Chapter 2
On the Other Side
London
14 weeks after the fall
Mycroft
Mycroft frowned. He was usually not one to second guess his prior decisions, but couldn't help but do so in this case. Captain John H. Watson, MD had just completed his phase 1 basic training. Although he was already a ranking officer, Mycroft had not circumvented the requirement that John attend the training as it had been years since he had been on active duty. The course was required to be completed in order to prove that John's skills and physical condition were still up to par. John had bemoaned the fact that he would be placed in a class designed for new recruits who were just learning skills that John had long ago mastered.
"I've been through officer's training at Sandhurst, for the love of God, Mycroft. Can't you work your magic to get the bloody requirement waived?" John had asked as he had bulked at the idea of being forced to endure a 14-week phase one training course.
"Unfortunately not, John. I was forced to alter your records significantly to avoid suspicion and this is the only way." He had insisted. John and then sighed deeply and reluctantly agreed. In truth, Mycroft could have made the requirement disappear. He could have simply added the certificate of completion to John's altered record. He had chosen not to. He wanted John to be eased back into active duty and this training would help ensure that. John had been a civilian for years and despite his extensive military experience, the change would still prove to be significant.
Mycroft had been surprised when he had dug through John's military records extensively. Though he had a basic picture from his file that he had pulled on Dr. Watson when he first became associated with his brother, it had just scratched the surface. John Watson was much more than just an army doctor wounded in Afghanistan. He had begun his medical training at John King's College London with additional training at St. Bart's. After earning his medical degree and receiving his license to practice medicine, he then began practicing as a civilian physician. He worked in private practice for a little over a year, before he then had joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. After working as an army doctor in the RAMC for a number of years, he completed officer's training at Sandhurst.
He rose to the rank of Captain while serving as a full combatant in Afghanistan before getting shot and medically discharged. Penchant for danger, indeed. By the end of his military career, John Watson had become more of a soldier than a doctor. Mycroft had little doubt that this time around, John would insist that he be placed in combat on the battlefield. Mycroft could only hope that he would survive long enough for Sherlock to finish his mission and plan his reemergence. It would be criminal to have saved John Watson from himself only to see him killed in action before Sherlock's return.
Mycroft was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of clicking echoing on the wood floors. After a obligatory rap on the door, it opened quickly revealing Anthea. Her chestnut hair was pulled into a classic French twist and her make up was subtle but striking. It brings out her full lips and highlights her chocolate colored eyes. "I trust I procured the necessary information, sir." She inquired with a slight quirk of her eyebrow.
"Your work is impeccable as always." Mycroft assured and he meant it. Anthea is more than just his personal assistant, so very much more.
"Do you require anything further of me?" She replied.
"Not at the moment," Mycroft answered contemplating how to handle his brother. "That may change, however. I don't want Sherlock getting sloppy. He must keep his mind on the mission and not on Dr. Watson."
Anthea smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. She was the only one besides himself and Dr. Hooper who know that Sherlock is still alive. "That might prove difficult." Anthea murmured.
"Most assuredly, my dear." Mycroft agreed.