Let us do something, while we have the chance.

Just something for the fun of it. Hope you enjoy. Since we never throw anything away, I'm sure we have things that need to go into Warehouse 13, or maybe that's Dump 13. But no, I don't own Warehouse 13.

"What really matters is what you do with what you have."
- H. G. Wells

Part I

Chapter 1—the First Ping

Philadelphia

The weather report was going on in the background. A green, orange, and red weather pattern was shown over all of Philadelphia. The Meteorologist said that the storm could last for another hour. There were numerous lightning strikes associated with the storm and flooding on some streets. The reporter on the street was just getting drenched. There were several lightning strikes and thunderous booms in the background.

Just a mile away, a lightning strike took out a transformer and the power on the buildings in the area went dark. The next strike went to the front door of one of the oldest banks in the city. There was another strike that was almost continuous. It shook the whole building. In another minute, a police cruiser pulled up to the front of the bank. The policemen did not have a chance to get out. A lightning strike hit the vehicle directly.

Warehouse 13

Artie was monitoring the display. "Okay, that's just not right."

Claudia was in a mischievous mood, "What, oh grand venerable elder of the warehouse?"

Artie took a swipe at her, "Lightning struck more than once."

"Oh wise and sage master, yes it does. I can show…" Claudia began while typing away at her laptop.

"Okay," Artie had a big smile, "But not four times in a row during the same storm. And don't start."

"Well, I agree four is a bit much." She closed the lid of the laptop. "What do you have?"

"The four strikes were at one of the oldest banks in Philadelphia. The bank was robbed. Money was taken and several safety deposit boxes were opened and emptied. We need to investigate," Artie said.

"Well, other than it sounds like an artifact is behind this, what else you got?" Claudia started.

Artie got out his Farnsworth, "Yeah Pete, we have a problem in Philadelphia we need you to check."

"Then buddy, you got a problem. I can hardly move. Whether I stand up or start to straighten out my leg…" Pete was explaining.

"Pete, Pete, it hurts when you straighten your leg and yet when you extend you hip, it does not hurt," Artie surmised.

"Yeah, yeah. That's right Artie. How do you know? Oh no, not the same thing?" Pete mumbled.

Claudia asked, "What about Myka?"

Myka had turned in her resignation the day before.

The previous day…

After Myka gave her resignation, Artie was back at the warehouse with Claudia and Mrs. Frederic. Claudia was still shocked that Myka was going to leave. She was trying to figure out what she could say to get her back. Myka had been there for her and she could not let her go. It seemed to her that Helena had fooled everyone. It was not Myka's fault. She even thought that MacPherson had fooled Artie. That's when it clicked. She smiled to herself. She turned to Artie, "Remember what I said before when you were looking at the spears?" Artie looked at her and squinted his eyes trying to decide what she was up to. He nodded his head that he did. "Okay then, I have decided that you are the one that needs to talk with Myka."

"Oh, you have?" Artie had no idea what Claudia was up to. "And why is that?"

"You had the same problem with MacPherson." She saw him start to say no, "He tricked you, like Helena did to Myka. And you were the one that gave her the most trouble over her support for Helena. You have to go talk with her."

"And why should I?" Artie retorted.

"Because I want you to. You're the best shot. If Pete hasn't convinced her by now, then nothing I say will. It has to be you. And if you don't convince her, well then I'll convince Mrs. Frederic that she is right and I can take her place. She'll be able to retire and enjoy the good life. And then guess what?" Claudia said with a mildly evil grin.

"Oh no you won't," Artie was about to burst.

"Arthur, it so happens I agree with Claudia." Mrs. Frederic smiled at Claudia, "You are the best person to talk with Myka. And I do want her back. Now go."

Pete had gone after Myka after she gave the letter to Mrs. Frederic. He met her at the B&B while she was packing. Pete was relentless. He pleaded with her over and over. He knew this assignment; their life would be over if Myka left. He was still going when Artie arrived.

After leaving the warehouse Artie stood in the door of the bedroom listening to the banter. He saw that Pete was trying everything.

Myka was taking everything in. It was important to her but none of it was the knife that cut into her heart. She no longer thought that they trusted her, and that trust had to come from them all, especially one of them. Then she saw him standing at the door. "Who sent you?"

Artie thought that the best thing was going to be the truth, "Claudia did. She wants you back. And Mrs. Frederic agreed. They both thought that I should talk with you and convince you to stay with us." He paused to let that set in, "And, so you know, so there is no doubt, I want you back. I realized that I was mean and my crusty old self. I still trust you and know that you have our backs. And we'll have yours. I really do want you to stay."

Myka was hesitant, "Really?"

"Yes, really. Helena tried to have Pete cut up into sausage by his girl friend. She did manage to cut him bad by driving Kelly away. And she knew what she was doing to you, and I can't let her drive you away. Myka, I need you to stay." Artie ended.

Myka lost all her air and sat on the bed. She nodded and was trying to hold back the tears. Pete sat beside her and put his arm around her.

Artie smiled, "Good, I'll let them know."

The present day…

"Claudia, you go back to the B&B and get packed. You'll go with Myka. Pete, you better stay there. I can get Vanessa, but it will be a few hours before she gets here. Have Leena check you now for a temperature. She'll know what to do to keep it in control until Vanessa gets here," Artie hung up.

"What, I am going as an apprentice again?" Then she realized, "Oh yeah, Vanessa is coming." She smiled. "Say I saw some artifacts from Casanova…"

"Out, out. The tickets will be ready for you at the airport." Artie was scooting her out the door.

Once she was out the door, Artie went back to the Farnsworth, "Hi, Vanessa. We got a problem. No, it's not me…"

B&B

"Pete!" Myka cried out. Pete had crumpled on the bed.

"Ah, ah, ah," Pete was moaning.

"Pete, is it getting worse?" Myka bent over and felt his forehead. When he did not respond, she called Leena.

Leena appeared in the doorway, "Hey, what's happening?"

Myka had her arm around Pete trying to get him off the bed, "It's Pete. He has Appendicitis."

Leena came over to the bed, "Pete, you probably won't like this. I know Artie doesn't, but after a minute it will feel better." She pulled a disc from her bag and waved it over his stomach. He doubled up harder and let out a low moan. Leena held up the disc to Myka.

Myka and Leena had just stepped out of a room and closed the door. Myka turned to Leena, "Artie said that Vanessa is on the way. She'll be another two hours. Here's her phone number."

Leena smiled, "It's okay. I gave him some painkiller. It should work."

Myka eyes twinkled, "That was the disc you used on the circus elephant the other day?"

"Yes, that seemed to work too," she smiled back. "I checked the area with the screening system that Vanessa left. She'll make it in time. Taking him down to the hospital in Miller's Crossing would be too long of a ride. We'll keep him here."

"Are you sure?" Myka asked.

"Yes, it's fine. Artie is here if I need any help. I am sure we can get him around." Then she smiled again, "And I still have the whip out back."

Claudia walked down the hallway at that point, "Okay, Pete, you and a whip, TMI, TMI." Claudia pointed to the door, "We have to get going, if we are to catch the flight Artie booked. Don't forget, if he starts giving you trouble, use the disc you used on the elephant that should keep him down." As Claudia headed for the door, both Leena and Myka were laughing.

Philadelphia eBen Bank

Claudia reached for the door of the bank, "You know that Artie has a mean streak. I mean who would book someone on a flight with two layovers and still not get them to their destination until 8:30 the next morning. That's just torture. And then, we have no time to stop at a hotel. No, we have to get right over to the bank. It isn't like it is going to move. And I bet that no matter how long we wait the money is not going to return."

"Claudia?" Myka was a bit perturbed.

"I know. I'll be quiet and take notes," Claudia got out her note pad.

Myka turned to her, "No, we don't need a note taker. We need you to be in this. But it has to be this, it can't be Artie, or the flight, or…"

"Got it, focus on the mission," Claudia smiled. Claudia pointed around the room, "Say, who are we going to talk to? It's all automated tellers."

Myka looked around in amazement. There had been a police patrol car out front where the blackened mark of the patrol car that got struck was evident. But there were no police or anyone else in the bank. Each of the stations that looked like it would have a teller had a big looking box that said e-teller on it. "Oh, they have to have something." They went around the corner of the row of teller machines and came to another, e-loans. "There's got to be someone?" They passed another four e-loan stations and came to a door at the end of the hallway. Myka knocked, and again knocked.

After a fairly long wait, an older gentleman came to the door. He was dressed in a dark business suit. He was fairly tall and thin. His hair was almost white, but had a little grey and black still there. Bowing to Myka and Claudia and waving them into the office, "What can I do for you ladies?"

Myka held up her Secret Service badge, "We came about the robbery last night."

"Oh, you don't think there was counterfeit money or plates in those safety deposit boxes, do you? I'll have to alert the staff," the man started to pick up a phone.

Claudia nodded at Myka, "Complete automation. They would need to implement special filters for the possible increase in the flow of counterfeit monies."

The old man turned around from the phone, "That's exactly right." He nodded his head at Claudia, "You're good. But you aren't here for counterfeit money, are you?" He gave Myka's badge back. "By the way I am Mister John Dawes. It is nice to meet you, Agent Bering. And you are?"

Claudia looked at the old man, "Sorry, Claudia Donovan."

"Yes, Claudia. How nice. What are you looking for?"

Claudia saw Myka wink at her and began, "We are here looking for the key the robbers use to get in the bank. They must have had something to direct the lightning strikes at the bank and then the police car. And then something to get through your vault and into the safety deposit boxes."

The old man looked at Claudia, almost staring at her, "You know that's funny. A key was the symbol of our bank. Our motto was, "No other Key can keep your money as safe as the First Key Bank of Philadelphia. But names and ownerships change. We are the Philadelphia e.e.e." He stretched out the 'e' sound, "Ben Bank. It's is suppose to show the next revolution in banking, all automated. Go Green as they say no paper copies." He shook his head in disgust. "You know, used to be that when you called your bank, Henry, or John, or even Betty would answer. Now, well, it's just ones and zeros that answer you back."

Myka looked at the picture on the wall in back of John. Her face lit up. It was a picture that reminded her of grade school science classes with old Ben Franklin and his kite with a key on the string. "That's it," she exclaimed.

Claudia looked at her and then the picture. She saw it and caught on immediately, "You don't happen to know who has the original key, do you?"

"You mean the key of our motto?" John asked.

Claudia pointed, "No, I mean the one from the painting."

"Oh, you know that's not real. If he really did do the experiment like it is shown in the picture, he would have been killed by the lightning strike," John explained like he was in a science class.

Claudia interrupted before he continued with the rest of the explanation, "So, was there a real key that went with the motto?"

John was taken aback a bit, "Well, yes. Like I said, it was real. It was over in the Franklin conservatory until last week."

Claudia was about to ask why it was in the Franklin conservatory. If it wasn't the key from the picture, then… But she decided as she saw Myka nod, that asking about where it was would be more important. "Do you know where it is now?"

"Sure, the Franklin conservatory, actually it's an old mint and now a museum, is two blocks down…" John began.

Claudia and Myka shook their heads. Myka spoke up, "No, we meant where is the key?"

"Oh, of course, the key. My son got it out. He was going to show it to the curator of the Mint," John answered.

"Okay, now we need the directions. Where is the curator?" Claudia asked.

"She was over at City Hall this morning. I saw her on the news. She was complaining to the Mayor about the lax security at her museum." He shrugged his shoulders, "She had been robbed. While we did not ask, I assumed the key was taken. She did not return it today, as she had promised."

Claudia smiled, "Could we go over and see her?" She winked at Myka, "Could you come along and introduce us?"

"Why certainly. I just have to lock everything." John said and then sat down. Myka was expecting him to get out a set of keys, but he sat in front of the computer screen and typed several commands, "Okay, I'm impressed." Claudia watched John for a second, "Did you set this whole thing up? The tellers, the loan stations, the whole thing is all yours."

"Exactly." He looked at Myka, "Said she was good."

Myka looked puzzled, "But you said you didn't like this. Is a real voice was better?"

"Hum, too much competition. We had to cut costs. When our last teller retired, we switched everything over." He typed in one more command. "Okay, all set. Ladies." He offered them his arms. They accepted and walked into the lobby of the bank.

Myka saw her first and immediately asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm on the job," Mrs. Frederic looked at Myka and Claudia, "Why are you two here?" Then it came to her, "The lightning strikes, Artie sent you?"

Mrs. Frederic smiled at Claudia and then looked seriously at Myka, "I saw the news about the lightning strikes and the robbery. Have you tracked down the source?"

"No. We were just leaving to see if we could find it," she let go of John's arm. "Why are you here?"

"The, um, article I am to collect is in a safety deposit box," she held up a key.

"That key is for here. May I see it?" John offered his hand. "I am Mister John Dawes, the President of Philadelphia eBen Bank."

Mrs. Frederic gave the key to him.

John inspected it and then pointed to the engraving on the side, "That's for box 1749. I am sorry, but that is one of the boxes opened during the robbery. We can go check, but I am pretty sure that everything was taken."

Myka followed up, "What was in it?" She was not sure if she would get an answer, at least not here, but she wanted Mrs. Frederic to know that they needed answers and this was one of them.

"Oh, one of Helena's old games," Mrs. Fredrick gave in reply.

"HG Wells collector's edition, huh?" said John.

"Something like that," Mrs. Frederic acknowledged.

Claudia had been thinking the whole time. She had remembered looking up as much as she could about H.G. Wells. Then it hit her, "That battlefield strategy game, just a little war or something?"

"Precisely," she raised her eyebrow. Mrs. Frederic did not want to discuss it more here.

"It's a…" was all Claudia got out.

"Yes, and it's one of the things I have to find." She saw the look in both their faces, "I'll have to tell you when we get to the hotel."

"I can still show you to the box, that is if you ladies don't mind waiting a minute," John offered.

Myka agreed, "That will be fine. Do you just get the box? Or do we come with you?"

"Oh well, a little company is never something that I would turn down, especially when it's three lovely ladies." He bowed and then with a sweeping hand, "Please, this way."

They were in the vault in a second.

Claudia moved to look at the outside of the vault. There was still a sizable scorch mark on the lock. "Wow that looks like lightning hit here too."

John replied, "No. There was no lightning in the building. We looked at the surveillance cameras. They were on battery back up. The people who did this pointed something at the door. It burned and opened the lock. Actually, quite amazing," John added.

"I guess," Claudia looked for a way to measure the scorch mark.

John had gone to the wall and pulled the box out for Mrs. Frederic. He put it on the table in the center of the room. "Here you go," he began to open the lid. Seeing a small soldier he was about to put his hand in and get it out.

"No, wait please," Mrs. Frederic exclaimed. She put on her blue gloves, "Collector's edition. We have to keep the surfaces clean."

John backed away, "Right, of course. I'm sorry, should have known that." He watched as she picked up the piece and put it into a shiny silver bag. There was a little bit of a discharge.

Claudia watched and added, "A little static electricity." She thought John would understand and it would continue to keep the real problem under cover.

John saw it and nodded, "Right," he closed the box. "Do you still want to head over to Gloria's house?"

Claudia smiled. She was right. There was something between John and the curator. He even called her Gloria, something that had not been covered before.

"Yes," answered Myka.

"Mind if I meet you back at the hotel? I have some other things to attend to," Mrs. Frederic asked. Claudia and Myka nodded their understanding. She always had things to do.

John looked at her and winked, "Yes, I am sure we have more to talk about."

John showed them to the front door. "The limo is big enough for four. Can we drop you somewhere?" John asked Mrs. Frederic.

She saw her black car waiting for her, "No, I have a ride. Thank you." She got in the car and it drove off.

"A limo, sweet." Claudia took John's arm and headed to the door.

A/N Hope this sparks a little interest.

Please review.