“Precise experimentation,” said Holmes one morning, and then: “You wondered how I came by my ritual seven percent solution of cocaine.” “Holmes!” I exclaimed, for his surmise was correct. “I note, Watson, that you are reading this month’s Lancet, which advises a tincture of ten percent, and then your gaze falls upon the desk whereContinue reading “Scientific Study”
On the Cusp of History
Many times in his life the Doctor had been on the cusp of battle. But never like this. The TARDIS was hundreds of miles away in London. There would be no escape for him as bullets flew, as cannonshot fell. His life could easily end here, on the deck of Victory. His companion, much shorterContinue reading “On the Cusp of History”
Between Planets
“Collision alert!” the Doctor shouted above the din of alarms. The TARDIS lurched. Nyssa clutched the console, attempting to steady herself. The Doctor, somehow, stood fixed, his hands flying across the controls the bring the ship safely from the vortex. “Collision? With what? Where are we, Doctor?” “Earth’s solar system, somewhere between Earth and Mars. Continue reading “Between Planets”
Comparative Religions
Shortly after Merlin’s arrival in Camelot, he asked Gaius to explain the differences between the “Old Religion” and the religion practiced by the king — Christianity. This proved a mistake. Gaius droned on for hours, only embaffling Merlin with excessive detail. Merlin considered asking Prince Arthur the next day, then decided his curiosity would promptContinue reading “Comparative Religions”
Orders
From:� Satie, Norah, Rear Admiral To:� Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain In light of recent actions undertaken by yourself and the Time Lord known as the Doctor on stardate 37141.5 in halting and destroying the Krynoid foliage overrunning the Berengaria VII colony, you are hereby authorized for detached assignment aboard the Doctor’s craft known as the TARDIS,Continue reading “Orders”
On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge
I had long admired Holmes’ ability to distinguish the varieties of cigarette ash by sight, but it was not until the affair of Lord Bassington’s manservant that I questioned the origins of Holmes’ knowledge. “Personal experience,” said he. “What may seem as trivial knowledge began, absent noble reasons, in my university days with the searchContinue reading “On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge”
Theatricality
I long believed that Holmes loved as much the theatrics of his profession as the deductions themselves, and the Irving affair confirmed my suppositions. A German anarchist had made threats upon the life of noted thespian Henry Irving and Holmes, rather than simply collar the fiend, chose to draw him out with an elaborate disguiseContinue reading “Theatricality”
The Calculus of Diplomacy
“Negotiations. How I despise them.” Arthur was nonplussed by Uther’s pronouncement. “The delegation from Thule…” “…Has nothing of worth for Camelot. Trade? They want our produce and offer mere trinkets in return. An alliance? Our kingdoms are separated by rough seas, and though we both beset by rivals we have not mutual enemies.” “What ifContinue reading “The Calculus of Diplomacy”
Accidental Epiphanies
Much as Merlin liked Gwen, he doubted the wisdom of bringing her along on his pollen gathering duties. “That one! What do you think?” Merlin sighed. She’d broken his concentration once again. “What?” “That cloud.” She pointed upward at a billowing cloud. “I think it looks like a dragon.” Merlin followed her gaze. “No, itContinue reading “Accidental Epiphanies”
Crisis In Infinite Camelots
“Who are you all?” the boy with scruffy hair wanted to know. “Why, isn’t it obvious?” said the animated man with the long white beard and the pointed hat. “Not to me,” said the man with the metallic skullcap and the trim beard in his high-pitched voice. The unkempt, unwashed man dyed in woad paintContinue reading “Crisis In Infinite Camelots”