Chapter 52-53-54

Chapter 52 – New Mission: Training Warriors

Alex landed on British soil on a cold, overcast morning. After days of intense activity in Texas, he felt a sense of relief when he stepped foot back home. The trip to Chris Kyle's funeral had been emotionally draining, but it was also a reminder of the impact a soldier could have on the lives of others.

As he made his way to SAS headquarters in Hereford, Alex felt anxious. He knew that even when he was out of combat, his position as a sergeant meant he was always on the move, always with new responsibilities.

Shortly after arriving at the barracks, he was summoned to a meeting with the colonel in charge of A Squadron.

Alex entered the meeting room and greeted the colonel with a firm nod.

"Sergeant Rider, have a seat," the colonel said, gesturing to the chair in front of him.

Alex did as he was told, keeping his attention.

"We have received a special request from the Ministry of Defense," the colonel began. "They want an SAS team to train special forces in an African country. The situation there is complicated: insurgencies, terrorism, corruption. They need men prepared to combat threats in hostile terrain."

Alex leaned forward slightly. "And am I included in this mission, sir?"

The colonel smiled slightly. "Included? You will lead the team. The British command believes that your combat and training experience make you the ideal choice for this mission."

Alex was silent for a moment, absorbing the news. He knew what this meant: weeks, maybe months, away from the UK, facing challenges both on the training ground and off it.

"Understood, sir. When do we leave?"

"In two weeks. That gives you time to review the material on the country and the soldiers you will be training. Remember, Rider, this type of mission is as important as being in direct combat. We are molding future fighters."

Alex nodded seriously. — "I won't disappoint, sir."

Over the next few days, Alex immersed himself in information about the country that would be his destination: the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He studied the geography, local cultures, political tensions, and military challenges faced by local security forces.

At the base, he selected a team to accompany him. Corporal Harris, Trooper Daniels, Foster, and Blake all seasoned and trusted veterans. They would spend the next few weeks tailoring the training to the specific needs of African troops.

In the meantime, Alex also spent time keeping in shape, running on the training ground, lifting weights in the gym, and reviewing tactical strategy manuals.

One evening, after a long day of preparation, he called Jack Starbright, who was excited to hear about the new assignment.

— "Training special forces in Africa, huh? Sounds glamorous."

Alex laughed on the other end of the line.

— "Glamorous? Maybe in the movies. In practice, it's going to be dirty, hot, and challenging."

— "You seem excited."

— "I am. This is an opportunity to make a difference in a different way."

Jack smiled, even though he couldn't see her.

— "I'm proud of you, Alex. I always have been."

Two weeks later, Alex and his team landed in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. They were greeted by local officials and taken to a makeshift base in the jungle, where Congolese special forces were being trained.

The humid heat was oppressive, and mosquitoes buzzed around incessantly. But Alex, accustomed to extreme environments, remained focused.

At the base, he met the local commander, Colonel Mbemba, a burly man with determined eyes.

— "Sergeant Rider," Mbemba said, shaking Alex's hand tightly. "I've heard a lot about you and your team. We hope to learn as much as we can."

— "That's what we're here for, Colonel," Alex replied.

Shortly after the introductions, Alex gathered his team to map out a training plan.

— "Let's start with the basics," Alex told his men. "Discipline, teamwork, jungle combat tactics. They have potential, but they need guidance."

The first few days were challenging. Many of the Congolese soldiers had never received formal training. Some didn't know how to properly disassemble and assemble their rifles, while others struggled to understand basic tactics.

Alex, however, remained patient. He demonstrated each technique, repeated the steps when necessary, and encouraged the men not to give up.

— "On the battlefield, you won't get second chances," he said during one training session. "Every mistake you correct now could save your lives later."

Little by little, he saw progress. The soldiers began to move as a unit, trusting each other, and showing respect for the lessons they were being taught.

One night, Alex conducted a nighttime exercise. The soldiers had to cross a jungle area undetected, using only the stealth skills they had learned.

When the group returned, Alex gathered them together and praised their efforts.

"You're learning fast," he said. "Keep it up, and you'll become a force your enemies will fear."

The soldiers responded with cheers and cheers of encouragement.

Outside of training, Alex made a point of learning more about the soldiers and their culture. He would have dinner with them, sampling local dishes and listening to their stories.

One of the soldiers, a young man named Kofi, approached Alex one evening.

"Sergeant Rider, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Kofi. What is it?"

"Why do you care so much about teaching us? So many others just come here, do the basic work, and leave."

Alex thought for a moment before answering.

— "Because I believe you have potential. And because, at the end of the day, we are all fighting for the same thing: to protect our homes, our families. If I can help you do that, then my work is worth it."

Kofi smiled, clearly touched by the response.

By the end of two months, the Congolese special forces were unrecognizable. They moved as a cohesive unit, executed advanced tactics, and demonstrated a confidence that had been absent before.

On the last day of training, Colonel Mbemba gathered all the soldiers and instructors for an informal ceremony.

— "Sergeant Rider," Mbemba said to Alex, "on behalf of my country, thank you for your dedication. You not only taught us how to fight, but you gave us hope."

Alex, who rarely got emotional in public, felt a lump in his throat.

— "It was an honor, Colonel. I hope this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership."

When Alex returned to England, he felt a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment. He knew that the impact of his work in Africa would not soon be forgotten – not by the soldiers he had trained, and not by himself.

But, as always, he was already preparing for the next mission. Life in the SAS never stopped.

Chapter 53 – Libya Mission

The briefing took place in a windowless room at the Hereford base, lit only by the cold light of projectors and monitors displaying satellite images of Libya. Alex Rider and his team sat next to another team from A Squadron, led by renowned operator Christian Craighead, known for his skill in crisis situations and urban combat.

The colonel entered the room and got straight to the point.

— "Gentlemen, we have a top secret mission in Libya. You will be deployed to deal with a terrorist cell controlling a weapons storage complex in Benghazi. MI6 has identified a potential threat: they are smuggling advanced weapons to extremist groups throughout the region."

The images on the monitor changed to an aerial view of the complex: a cluster of buildings surrounded by barbed wire, guard towers, and parked military vehicles.

— "The operation will be conducted by two teams: Sabre, led by Sergeant Rider, and Phantom, led by Craighead. Sabre will be responsible for infiltrating and neutralizing targets on the outer perimeter. Phantom will be in charge of the heart of the compound, ensuring that we eliminate any threats and recover critical intelligence."

Christian Craighead, a burly man with eyes that seemed to see beyond the obvious, turned to Alex with a slight smile.

"Looks like we'll be neighbors for a while, Rider."

Alex nodded in response. "I just hope your men are as good as they say they are."

Craighead chuckled. "You'll see soon enough."

In the hangar, the two teams adjusted their equipment. Alex checked his sniper rifle as he spoke to Corporal Harris. "It's weird working with another team,"

Harris commented. "But I hear Craighead is a legend."

"He is," Alex replied, closing the lid on his visor. "But that doesn't change the fact that we need to do our jobs. Focus on the mission."

Christian Craighead walked by, adjusting his tactical vest. "Rider," he called. Alex looked up. "This is a hostile environment, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that team communication can be the difference between success and failure. Let's keep our channels open and work as a unit."

"Deal," Alex said. "Let's show these guys why we're the best."

The next night, the two teams were dropped by Chinook helicopters 20 kilometers from the compound. The landing was quick and silent, and within minutes, the teams were in formation, moving across the dunes in the darkness. Alex led the Sabre, his men moving like shadows. Craighead led the Phantom, keeping a strategic distance to avoid detection. The radios buzzed softly.

"Sabre to Phantom," Alex whispered. "We're closing in on the outer perimeter."

— "Roger that, Sabre," Craighead replied. "Report when the perimeter is secure."

Alex gestured for Harris and Collins to take cover while he and Blake advanced to the main gate. Two guards were patrolling.

"Two targets, eleven o'clock," Alex muttered into the radio. "No suspicious movement."

With precise gestures, Alex signaled for Harris to take out the leftmost guard while Blake took care of the other. Two silenced shots split the air, and the bodies fell to the ground without a sound.

"Perimeter clear," Alex reported.

With the Phantom following close behind, Sabre entered the compound. Alex led his team through the buildings, each movement calculated to avoid alerting the guards.

Craighead and his team split up to infiltrate the central building, where the intelligence documents and advanced equipment were located. Meanwhile, Alex and his men found a warehouse that stored heavy weaponry: crates of RPGs, ammunition, and automatic rifles.

— "Harris, get a head count," Alex ordered.

— "Rider," Blake called over the radio. "Movement on the east side. Two vehicles approaching."

Alex thought quickly.

— "Sabre to Phantom," he called. "We see reinforcements coming. Accelerate your mission."

— "Roger," Craighead replied. "We're almost on target."

The two vehicles pulled up near the warehouse, and gunmen began to disembark. Alex positioned his team in defensive formation.

— "No fire until they're in a vulnerable position," he ordered.

The men began unloading crates of ammunition, and Alex seized the moment.

— "Now!"

A hail of controlled gunfire eliminated the enemy before they could react.

— "Area clear," Alex said.

While the Sabre held the perimeter, the Phantom encountered resistance inside the central building. Craighead and his men were engaged in a fierce firefight, and Alex could hear the gunfire through his headset.

— "Phantom to Sabre," Craighead called. "We have more resistance than expected. We need a support."

Alex didn't hesitate.

"Sabre, we'll help. Harris and Collins, stay on the perimeter. Daniels, Blake, with me."

The three men raced toward the central building, moving quickly through the shadows. When they arrived, they saw Craighead and his team engaged in combat with about ten heavily armed insurgents.

"Covering to the right," Alex shouted, taking position and eliminating two targets with precise shots.

The arrival of the Sabre turned the tide. Working together, the two teams neutralized the enemy and secured the building.

Craighead, panting, approached Alex.

"You're right on time, Rider."

Alex gave a slight smile.

"It's part of the job."

With the mission accomplished, the teams planted explosives in the compound and retreated to the exfiltration point.

On the helicopter ride back to base, Craighead turned to Alex.

"You lead well, Rider. Your men trust you. That's rare to see."

Alex responded with a humble nod.

"I just do my job. And you're good at yours, too."

Craighead chuckled.

"Maybe we'll work together again someday."

Alex looked out the window at the desert disappearing beneath them.

"I hope so."

Both teams returned to base with no casualties, a sense of accomplishment and a mutual respect that solidified a bond between two of the best special forces squads in the world.

Chapter 54 – The Knight and the Star

The invitation to the official event at Buckingham Palace arrived discreetly, like everything else in Alex Rider's life. Despite his impressive career, he has always preferred to keep a low profile. The invitation, however, left no room for refusal: a dinner in honor of decorated military personnel, organized by the royal family.

That evening, Alex dressed in his formal attire, with his medals carefully positioned. Upon arriving, he was greeted by a series of warm greetings. It was not the first time he had set foot in the Palace, but the historical weight and elegance of the place always impressed him.

Queen Elizabeth was present, alongside Prince Charles, William and Katherine. Alex was led to them by an attendant.

— "Ah, Sir Rider!" exclaimed the Queen, with a rare smile. "It is always a pleasure to have you with us."

Alex bowed slightly.

— "Your Majesty, the honor is all mine."

Katherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, stood next to William and smiled warmly at Alex.

— "So you are the famous Sir Rider," she said, with a hint of teasing. "I have heard so many stories about your adventures. William speaks highly of you."

— "I am just doing my job, Your Highness," Alex replied modestly.

William patted Alex on the shoulder.

— "Don't be so modest. You are practically a legend among us."

As Alex mingled with the royals, Charlize Theron, the famous South African actress, was among the guests at the event. She had been invited as a tribute to her humanitarian work and the global impact of her career.

Charlize looked stunning, wearing an elegant black dress that highlighted her impeccable posture. She noticed Alex in the distance, greeting the Queen with a familiarity that seemed unusual for a military man. Intrigued, she asked the man next to her:

— "Who is he?"

— "Ah, that's Sir Alex Rider," the man replied. "A knight and decorated military man. He's very close to the royal family."

— "Interesting," Charlize said, looking Alex over more closely.

She noticed that he was young, with a strong physique, neat blond hair, and a look that mixed seriousness and charm. Something about him seemed different from the other men present.

Later, while Alex was in the main hall, Charlize approached, holding a glass of champagne.

— "You seem like someone important, Sir Rider," she said, with an intriguing smile.

Alex turned, surprised to see one of the most famous women in the world starting a conversation.

— "I guess that depends on your point of view," he replied, with a small smile.

— "And what do you do to be so close to the Queen?"

Alex inclined his head slightly.

— "Let's just say my job puts me in some unique situations."

Charlize laughed.

— "That sounds like a typical answer from someone who can't talk about what they do."

— "Maybe," Alex said. "But what brings me here tonight is the honor of serving my country."

Charlize was impressed by his humility and mystery.

— "Well, Sir Rider, I hope you have fun tonight. Maybe we'll see you later."

— "I hope so," Alex replied.

At the end of the event, as most of the guests dispersed, Charlize found Alex on the terrace, looking out over the illuminated city.

— "Enjoying the view?" she asked, moving closer.

— "London has a unique charm at night," he said.

The two began to talk more openly. Charlize told him about her childhood in South Africa, her career, and her humanitarian causes. Alex spoke a little about his life, without revealing too many details, but enough for Charlize to perceive his depth and character.

— "You're different," Charlize said, looking directly at him.

Alex smiled.

— "And you're exactly how I imagined you would be. Strong, determined and charming."

The tension between them was palpable. Charlize lightly touched Alex's arm.

— "Do you want to continue this conversation in a more private place?"

Alex hesitated for a moment, but her smile convinced him.

— "I think so."

The two discreetly left the event, avoiding curious glances. They went to a luxurious hotel in central London, where Charlize was staying.

In the room, the conversation continued, but the atmosphere became more intimate. Alex, although used to high-pressure situations, felt something different by her side. Charlize, on the other hand, was fascinated by Alex's mystery and intensity.

The moment enveloped them, and they gave in to passion, forgetting the world outside.

That night, two people from completely different worlds connected, not just through physical attraction, but through a mutual understanding of extraordinary lives.

As the sun rose, Alex got up quietly, getting dressed without waking Charlize. Before he left, he left a note on the bedside table.

"Charlize, it was an unforgettable night. If you need anything, this is my number. Take care. – Alex."

He left the hotel, resuming his routine as the enigmatic Sir Rider, a man whose actions and life remained shrouded in mystery, but who, for one night, allowed himself to experience something unique and special.

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