Fic: The Jade Elephant: G
Dec. 7th, 2017 09:29 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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holmes_minorTitle: The Jade Elephant
Form/Word Count: 450
Characters/Pairing: Dr John Watson, Mr Sherlock Holmes, Mr Mycroft Holmes
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Holmes has recovered a jade elephant.
I looked closely at the object in Holmes’ hand.
“It’s not very attractive, is it?” I said. “I was expecting a jade elephant to have rather more appeal; especially one which has caused so much trouble.”
“Indeed,” Holmes replied. “This appears to be more like a hippopotamus, with a trunk and large ears added as an afterthought.”
“I presume it is genuine.”
“Oh yes. I have examined the marks on the sole of the back foot and they correspond exactly to the drawing Sinclair provided.”
“Rather a shame he didn’t provide a drawing of the elephant as well.”
“His description was accurate though. ‘You’ll know it when you see it.’”
“What will you do with it?” I asked, as Holmes carefully wrapped the elephant in a cloth and slid it back into his jacket pocket.
“Mycroft will be here soon. I shall pass it to him and let Her Majesty’s Government be responsible for deciding whose claim is most legitimate.”
It was not long before there was a knock on the front door, and Mrs Hudson brought Mycroft Holmes up to join us. Holmes passed the elephant to his brother, who examined it carefully.
“It’s strange to think such an ugly creature should be posing a diplomatic conundrum,” Mycroft said.
“Your brother tells me the Government will be deciding the elephant’s fate. I presume this means it will not be returning home,” I said.
“If by home you mean India, Doctor,” Mycroft replied. “You are quite correct. Even though the place of origin is not in dispute, establishing the ownership of the elephant once it had reached the sub-continent would no doubt continue to prove bloody. And as it happens representation has already been made to the two parties who have the greatest claim to it. The suggestion that a gift of the elephant be made to our most gracious Sovereign has been warmly received by both parties.”
Holmes and I looked at each other.
Mycroft continued, “I realise this is not the outcome you would have been hoping for. But the stakes are higher than you may be aware. And fortunately, the two sides are agreed on one matter: if they cannot have the elephant themselves, they do not want the other to have it. And so it is far better for it to go to a neutral third party.”
Holmes gave a bark of laughter. “I hope Her Majesty is truly grateful for the gift. It is not something I would wish to have on display on my mantelpiece.”
“You may rest assured, brother, it will go on a high shelf, which will be far enough above Her Majesty’s head she will never have to look at it.”
Form/Word Count: 450
Characters/Pairing: Dr John Watson, Mr Sherlock Holmes, Mr Mycroft Holmes
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Holmes has recovered a jade elephant.
I looked closely at the object in Holmes’ hand.
“It’s not very attractive, is it?” I said. “I was expecting a jade elephant to have rather more appeal; especially one which has caused so much trouble.”
“Indeed,” Holmes replied. “This appears to be more like a hippopotamus, with a trunk and large ears added as an afterthought.”
“I presume it is genuine.”
“Oh yes. I have examined the marks on the sole of the back foot and they correspond exactly to the drawing Sinclair provided.”
“Rather a shame he didn’t provide a drawing of the elephant as well.”
“His description was accurate though. ‘You’ll know it when you see it.’”
“What will you do with it?” I asked, as Holmes carefully wrapped the elephant in a cloth and slid it back into his jacket pocket.
“Mycroft will be here soon. I shall pass it to him and let Her Majesty’s Government be responsible for deciding whose claim is most legitimate.”
It was not long before there was a knock on the front door, and Mrs Hudson brought Mycroft Holmes up to join us. Holmes passed the elephant to his brother, who examined it carefully.
“It’s strange to think such an ugly creature should be posing a diplomatic conundrum,” Mycroft said.
“Your brother tells me the Government will be deciding the elephant’s fate. I presume this means it will not be returning home,” I said.
“If by home you mean India, Doctor,” Mycroft replied. “You are quite correct. Even though the place of origin is not in dispute, establishing the ownership of the elephant once it had reached the sub-continent would no doubt continue to prove bloody. And as it happens representation has already been made to the two parties who have the greatest claim to it. The suggestion that a gift of the elephant be made to our most gracious Sovereign has been warmly received by both parties.”
Holmes and I looked at each other.
Mycroft continued, “I realise this is not the outcome you would have been hoping for. But the stakes are higher than you may be aware. And fortunately, the two sides are agreed on one matter: if they cannot have the elephant themselves, they do not want the other to have it. And so it is far better for it to go to a neutral third party.”
Holmes gave a bark of laughter. “I hope Her Majesty is truly grateful for the gift. It is not something I would wish to have on display on my mantelpiece.”
“You may rest assured, brother, it will go on a high shelf, which will be far enough above Her Majesty’s head she will never have to look at it.”
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