Chapter 19-20-21

Chapter 19 – A Royal Audience

Buckingham Palace was a symbol of tradition and power. That morning, the Director General of MI6, known only as "M," walked through the silent corridors toward Queen Elizabeth II's chambers. She carried with her a discreet but extremely important dossier.

Upon arrival, she was greeted by a royal aide, who led her to the Queen's private office. The monarch was seated at her desk, with her impeccable posture and serene expression. Despite her advanced age, her eyes still showed intelligence and curiosity.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," M greeted, bowing slightly.

"Good morning, M," the Queen replied with a cordial smile. "Please, have a seat. I assume this visit is not just for exchanging greetings."

M smiled discreetly and placed the dossier on the table.

— "Certainly not, Your Majesty. I bring information about someone I believe you should know. His name is Alex Rider."

The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly at the name.

— "Rider... that surname is familiar to me. Continue."

M began her presentation with an overview of the Rider family.

— "The Riders have served the crown for generations, Your Majesty. Alex is the latest in that line. His uncle, Ian Rider, was one of MI6's finest agents, known for his loyalty and competence. Unfortunately, he was killed in the line a few years ago. It was from that moment that Alex came onto our radar."

The Queen nodded slowly, remembering Ian Rider.

— "Ian was an exemplary man," she said. "And young Alex? Did he follow in his uncle's footsteps?"

M hesitated for a moment before answering.

— "In a way, yes. But not by choice. After Ian's death, Alex was unwittingly involved in MI6 operations. Despite his young age at the time, he demonstrated extraordinary abilities, the result of the training Ian gave him from an early age."

The Queen frowned.

— "Unwittingly? Are you telling me that MI6 used a boy in their missions?"

— "Unfortunately, yes, Your Majesty," M. admitted. — "A controversial decision made by Alan Blunt, the then head of the Special Operations Division, and his assistant, Miss Jones. Since taking office, I have taken steps to ensure that something like this does not happen again."

M continued.

— "Alex is only 19 now, Your Majesty. After some traumatic experiences, he has decided to forge his own path. He enlisted in the British Army and recently returned from a six-month deployment to Iraq, where he has already built up an impressive reputation. He is known among his peers as a skilled soldier and among his enemies as a true terror on the battlefield."

The Queen seemed genuinely interested.

— "Tell me more about your military service."

— "Alex excelled during his basic training, being promoted to corporal shortly after completion. He also attended sniper school and returned as his team's designated marksman. During his deployment to Iraq, he racked up 30 confirmed kills, took part in joint operations with the US and was even asked to support the SAS Sabre A Squadron."

The Queen leaned back in her chair, clearly impressed.

— "All this at 19? It seems he runs in the family."

— "Certainly, Your Majesty. However, Alex is much more than a soldier. He is determined, disciplined, and possesses a sense of loyalty and duty that few his age possess."

The Queen was silent for a few moments, absorbing this information. She had a deep respect for those who served the Crown, especially those who demonstrated such bravery and commitment.

— "M, why exactly are you bringing this to me now? What do you suggest we do about Alex Rider?"

— "Your Majesty, I believe Alex is an invaluable asset to the United Kingdom, even though he is no longer formally attached to MI6. My goal is to ensure that he is treated with the respect and dignity he deserves. Furthermore, I want to ensure that Alan Blunt and Miss Jones do not attempt to manipulate or exploit Alex again."

The Queen nodded.

— "I agree completely. Alex should be protected, not exploited. What about Blunt and Miss Jones?"

— "I have already taken steps to monitor them closely. I am sure they understand my position."

The Queen smiled slightly, but her eyes held determination.

— "Very well, M. Continue to ensure that young Alex is treated fairly. And if he is in London, perhaps we can arrange a meeting. I would like to meet him in person."

After a few more minutes of conversation, M stood to leave.

— "Thank you for your time, Your Majesty."

— "No, M, I thank you. It is always inspiring to hear of young people who dedicate their lives to the service of the Crown. Please pass on my regards to Alex when appropriate.

— "Certainly, Your Majesty."

As she walked out of Buckingham Palace, M felt relieved. The Queen had given her blessing to continue protecting Alex, and that was more than enough to guarantee his safety from any possible intervention from Blunt or Jones.

That same day, as Alex trained at the base, he had no idea that his name had been discussed in one of the most important rooms in Great Britain. He was focused on his own goals, determined to continue growing as a soldier and as an individual.

But somewhere in London, a monarch watched from afar, in awe of the talent and courage of yet another member of the Rider family, a line that seemed destined to serve the crown with honor.

Chapter 20 – Evolution and Mastery

The months that followed Alex Rider's return to England were marked by intense dedication. Now 19, he was determined to hone all his skills, both physical and intellectual. Life on the military base provided time for constant training, and Alex knew how to make the most of it.

From the moment he returned from Iraq, Alex committed himself to learning Arabic. He knew that the language was essential for future missions and that mastery of the language could be the difference between success and failure on the battlefield.

During breaks at the base, he would retreat to a quiet corner with Arabic grammar books, learning apps, and even recordings of native speakers. The process was challenging, but Alex was a quick learner.

On a typical afternoon, as he repeated basic phrases out loud, Sergeant McAllister walked by and chuckled softly.

"Rider, who are you talking to? The wall?"

Alex smiled and replied in fluent Arabic:

— "أنا أتعلم فقط، سيدي" (I'm just learning, sir).

The sergeant raised his eyebrows in amazement.

— "Look, the boy wonder never ceases to amaze me. Keep it up, Rider. You never know when it might save your life."

Alex nodded, determined.

In addition to Arabic, Alex continued to excel in the use of the sniper rifle. The L115A3, which he considered an extension of his own body, never let him down.

At the base, he spent hours on the shooting range, adjusting the sights, testing different ammunition, and simulating extreme wind and distance conditions. Some more experienced instructors, curious about his skills, began to observe him closely.

One afternoon, as Alex was adjusting his scope, Captain Davies, who was in charge of advanced sniper training, approached silently.

— "Rider, I hear you're the golden boy in the sniper rifle game. Show me what you've got."

Alex took his position without saying a word, calmly and accurately aligning his rifle. The target was 1,200 yards away, barely visible to the naked eye. He controlled his breathing, felt the wind, and gently squeezed the trigger.

The sound of the shot echoed across the field. Seconds later, Captain Davies looked through his binoculars and smiled.

— "Shot straight down the center. Impressive, Rider. But I expected that. I want to see if you can do that three times in a row under pressure."

Davies then started a timer and played combat noises to simulate a stressful situation. Alex took a deep breath and repeated the process. Three shots, three targets eliminated.

— "Well, Rider, I think I'm officially impressed. Keep it up, and you won't just be good you'll be legendary."

Time had also brought Alex a bit of maturity. He was no longer the hesitant young man who had joined the Army with something to prove. Now he was a respected corporal with real combat experience.

In team meetings, Alex began to contribute more tactical ideas. He knew how to communicate clearly and exude confidence, which made him an increasingly valued presence.

In one meeting, Sergeant McAllister was discussing patrol plans.

— "We need a route that minimizes exposure but still allows us to cover the necessary ground. Any ideas, guys?"

Alex raised his hand.

— "I know the terrain on the east side is higher, which gives us a tactical advantage. But the west side has better vegetation cover. We can send a small team east as spotters, while the rest head west. That gives us a wide view without compromising security."

McAllister nodded.

— "Good idea, Rider. We'll implement that. It's good to see you're thinking like a leader."

When Alex wasn't studying or honing his sniper skills, he spent his time in the base's makeshift gym. The weights creaked with constant exertion, and the sound of punching sandbags filled the air.

The physical training routine wasn't just about staying in shape; Alex wanted to be prepared for whatever he might face in the future.

As he lifted weights, one of the veteran soldiers, Connors, approached.

— "Rider, you're getting strong, huh? Any specific goals?"

Alex smiled as he finished a set of bench presses.

— "I just want to make sure I'm ready for anything, Connors. You never know what might happen."

Connors gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

— "That's it, kid. But don't forget to rest, too. Even machines need maintenance."

Alex laughed.

— "Don't worry. I know my limits."

At night, when the base's rhythm slowed down, Alex would walk around the area, contemplating all he had achieved. He knew his journey to this point had not been easy, but he was proud of the soldier he had become.

He reflected on the 30 lives he had taken in Iraq, but unlike many, he felt no guilt. For Alex, those deaths were necessary. Each one had saved innocent lives and protected his comrades.

However, he also understood that war was a life-changing experience. He wondered what his life would be like in the future. Would there be peace? Or was he destined to live in chaos?

On a quiet morning, Alex was called into Captain Davies' office.

"Rider, come in."

Alex walked in and stood at attention.

"Your welcome, kid," Davies said, handing him a folder.

Alex opened the folder and saw a formal letter from high command.

"Congratulations, Rider," Davies said. "Your fluency in Arabic and your exceptional performance as a sniper have caught their attention. They are considering you for advanced training in special operations. Nothing has been decided yet, but it shows that you are on the right track."

Alex felt a mixture of surprise and pride.

— "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."

Davies nodded, smiling.

— "I'm sure you will. But remember: the higher you climb, the greater the challenges. Prepare yourself."

As Alex walked out of the office, he felt a new wave of determination. He didn't know exactly where his career would take him, but he knew he was ready to face whatever came his way.

Alex Rider was no longer just a young man trying to prove himself. He was a soldier, a leader in the making, and perhaps, one day, one of the greatest marksmen and operators the British Army had ever known.

Chapter 21 – The Haunting in Ramadi

The year 2006 began with important news for Alex Rider and his team. Sergeant Wilkinson gathered them in the base's briefing room to communicate their new mission.

— "Gentlemen, get ready. We're going to Ramadi, Iraq. Six-month deployment. It will be on a joint base with the U.S. Marines and Navy SEALs."

The initial silence was broken by a murmur of excitement and apprehension among the soldiers. Ramadi was one of the most dangerous places in the conflict, but the idea of ​​working alongside such renowned forces was exciting.

Wilkinson continued:

— "I heard that SEAL Team Three will be there, including Chris Kyle. Some of you may have heard of him."

All eyes turned to Wilkinson. He smiled.

— "They call him 'The Legend.' The insurgents have another name for him: 'The Devil of Ramadi.' He's one of the best snipers out there. So be prepared to learn from the best. And I'll warn you: they're demanding. Don't let them down."

Corporal Connors nudged Alex with his elbow and laughed. — "Looks like the Devil of Ramadi is going to meet our Amazing."

The room erupted in laughter, and Alex just shook his head, accustomed to the nickname he had earned during his first deployment.

Over the next few weeks, Alex and his team dedicated themselves to intensive training. Sergeant Wilkinson insisted on urban combat exercises and simulated patrols in densely populated areas.

In his free time, Alex would study maps of Ramadi and practice Arabic. His fluency in the language was already impressive, but he knew he could always improve. Jack, his nanny and mother figure, had also been there before his departure.

One afternoon, as he was adjusting his gear, she walked into the room with a worried expression.

— "Alex, why does it always have to be you who goes to the most dangerous places?"

Alex looked at her and shrugged.

— "It's my job, Jack. And you know I like it. I'd rather be out there helping than sitting here doing nothing."

She sighed, handing him a small photo of the two of them together, taken before their first deployment.

— "Take this with you. Just… come back in one piece, okay?"

Alex smiled, tucking the photo into his pocket.

— "I promise I'll be back."

The flight to Ramadi was tense, but the team kept their spirits high. They arrived at the joint base late in the afternoon, greeted by a mix of Marines and SEALs.

The base was on constant alert. Distant explosions and the sound of gunfire echoed on the horizon. Despite this, there was an air of camaraderie among the soldiers from the different units.

As they unloaded their gear, a group of Navy SEALs walked past them. One of the men, tall and burly, looked at Alex and his team.

— "You must be the British, right?"

Wilkinson stepped forward.

— "Yes, we are. Sergeant Wilkinson. And you are?"

The man extended his hand.

— "Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle. Welcome to Ramadi."

The team was silent for a moment. It was rare to see soldiers as respected as Chris Kyle.

Alex shook Kyle's hand, who studied him with a curious look.

— "You must be the Amazing the Marines have been talking about."

Alex laughed awkwardly.

— "I guess so. I'm just here to do my job."

Kyle smiled.

— "Good, kid. Always keep that humility. Maybe we'll work together soon. I hear you're good with the L115A3. I want to see it up close."

The first few days in Ramadi, Alex and his team spent patrolling and reconnaissance, working alongside the Marines. It was a completely different environment than they had faced on their previous deployment.

Ramadi was an unpredictable battlefield, with frequent ambushes and attacks. Alex knew that every outing was a fight for survival, but he excelled as always.

On one such patrol, his skill with Arabic proved invaluable. They had stopped to question a group of civilians when one of the men began speaking rapidly, in a nervous tone.

As the other soldiers looked on in confusion, Alex intervened.

— "He says he saw armed men hiding in a building a few blocks from here. We could be walking right into an ambush."

Wilkinson looked at Alex in awe.

— "Good job, Rider. We're changing course. Connors, report on the radio."

Thanks to the warning, the team was able to avoid direct confrontation and return safely to base.

During a quiet night at the base, Alex was called by Chris Kyle.

— "Rider, I hear you're a crack shot. Come train with me and my team tomorrow. I want to see how you handle real pressure."

The next day, Alex joined SEAL Team Three for a simulated exercise. He knew it was an opportunity to learn from the best, but he also felt the weight of expectation.

The SEALs created a complicated scenario, with multiple targets and adverse conditions. Alex adjusted his rifle and took a deep breath before starting. One by one, he eliminated the targets, even the most difficult ones.

His accuracy was impeccable, and his ability to adapt impressed even the SEALs.

After the exercise, Kyle approached him. "You're not just good, kid. You're exceptional. Keep it up, and you'll go far." A

lex thanked him, but didn't let the praise go to his head. He knew he still had a lot to learn.

As the weeks passed, Alex began to earn more respect on base. He wasn't just "the British kid"; he was "The Amazing," a nickname that now circulated even among the Marines and SEALs.

During a briefing, one of the Marines joked, "With the Devil of Ramadi and the Amazing together, these insurgents don't stand a chance."

The room erupted in laughter, but Alex remained serious. For him, each mission was a huge responsibility. He didn't allow himself to relax, knowing that lives depended on his performance.

At night, Alex would sit alone, looking at the stars over the Iraqi desert. He would think about his journey here, about the boy he had been and the soldier he had become.

Even though he was young, Alex felt the weight of everything he had been through. But he also knew he had a purpose. He had sworn to protect his comrades and do his duty, no matter the cost.

And in Ramadi, he was just getting started.

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