"You know it's hard to believe how long it's been since..."

"Since Sherlock's original death? I know, and while it isn't quite actually time for the anniversary of his death I think all things considered..."

"Yes, it probably is best to remember his original death now rather than during the harsh winter season"

"Especially because you didn't see him after your death Mycroft, he took it hard, real hard"

"I see, and what about you Lestrade?"

"Life wasn't the easiest for me either, I saw two years of another world war, from what I remember I actually died around the same time you did"

"Thus why we're here today"

"Yes, we'll probably do it again at around when we lost him but for now it's better this ways"

"You know, it's strange to think that he actually fell over the Falls during winter instead of spring"

"I know, but for now...for now let us simply remember what we came to remember"

"Agreed"

And so the group simply spends the day remembering when Mycroft originally died and when Lestrade died, and Lestrade told the group about what he remembered regarding WWII. They stayed at the graveyard for half a day before going to a nearby restaurant for lunch during which they learned the secret history of the place not only through the owners but also through Lestrade.

"Wait...are you serious?"

"Dead serious"

"But still, wasn't it risky to use this restaurant as a hiding place for those refugees?"

"Yes, but it really was for the best at the time, eventually the refugees were able to be confirmed as refugees and allowed to live out in the open without fear of being sent back, plus being a good place for clandestine meetings between a resistance in Europe and here helped this place's reputation in a way"

"No kidding, they could barely keep up for the first couple of years, but eventually things calmed down and became steady enough to remain in business for as long as they have but not be overwhelmed and need to hire temporary workers from other restaurants nearby"

"Still, I wish I could have seen it in action more than what I did, they had big plans regarding the war, I wonder if they ever succeeded in doing them"

The group pays for their meal and then simply goes their separate ways because while they all had the day off they also still had other things that they needed to do. Lestrade and Bradstreet both actually had to go to the town over for supplies for not only the department but also for a few other places that needed the supplies and unfortunately the location they were getting their supplies couldn't deliver due to a combination of broken trucks and busy scheduling.

"Hey Lestrade, why are we doing this on a day off?"

"Since when do we have time to send someone over on a work day?"

"Good point"

"I thought you would understand when I put it that ways, and normally we wouldn't have to do this but all of their vehicles are broken and undergoing maintenance so everyone has to do their own supply runs until they get back up and running"

"I see then I guess we'd best get the supplies so that we're back with plenty of rest for tomorrow"

"Yes, we should"

The two grab the needed supplies and get back to London in plenty of time to get a decent amount of rest for the next day's shift. The next day started off normally, however what no one knew was that it would signal the beginning of the end of what the group knew of as normal and that signal was started with one phone call.

"Inspector Bradstreet speaking go ahead...I see...okay...okay...when can you come in for the interview?...I'm afraid that I must insist due to policy...very well where do you want to meet?...okay I'll be there within a half-hour"

Bradstreet hangs up and heads straight to Lestrade's office.

"Hey Lestrade, I have to go to a different location to talk to an informant who might have a potential new case for us, but unfortunately they won't meet here despite policy"

"You're worried"

"Yes, not only because my informant has never done this before but...the location I've been asked to go to isn't the best for signals and with the insistence that I be alone..."

"Then refuse the interview"

"I can't, what little I know...this could be big Lestrade"

"As big as Moriarty's case?"

"Yes"

"Very well then I'll allow it, just...be careful will you?"

"I know, we can't afford another loss"

"No, we can't"

"I'll be careful"

Two and a half hours later and Bradstreet was back which allowed Lestrade to calm down slightly.

"Hey Lestrade, so I have more information and it's a solid lead, I'll take it as far as I can before calling in backup though because it sounds like this group is paranoid regarding police involvement"

"I see, very well you know what you can and can't do, but remember the rule that we established for ourselves early on, before Reichenbach even came into our thoughts once more"

"I know Lestrade, that rule is very important all things considered"

"Yes, it indeed is, by the way we're all going to have to discuss if the higher ups should know about the rule"

"Good point, I can get in touch with Watson easier than you can at the moment while you can get in touch with Mycroft easier"

"Then that's what we'll do, you talk to Watson, I'll talk to Mycroft and then we'll decide together if we're going to reveal the rule to the higher ups"

"Today?"

"Hopefully, but if not you're not going any where's alone until we do have that conversation if it involves this new case"

"Understood Lestrade"

The two made their separate phone calls and had to do a little bit of coordination between the two but ultimately it was decided that the group would be meeting the next day for dinner at Mycroft's place since it was the only place big enough for all of them and the most secure. Once plans were made everyone worked as hard as they could so that they could leave on time and since the higher ups actually knew about the fact that they were planning on meeting Mycroft they made sure that the group didn't have extra paperwork that would delay them unnecessarily. Once they were done for the day they all met at Mycroft's place and Mycroft made sure to have food waiting for them as well since it was getting close to dinner time.

"So, what exactly is going on?"

"Oh right, we weren't very detailed over the phone, just stating that we needed to have a necessary talk"

"Precisely Lestrade, so what's this conversation about?"

"We need to decide if our police superior's should be informed about the rule, the one rule we made before Reichenbach reappeared in our lives. This is because of an investigation that Bradstreet will be starting"

"I see...that really should be discussed considering..."

"Yeah, considering just how important and restrictive that rule can be at times, but a necessary restriction unfortunately"

"Especially since I have to be solo until it's no longer safe due to alleged paranoia regarding the group"

"No wonder you two declared an emergency meeting was needed and in relation to the rule too"

"Exactly"

"So...shall they know or shouldn't they?"

"That's what we all need to decide as a group because if it's decided that our superiors know about the rule then we're also going to have to talk to them about the surveillance that all of us were, and Mycroft currently still is, under recently"

"Good point, and by the way I'll be under surveillance for a while yet by government order for reasons that I am not explaining to you, but I understand and agree with the surveillance"

"In any case let's talk about this whole situation"

And so they had a very loud, and very long debate about the pros and cons of letting the police officer's superiors know about the rule, the one rule that they had created before Reichenbach had returned into their lives. Eventually though everyone was in agreement that their superiors definitely needed to know about the rule considering what was already happening with the group and the fact that one of their own was now in serious danger of death or injury.

"So...when will we do it, and will it be as a united front or just Lestrade?"

"Hm...good question, because technically only one person is needed to explain the rule but..."

"Yeah, that word but is the key word here"

And so another debate started but fortunately this one didn't last very long and wasn't loud at all and it was agreed that the surviving members of the reincarnated group would inform the police officers' superiors together about the rule.

"Now that we know it's going to be a unified front when will we do it?"

"That's...actually a good question because I'm going to be at the hospital all day tomorrow more than likely"

"John?"

"I agreed to cover a fellow doctor who had a family emergency pop up yesterday"

"I see...wait are you saying that you're doing a double shift tomorrow?"

"Not exactly, what I do know is that he had at least one surgery scheduled for tomorrow and a couple of other patients over the last few days, though I think one is going to be ready for discharge tomorrow if the final tests come back okay"

"And as we've learned with you in the past surgeries are unpredictable in regards to their time"

"Exactly, I may be done within the expected estimated time of that particular surgery or I may have to extend it because of various factors"

"Would two days from now tentatively work?"

Ultimately everyone agreed that as far as everyone was aware two days from then was the best option that they currently had.

"Okay then we're agreed that if plans change everyone is alerted, but in the meantime Bradstreet can do basic things on the new case"

Two days later and the group went to the police station and Lestrade asked to speak with his superiors. When asked about the others the receptionist was told in no uncertain terms that they were needed for the meeting as well.

"What for?"

"That is personal, just know that they are needed understood?"

"Yes Inspector"

"Good"

Ten minutes later and the entire group was with Lestrade's and the other officer's superiors

"What's this about Lestrade?"

"There's something you need to know about us that you don't already"

"I thought we already knew everything about you people"

"Unfortunately there's something we kept out because quite frankly we never thought it would come into play, not even when we...when we lost Sherlock"

"Something's changed though hasn't it?"

"Yes"

"What is it?"

"A new investigation for me, I have a potentially decent lead but..."

After a decent pause Lestrade was the one to pick up the conversation

"But unfortunately for us and him it's going to be a solo investigation until it reaches a certain point because he can't call for backup easily due to apparent police paranoia. Because of that we need to discuss what we simply call the rule, which is the one rule we're bound to no matter what"

"Was Sherlock also bound to this rule?"

"Yes, when we were all finally able to be together we all agreed on this rule early on"

"Very well, and I guess you all decided to mention what this rule is as a united front?"

"Yes sir"

"Very well, what is this rule then?"

"It's a two part rule because of this very situation actually, the first part of the rule is that if we lose anyone then from that point on, especially for us police officers we always work in pairs. The second part is for Bradstreet's situation, where if in the course of an investigation we find that it's not possible to stay in pairs, we maintain contact on a daily basis and if anything feels off than we scrap the assignment and face punishment while working as a team. Due to the fact that this group is paranoid regarding police that means that contact will be hard to maintain but he'll do it somehow, and...we want ways of tracking him that aren't common"

"Bradstreet is that what you want?"

"Yes, it's a safety measure that I most definitely want"

"Then that's what we'll do, we have some new technology that I think you'll like"

"What is it?"

"Special contacts with microchips imbedded that will allow us to track you wherever you are"

"That will work, colored or not?"

"Your choice"

Ultimately Bradstreet would choose colored contacts as an extra measure of security.

"Now then I guess it's time for you to get deep into your investigation Bradstreet"

"Indeed"

"Due to this rule that we've recently discovered I want everyone to report back daily"

Everyone replies in the affirmative and then leaves the office so that they could get to work. One month later and the entire Scotland Yard was in a panic because Bradstreet had been out of contact for 48 hours and the specialized contacts he had were at the Yard having been brought in under conspicuous circumstances.

"Has anyone heard anything about Bradstreet since his contacts showed up?"

Everyone replies in the negative and then fifteen minutes later a young Constable shows up at the office obviously very shaken.

"Constable Devon, are you okay?"

"I...I have word about Inspector Bradstreet. I was doing my patrols when an informant came up to me and told me about a group bragging about drowning someone in the Thames and then dumping their body in the Channel during the night. I showed my informant a picture of Inspector Bradstreet in his disguise and...and my informant positively identified him through eyewitnesses"

Lestrade takes a deep breath before speaking up again.

"I see, we'll arrange for a funeral at a later date, in the meantime since Bradstreet is gone we have no means of continuing his investigation at this time despite his meticulous notes he always left at the end of the day. Therefore we will try and work this case from a different angle then he had been working it and going after them through their criminal connections"

"You mean pressing people at arrests and hoping that they'll flip"

"Exactly, it's not exactly the greatest plan but it's the best one we've got unfortunately"

"Guess you're right, let's just hope that it gets us answers"

"Agreed"

And with that their new plan began with them planning a funeral in between cases and a week later said funeral was held. It wasn't the easiest but the little group managed to get through the funeral without breaking down. Once they were alone the group new that they had to talk.

"So...what now?"

"I honestly don't know, this group has lost two members relatively close together considering it's only been just over a year and a half since Sherlock..."

"Yeah, guess that's something we need to talk about in more detail"

Ultimately the group decides to continue as they have been but with daily meetings in person as a security measure. Meanwhile in Europe, someone long thought dead was about to regain his memories. Sherlock Holmes had survived Reichenbach falls but only barely, he had wound up in a Swiss hospital in a coma for six months and then physical rehab for another six months during which it was determined that he had amnesia and a fairly severe case at that. As such after he was released from the hospital he spent the next six or so months just traveling Europe hoping to try and regain his memory and it was while he was in Austria that he saw the news regarding the death of Bradstreet which managed to trigger his memories and allowed him to remember his true name and situation. He also realized that it was still too dangerous to return home and as such simply decided to continue his journey through Europe and try and take down what was left of Moriarty's group.

"Hopefully I can return someday soon, but until then I shall have to stay away for their safety, but maybe send Mycroft some anonymous tips from time to time if possible for his job"

With the fact that his memory was restored in mind he now had to figure out how to help Mycroft while keeping himself safe. He also had to figure out how to live on his own since he was technically using Swiss government money to live at the moment due to his amnesia. This is because the Swiss government gave him his current identity due to the fact that while his fingerprints had been run unfortunately due to a variety of reasons they didn't work and thus the one final measure to let people know that he was actually alive failed. But now that he had his memories back Sherlock wanted to cut ties with the Swiss government as quickly as possible without making it seem like he didn't appreciate their help during this time period.

"Hm...looks like I have some talking to do first before I begin my long overdue hunt"

And so Sherlock found a Swiss embassy and figures out who he needs to talk to about his new situation. And so a week later and Sherlock was actually back in Switzerland because the person he needed to talk to couldn't leave the country at the moment.

"So, you need to talk to me Hansen?"

"Yes, about a few things, one of which is that I have regained my memories"

"I see, but when you say you've regained your memories how much of them have you actually regained?"

"Most of my life, for some reason I've forgotten about part of the year I was fifteen and I suspect that the day I was...found near dead will always be spotty though I remember why I wound up in that situation in the first place at least"

"I see, I assume that this means that you are wanting to politely cut ties with us and do what you can to live on your own"

"Correct, though...now that I think about it I still have an issue with my identification"

"What for?"

Sherlock sighs at that

"Because my true identity has been declared deceased for just over a year and a half"

"I see, that does make things slightly complicated for you doesn't it?"

"Indeed"

"Let me make a few phone calls and we'll see what we can do about that particular problem because I get the feeling that you don't want to use your true identity for some reason"

"You're correct, it's more of a safety reason than anything but I don't think using my true identity is a good idea at this time"

"I see, still I think I need to know who you truly are so that we can figure out the best solution for you"

Sherlock sighs but realizes that it was a necessity that he had to deal with even if he wasn't exactly happy about it.

"My name is Sherlock Holmes, and yes I am the Sherlock Holmes reported dead from falling at Reichenbach, I regained my memories due to the news a week ago from home"

"You knew that Inspector"

"Yes, I did"

"Well, this complicates things slightly but I'll see what I can do to help"

"My thanks"

Ultimately through several calls it was agreed that while Sherlock would basically be living off of his own money he would be allowed to choose a new name if he wanted that would be backed up by the Swiss government. Sherlock decided not to push his luck this time and didn't go for his original code name back when he'd faked his death before and thus instead of Sigerson he became someone else entirely. And while he wanted to pull away from the Swiss government swiftly but without much pain he was forced to accept six more weeks of pay from them while he searched for a job, though he technically would have one since the Swiss government decided to hire him as a consultant they also knew he needed a more steady job while taking down what was left of Moriarty's gang.

"Wait...how would having a steady job help me with my ultimate goal?"

"Simple, you'll have one place to collect your leads, I'm willing to bet that collecting leads would be hard if you don't have one place to send all of them"

"I see, I get the feeling that there's another reason behind having a permanent location until I reveal that I'm alive"

"Yes actually, we've decided to hire you as a consultant"

"What for?"

"There's...a problem that we feel you can help us with, and it will be various issues that you'll get paid for but at the same time you'll still need a steady job"

"Understood, you are correct about the leads though and...it might be better if Mycroft had one location to send messages to me from even though I will not be letting him know that the messages are from me and thus he will not know I am alive either"

"Are you sure you want to keep your brother in the dark?"

"Unfortunately it is a necessity that I have to live with"

"Very well, we'll help you keep this a secret but if he finds out on his own you have to deal with him on your own"

"Don't worry, if he does find out about me and finds out about you I'll tell him that I was the one that forced you to keep your silence in this matter"

"Understood, now then in the meantime I think we should explain what we want you to consult with us on first"

"Right, um maybe I should look for a job first though"

"Actually you have a good point, especially because of the fact that you can explain what you've been asked to do from the start too"

"Then we're agreed"

"Yes, let's just hope it doesn't take too long for me to find a job and a place to stay"

"Agreed, though we are going to be continuing to support you for six weeks as already stated"

"Understood"

"And if you haven't found a job by then well...at least we can pay you as a consultant"

"Indeed"

"But first we should explain what we want you to consult with us on"

"Indeed"

And with that Sherlock finds out that the Swiss government wanted him to find a missing government agent that was last seen in Slovakia