I very gratefully dedicate this to thefoolshope, who was kind enough to grant me permission to try my hand at her Power of the Pen style of storytelling. A new and learning experience for me, so thank you, thefoolshope!
And as a disclaimer: I am well aware that this is not historically possible, that the British army would have allowed him back in at that age and with his past injuries. However, if Sir Arthur could play The Game, then I think I'm entitled to continue his part in it. So while it's not historically possible, within the realm of the Game reality can change and I've decided to go with it.
Fragments from the desk of Dr. John H. Watson, M.D.
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Dr. John Watson
2122 Queen Anne Street, London
July 31, 1914
Dear Sir:
Regarding our discussion of last month, have you any idea when we can expect another story for our publications? As we pointed out, nearly a year has elapsed and the market has only increased. I do require an answer by the end of next month so as to plan the autumn issues.
Yours sincerely,
James Backhouse, Assistant Editor
Strand Magazine
--
Must remember to call Backhouse; infernal bee textbook has occupied all of my writing time for the last nine months or so. Hope Holmes likes blue cover with gold lettering. If not, I shall no doubt hear about it when he returns.
When, not if. It will be when.
What sort of a title is "Practical Handbook of Bee Culture, with Some Observations upon the Segregation of the Queen"? And the man called my literary tastes rubbish.
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DR. JOHN WATSON 2122 QUEEN ANNE STREET LONDON STOP SHERLOCK CHECKED IN AS SCHEDULED STOP IS PERFECTLY SOUND IN MIND AND BODY STOP GIVES YOU HIS REGARDS STOP MYCROFT HOLMES FINAL STOP
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- Pick up iodoform and indigo ink while out tomorrow.
- Call Harold Stackhurst to check condition of cottage after storm last week on the Downs.
- Testifying at Egerton inquest Monday the 3rd. Hopkins says should be brief. Had better be, have patient at noon and must take car round for new sparking plugs.
--
Dr. Watson –
Mrs. Hathaway changed the twins' appointment to three-thirty tomorrow.
- Mrs. Cooper
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- Put glass paperweights in drawer and remove Holmes's picture from desk; Hathaway twins tomorrow. Still have not got all the glass out of the carpet from the last visit.
- Locate acetylsalicylic acid.
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Germany has declared war on Russia. Dear God, what are we thinking? One war in a man's lifetime is one too many.
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DR. JOHN WATSON 2122 QUEEN ANNE STREET LONDON STOP SAW YOU HAVE INQUIRED REGARDING MEDICAL CORPS STOP SUGGEST YOU CONSIDER CAREFULLY DOCTOR SITUATION IS FAR GRAVER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK STOP HAVE NOT HEARD FROM SHERLOCK WILL ALERT YOU WHEN I DO STOP MYCROFT HOLMES FINAL STOP
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MYCROFT HOLMES WHITEHALL LONDON STOP AM FULLY AWARE OF SITUATIONS GRAVITY STOP WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY STOP REGARDS JOHN WATSON FINAL STOP
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Watson~
Heard you were considering re-enlistment. Jolly decent and patriotic of you, old man (no pun intended). RAMC (1), I take it? Knowing you, you've probably asked to be sent into the thick of things. Volunteering for work here in London, myself; will be plenty of needs in the war hospitals before long. Don't get yourself killed, whatever you do – you aren't twenty-five anymore, you know. Besides, I think your friend Mr. Holmes would take on the entire German army single-handedly if you did.
Do look me up before you get yourself shipped into France, eh?
~H. Stamford
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DR JOHN WATSON 2122 QUEEN ANNE STREET LONDON STOP TOUCHÉ STOP SHERLOCK INDICATES MATTERS DRAWING TO CLOSE ALONG WITH EMPIRES NEUTRALITY STOP FURTHER INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL STOP MYCROFT HOLMES FINAL STOP
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Telephone message taken by Mrs. Cooper (the Doctor being in with twin hellions at the time):
Cottage lost a few roofing shingles in high winds but is otherwise in same condition as when housekeeper left it. Mr. Holmes will have a deal of pruning and clipping to do to get rid of the weeds; hope he has since 1881 gained some knowledge of practical gardening.
Regards,
Harold Stackhurst
--
Daily Telegraph, August 3, 1914, headline and cover story:
COUNTRY INVADED BY GERMAN TROOPS (2)
(1) RAMC – Royal Army Medical Corps
(2) The First Casualty by Philip Knightley