Chapter 40 – Returning to England
The months in Helmand had passed in a whirlwind for the SAS Sabre team. Between surveillance missions, direct action operations, and the bonds they had formed with both American troops and each other, time had seemed to fly by.
Now, with the deployment complete, Alex and his team were on their way home, ready for a well-earned rest and eager to rediscover the normalcy that only England could offer.
The air base was bustling with activity. Soldiers were loading equipment into the massive military transport plane that would take them back to England. Alex adjusted his pack as he watched his teammates, each with expressions that ranged from relief to exhaustion.
"Finally back home," Carter said, stretching his arms. "About time to sleep in a proper bed."
"And eat some real food," Lennox added, smiling. "No offense to the rations, but enough is enough."
Alex laughed in agreement. He himself couldn't wait to taste something that wasn't canned or dehydrated.
Collins, as always, didn't miss the chance to tease:
— "I don't know why you guys complain. I bet Carter will miss his mornings of thin tea and soft toast."
— "Very funny," Carter replied, rolling his eyes.
Shepherd, the team captain, approached, holding a clipboard with the last details of the trip.
— "Okay, Sabre. Everything ready? This is our last task here: get on this plane without tripping and arrange our seats. Can we do that?"
— "Yes, sir!" everyone said in unison, although the tone was more joking than formal.
On board the plane, Alex sat next to Lennox, while Carter and Collins argued in the back row about who could eat the most burgers when they got home. Shepherd was a few rows ahead, engrossed in a book.
The steady sound of the engines was almost hypnotic, and Alex leaned back, allowing himself to relax for the first time in months. He stared out the small window, watching the clouds pass quickly by. The sight made him wonder what awaited him back home.
His thoughts were interrupted by Lennox, who nudged his arm.
— "What are you thinking about, Rider?"
— "Food," Alex replied with a smile.
— "Good answer," Lennox said, laughing. "But seriously, is there something on your mind?"
Alex hesitated for a moment before answering.
— "I guess I'm just trying to process everything. This was my third deployment, and each one feels different, but at the same time… the same."
Lennox nodded, understanding.
— "It's the job, mate. We do what we have to do, and we try not to carry too much of it with us when we get back."
— "Yeah, but sometimes that seems easier said than done," Alex admitted.
— "That's why we have each other," Lennox said, patting Alex on the shoulder.
Alex smiled, grateful to be surrounded by people who understood the weight of what they were doing.
Hours later, the plane touched down on English soil. When the doors opened, a wave of cool air enveloped them, a welcome contrast to the oppressive heat of Afghanistan.
— "Ah, this is fresh air," Collins said, taking a deep breath.
— "Welcome back," an officer said as the team disembarked.
Sabre was led to a reception area, where they would hand in preliminary reports before heading to Hereford. The process was tedious, but Alex knew it was part of the job.
After filling out the necessary paperwork, Shepherd gathered the team together. — "Very well, Sabre. We are officially off duty. Take care, rest, and be ready for whatever comes next."
— "Yes, sir!" they all replied, a hint of excitement in their voices.
Back at her temporary quarters in Hereford, Alex picked up her cell phone and dialed Jack. She answered on the third ring.
— "Alex!" Jack exclaimed, his voice full of relief and joy.
— "Hi, Jack," Alex said, smiling at the familiarity in her voice.
— "You're back? Is everything okay?"
— "Yes, I just got back. I'm in Hereford for now, but I have a few days off before I go back to operations."
— "Thank God," Jack said, sighing. "I was worried. I know you can't tell me much, but I always think the worst."
— "I know, Jack. But I'm fine. We're all fine."
— "And how was it? I mean... how was it really?"
Alex hesitated for a moment, knowing Jack wanted honest answers, but also not wanting to worry her.
— "It was intense, but we got what we needed done. It's good to be back."
Jack was silent for a few seconds before changing his tone to something lighter.
— "Well, you should come over here when you can. I'll make that chocolate cake you like."
Alex laughed.
— "Deal. I'm dying for real food."
— "Then it's okay. I'll wait for you."
After the call, Alex sat on his bed, looking out the window of his barracks. The sky was gray, typical of England, but for Alex, it was a reminder that he was home.
He knew that the break wouldn't last forever. Eventually, another mission would come along, another challenge, another opportunity to prove himself. But for now, he was grateful for the rest and the chance to recharge.
As he prepared for bed, Alex thought back on the months that had passed. Helmand had been a challenging experience, but he had emerged stronger, more confident in his abilities. He knew that the future would bring more challenges, but he also knew that he was prepared to face them.
For now, though, he allowed himself to relax. After all, he was home, surrounded by those who cared about him. And that, in itself, was enough.
Chapter 41 – The Royal Dinner
The grand ballroom at Buckingham Palace was elegantly lit. The long table was impeccably set with gleaming silverware, fine china, and a fresh flower arrangement in the center. The royal family had gathered for an intimate dinner to celebrate Prince Harry's return from his deployment in Afghanistan.
Prince William was already seated next to his father, Charles, and grandfather, Prince Philip. Queen Elizabeth II occupied her usual position at the head of the table, her presence exuding authority and serenity. Everyone was waiting for Harry, who had arrived in England earlier that day and was slightly late.
The door to the ballroom opened, and Harry walked in, looking a little more mature after his experience on the battlefield. He wore formal attire, but carried the relaxed posture that had always been his trademark.
"Finally, brother!" William joked, smiling when he saw him. "I thought you had gotten lost in the palace."
"It's good to be back," Harry replied, pulling up a chair next to his brother. "You have no idea how much I missed this."
— "The palace or the proper food?" Philip asked, with a mischievous smile.
— "Both, Grandpa," Harry replied, laughing.
As everyone began to eat, the silence was broken by the Queen.
— "So, Harry," she said, her tone gentle but curious. "Tell us about your experience in Afghanistan. What was it like being there, with the troops, experiencing what they experience?"
Harry put his fork down and thought for a moment before answering.
— "It was intense, to say the least. Seeing up close what the soldiers go through on a daily basis gave me a new perspective. They are incredibly dedicated, and it is humbling to see how they deal with such difficult situations."
— "Were you safe the whole time?" Charles asked, worried.
— "Yes, Dad. I was with a very well-trained squad. They protected me, but they also treated me like one of their own. That was important to me."
— "And how was the interaction with the other soldiers?" William asked, clearly interested.
— "Inspiring," Harry said. "I've met some exceptional men and women. But there's one person in particular who's really impressed me."
Everyone at the table stood attentively as Harry continued.
— "There was a soldier at the base I was stationed at. He was in the SAS Sabre squadron, so you can imagine his level of expertise. But what really caught my attention was his reputation. They call him 'Amazing.'"
— "Amazing?" Philip repeated, intrigued. "What kind of nickname is that?"
— "A well-deserved one," Harry replied. "He's a sniper. They say he's got over 30 confirmed kills, and that's in just a few deployments. But that's not all. He's incredibly young to be in the SAS, and yet everyone respects him deeply."
The queen leaned forward slightly, interested.
— "And what's his name?"
— "Trooper Rider," Harry replied. "Alex Rider. He's blond, tall, with eyes that seem to see beyond what's in front of him. Seriously, Grandma, when you look at him, it's like you're looking at someone who was born to be there."
Elizabeth kept her expression neutral, but inside, Harry's words reinforced the reports she had already received from M, the director of MI6. Alex Rider was a name she knew well, but only through reports. Now, hearing Harry describe him, she became even more curious.
"Interesting," the queen said, after a moment of silence. "I've heard of this young man, although in a different context. Is he really as impressive as they say?"
"Without a doubt," Harry replied, with conviction. "He's the kind of person who makes you feel safe, even in the most dangerous situations. And the most impressive thing is that he's humble. He never boasts, never tries to stand out. He just does his job with excellence."
"And how was his behavior with others?" William asked.
— "Very respectful," Harry said. "He seemed to genuinely care about everyone around him. And from what I've heard, he's also extremely loyal to his staff."
— "Sounds like someone worthy of our attention," Charles commented, looking at the queen.
Elizabeth only nodded slightly, but in her mind, she was already considering the idea of learning more about Alex Rider.
— "The Rider surname sounds familiar," Philip said suddenly.
— "It should," the queen replied, with a slight smile. "The Rider family has served the crown for generations. Alex's grandfather, John Rider, was also a remarkable man, though his life ended tragically. It seems talent runs in the blood."
— "That explains a lot," Harry said with a smile. "If he is indeed a descendant of John Rider, it's no wonder he's so extraordinary."
The table was silent for a few moments, everyone reflecting on what they had learned.
As the meal ended, Harry felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Sharing his experiences had been therapeutic, and he was grateful to have a family who genuinely cared about what he had been through.
As everyone stood to leave, the Queen took Harry aside.
"Harry," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "If you get the chance, tell this Trooper Rider that his work is noticed and appreciated, even at the highest levels."
Harry nodded, smiling.
"I will, Grandmother."
As he left the hall, Harry couldn't help but think about how Alex Rider, a young soldier, had made such an impact not only on his life, but also on the royals' own perception of those who served the nation.
Chapter 42 – A Conversation in the Palace
The morning sun illuminated the Audience Hall at Buckingham Palace, casting soft shadows across the velvet curtains. Sitting in her majestic chair, Queen Elizabeth II was attentively reading a report as she awaited the arrival of her Minister of Defense, Sir Geoffrey Atwood. She had requested a private meeting to discuss a specific matter, a young soldier who had caught her eye: Alex Rider.
The door opened softly, and Sir Geoffrey entered. He was impeccably dressed, with an air of gravity that reflected the weight of his office. He bowed slightly in respect before speaking.
"Your Majesty, it is always an honor to be at your service."
The queen gently gestured for him to sit.
"Sir Geoffrey, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you," she began, her voice calm but full of authority. "I have received some interesting information about a young soldier in the SAS. His name is Alex Rider. Are you familiar with him?"
Sir Geoffrey sat up straighter in his chair, clearly intrigued. "Yes, Your Majesty. Alex Rider is one of the most promising members of A Squadron. He is unusually young to be in the SAS, but his skill and commitment are unquestionable."
The Queen placed the report on the table in front of her and folded her hands. "Tell me more about him. I want to understand what makes him so remarkable. Harry spoke highly of him at dinner, and I would like a more detailed account."
Sir Geoffrey nodded, gathering his thoughts. "Alex Rider distinguished himself from the earliest days of his military career. He was recruited into the SAS after an exceptional performance in the regular army. He possesses a rare combination of skills: he is an elite sniper, but he also specializes in close combat, making him extremely versatile in highly complex missions."
— "And his reputation as 'Amazing'? Where does that come from?" the Queen asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
— "That nickname, Your Majesty, comes from his service in two deployments in Iraq and now Afghanistan. He has accumulated over 30 confirmed kills as a sniper, an extraordinary feat for one so young. But what is most impressive is not just the numbers, but his precision and calmness in situations of extreme pressure. He has become a figure feared among his enemies and respected among his allies."
The Queen remained silent for a moment, absorbing Sir Geoffrey's words.
— "He is very young to have achieved so much. Doesn't that put him at risk of... emotional or psychological distress?"
Sir Geoffrey shook his head.
— "It is a legitimate concern, Your Majesty. But so far he has shown impressive resilience. Alex seems mature beyond his years. Furthermore, he comes from a distinguished lineage. His grandfather, John Rider, was an MI6 agent, and his family has a long history of service to the Crown."
The mention of the family legacy seemed to spark something in the Queen's eyes.
— "Yes, I remember John Rider," she said, with a hint of nostalgia. "He was a man of great courage and integrity. It seems those qualities have been passed down to his grandson."
— "Sir Geoffrey, what do you think of Alex Rider's potential for higher positions or even more critical missions?"
The minister paused before answering.
— "Your Majesty, he is already in one of the most selective and demanding positions in the British Army. The SAS is the pinnacle in terms of operational capability. However, I see potential in him to lead, perhaps even to be part of diplomatic or strategic missions, given his intelligence and ability with languages."
— "Languages?" the Queen asked curiously.
— "Yes. He is fluent in Arabic, as well as having advanced knowledge of several other languages. This makes him a valuable asset in international missions."
The Queen nodded, considering.
— "And his loyalty? Is he loyal to Crown and country?"
— "Without a doubt, Your Majesty," Sir Geoffrey replied. "Alex Rider is dedicated and discreet. He knows the value of the service he provides and takes it very seriously."
After a few moments of silence, the Queen spoke again, her voice firm.
— "I want Alex Rider to know that his work is recognized and valued. Find a way to convey that to him in a discreet way. He may not need the praise, but a subtle acknowledgement can further cement his commitment."
Sir Geoffrey smiled slightly, understanding her request. — "It will be done, Your Majesty."
— "And, Sir Geoffrey," she continued, "keep me informed of his progress. I want to know how he is doing, especially on his new deployment."
— "Of course, Your Majesty. He is already closely watched for his capabilities, but I will make sure that the information reaches you directly."
When Sir Geoffrey left, The Queen stood alone in the drawing room, looking out the window at the palace gardens.
Thoughts of Alex Rider intrigued her. A young man who, despite his youth, had already contributed so much to the security of the country. His dedication reminded her why so many sacrificed themselves for the greater good of the nation.
And though she had never met Alex in person, she felt that he represented the best of Britain: courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to duty.
With a soft sigh, she picked up her pen and began to write a personal note that would eventually find its way to Alex Rider. After all, even those who operate in the shadows deserve to know that their efforts do not go unnoticed.
New stories in my Patreon
News stories there: " I won a Oscar when I was 19 " and " NCIS HAWAII: The Captain "
This story is already complete there
p@treon.com/SHADOWGHOST07
Just replace the @ with an a