The televisions each have their own cabinet, with doors that meld seamlessly into the walls. Mycroft rarely requires more than five at once, but there have been three occasions when he and his staff have needed all twelve.

He has access to every network in the world, here. The point is the news reporting, but he has sometimes seen snippets of MTV India, on those mornings when Anthea arrives before he does. He himself has occasionally switched on La Châine parlementaire for background noise.

He hasn't burned a real yule log in years. Christmas at the office has its consolations.