They walked down the tunnel towards the Barrier in that many knew about the tunnel. Just better not to draw attention.

"Mycroft I realize that you and Charlene need to keep in contact. She knows we are right here. Who are you signaling? It is getting a bit distracting."

Mycroft was wondering when Sherlock was going to hit his threshold. Not everyone could handle wearing the earpieces.

"I don't hear anything Sherlock." John stated.

"Between Mycroft and Charlene I have heard snippets of 2 Chopin waltzes. 3 Mozart operas. 14 bird calls."

John heard a bird song he couldn't identify.

"Excuse me Charlene. Fifteen bird calls. That was a Whippoorwill."

"Very good Sherlock."

Mycroft stopped and turned towards Sherlock. John was already staring him down.

"Do you need me to turn yours off?"

"No I just need to know why."

John chimed in.

"They have compiled a whole language of signals. Think of it like sign language."

Mycroft's smile was the only answer needed.

"If it gets too stimulating tell me. I will turn it off. I need you focused."

Sherlock let out a quiet "Thank you."

They finally came to a bend in the tunnel. Mycroft pats John on the shoulder. John walks back down the tunnel a bit. Mycroft motioned for Greg to join him at the bend. With guns drawn they disappeared.

In a moment a door squeak could be heard. The tunnel was unnaturally quiet. The Barrier was not. The sounds of St. Jude and the Thames invaded their ears.

Greg and Mycroft took a few hesitant steps into the Barrier. They didn't immediately see anything. Greg looked right and saw an open water tight door followed by a closed door with a table next to it. Something was on it.

The first laptop. What kind of test does that sick sod expect them to do?

Mycroft was heading the other way. He needed to see what the guard situation was like. Mycroft made it halfway to the next door and heard muffled conversation. That was not immediately alarming as long as they stayed where they were. Which they didn't.

Greg heard it as well. In five seconds they both dove back in the tunnel and quietly shut the door. John and Sherlock were listening closely. Mycroft and Greg strained to hear the conversation through the door. Mycroft winced when the words were in French.

Fantomas' men. Damn.

Alors, où sont les garçons de Holmes ? Je n'aime pas tout ce calme.

Je veux obtenir mes mains sur Mycroft. Il m'a coûté 10,000.

Fantomas a dit que personne ne devait le toucher. Mycroft est le sien. Vaut 10,000 vraiment votre vie?

Greg's french wasn't the greatest. He got the gist though. They stayed near the door till the guards left. Greg signaled him. They talked silently.

"You were not kidding. This guys hates you."

Mycroft nodded.

"What 10,000?"

Mycroft shrugged.

"You really are not safe. He wants to take you down personally."

"When am I ever safe?"

"Good point."

Greg and Mycroft backed up from the door. Charlene knew something was up. She waited till Mycroft's breath evened back out.

"Myeeks?"

Mycroft's faced changed. Greg knew someone was talking to him. Mycroft pointed toward the Barrier.

"You need to tell her about Fantomas. They are already separated. When they are safe then explain about the bomb."

Mycroft nodded.

"Myeeks, what couldn't you tell me before? I am alone now. I can help once you get through the door."

Mycroft and Greg walked back around the corner. John and Sherlock did not need to be filled in.

"Fantomas yes. Bomb no." Mrs. Hudson stated.

"Charlie we have rats speaking French in the tunnel."

Charlene was quiet for a minute.

"The blighters have teamed up."

"Yes."

"Lovely. I guess we cheesed him off last time."

"Evidently."

"What is our next move?" Sherlock asked.

"They are going to figure out we are here sooner or later."

"John I think you are right. Just appear in front of the first door." Greg stated.

"Sometimes the direct approach works best. We need to be careful. We don't want to give this tunnel away. Let's go say hello." Mycroft added.

There was a gentle meow in the earpieces. Mycroft leaned against the wall and said a silent thank you.

"Max. Sam."

"Charlie girl. How are you?"

Sherlock and John looked confused.

"I thought only you called her that?" Sherlock mouthed.

"No. Only the three of us call her that." Mycroft silently answered.

"Let me make the introductions. Max, Sam this is Dr. John Watson."

"Pleasure to meet you two. Please call me John."

"Hello John. This is Max."

"Hello Max."

"Hi John. This is Sam."

"Hi Sam."

"Gentlemen this is my brother Sherlock."

"Charmed."

"Auggie would you like some help?"

"I would appreciate it Max."

"Two rats speaking French?"

"That is all I have seen Sam."

"There are always ten times more."

"Yes gorgeous they always congregate."

"Unfortunately so Max."

"You need to appear from nowhere so we don't loose the tunnel."

"Yes. Is that a bit much?"

"Auggie. We came loaded for bear. Just wait for the signal."

"Thank you."

Greg stood in front of Mycroft looking very confused.

"Auggie?"

"My middle name is Auguste."

Sherlock nodded yes. John pursed his lips.

"Ok. That I understand. Why are they hitting on your girl?"

Mycroft started typing on his phone.

"When we get into the tunnel I need both of you"

Mycroft gestured between Greg and Mrs. Hudson.

"to cover our backs. Even though I think we will be left alone. Something tells me we are the evenings entertainment."

"No problem Mycroft." Mrs. Hudson said with a smile.

Mycroft handed his phone over to Greg. The rest read over his shoulders.

After a particularly nasty mission about ten years ago that landed both of us in hospital, it was decided that Charlie and I needed personal backup. Max and Sam like to call themselves our "handlers". I suppose they are. All the pomp and circumstance of our various positions have been thrown away. We have bonded over the years. They are experts on many things. They lead the team at the pool and at St. Bart's.

John gasped.

"Max and Sam thank you for letting me not get shot."

Max and Sam looked up from the explosives they were wiring.

"You are very welcome John."

"Good job gentlemen."

"Thanks Sherlock."

They continued reading.

As far as the rest. Have no fear. They would have expertly led The Sacred Band of Thebes. When we get to Mary things will get crazy. Please follow them if we get separated. They will keep you safe.

"I understand Mycroft." John stated.

Greg handed Mycroft back his phone.

"Auggie get in position."

"Give us a minute."

"Ok."

They all stood a few meters from the door.

"When the fireworks happen, Greg and I go first. Then we will signal when we are clear."

Everyone nodded.

"Oh. I get it now." Greg stated.

They all looked at him.

"Sorry. I'm not quick with the history references."

"Showtime Myeeks?"

Charlene was anxious to get things started.

"Showtime."

"Our pleasure."

John could feel the vibrations through the walls. The next moments were filled with running feet and shouting voices.


"What the hell was that!?" Magnussen shouted.

Fantomas switched the view to the outside cameras. A rather sizable explosion had taken place on the other side of the river.

"I do believe our guests are close. It took them long enough."

"I guess they like to make an entrance Fantomas."

"Not usually. I think I might have angered Mycroft a bit."

Magnussen's laptop started buzzing. Fantomas switched half the cameras back to the service tube. They watched as John opened the laptop.

"I guess he learned some magic, as well, since we last met."

Fantomas ordered all his men to stand guard at the exits of the service tube.

"No one disturbs our guests till I give the order."

"Yes, Sir."


John turned on the laptop. The first message up was:

Tell the rest to leave. Then close the door behind you.

Sherlock looked like he wanted to argue the fact.

"Sherlock, remember this is their game. Their rules. We need to follow orders."

"For now John. For now."

They wished him good luck. John closed the door and sat down.