Chapter 7 – A Call to Duty
The sound of boots echoed through the barracks hallways as Alex and the other soldiers gathered in the briefing room. Sergeant Wilkinson stood at the front, looking at the group with his usual serious expression, but something was different today. He looked stiffer than usual, as if he were about to share important news.
Alex took his place among the others, adjusting his uniform and watching intently. He could feel the tension in the air.
"Silence!" Wilkinson ordered, and the room immediately fell silent. "Listen carefully, because this is not a drill."
He paused dramatically, letting his eyes roam over each member of the team.
"We've been assigned to an operational deployment to Iraq. Six months in theater. We'll be leaving in two weeks."
The murmur of surprise was instantaneous. Many soldiers exchanged glances, some anxious, others clearly excited at the prospect of seeing real action. Alex felt a surge of adrenaline. Despite all the training and preparation, he knew that nothing compared to the reality of being on the battlefield.
Wilkinson held up his hand to silence the group again. "That means you have two weeks to prepare. Get your lives in order, communicate with your families, and make sure you're ready. Because once we're there, there will be no room for distractions. Got it?"
"Yes, sir!" the group responded in unison.
After the briefing, Alex sat for a moment, processing the news. He knew this mission would be a true test of his skills and courage. But at the same time, it was hard to ignore the apprehension that was beginning to creep in.
"Hey, Rider," Henderson called, sitting down next to him. "First time on deployment?"
"Yeah," Alex replied. "What about you?"
"I've been there before," Henderson said, nodding. "I'm not gonna lie, kid, it's intense. But you seem more prepared than most I've seen. Just trust your training and keep your head on straight."
"I'll do that," Alex said with a slight smile. "Thanks, Henderson."
Later, at the barracks, Alex picked up his phone and called Jack Starbright. He knew she would be worried, but he also knew he needed to tell her in person before she heard through another means.
"Alex!" Jack answered enthusiastically, but the concern in his voice was noticeable. "How are you?"
"Hi, Jack," he said, trying to sound casual. "I'm fine, but I need to tell you something."
"Okay, I'm listening," she said, her voice growing more cautious.
"My team has been assigned to a deployment. We're going to Iraq for six months."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Jack spoke again. "Iraq? Alex, this is... serious."
"I know," he said, keeping his cool. "But I'm ready. This is the job, Jack. This is what I've prepared for."
"I know you can do it," Jack replied, his voice firm but still tinged with concern. "But that doesn't mean I don't worry. You've been through so much, Alex."
"I promise I'll be fine," he said. "I have an amazing team and I'm confident in the training I've received."
Jack sighed, but there was a note of acceptance in his voice. "I know you can handle this. I just want you to know I'm here, always. If you need anything, call me, okay?"
"Thanks, Jack," Alex said, feeling a little relieved. "I'll keep you posted."
The weeks leading up to the deployment were filled with a combination of intense training, meetings, and personal organization. Alex took extra time to review his sniper skills, making sure he was in top shape.
Wilkinson led daily training sessions, simulating scenarios they might face in Iraq. The focus was on team coordination and adaptation to the desert environment.
"Rider, you will be essential to this mission," Wilkinson said during one of the training sessions. "Your eyes will be our eyes. Any mistake, and we will all be at risk."
"Understood, sir," Alex replied, feeling the weight of responsibility.
In his spare time, Alex organized his things and wrote a letter to Jack, something she could read in case something happened. Although he hated to think about it, he knew it was necessary. He also spent time with his teammates, sharing stories and bonding with the team.
The day of the departure finally arrived. The base was bustling with activity, with soldiers saying goodbye to friends and family. Alex looked around, taking in the varied expressions some confident, others trying to hide their nervousness.
As he walked to the transport plane, Alex pulled out his phone and sent Jack one last message: "Leaving now. I will keep in touch whenever I can. Take care."
Soon, he was on board, adjusting his gear and mentally preparing himself for what was to come. Henderson sat down next to him.
"First time, kid," Henderson said, patting him lightly on the shoulder. "But you'll be fine. Trust the process."
Alex nodded, staring out the window as the plane took off. The sky opened up before them, and he knew that by the end of these six months, he would be an even more experienced soldier—or he wouldn't return at all.
The adventure in Iraq was just beginning, and Alex was ready for whatever came his way, because after all, he'd never backed down from a challenge.
Chapter 8 – Flying Over to War
The steady roar of the C-130 Hercules' engines filled the air, accompanying the plane's rhythmic sway as it cut through the skies of the Middle East.
Alex Rider sat on the metal bench, holding tightly to the strap of his backpack that rested on his feet. Around him, the other soldiers remained silent, some dozing, others just staring at the ground or checking their equipment.
It was a moment of respite, the last before facing the reality that awaited them in Baghdad. Alex knew that many were nervous, but he also knew that he was no different. Despite all his training and past missions as a spy, this was his first official military deployment to a war zone. The weight of responsibility was palpable.
Alex stared out the small window of the plane, watching the sky darken as the sun disappeared over the horizon. He felt the steady rhythm of the plane beneath his feet, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
He thought about Jack, about the worry she'd tried to hide as she'd said goodbye to him. He thought about the faces of his team members, the stories he'd heard from them during their preparations. He knew each of them had someone waiting for them back home. He glanced at Henderson, who was sitting next to him, his head leaning against the wall of the plane, his eyes closed.
Henderson had become something of an informal mentor to Alex since he'd joined the team, always offering advice based on his experience. "Are you okay?" Henderson asked, without opening his eyes, noticing Alex staring at him.
"Yeah," Alex replied. "Just… thinking."
"It's normal, kid," Henderson said, cracking an eye open to look at him. "Your first real mission always makes you think too much. But here's a tip: stay focused on what's in front of you, and the rest will fall into place."
Alex nodded, but Henderson's words didn't completely dispel his thoughts. He knew that as the team's sniper, his role would be crucial. He wasn't just protecting his comrades' lives; he was one of their first lines of defense against any threat.
I'll do everything I can to make sure everyone comes back alive, Alex promised himself. He knew he couldn't control everything, but he would do his best to keep that promise.
Up ahead, Sergeant Wilkinson was reviewing deployment plans with the other team leaders. His voice was low but authoritative. Even in the partial darkness of the plane, Wilkinson seemed completely in control, and that offered some comfort to the team.
Alex noticed that the soldier next to him, a young man named Davies, was visibly nervous. He fidgeted with his hands, checking and rechecking his equipment. Alex leaned toward him a little.
"First time?" Alex asked, trying to sound casual.
Davies nodded, smiling tightly. "Yeah. And you?"
"You too," Alex admitted. "But the important thing is that we're ready. We trained for this."
Davies let out a nervous laugh. "You seem calmer than I am."
Alex shrugged. "It's normal to be nervous. But when we're there, just trust the training. And trust the team."
Davies seemed to relax a bit, nodding again. "Thanks, Rider."
Henderson, listening to the conversation, leaned in and added, "Davies, just remember: no one does anything alone. If you need something, trust the guys around you. That's the point of having a team."
Henderson's words seemed to resonate with Davies, who took a deep breath and finally stopped fidgeting with his hands.
"Everyone stand by!" Wilkinson's voice echoed through the cargo hold. "We're just minutes away from landing in Baghdad. Prepare for arrival. As soon as we step off the plane, I want everyone to be alert. This isn't training, so keep your heads on straight. Someone here relaxes too much, and we could all pay the price."
The soldiers began to move about, adjusting their equipment and checking their rifles. Alex felt the weight of his L115A3 rifle on his back and mentally reviewed what he had learned in Sniper School. He adjusted his helmet and checked that his scope was properly holstered. Everything had to be perfect.
"Rider," Wilkinson called, approaching. "Remember, you are our eyes out there. Don't hesitate to speak up if you see anything out of place."
"Yes, sir," Alex replied firmly.
Wilkinson nodded. "Good. Now go ahead and make sure your position is ready as soon as we arrive on site."
The plane landed with a jolt, and the sound of the engines slowing down filled the compartment. As the rear ramp began to open, Alex was hit by a wave of heat. Even at night, the air was hot and dry, carrying with it the smell of dust and fuel.
The soldiers quickly descended, carrying their equipment and moving in formation action as they were greeted by officers who directed them to a secure area.
The base in Baghdad was large, bustling with military vehicles and soldiers running around. The sound of helicopters overhead was constant, a reminder of the active presence of the war.
Alex looked around as he followed his team. It all seemed surreal, but he knew that soon it would be his new reality. He felt the weight of the rifle on his back, a reminder of his responsibility.
"Welcome to Iraq," Henderson said, his tone dry as he observed the organized chaos around them.
In the tent assigned to his unit, Wilkinson gathered the team for an initial briefing. He stood in front of a map of the region, pointing to the area where they would operate.
"This will be our base for the next six months," he began, indicating the location. "Our primary job will be reconnaissance and support of local operations. Rider, as a sniper, you will be essential to providing cover and visual intelligence. That means you need to be at your best, at all times."
Alex nodded, taking in every word.
"Everyone," Wilkinson continued, "this is not a drill. Any mistake, no matter how small, could cost lives. So stay alert, follow orders, and look out for each other."
After the briefing, the team was dismissed to settle in and rest. Alex went straight to his assigned space, carefully organizing his gear. He knew the journey was just beginning and that he would need to be at his best for what lay ahead.
Before retiring that night, Alex looked up at the starry sky. The silence of the base was occasionally interrupted by the sound of distant vehicles and helicopters. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
"We will all make it back alive," he whispered to himself. It was a promise. No matter what they faced in the coming months, Alex would do everything in his power to ensure his team returned home safely.
Tomorrow would be the beginning of something bigger, and Alex knew he would need all his courage and skill to rise to the challenge.
Chapter 9 – First Step Into the Field
The heat of the Iraqi sun was relentless, even in the early hours of the morning. Alex Rider adjusted his helmet and tightened his tactical belt around his uniform as he prepared for his team's first mission in Iraq.
It was a routine patrol in an area considered medium risk, but Alex knew that even the simplest of jobs in a war zone could turn into chaos in a matter of seconds.
He felt the familiar weight of the L85A2 rifle in his hands, while the L115A3, his sniper rifle, was securely stowed in his patrol pack. As part of the infantry, he was here like any other soldier, but he knew that his sniper experience could be needed at any moment.
"Sergeant Wilkinson, we're ready to go," Alex said, adjusting his position in the group.
The sergeant nodded. "Alright, all of you, remember what I said: stay in formation, keep your eyes open, and report anything out of the ordinary. This is a patrol, but treat it like a high-priority mission. Don't let your guard down."
The eight-man team left the base in two armored vehicles, with Alex and Henderson in the same vehicle, both silent as they watched the landscape pass by. The scenery was barren and desolate: weathered concrete houses, dry dirt streets, and the occasional civilian walking by with suspicious looks.
"First time in the field, Rider," Henderson said, leaning in to speak. "What do you think?"
Alex looked out the window, watching a group of children playing by a water hole. "It's not much different than I imagined, but... I don't know. It feels more real when you're here."
Henderson chuckled softly. "Yes, that's right. The trick is to remember that every minute counts. A second of distraction could be your last."
Alex nodded, absorbing the words. He knew Henderson was right. Everything seemed calm now, but the tension in the air was almost palpable.
The vehicles stopped at an intersection where the team got out to continue their foot patrol. Their objective was to check the security of a road that was being used by supply convoys, ensuring that there were no booby traps or suspicious activity in the vicinity.
Alex adjusted his rifle to the ready position as he walked in formation. He was at the rear, but his eyes kept scanning the surroundings. Henderson, ahead of him, signaled for him to move forward.
"Rider, do you see anything in that house on the right?" Henderson asked, pointing to a partially destroyed building.
Alex stopped, adjusted his spotting scope, and examined it carefully. He noticed a subtle movement at the second-story window, but couldn't quite make out what it was.
"Something or someone is there," Alex said over the radio. "It sounds like a child, but I can't confirm it."
Wilkinson responded immediately, "Stay in formation, but stay alert. It could be nothing, but it could also be a distraction."
As they moved forward, the figure in the window disappeared. Alex kept his eyes fixed on the house until they were a safe distance away.
About an hour later, the team was walking down a narrow road surrounded by open fields. Alex felt something change in the air. It was subtle, but the silence seemed heavier, almost oppressive. He touched Henderson's shoulder.
"Something's wrong," Alex said. "It's too quiet."
Henderson frowned, but before he could respond, Alex spotted something glowing ahead, partially hidden in the ground.
"Halt!" Alex shouted, raising his hand to signal.
The team stopped immediately, and Wilkinson ran over to him.
"What's wrong, Rider?"
"Possible IED," Alex said, pointing to the object. "Over there, by the rock."
Wilkinson signaled for everyone to fall back while he radioed for an explosives expert. While they waited, Alex and the others formed a defensive perimeter, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings.
"Kid's got eagle eyes," Henderson said with a tight smile. "Good job, Rider."
"Thanks," Alex replied, but his attention was completely focused on the surroundings. He knew that the discovery of an IED often came with an ambush.
As if to confirm Alex's thoughts, gunfire rang out in the distance. The team immediately ducked, seeking cover behind rocks and small depressions in the terrain.
"Contact to the north!" Wilkinson called over the radio. "Rider, Henderson, cover the left flank! The rest, suppressive fire!"
Alex ran to a high position, quickly adjusting his rifle. He spotted a group of armed men approaching from a high position about 300 meters away. Without thinking twice, he aimed and fired. The sharp crack of the rifle was followed by the scream of one of the attackers, who fell to the ground.
"Nice one, Rider!" He said.
The attackers retreated momentarily, but not before firing a few uncoordinated rounds in the team's direction. Alex continued to watch, ready to neutralize any additional threats.
"Team, hold position!" Wilkinson ordered. "Explosive confirmed as IED. We'll deal with it after we clear this ambush."
After a few minutes of intense fire, the attackers disappeared, apparently fleeing into denser ground. Wilkinson ordered the team to hold position while the explosives expert defused the IED.
"That was intense," Henderson said, wiping sweat from his brow as Alex climbed down from his perch.
"This is just the beginning," Alex replied, trying to control his breathing.
The team managed to complete the patrol without further incident and returned to base a few hours later. Back at the barracks, Alex sat on his bunk, unpacking his gear and thinking about what had happened. He knew he had done his job, but the weight of the experience was still fresh to him.
"Rider," Wilkinson called, entering the barracks. "Good work today. You saved our lives by spotting that IED."
"Thank you, sir," Alex said, standing up. "I just did what I had to do."
"And I did it well," Wilkinson said. "Rest up. Tomorrow starts again."
As Wilkinson left, Alex leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. He knew this was just the beginning, but he was determined to do his best not just for himself, but for every member of his team.
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