The monotone clothing that was part of the dress code on Motherland wasn't something either Sherlock or Watson would have chosen for themselves. They still put them on to show respect for the commander of one of the most significant starships in the Free Zone.

"Are you ready?" Sherlock asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be to dive into the world of murder and mystery," Watson said jokingly.

"Don't worry, you have me to protect you," Sherlock said, winking at him flirtatiously.

Watson blushed and lowered his gaze, still unused to the amount of attention and affection he received from Sherlock. It was quite a change for Watson, whose family barely knew how to express any gentler emotions.

"You'll have to stop doing that while we are on Motherland," Watson said shyly.

"Stop doing what?" Sherlock asked, confused.

"Flirting with me. I don't want complete strangers to see me blushing like a naïve cadet," Watson said.

"I can't promise you that, but I will try," Sherlock said, kissing Watson one more time as he had an inkling Watson wouldn't allow him to do so once they reached their destination.

It was odd that two people as different as they were, one confident and open and the other less so, would find something as magical to share as love.

"So, what is the plan?" Watson asked once they broke apart when the shuttle informed them that they would be reaching their destination soon.

"We will do some elemental deducing and discover our culprit," Sherlock said.

"You always make it sound so easy," Watson said, unconvinced.

"Because, for me, it usually is. I already have a theory about what happened, but I don't want to rush to any conclusions," Sherlock said, deep in thought. "You can look up their medical records for me and see if something stands out. Since you are here, I might as well use you," Sherlock said, smirking meaningfully.

Watson ignored Sherlock's teasing nature and considered his previous words carefully.

"What would I be looking for?" Watson asked.

"Well, I am not sure, you are the doctor, but something that can cause their untimely death," Sherlock said.

However, seeing the annoyed look Watson gave him, he decided to explain.

"Anything that could cause their deaths in real life could have potentially done so in a simulation. It could have been an extreme phobia that caused them to die of fear or a simple allergy," Sherlock said.

"How is that possible when those are just simulations?" Watson asked, trying to wrap his mind around what Sherlock was saying. "Also, don't you already have the cause of death?"

"Holograms are just imitations of real life, my dear Watson, and our brains are very susceptible to suggestion. If our brains were to interpret something as being real instead of a mere simulation, it could react the same way it would for the real deal," Sherlock said. symptom

"Meaning that the person would feel all severe allergy symptoms without being exposed to the actual allergen?" Watson asked, shocked.

"Yes, that is my theory. A targeted, hypnotic suggestion inside a simulation might have been able to do the trick," Sherlock said as he started the docking procedure.

"I bet our ancestors didn't have to deal with as many strange and incomprehensible issues," Watson said tiredly.

His mind refused to process all the new possibilities. He felt exhausted and annoyed with the brave new world they lived in.

"I think they had their own problems to deal with, and some of the things they came across must have seemed incomprehensible to them at the time," Sherlock said.

"That's true," Watson said, thinking about his ancestors and their struggles. "Did you know that our ancestors were in love?"

"I heard some rumors, but I didn't know it was a fact," Sherlock said with interest. "How do you know?"

"Well, let's just say that our namesakes are legends in my family. The stories have been carried on through generations," Watson said.

"Were they, like a thing?" Sherlock asked, not sure how he should feel about the revelation.

"No, because it wasn't considered 'proper' at the time, but they were really into each other. Maybe even as much as we love each other," Watson said, giving Sherlock a loving look.

"It's too bad that people of those times were so close-minded. They lost so much joy and happiness for no apparent reason," Sherlock said with sadness in his voice. "But I guess we'll have to do our best to live fully for them in their honor."

"Yes, these Lororians remind me of the humans of the past. They so stubbornly cling to traditions even if they hurt them," Watson said.

"We'll figure this out, don't worry, and I am sure that sooner or later, they will evolve. If we humans could do it, I am sure they can, too," Sherlock said as the shuttle slightly shook while they docked.

"Here we go," Sherlock stated as the two men exited into the busy docking area.

Many different beings rushed around the docking bay, not paying any attention to two humans slowly walking towards an overly eager member of security. He was clearly waiting for Sherlock.

"Mr. Holmes, I am so glad you are back so soon. People are starting to leave the ship thinking it is unsafe, and the commander is losing his mind," the young man said.

"Breathe, Melrose, breathe," Sherlock said gently as the other man rushed through his words.

The man smiled brightly at Sherlock and did as he was told. His eagerness and fascination with Sherlock were written all over his face. It made Watson feel like he was invisible.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Holmes," Melrose said.

"I told you, Sherlock is fine. And this is my associate, Mr. Watson," Sherlock said.

To Sherlock's utter surprise, Watson put a hand around his waist possessively, trying to tell Melrose that he belonged to him, that they belonged to each other.

"A pleasure, sir," Melrose said with dimmed enthusiasm. "If you'll follow me. We have prepared everything you've asked for in your communication."

Upon saying that, he moved ahead of them, gesturing for them to follow.

"You were communicating with this child?" Watson asked even though Melrose was barely a few years younger than himself.

"No, I was sending a communication to the ship security team. Melrose just happens to be the communications officer," Sherlock said. "By the way, jealousy looks really good on you. It makes me want to kiss you senseless."

As he said that, he pushed Watson against the sides of the hall and kissed him with a sizzling passion that Watson couldn't help but reciprocate. However, he soon came to his senses, and they broke apart before Melrose could even notice that they had lagged behind and hurried on to catch up with him.

"I can understand now why people don't mix business and pleasure. The temptation can be overwhelming," Sherlock whispered to Watson.

Watson nodded his head vigorously, trying to free it of all the thoughts that were in no way related to the work they had come to do.

"Alright, let's focus on solving this case so that we can have more time to explore those pleasures you mentioned," Watson said determinedly.

"Yes, I like how you think," Sherlock said, smiling brightly because not even murder could dampen his good mood.

Melrose led them to the medbay, where everything was ready for Watson's careful examination, including the two bodies. Furthermore, Sherlock was provided with a small working space nearby to go through the files of all the crew members who had the necessary knowledge to sabotage the simulator.

Then they both dived into their work with single-minded determination, eager to receive the prize that awaited them when they solved the case, uninterrupted time together.