It was no secret that the answers Mycroft needed to stop the remaining network would have to be taken from his brother, Sherrinford. But he feared the outcome of his mental state if he pushed him too far. And that very same worry was making things more difficult with the head of security. Someone that he had a long relation with and someone who he knew could be quite the intimidating one. But Mycroft often never let her personality distract him from his own role in the government.

The drive to MI5's headquarters was a long one. Well, it was for Mycroft. He tried finding an alternative to the outcome that he knew would occur in the conversation. He knew what questions would be asked and the issues that he had created by not informing the women herself about Sherrinford's current state. He was wrong in thinking he could hide him from her. And now he was paying the price.

The car stopped outside the headquarters and for the moment all Mycroft could do was gaze that the tall building and watch the many people enter its towering form. As least they wouldn't have to deal with her. With hesitation, Mycroft opened the car door and grabbed his briefcase from the other seat, closing the door behind him and watched the car drive away. As it came out of sight he turned to the building and took in a deep breath. He straightened his back and made his way to the building with long strides, trying to hide the nerves that were building up from within.

If the inside was towering than the inside mirrored the shear height of the headquarters. All the sounds that Mycroft could hear was the faint sound of the shoes clapping the glossy surface and the ringing of the receptionist phone. As he approached the desk he waited patiently until the receptionist was ready for him. And soon enough she placed the phone down after finishing her call and turned to Mycroft.

"Hello sir, can I help you?"

"I have an appointment the head of security."

"Very well, sir. Please wait a moment."

"I have all day." Mycroft muttered to himself.

As he waited he kept his gaze to the desk, watching the woman make her phone call to the boss. He tried reading her gaze to see of the boss was in anyway in a good mood. Possibly because he was there her mood was drop drastically. But that was something Mycroft didn't want to think about. The sooner this was sorted out the better.

The receptionist put her phone down and turned to Mycroft. "She is expecting you, Mycroft. Go right ahead. It's the top floor."

Mycroft nodded. "Thank you."

Mycroft decided to use the elevator to the top floor, which was only two stairs up, as to not seem tired when he did reach the top floor. It became obvious to him that his appearance was something that he had to keep up, especially when he was meeting someone that he hadn't seen in some time. And considering the ego of this women Mycroft knew that he needed to look his best. Eventually he reached the top, hearing the bell of the elevator signalling his arrival. He looked for the room he needed to attend to and read the nameplate on the door.

MS T. EVEREST

Mycroft took another breath and raised his and to knock. He knocked once, knowing she only answered to doors with one knock. As he waited he soon heard the voice from the phone.

"Come in, Mycroft."

He opened the door with caution and peaked through the now open door to the office of Ms Everest.The office was tidy and organised with the desk at the far back of the office. The pallet of the room was a light grey with the walls a black pattern that reminded Mycroft of Sherlock's flat. The women herself was sat at her desk, typing away with deep concentration.

"Take a seat, Mycroft. I just need to finish this off."

Mycroft complied and sat down in the seat in front of Everest's desk and waited until she had finished. It took some time, but she finally finished whatever she was doing and closed the laptop down. Her attention turned to Mycroft as she interlinked her hands. Mycroft took note of the women's appearance. Her hair was hair past her shoulders and her skin was a dark shade with her clothing being the usual smart wear.

"Can I get you anything? A coffee? Tea? Biscuits?" Everest gestured to the counter to the side of the room which held the coffee maker and the container of food.

Mycroft shook his head. "No thank you."

"Are you sure? I know you like the usual hot drink."

"That won't be necessary."

Mycroft watched as her lips turned up into a smile. "Calm down, Mycroft. I won't bite your head off. Yet."

Mycroft visibly swallowed unintentionally.

"It will depend on the excuse you give me for the lack of informative cornering Sherrinford. I'll let you make something up quickly. And try not to use the 'because he's my family' excuse." Everest leaned back in her chair, waiting for Mycroft to speak. When he wasn't answer, and seemed to show hesitation she laughed. "I thought so."

"I do have a reason other than that, Everest."

"Oh? I'd love to hear it."

"Sherrinford is in no condition to talk. We only have small details of the abuse he suffered by the hands of Moriarty. If we pressure him now, then we won't get anything of use."

"So, I'm assuming that the news you promised me is bad?"

Mycroft sighed. "Sherrinford had an emotional breakdown. The nurses found him after a lack of activity in his room. He was against the wall in quite a state."

Everest hummed. But her tone seemed unsatisfied. "I see."

"I cannot rush his recovery."

"Mycroft, I don't think I need to remind you that Sherrinford is indeed Adam. As you yourself predicted."

"Yes but- "

"And because of that I must consider the deeds that Adam took when working for Moriarty. That being him being responsible for the death of my agents as well as innocent civilians that he took hostage with that last case two years ago. That, and assisting Moriarty with the death of your brother which, luckily, was avoided. All of that leads me to believed that Sherrinford is capable of many things if given the chance."

"He was abused by Mor- "

"Yes, I am aware of that. But only recently. Which brings me to my next question. Why was I not informed of Sherrinford's state and his current location at Lakenheath?

Mycroft hesitated again.

"Is it because you knew I would pressure him into answering questions concerning the remaining network? Or was it just to spite me?"

"That's not why I did it. I feared for his mental state. You said yourself that Sherrinford is capable of anything right now. I didn't want to pressure him into anything that might cause concern. And I know that you have…tendencies."

"Oh, do I now?" Everest leaned forward, her voice full of venom. "Well I'm sorry that I am a concerned citizen whose job is to protect the civilians of London as well as this nation. Who are you to decide whether to not that should be put into question?"

"I meant no offence- "

"Of course you didn't. I'm sorry that I seem harsh towards your brother, Mycroft. But I think the many deaths of my agents and the civilians of London put at risk gives me some leverage!"

"But- "

Everest suddenly stood from her chair. "No! Let me make this very clear to you, Mr Holmes. Sherrinford, whether you like it or not, is a criminal. He helped with the capture of innocent civilians and the assassinations of others, helped Moriarty with the attempted suicide of your brother, Sherlock and was responsible for the death of my agents! And because of your incompetence many others will be put at risk because of you! Because you allowed your personal life to interfere with the safety of this country and since I wasn't there to decide on Sherrinford's fate I am now obliged to trail you until I have answers! Because you insisted that family was more important than everything else more people will die!"

Mycroft was silenced by the outburst as he could not think of anything else to say. Everest slowly sat back down and let out a long and heavy sigh, tapping her fingers on her desk.

"Sometimes I wonder about you, Mycroft. Sometimes I can see the value in you since your contributions have helped us in the past. And I am grateful for that. But sometimes I just see the arrogance in you. The complete stupidity that you believe makes you higher on the food chain than the rest of us. Well let me tell you, others may think you are the government itself but I can assure you that I do not."

Mycroft, once more, said nothing.

Everest sighed again and averted her gaze to her notepad, her face suggested that she was in deep thought. Eventually, her gaze returned to Mycroft.

"How long?"

"What?"

"How long until Sherrinford can speak?"

Mycroft straightened his back. "As I said, he isn't ready to be spoken to about the events of what took place with Moriarty. He is under great stress."

Everest sighed in frustration as her hand came up to pinch the bridge of her noise. She shook her head and turned to Mycroft again. "So, you're saying that Sherrinford can't talk at all."

"Not at this moment."

Everest shook her head again. "I should have been there. We should have discussed this sooner."

"I know that- "

Everest chuckled, but it lacked humour. "No, you clearly don't. We don't have any idea where the network is now. We don't know their names, their faces or anything. They could be anywhere or anyone in London right now. And since you've told that Sherrinford is in a critical state I must assume that someone else is in charge. So, it wasn't just Moriarty and Adam. It was someone else too. And yet again, because of you we can't find out who they are or what they are planning. Because sentiment got the better of you." Everest laughed once more with no sense of humour. "Well done, Mycroft. Well done."

Mycroft shifted nervously in his seat, unable to utter a word.

"I always thought of you being an emotionless git. But I guess I was wrong." Everest sighed tiredly as she rested against her seat. "From now on, you will tell me everything that happens with Sherrinford. I need to know of any improvements. And if such improvements happen I will take matters into my own hands and find out whatever information I can get from Sherrinford about the network. The sooner the better. I don't want anything being discussed behind my back again, understood?"

Mycroft nodded. "Yes, I understand."

"Good." Everest grabbed her notebook and began to write in it. "I believe this conversation is over. You may leave."

Mycroft was frozen for a moment but soon found the energy to stand and make his way to the door. But before he could open the door, Everest spoke up.

"Don't let sentiment get the better of you, Mycroft. Sherrinford is a criminal and until I am proven otherwise I will treat him as one. And that means I will find the information I need by any means. For now, I'll play along."

Mycroft didn't reply as he opened the door and left the room and when be believed that Everest was no longer listening he let out a long sigh of anxiety.

"God help me."