Chapter 46 – The Shadow Knight
As the months passed, Alex Rider's exploits as the leader of the Sabre team of 22nd SAS's A Squadron continued to resonate in the highest circles of the British Crown and the Armed Forces.
His precise operations, impeccable leadership and courage under fire made him a legend not only among his fellow regimental officers, but also in confidential reports that reached the Ministry of Defence and the office of Queen Elizabeth II.
Rumors began to circulate among senior officers and members of the government. Alex, a soldier who had always preferred anonymity, was being considered for Britain's highest military honor: the Victoria Cross.
Furthermore, due to his background and his family's long relationship with the Crown, a possible appointment to the Order of the British Empire as a Knight was being considered.
Alex was in Hereford, at the SAS barracks, reviewing reports from his last mission with Corporal Harris and Trooper Collins, when his commanding officer, Colonel Andrews, entered the room.
— "Rider, one moment," the colonel called, his tone more serious than usual.
Alex stood up immediately, following him into a private room. When the door closed, Andrews crossed his arms and faced him with a slight smile.
— "Sergeant, it's rare to see someone of your age and experience achieve so much in such a short time."
Alex remained silent, attentive but curious.
— "We have received direct communication from Buckingham," Andrews continued. "Your name has been submitted for the Victoria Cross for your leadership and bravery during missions in Afghanistan and Iran. And, besides, there is another honor."
Alex arched an eyebrow, intrigued.
— "The Queen has decided that you will be named a Knight of the Order of the British Empire. The ceremony will be private, considering your position in the SAS, but it is an undeniable honor."
For a moment, Alex was silent, taking in the words.
— "With all due respect, sir, I was just doing my job."
— "And you did it in a way that few can, Rider. Please accept this as recognition of your dedication and sacrifice." Alex nodded slowly, still processing the magnitude of the news.
A few days later, Alex was driven to London in a discreet military vehicle. Although the ceremony was private, its importance was undeniable. Only a select few members of the Crown and senior officers of the Armed Forces knew about the occasion. At Buckingham Palace, Alex was met by a protocol officer, who explained the procedures.
— "Sergeant Rider, the Queen is aware of your preference for discretion. The ceremony will be brief and with only the necessary gifts. Your identity will remain protected."
Alex, dressed in his formal SAS uniform, nodded. He felt the weight of the moment, but maintained his impeccable posture, as he always did. The room was small, decorated in the traditional splendor of Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth II stood in the center, wearing her royal insignia. Beside her, Prince Charles and a few senior officers watched in silence. Alex entered with a firm step, stopping at a formal distance from the Queen. He bowed, following military protocol.
— "Sergeant Alexander Rider," the Queen began, her voice calm but commanding, "your exemplary actions in service to the United Kingdom reflect the highest standard of courage, dedication and loyalty. On behalf of the Crown and a grateful nation, I award you the Victoria Cross."
An aide handed over the medal, which the Queen personally pinned to Alex's uniform.
— "Further," she continued, "in recognition not only of your military achievements, but also of your family lineage and your contribution to the protection of the United Kingdom, I hereby appoint you a Knight of the Order of the British Empire."
Alex knelt as the Queen lightly touched his shoulder with a ceremonial sword.
— "Rise, Sir Alexander Rider."
He did so, maintaining his composure, though his emotions were mixed.
— "You are an exemplar of service and sacrifice," the Queen said, looking directly at him. "The United Kingdom is deeply grateful."
— "It is an honor, Your Majesty," Alex replied, his voice firm but humble.
After the ceremony, Alex was taken to a private room, where he had a chance to speak briefly with the Queen and Prince Charles.
— "You are very young for such responsibility," Charles commented with a smile.
— "Age does not determine courage," the Queen replied, interrupting gently.
Alex smiled slightly.
— "With all due respect, I am simply doing my job."
— "And I do it exceptionally well," the Queen replied.
Before he left, the Queen personally handed him a letter.
— "Please read this at your leisure, Sir Rider. It is a personal thank you."
Alex bowed again before being escorted back.
At the barracks in Hereford, Alex's staff were waiting. Although they knew he had been a great honour, but no one spoke of it. In the SAS, professionalism and discretion were the norm.
— "Welcome back, Sir Rider," Harris joked, with a mischievous smile.
— "I'm still just Sergeant Rider to you," Alex replied, tossing his bag on the floor.
— "Of course, of course," Collins laughed.
They went back to training, as usual, but Alex couldn't help but reflect on what it meant to be a knight and receive the Victoria Cross. He knew he did it not for glory, but for duty.
That night, alone in his room, he opened the Queen's letter. It was a simple but powerful message.
"Sir Alexander, your bravery inspires us all. Continue to serve as an example of honour and sacrifice. The nation is proud of you."
Alex closed the letter, tucking it away carefully. He knew his journey was far from over, but now he carried with him a symbol of his nation's recognition, a weight he would carry with the same dedication as always.
Chapter 47 – Kandahar: A Game of Shadows
The forward base in Kandahar was an elite stronghold. Helicopters flew constantly, transporting soldiers and supplies, while drones buzzed the sky on surveillance missions. The place was a mix of tension and purpose.
There were elite forces of various nationalities: the famous American Green Berets, DEVGRU operators (better known as SEAL Team 6), members of Delta Force, as well as CIA and MI6 agents. For Alex Rider and his Sabre team, from the SAS A Squadron, this would be another challenging deployment.
Alex stepped out of the C-130 with his team. The scorching Afghan sun greeted them, blinding and relentless. He looked at his teammates: Corporal Harris, always with a confident smile; Trooper Collins, who was adjusting his helmet; and the other members of the team, all alert and prepared.
— "Welcome to paradise," Collins joked, looking at the dust that covered everything around them.
— "Another day at the office," Alex replied, adjusting his weapon on his shoulder.
The team was greeted by a Delta Force officer, Captain Miller, a tall man with a steady gaze.
— "Sabre, good to have you here. We have some operations underway, and your expertise will be essential."
— "We're ready for anything," Alex replied professionally, shaking Miller's hand.
As they walked through the base, Alex observed the different groups. American and British operators moved quickly, all focused. In the corner of a hangar, he saw two men talking, both with discreet equipment, clearly intelligence agents. His mind went back to MI6, to Blunt and Miss Jones.
That night, as he organized his equipment in his quarters, Alex couldn't help but let the memories flood his mind. He had learned months ago that Blunt and Miss Jones had been fired from MI6. A confidential contact had informed him that they had both been forced to step down after an internal review. The government had pressured them into silence, erasing any trace of their past actions.
Although Alex had not kept in touch with them, there was a mixture of relief and nostalgia in knowing this. Blunt had been cold and calculating, but at some point, they had both helped him.
Harris could tell Alex was distracted.
"Something wrong, boss?" he asked, polishing his combat knife.
Alex shook his head, coming back to the present.
"Nothing. Just remembering a few things."
"I hope they're good. Because tomorrow we start the real work," Harris replied with a smile.
Alex smiled back, but the shadow of MI6 still loomed over his mind.
The next day, Alex and his team met with representatives from various forces. Captain Miller led the meeting, a detailed map of the Kandahar region projected on the wall.
— "Our main objective here is to dismantle an insurgent cell that has been coordinating attacks against coalition forces. We have information that they are hiding in a network of tunnels on the outskirts of a village 15 kilometers from here," Miller explained.
A CIA agent, a middle-aged man with a suspicious look, added:
"You Brits are invaluable. We need infiltration and reconnaissance specialists. We know the SAS has experience with that."
Alex nodded, studying the map.
"What is the main threat?"
"Snipers positioned on the outskirts of the village and IEDs scattered along the roads," Miller replied.
Harris leaned back in his chair.
"Nothing we can't handle."
Everyone in the room laughed lightly, easing the tension.
The next few days were intense. The Sabre team began with reconnaissance missions. Alex, with his sniper and CQB training, took the lead on several occasions.
One night, as they watched an insurgent village from a hilltop, Alex radioed Harris.
— "The main target is in the largest building. I see movement on the second floor. I've marked two sentries at the entrance."
— "Roger that, boss. What do you think?"
Alex adjusted the sights on his sniper rifle.
— "We'll wait until we get confirmation from Delta. We won't act without coordination."
As they waited, Alex realized how much he had evolved since his days in MI6. He was now a full-fledged soldier, part of a team that trusted his leadership completely.
One afternoon, as Alex sat in the mess hall with Collins and Harris, he saw a familiar face enter the room. It was a man dressed casually, but with the rigid posture of someone accustomed to military hierarchy.
— "Rider," the man said, approaching.
Alex stood up immediately, recognizing him. It was an MI6 agent he had met years before, during his early missions.
— "Surprised to see me?"
— "Not exactly. You guys always show up in the most unusual places."
The agent smiled.
"I just came to observe. They say you're the best sniper here. We need more people like you."
"I already have my team and my job. I'm not interested in going back to MI6," Alex replied firmly.
The agent nodded, getting the message.
"Just remember: the SAS may be secretive, but the world is always watching. Good luck, Rider."
As the man left, Harris commented,
"Are those guys in suits always this weird?"
Alex chuckled lightly.
"Always."
That night, Alex reflected on everything that had happened over the past few years. He was at the height of his career, but he knew the world he lived in was complex and dangerous.
The memories of Blunt and Jones, the recognition of his skills, the connections he had made it had all shaped him into the soldier and leader he was today.
As he cleaned his weapon and reviewed maps for the next mission, he felt the responsibility he carried. No matter what the future held, Alex knew he would continue to do what he did best: protect his team and accomplish his mission, no matter the cost.
Chapter 48 – Mission with Red Squadron
The base in Kandahar was buzzing with preparations for yet another high-risk mission. Alex Rider and his Sabre team had been ordered to work with DEVGRU's Red Squadron, the most renowned unit among the SEALs.
There was a mixed atmosphere of respect and curiosity between the British and Americans. For Alex, known as "Amazing" for his lethality on the battlefield, it was an opportunity to work alongside legends, including some of the men responsible for the operation that eliminated Osama Bin Laden.
The initial meeting was held in a strategic tent. Alex, with his calm and confident demeanor, entered alongside his team: Corporal Harris, Trooper Collins, Daniels, Foster and Blake. Inside the tent were the SEALs of Red Squadron, easily identifiable by their state-of-the-art equipment and determined looks.
The leader of Red Squadron, a burly man with a well-trimmed beard and the code name "Hawk," opened the meeting.
— "Sabre, welcome. We have a common objective tonight: to dismantle an insurgent compound used to coordinate attacks. It is heavily defended, and there are civilians on site. We need precision."
Alex replied professionally: — "We are ready to collaborate. We have mapped the area and can contribute advanced reconnaissance and sniper support."
Hawk nodded, impressed by Alex's direct tone. — "I've heard of you, Rider. They say you're one of the best. Let's see you in action."
The briefing was detailed, with maps and drone footage projected on a screen. The mission would be a nighttime infiltration to capture a high-value insurgent leader. Alex was assigned to act as sniper, while his Sabre team and the SEALs would make the direct entry into the compound.
— "Rider, you will cover the eastern flank. We need you to neutralize any threats before we go in," Hawk explained.
Alex surveyed the terrain and replied:
— "Understood. I'll need a high ground and wind information in that area."
Hawk smiled.
— "You know what you're doing. I like it."
The operation began at nightfall. Alex and his team boarded Black Hawk helicopters, along with Red Squadron. The silence was broken only by the sound of the rotors. Alex adjusted his sniper rifle, checking every detail with surgical precision.
Collins, sitting next to him, commented:
— "Working with these guys is like being in a movie."
Alex smirked.
— "Stay focused, Collins. They may be legends, but we have our role to play."
As they reached the infiltration zone, the helicopters hovered a few feet above the ground, and the operators jumped out quickly. Alex and his team moved efficiently, finding their strategic points while the SEALs advanced in tactical formation.
Alex positioned himself on a hill overlooking the compound. He adjusted the scope of his rifle, watching the movement within the perimeter. He could see armed insurgents patrolling the area, but he also noticed women and children in a separate area.
— "Harris, civilians confirmed in the western sector. We need to be extremely precise," he radioed.
Hawk answered on the other end.
— "Received, Rider. Do what you do best."
A few minutes later, Alex spotted an armed insurgent entering the roof of a building. He moved quickly, adjusting his angle, controlling his breathing. The shot was perfect.
— "Enemy neutralized on the roof. You have a clear path to advance," he radioed.
The SEALs and the rest of the Sabre team began to advance.
While Alex covered the operation from a distance, the Sabre team and Red Squadron entered the compound. The lights were cut, and the only illumination came from the green and red lasers on their weapons. Harris led the way, with Collins and Daniels close behind.
Harris opened a door with an explosive charge, and the team rushed in. The insurgents tried to resist, but were quickly overwhelmed. Collins found himself in a direct confrontation with an armed man, taking him down with a solid blow before neutralizing him with a precise shot.
— "Sector clear," Harris reported.
Meanwhile, the SEALs operated with equal precision. Hawk and his men captured the main target, an insurgent leader who was hiding in a bunker.
With the objective accomplished, the team began the retreat. Alex remained in position, watching for possible enemy reinforcements. He spotted an armed group approaching in a truck.
— "Reinforcements on the way from the eastern sector. I'll neutralize them," Alex reported.
He adjusted his aim again and fired. The truck's engine exploded, stopping the advance. More precise shots eliminated the threat.
— "Area clear. You can move," Alex confirmed.
Back at base, Alex and his team met with the SEALs for a brief assessment.
Hawk shook Alex's hand.
— "You're really good, Awesome. It was a pleasure working with you."
Alex responded humbly.
— "It was our pleasure. You're awesome too."
Hawk smiled.
— "Maybe we'll meet again. Maybe in another part of the world."
The operators took a picture together, a rare moment of relaxation amidst the constant tension.
That night, as he adjusted his equipment, Alex thought about his career. He had accumulated over 150 confirmed kills, but it wasn't the number that defined him. It was the impact of his actions, the protection of his team, and the accomplishment of each mission with excellence.
He knew that, somewhere, the shadows of MI6 were still watching him. But at that moment, he was just Sergeant Rider, leader of an elite team, doing what he did best: fight, survive, and protect.
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