network" had taken care of the detective, again, and she made certain that they were rewarded, for their work. As for Doctor John Watson, the charges, of delivering a STOLEN, military, helicopter, were dropped, once it was known WHERE the doctor got the helicopter. After all, HOW was the doctor to know that the helicopter was black-market goods? Inspector Lestrade would have the charges dropped, in return for a favor, from the doctor. "Sir, I will see that your record is cleared, on this condition. Since you have flown helicopters in the past, and present, may I encourage you to apply for a regulation pilots license?" John Watson had been about to ask "What would I need a pilots license for?", when the reason occurred to him. Legally, even under her majesties government, flying any airborne vehicle required such personnel to have proper, flying, credentials. No one was allowed to fly, unless certified. The only reason why John Watson had not been prosecuted, to date, was because the doctor had only flown, when lives depended upon him. Parliaments only request was that the doctor have a regulation permit. Add this, on top of his, regular, studies, in keeping his medical license up-to-date, and the work Watson did, with Sherlock Holmes, and the doctor wondered if he would have time, for a "private life", ever again. "The game is afoot. Tally-HO!"