Hospitals are extremely complex entities. They inspire both fear and hope. Hope and reassurance was what everyone coming through the doors needed. The storm was in it's full frenzy. St. Jude's victims added to the steady influx of humanity.

Dr. Russo cut through the back hallways planning everything he needed to do next. The easiest part was in a waiting room down the hall.

"Violet? Siger?"

Violet looked up with a smile.

"Benjamin?"

"Hello everyone. I want to move you to the floor where we are preparing to put Mary and Mycroft."

"Mrs. Hudson this is Ben Russo. He is their team doctor."

"Pleasure to meet you."

Ben shook her hand and left a badge in it.

"Restricted access. Need the badge to get in."

Mrs. Hudson nodded and followed them out the door.


John had the IV on rapid infusion. One liter in 35 minutes. To correct any dehydration and reduce hemoconcentration. He did what he could with the little he had available.

"Mycroft I am going to draw out the needle."

John got a hum.

"Ok."

Ben had been answering John's texts as fast as he was capable. They were finalizing a list of tests and scans that needed to be done at hospital.

"Sherlock keep gentle pressure on that."

Sherlock held the cotton cloth while John and Charlene searched for tape.


Max drove while Sam just watched the storm.

"Sam?"

"Hmmm?"

Max started and halted a few times. Max settled for holding his hand. Max felt a gentle squeeze as Sam began talking.

"I hate this part as well. Always have."

Max nodded.

"He is going to be a real bastard in therapy." Sam quietly said.

"What does that make you?"

"The bastard's keeper?"

They both smiled and rolled their eyes.

"Sam remember you both.."

Max couldn't finish the sentence. Sam's elbow to his ribs stopped it. Max took a deep breath and started once more.

"We are off duty for a month?"

"Depending on what takes place in the next 24 hours maybe more."

Max pulled into St. Bart's.

"Sam what do you need from me?"

Sam looked at Max. They had known each other for fourteen years. Had gotten married this May. Mycroft wanted the certificate number to have some special significance. Not even their boss at MI-6 could pick the certificate number.

#379

Just some other couple finally able to get full recognition by the country. Sam actually liked it better that way.

Max was drawn into a hug.

"You want to go home and have a bath. Then a assortment of alcohol. A bunch of unhealthy snacks. A sci-fi movie to watch while consuming everything."

"And?" Sam mumbled from his shoulder.

"I forgot your favorite part. A least three small pillows to throw at Auggie for the snide comments he will make during the movie."

"You know me so well."

Sam gave him a quick kiss and got out of the car. Max smiled and followed him.


Molly Hooper had been getting texts from Charlene and John. She had learned that the details would be filled in afterwards. Tea with Charlene and Mycroft was a common occurrence after she helped with Sherlock's fall.

16km. A *chime*

*ding* All ready for you. Mol

Thanks. A *chime*


"Right this way Sirs."

Sam followed the guard and Max. He held half an ear to the conversation.

"They will be put in a little section off of ICU. The nurses are the same vetted staff as always."

"Thank you."

Sam took in the staff. All of them having families who were hunkered down in the storm. Sam was smiling at them all. Recognizing they had better places to be.

"Sam?"

Sam looked up. They were in a small sitting area. He soon had his arms full of Violet.

"Hi Mum."


Greg pulled Llamrei next to the doorway that led to Molly's lab. Charlene grabbed the keys.

"Llamrei you need to turn off the chips."

"Ready?"

Various sounds of affirmation answered the question.

Greg had his hand on the door ready to exit. Charlene tapped his arm.

"Wait."

Greg noticed the small screen was still lit up.

"Llamrei they will interfere with the hospital equipment."

Greg watched as the lighted dots in Mycroft's silhouette blinked off. One by one by one. The screens disappeared. Greg patted the dashboard.

John was soon sliding Mycroft into his arms.

"We are going to visit Molly first."

Mycroft gave him a grunt.

Molly opened the door to howling wind and driving rain.

"Molly. Lovely evening isn't it?"

Molly looked on as Greg carried Mycroft past her. The expression on his face was a mix of worry and relief.

"I've seen worst."

Molly heard a laugh as she locked the door behind them all.

Sherlock watched Greg and John pass into the lab. His progress was impeded by Molly and Charlene hugging. Sherlock expelled a breath and gave them some space.

"I'll clean him up and then we can all go upstairs."

Charlene smiled and pulled back.

"Thanks."

Molly shut the door between her and Charlene. Sherlock thought the gesture rather rude and took off for the door. He felt a tug on his coat.

"Please don't fight me."

Sherlock trained his gaze on her. The hug had been stiff. The smile mechanical. The agent was propping up the girlfriend.

"Mycroft has old injuries that you want him to explain later."

"Yes."

Sherlock paced for a moment.

"I am not a child."

Charlene scowled. The expression dropped when their eyes met.

"Your brother has a lot that he needs to tell you. If you see him now, his injuries will have no context. It is his story. He needs to recount it."

Sherlock looked stymied.

"That is all I can offer you right now."

Charlene leaned on the wall watching Sherlock pace the hallway.


Molly led them to the back of her domain. The hospital had seen fit to install a shallow, flat tub. It helped with the complicated autopsies. It was the perfect place to free Mycroft from his wetsuit.

Greg gently laid Mycroft on his side.

"Do we need to cut him out of it?"

Molly held up a few pairs of scissors.

"Let's test the zip." John answered her.

Greg reached for the pull.

"Wait. Booties first."

Greg relocated to his feet. John nodded at him. Greg forced his fingers into the aqua boot.

"His feet are swollen John."

"It could have been the shockwave. It could have been the impact with the bottom of the Thames."

John was almost mumbling to himself.

"Molly if you notice anything tell me. I want to give Dr. Russo all the help I can provide."

"Their doctor?"

"Yes."

The boot finally came off. Greg started the process on his left foot and immediately had his hand yanked.

"Somebody woke up." Greg said quietly.

Molly relocated to Mycroft's head.

"Mycroft?"

Molly took Mycroft's hands.

"It is Molly."

Greg noticed Molly nodding in his direction. John grabbed Mycroft's leg and held it still for Greg.

"You are in my lab. We need to get you stripped and clean before we let the doctors look at you."

Mycroft's grip tightened. Molly wasn't sure if it was because Greg was working the second boot off or not. Mycroft's entire body twitched. John and Greg immediately took their hands off of him.

"Mycroft can you open your eyes?"

Mycroft cracked open his eyes.

"Hello."

"Miss... Hooper."

Molly smiled at him. Mycroft's speech was slow and hoarse.

"Molly remember?"

Mycroft tried to smile back.

"Of...course."

"We need to remove you from this wetsuit."

Molly could see his eyes begin to focus on her.

"Under...stood."

"Charlene is in the hall with Sherlock."

Mycroft's body loosened a bit. Molly could see a thank you from his lips.

"We have your back Mycroft." Greg stated with a squeeze to his shoulder.

John tried the pull. It opened to just past his shoulders.

"Scissors it is."

John rolled Mycroft on his back. Molly gave them each a pair of scissors.

"Mycroft you might experience a wave of additional discomfort." John said.

Mycroft tried to laugh. He landed up spitting up some seawater.

"Why John?"

"The wetsuit is keeping down the swelling."

Greg nodded.

"Mycroft the good drugs are upstairs."

Mycroft's lips turned up at the edges.

John cut off the right sleeve. Greg got rid of the remainder of the left. The scissors slid down both sets of ribs and continued till they each hit an ankle. Sand, seawater and blood seeped out behind the scissors.

"Making...a...mess."

Molly laughed.

"Compared to what I normally see?"

Molly saw an eyebrow twitch upward.

"See many...live ones...do you now?"

Mycroft had trusted her with one of the biggest headaches and heartaches in his life. Molly had grown to know the man behind the mask. That man had a wickedly dry sense of humor.

"That's classified, you know."

Mycroft's face lit up briefly with a smile.

.

"How did all this sand get in?"

"Greg I have some stories to tell you."

.

Mycroft's eyes started to close.

"Hey. Stay with me."

Mycroft opened his eyes again. Molly felt her hand squeezed.

.

"The desert?"

"You would be amazed."

"Can't wait to hear them John."

.

"We are going to give you a bath. Get all the whatnot off of you."

Mycroft nodded.

.

John was rinsing the sand off first. He watched as freckles and red hairs started appearing.

"He is a ginger?" John whispered.

Greg and Molly nodded. John's hands continued getting rid of the sand. Greg was helping by lifting limbs.

You did all the swimming with fins that were too small. Then your wetsuit became sandpaper. Jesus Mycroft.

"Do what...you have to."

Greg turned and looked at his face.

"Doesn't...turn off."

Greg smiled at him and sighed.

"Your...welcome."

Greg and John continued with the rinse.

.

Molly kept a watch on Mycroft's face. Pain and exhaustion clearly visible.

Greg and John went still. Molly looked up to see dismay in their eyes.

.

Everything hides behind the suit. John thought.

.

Molly grabbed the nozzle.

"Close your eyes. Don't want to get soap in them."

Molly was distracting Mycroft. Not that he could probably see much further than a meter.

John grabbed it back after a minute. John bumped Greg to get him out of his daze. Greg and John gently ran their hands over him spreading the soap.

Mycroft's pale skin with the constellations of freckles was marred by scars. The wounds could be distinguished from the surgery cuts. The burn scars were stark white. They looked like clouds obscuring parts of the freckles.

John started rinsing him off.

"All pretty now."

Mycroft attempted an eye roll.

"Bring him over here."

Molly was unfolding a stack of large towels.

Greg carried him over to a exam table. John and Molly were patting him dry while checking for more injuries. Greg stepped back.

.

Auggie's screaming hit a note I didn't think was possible. Then he went quiet.

Greg now knew why. Mycroft's groin was framed in stark white.

.

"Greg I have some sheets over there."

Mycroft felt gentle hands rolling him back and forth as he was wrapped up.


We will meet you in the A&E. JW *chime*

Ben looked at his phone.

"Violet, Mrs. Hudson and Siger would you like to come?"

"We trust you Ben." Siger stated.

"Just fill us in when you can." Violet added.

Ben nodded.

*ding* Meet you there. BR


"Mycroft are you ready?" Molly asked.

Mycroft felt three touches.

"Thank ..you all."

A chorus of, "your welcome" ,answered him.


Siger retrieved two decks of cards from his coat. The ambulance crew gave them a few. The adults sometimes needed to be distracted as well.

"Martha have you ever heard of a game called Eleusis?"

She was quiet for a moment.

"There are only three of us, Siger."

"The game could originally be played with three." Violet stated.

"Who gets to be God first?"

"We will draw for it Martha."


Sherlock soon came into his field of view. He looked frustrated and befuddled.

"Explain...later...Sherly."

"I know."

Sherlock tucked him against the Belstaff and headed for the lift.

"Thank... you."

John and Molly guided the rest to a lift for freight.

"Shortcut." Molly announced.


Violet came back in the room with a folded piece of paper.

"The rules are on there."

She settled into her seat. The folded rules on an empty chair.

"Let us begin." Violet stated.


Sherlock followed their lead. He could feel dampness against his arms. The white sheets were slowly being dotted with red.

Mycroft let out a small cough. Sherlock noticed froth coming from his lips.

"John."

John turned to see Sherlock's eyes slightly widened.

"This sometimes happens with dive injuries."

John cleaned Mycroft's lips. Molly pressed a hand to Mycroft's rib cage. Sherlock missed the look between her and John.

"Shallow breaths Mycroft."

Molly kept her hand there a minute longer.

"Good." John commented.

.

Sherlock wandered back into his own thoughts.

What don't you want me to see brother? More importantly, why?

.

"I don't think it is fractured all the way through Charlene."

Charlene nodded at John.

Sherlock moved forward when the lift opened. Charlene and John walked towards the swinging doors at the end of the hall.

"Hey there sunshine." Ben cheerfully said.

"Hi Ben."

Charlene sounded relieved.

Sherlock looked up to Max and Sam's smiling faces holding the doors open for him. Sherlock followed them into another hallway.

He could hear the medical information being exchanged ahead of him. Sherlock was focused on his passenger. He was bleeding and trembling. Sherlock could guess it was from pain. He saw no goosebumps indicating reaction to cold.


"My! Watch me."

After securing Mycroft's gaze, Sherlock took a running start with his sled. The hill was steep. So the ride was exhilarating. It would have been a perfect run except an ice patch had other ideas.

Sherlock was soon airborne. His arm snapped on landing.

"Sherly!"

Mycroft materialized out of nowhere.

"My. It hurts."

Mycroft carried him the kilometer home. Then hardly left his side at hospital.


Sherlock was cursing himself for getting sentimental at a time like this. It would serve no good purpose. He was pleased that he could return the favor though.

Sherlock was roused from his musings by Mycroft shaking in his arms.

"Easy My. Almost there." Sherlock whispered.

Mycroft twisted. Sherlock stopped. Sherlock watched Mycroft's face for a moment. The foam was back.

Sherlock started catching up to the others.

Mycroft's head jerked off of his shoulder. Sherlock froze.

Mycroft was looking at him wide-eyed. Sherlock could feel Mycroft fighting to hold still. Mycroft's body wanted to convulse.

"My?"

Sherlock could see the foam gathering in his mouth. His feet were swinging.

Sherlock watched as his brother gradually lost the fight. Mycroft's pupils rolled back and his body started jerking.

Sherlock kneeled quickly before he dropped him. A quick scan of the area proved he was alone.

"John!"

Seven people came back around the corner.

Mycroft pitched forward. A frothy mix of blood and seawater soaked Sherlock. He didn't notice. Sherlock was hyper focused on the sucking sound Mycroft was making trying to breathe.

"That rib just snapped." John stated.

"And took his left lung with it." Ben continued.

"So much for the dive chamber." Charlene added.

Sherlock noticed a tugging.

"Give him to me."

Sherlock looked into Max's face. He looked scared.

He is the only one that can still hear My's earpiece.

Sherlock let his passenger go.

"It sounds like he is drowning." Max announced.

He watched the group disappear around the corner.

"Up you get."

Greg was pulling him up. Molly was pushing him forward.


Ben led John to an empty treatment room.

"Anyone who is not currently occupied." Ben calmly announced to a group of nurses and junior doctors. "We require assistance."

Max came into the hallway with Mycroft in his arms.

"Punctured lung. Possible DCS or AGE from a strenuous dive. Internal bleeding from somewhere." Ben stated.

"And two swollen feet." Max stated.

The group scrambled.


Sherlock was impressed with how fast John and Ben were preparing. He was granted a quick look through the door before it was closed. It had only taken 98 seconds for him to catch up. Both were washed up and putting on gloves.

Max walked out of the door. Sam gave him a quick hug.

"Why is Charlene still in there?" Sherlock asked.

"I took my hands off of him."

Max answered the questioning looks.

"I laid him on the gurney. Turned around. He started another seizure. Charlie and one of the doctors are the only reason he isn't on the floor."


Charlene was crouched near Mycroft's head. Trying to make as much room for everyone as possible. One arm just under his neck.

Ben and John both nodded to her.

Charlene had gone to give Mycroft a quick kiss on his forehead when he started flopping on the gurney. She covered as much of him as quickly as possible. John, Ben and a few others started securing him. She was gently nudged into her current position.

The room was quiet for a moment.

"We need to..."

Ben was interrupted by the heart monitor.

"Tell me something I don't know." Ben stated as he muted the alarm.

John and the others backed off.

"Mycroft. This is Ben."

Ben kneeled near Mycroft's head.

"We have to get that air out of your chest. It is upsetting your heart. You are going to get a few big needles and a chest tube. I need you to try and hold still."

Another shudder went through Mycroft. Ben placed his hand on Mycroft's head.

"I know this is a lot to ask."

Max was listening at the door.

"Auggie just hold still for a minute. I didn't do a spectacular job getting you up just to loose you now." Max whispered.

"Myeeks if they have to use the paddles you will not be happy."

Charlene leaned against his head. John's eyes bounced between the monitor and Mycroft. His jerks lessened to twitches. All of his limbs quieted.

"Good." Ben said as he stood up.

"John and I will make this quick."

Ben pushed the first needle in.


Max put his head against the wall and covered his ears. Sam rubbed between his shoulders.

Why are you doing that?

Sherlock looked in the room. Charlene was wincing.

"Sherlock he is screaming. You just can't hear it."

Sam offered as an explanation.

Sherlock looked back in the room. Mycroft's eyes were clenched shut. His mouth was rhythmically opening and closing. The froth oozing out either side. All Sherlock heard was a bit of breath.

Max can hear him screaming. Charlene can feel him screaming.

"Sherlock."

Sam held up his phone.

"I believe you."

Sam lowered the phone.


John wiggled the chest tube in.

"Take slow breaths Mycroft. I know it really hurts."

John kept his hand on Mycroft's shoulder. Mycroft eventually opened his eyes.

"We are going to roll you over."

Mycroft nodded.

Mycroft was rolled on his other side. Ben stuck a suction tube in his mouth.

"Cough Mycroft. You are still full of seawater."

John gently rubbed his back. Mycroft quickly found Charlene's hand.

"Remember how you wanted to retch before?"

Mycroft focused on Max's voice.

"Now is the time to do it."

Max heard a noise.

"Your welcome. Now just do it."

Sam cut the connection with the earpiece. He didn't want to test the mettle of Max's stomach right now.


Mycroft was curling up. Physically pushing everything in his stomach up.

Or trying to.

"Easy. Don't force it." John stated.

John was listening to his gut.

"He is sloshing in there." John whispered.

Ben sighed.

"Mycroft what is the name of one of the only foods that makes you sick on sight?"

Mycroft opened his eyes for a second.

"Iceland?"

Mycroft gave a cough.

"Shark?"

Mycroft wrinkled his nose.

"kæstur hákarl. That's it."

Foam, blood and seawater came from his nose and mouth.

"That was just cruel Ben." Sam stated from the door.

"It is better than pumping his stomach."

Mycroft continued till he was almost dry heaving.

"Mycroft you sound empty. You can relax now." John stated.

Mycroft let his limbs go lax.

Ben was rinsing Mycroft's mouth out. Mycroft opened his eyes.

"I hate...you."

"I love you too." Ben said with a laugh.

John gently rolled him over. Charlene stood up and stretched.

"Could we have a minute?" Ben asked.

The doctors and nurses left. Ben came out behind them.

"Group meeting."

Ben grabbed the auriscope. John grabbed the tweezers.

"This is what we are going to do next." Ben announced.

Ben bent down checking out Mycroft's ears. One at a time.

"We have to run blood tests checking on his blood gas levels."

"He can't go in the chamber with a punctured lung."

"No he can't Charlene. But we still need to know."

"John can you get me a flush?"

John handed him the bulb. Greg watched sand come out.

"It really does get everywhere."

"Told you." John answered.

Ben handed him the bulb again.

"He needs a CT scan."

"Yes, John. I would also like an ultrasound of his belly."

Ben switched ears. Sand leaked out.

"The big question is how bad is the damage?"

Molly pointed to Mycroft's broken rib. Ben smiled at her.

"Exactly Mrs. Hooper."

Ben got quiet for a moment. Charlene looked at Sherlock.

"Sherlock there is an outfit you can change into in Llamrei."

Sherlock nodded at her.

"Charlie. I hope you have one as well. That is not a dress."

Charlene shrugged at Sam.

"Ah. There you are."

John handed him the tweezers. Ben pulled out Mycroft's earpiece.

"John can you check behind me?"

John grabbed the auriscope. Ben and John exchanged a look.

"Mycroft the ringing in your ears shouldn't be permanent." John stated.

"Your ear drums and canals are just extremely irritated." Ben added.

"Thank...you."

"Everybody say bye for now." Ben stated.


Ben grabbed John and found a little nook in the hall. John was drawn into a shoulder hug.

"Thank you. For helping keep my little pack in one piece."

John returned the squeeze.

"My pleasure."

They broke apart. Ben handed John a piece of paper.

"That is the OR room Mary is in. Along with who is working on her. They are probably wrapping things up about now. Condolences John."

John nodded.

"Anything you need. Just ask. I have... "resources"." Ben added the air quotes.

John barked out a laugh.

Molly and Greg came out of the room and walked over.

"I would suggest meeting up with Violet, Siger and Mrs. Hudson. Sam and Max know where they are."


"Can't...hear you." Mycroft whispered.

"Auggie it needed to come out. You know that." Sam stated.

"Used to...having it."

"I think you would want a break from us babbling in your ear." Max said with a smile.

Mycroft shook his head and flipped him the bird.

"We will watch out for them till your out." Sam stated.

"Thank...you and.."

Mycroft looked upset for a second. Max and Sam each grabbed a hand and squeezed.

"No. Just stop." Sam gently stated.

Mycroft pulled on his hand.

"Your welcome."

Mycroft squeezed back.

"Bye Auggie." Max said.


Charlene watched them leave. She looked down at Mycroft.

"Your in much better shape than last time."

"There is..that."

Charlene took a deep breath and gently hugged him. Mycroft responded in kind.

His heart rate was erratic but it was there. His skin was cold and clammy but she could hug him.

"Can we double date with John and Mary?"

Mycroft looked confused. Charlene smiled at him. It took a minute but Mycroft let out a little laugh.

"Fiji...delightful."

Charlene gave him a soft kiss. She leaned her forehead against his.

"Love...you." Mycroft breathed out.

Charlene let out a stuttered breath. Both of their visions were washed for a moment. Another hug stabilized them both.

Charlene stood and looked at Mycroft's hand in hers.

"Hey."

Mycroft's goofy little grin worked it's magic and got the laugh they both needed.

"Later Myeeks."

"Later Trouble."

Charlene walked out the door. Sam handed her a carbonated beverage.

"Thanks Sammy."

Charlene wandered down the hall.

.

"Sam?"

"Auggie?"

Sam kneeled next to Mycroft.

"The...phones?"

"Yes but we don't need that now."

"Want...Charlie."

"Are you sure?"

Mycroft nodded.

"Ok. Auggie. I'll give Charlie her phone."

"Thanks."

Ben tapped him on the shoulder. Sam looked back and smiled.

"Bye, Auggie."

Mycroft waved.

"Let's get upstairs."

Max led the way.


Ben was finally able to get an IV in him. Mycroft closed his eyes and let them work. John walked back in the room.

John was holding two syringes. One was for pain. One was to let him sleep.

"Mycroft?" Ben asked.

Mycroft opened his eyes to Ben's smile.

"Were you listening?"

Mycroft nodded.

"Need me to review anything?"

"No."

John was swabbing the IV.

"Time for you to take a nap then."

John injected the syringes.

Mycroft watched Ben and John give instructions to a few doctors and nurses.

The room began to blur. He felt a warm flush go through him.

"Is he fighting it?"

The sound became muffled.

"No John. It just takes him a bit."

John watched Mycroft's eyes slowly slip closed. John tapped Ben on the shoulder.

"Sweet dreams." Ben said as he smoothed his hair.

"Your problem child?" John asked.

"Absolutely."

"It runs in the family."

John and Ben shared a laugh.

"Let's get him to CT people."

Ben and John went opposite ways out of the door.


Everything was too loud. Too bright. Charlene didn't blame anyone. Natural disasters wreak havoc on anything in their path. She wove her way through the sick and injured. Silently wishing them all well.

She needed a place to get her head together. Comfy and muted. She would keep walking till she found it.