Chapter 28-29-30

Chapter 28 – Reflections and Transitions

Alex sat in his London home, on the small sofa in the living room, feeling the weight of an extraordinary journey that had transformed him from a young infantryman into a full-time member of the legendary A Squadron of the 22nd SAS Regiment. He was only 20 years old, but he had already accumulated experiences and responsibilities that few could even imagine.

This time, he was on leave, but leave did not mean complete rest. He would need to start organizing for his permanent move to Hereford, where the SAS headquarters were located.

As he looked out the window, the bustling London stretching out before him, Alex began to reflect on the path that had brought him to this point. He had endured physical and mental challenges that shaped him not only as a soldier, but as a man.

The process of becoming part of the SAS was known for its brutality and intensity. It was a test of both skill and willpower. Alex remembered each step as if it were yesterday.

The first phase of his training, in addition to the famous endurance training, included mountaineering and rock climbing in some of the most treacherous areas of the Scottish Highlands and Wales. He remembered hanging from a steep cliff, the icy wind biting into his face, relying only on his strength and his equipment to keep from falling.

— "Rider, keep your eyes on the handholds!" one of the instructors shouted as he climbed a rock face.

At the time, he had not understood the importance of mountaineering. Now, as a member of the SAS, he knew that he could be called upon to climb anything—whether for silent infiltrations or risky evacuations.

The first time he jumped out of a plane, Alex felt a mixture of adrenaline and fear. He was in a small military plane, the engines roaring as the red light above the door flashed.

— "Rider, ready to fly?" one of the instructors taunted.

— "Always," Alex replied, trying to hide his nervousness.

He jumped, and the absolute silence as he fell was one of the most surreal experiences of his life. During his training, he learned not only how to skydive, but also advanced airborne infiltration techniques, including HALO (High Altitude Late Opening Jump) and HAHO (High Altitude High Opening Jump).

Water has always been a challenging element for Alex. During his training, he spent long hours in pools and the ocean, learning how to swim with heavy equipment, perform underwater infiltrations, and deal with underwater emergencies.

In one session, he had to navigate under a net of obstacles while holding his breath.

"If you lose control, don't come up, or you'll fail!" the instructor shouted.

With his lungs burning and his vision starting to blur, Alex completed the challenge, proving that he could remain calm even in extreme conditions.

One of the most intense parts of the training was the practice of CQB (Close Quarters Combat). Alex was exposed to scenarios that simulated real-life situations, such as hostage rescue, building sweeps and combat in narrow corridors.

— "Move fast, Rider! Don't hesitate or you're dead," shouted the instructor as Alex maneuvered through a tight corridor with a training rifle.

He also spent countless hours learning combined martial arts, from Krav Maga to advanced jiu-jitsu techniques, to ensure he could handle any opponent in direct combat.

Part of the SAS training included language and intelligence skills. Alex already had a foundation in languages ​​from his time in MI6, but he has now expanded his skills, becoming fluent in Arabic and improving his French and German.

— "Rider, you are training to be more than a soldier. You will be the tip of the spear, going undercover where no one else can go," one of the instructors said during a class.

As he was organizing his belongings for the move, Alex found his SAS badge on the table. He held it for a moment, feeling the symbolic weight of that small piece of metal. It wasn't just a badge; it was a testament to all he had accomplished.

Few in the world could understand what it was like to be part of the SAS. Few had the mental and physical strength to survive the process. Alex knew that every moment of pain, exhaustion, and doubt had been worth it.

He picked up the phone and called Jack.

— "Hi, Alex! How are you?" Jack asked, his tone cheerful.

— "I'm fine. Just packing up to move to Hereford," he replied.

— "Hereford? So it's official now?"

— "Yes. I'm officially part of Squad A," Alex said, with a hint of pride.

Jack was silent for a moment, processing what that meant.

— "You know I'm proud of you, Alex. But I hope you don't forget to take some time for yourself. All of this... it's a lot for someone so young."

— "I know, Jack. But this is my path. I feel like this is where I belong."

Jack sighed.

"Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," Alex said, meaning it.

When morning came, Alex packed his bags and took one last look at his home in London. He knew his life would change completely in Hereford. Now, he would be among the best of the best, ready for missions that would require everything he had learned and more.

As he drove to Hereford, Alex felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement. He knew the next few years would be challenging, but he also knew he was ready. His training had shaped him, and he was determined to honor the Rider tradition of serving the Crown.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and looked at the road ahead.

"Let's get started," he muttered to himself, smiling slightly.

Chapter 29 – A New Beginning in the SAS

Alex adjusted his maroon beret as he walked through the barracks in Hereford, where the 22nd SAS Regiment was based. He had just completed his induction into A Squadron and was now known simply as Trooper Rider. In the SAS, previous ranks were set aside; everyone here started from scratch.

Although already a highly skilled sniper, Alex felt there was always room for improvement. He wanted to expand his arsenal of skills, and his focus now was on CQB, Close Quarters Combat. He believed that, along with his sniper skills, mastering CQB would make him a versatile and indispensable operator.

His first day as a trooper was marked by informal introductions and briefings. The base was an environment unlike anything Alex had experienced before. There was no rigid hierarchy of the infantry or the tense atmosphere of MI6; In the SAS, respect was earned by performance, not rank or title.

The squadron sergeant, a burly man named Macallister, gathered the new troopers in the main hall.

— "Welcome to A Squadron. You're here because you've proven yourself to be the best. But let me be blunt: the SAS is not for wannabe heroes. Here, we are ghosts. We work in the shadows and always get the job done, no matter the cost. Got it?"

— "Yes, sir!" the troopers responded in unison.

Macallister glanced down the line before continuing.

— "Specialization is the soul of our work. Here, you will have the opportunity to become masters in specific areas. Whether it's snipers, explosives experts, combat medics, or CQB specialists. If you want to be useful to the squad, pick one area and master it."

Alex hung on every word. He knew exactly what he wanted.

After the briefing, the troopers were dismissed to familiarize themselves with the facilities. Alex, however, went straight to the specialization office, where an older, gray-haired sergeant sat behind a desk covered in papers.

— "Do you need anything, Trooper?" the man asked, peering over his glasses.

— "I want to apply for the CQB specialization," Alex replied firmly.

The sergeant raised an eyebrow.

— "You're already a sniper, right? And now you want to do CQB? You know those two areas require very different skills, right?"

— "Yes, sir. But I believe that mastering CQB will complement my skills as a sniper. I want to be effective in any scenario, whether at long range or in close combat."

The sergeant studied Alex for a few seconds before picking up a form.

— "That's right. But know that the CQB course is no joke. It's intense, physical, and we'll put you in situations that simulate the worst you could encounter in the field. Are you ready for that?"

— "I am," Alex replied without hesitation.

The sergeant handed over the form.

— "Fill this out and turn it in by tomorrow. Evaluations start next week."

Alex spent the next few days training intensely at the base. He knew he would need strength, speed, and accuracy to excel in the CQB course. He spent hours in the gym, honing his agility and reflexes.

In addition, he dedicated himself to training with handguns and shotguns, which were crucial in close-quarters combat. On the firing range, Alex challenged himself to hit moving targets in tight spaces, simulating hallways and rooms.

His squadmates began to notice his dedication. During a break in training, one of the veteran operators, Harris, approached him.

— "So, Rider, I hear you want to be a sniper and a CQB specialist. Are you trying to be a walking weapon?"

Alex smiled.

— "I just want to be prepared for any situation."

Harris laughed and patted Alex on the shoulder.

— "I like your ambition. But I'll tell you something: CQB is more about cool heads and instinct than brute force. Remember that."

— "Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind."

Finally, assessment week arrived, and Alex was among the troopers selected for the CQB training course. The lead instructor, a man named Davies, was known for his ruthless approach.

On the first day, Davies gathered the group in a facility specially designed for CQB training. The walls were made of reinforced wood and could be rearranged to create different combat layouts.

— "Listen up, troopers. CQB isn't just about running and gunning. It's about precision, it's about teamwork, and most of all, it's about survival. We're going to train you to go into hostile environments, clear rooms in seconds, and get out alive. If you think you can do this on autopilot, you can walk out the door now."

No one moved.

— "Alright. Today we start with the basics. Movement, entry, tactics and communication. And remember: if you make a mistake here, you're dead in the field."

Alex quickly excelled in the course. His previous experience with MI6 and his natural ability to learn put him ahead of most. He absorbed each lesson with absolute focus, practicing until every movement became automatic.

In one exercise, the group was divided into teams and tasked with clearing a facility full of targets—some of which were "hostiles," while others represented civilians.

Alex led his team through the facility, giving clear, precise commands. He hit all the hostile targets with quick, calculated shots, while avoiding the civilians.

"Well done, Trooper Rider," Davies said after the exercise. "You have a good sense of space and timing. Keep it up, and you could become one of the best."

But it wasn't all easy. During a nighttime exercise, Alex made a mistake in calculating his team's positioning, which resulted in the "death" of one of the simulated members.

— "Rider! You have good instincts, but you need to think about the whole, not just yourself!" Davies shouted.

Alex took the criticism and began studying even harder, learning to think as part of a unit and not just as an individual.

By the end of the course, Alex stood out as one of the best. His combination of precision, calm under pressure and quick learning ability earned him praise from the instructors.

Davies called him at the end of the last day of training.

— "Rider, you have what it takes to be a CQB expert. Now, your task is to continue honing those skills and apply them in the field. What you learned here could save your life and that of your team."

— "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."

As Alex walked back to his barracks, he felt a mixture of pride and responsibility. He knew he had chosen a challenging path, but he was determined to be the best at everything he did.

He was more than just a sniper now. He was a versatile operator, ready for any mission. And as a Trooper Rider, he was just beginning to write his SAS story.

Chapter 30 – The SAS's Youngest Operator

The cold morning light illuminated the SAS barracks in Hereford. Alex Rider, now 21, walked across the main courtyard wearing the impeccable uniform and brown beret that identified members of the British military elite. He had just been officially inducted into A Squadron's Sabre Team, one of the most respected and feared units in the SAS.

Being part of this team was an immense honor, but also a crushing responsibility. And Alex, the youngest operator in the regiment's history, felt the weight of it.

In the base's makeshift mess hall, Alex was called to meet with the members of Sabre Team. Seated around a table were men of varying ages, each with physical and emotional scars who spoke of the missions they had faced together.

The team leader, Captain Alan Shepherd, sat at the head of the table. He was a man of thirty-five, with sharp eyes and a firm stance that commanded immediate respect. Shepherd watched Alex as he approached.

— "Trooper Rider," Shepherd said, his deep voice echoing in the mess hall. "Welcome to Team Sabre."

— "Thank you, sir. It's an honor to be here," Alex replied, maintaining his composure.

Shepherd gestured for Alex to sit down.

— "I've heard a lot about you. An exceptional sniper, a CQB expert, and by all accounts, you've seen more combat than most men your age. But I want you to understand one thing: we're not individuals here. We're a team. You'll be fighting alongside these men, and they'll depend on you as much as you depend on them. Understood?"

— "Yes, sir."

Shepherd introduced the other members:

Sergeant Carter, explosives expert.

Corporal Reeves, combat medic.

Trooper Lennox, the most experienced infiltration operator.

Trooper Collins, the team's driver and mechanic.

Each of them greeted Alex with a wave or a handshake. Despite their serious expressions, Alex could sense a certain curiosity about the regiment's youngest recruit.

Carter, a man with a scar across his right eyebrow, gave a smirk.

"So, you're the famous Amazing, huh? I heard you made a 1km shot in Iraq."

Alex shrugged.

"It was more luck than anything else."

Carter laughed.

"Modest. That's good. But let's see how you do here. The Sabre is no place for luck."

Alex's first few days on the Sabre team were spent in intensive training. Shepherd wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page before the next mission.

They started with CQB drills on the training ground. Alex, now fully trained in this area, impressed his team with his precision and leadership skills. During one exercise, he was tasked with leading an entry into a simulated building.

— "Rider, you're the first man. Clear the hallway and lead the rest of the team," Shepherd ordered.

Alex signaled to Lennox and Collins, who were following close behind. With quick, precise movements, he cleared the hallway, eliminated simulated targets, and coordinated entry into adjacent rooms.

At the end of the exercise, Shepherd gave a brief comment.

— "Good execution. Your CQB training is clear. Keep it up."

In addition to CQB, Alex participated in sniper training with Carter, who was Alex's designated spotter. Pairing was essential for long-range missions, and Carter tested Alex constantly, throwing in variables like wind, altitude, and air pressure to complicate calculations.

— "You've got a good eye, Rider," Carter said after a particularly difficult drill. "But remember, you won't be alone here. Trust your spotter."

— "I'll give it to you," Alex replied with a confident smile.

As the days passed, Alex began to gel with the team. Reeves, the combat medic, was the most laid-back of the group and often cracked jokes to ease the tension.

— "Rider, you're so young I bet you still know every line in Harry Potter by heart," Reeves joked during a break in training.

Alex laughed.

— "Maybe I do. But I won't admit it."

Lennox, the infiltration specialist, was more reserved, but eventually began sharing stories of past missions.

— "When you're on a mission and everything goes wrong, remember: improvisation is your best friend," Lennox said one night. "The plan never survives contact with the enemy."

Collins, the mechanic, was practical and straightforward, but he admired Alex's technical skill.

— "You've got potential, Rider. Just don't let fame go to your head," he said as he tuned the engine of one of the tactical vehicles.

Despite being the youngest on the team, Alex quickly earned the respect of his peers. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his dedication to training set him apart.

During a nighttime simulation, Alex was tasked with leading the team on a rescue mission. He coordinated every move with precision, ensuring that all objectives were met without "losses."

Shepherd watched closely and called Alex over after the exercise. "Rider, you have a natural talent for leadership. Keep developing that. In the field, your ability to make quick decisions can save lives."

Alex nodded, feeling the weight of Shepherd's words. "I'll do my best, sir."

One night, while in the barracks, Alex reflected on his journey. He had started out as an ordinary kid who had been forced to become a spy. Now, at 21, he was the youngest operator in the SAS, specializing in CQB and sniper fire, part of one of the most respected teams in the world.

He knew he still had a lot to learn, but he was confident in his path. The camaraderie he felt with the other members of Team Sabre was something new and valuable to him.

As he prepared for bed, Alex felt a renewed determination. He knew that his future in the SAS was just beginning and that he would do everything he could to honour the trust his team had placed in him.

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