Chapter 34 – Meeting the Prince
The mess hall at the base in Helmand was crowded. It was a simple but functional space with long wooden tables where soldiers and officers from different units gathered during breaks. Pilots, infantrymen and special forces personnel shared the same space, but everyone knew when an SAS team was present.
That day, Prince Harry, in his role as an Apache pilot, was having lunch with some of his squadron mates. Despite his position in the royal family, he always made a point of being treated like a regular soldier. Sitting at the end of a table, he chatted casually with his colleagues, but his gaze was drawn to the other side of the mess hall when a group entered.
The members of the Sabre team were unmistakable. Dressed in worn uniforms, they exuded an aura of respect and professionalism that immediately set them apart from the others.
They moved with quiet confidence, without any flamboyance, but it was clear that they were used to high-risk missions. The prince watched as they collected their trays and served their food.
Among them, a soldier caught his eye. He looked too young to be there, especially alongside veterans who exuded experience.
Blond, tall and visibly strong, the soldier stood out not only for his appearance, but also for the relaxed way he interacted with his colleagues.
"Hey," Harry called to one of his tablemates. "Who are these guys? They have a different presence."
The pilot next to him gave him a discreet look and replied: "That's the Sabre team, from SAS A Squadron."
Harry frowned, intrigued. "SAS? Interesting. And the young blond guy? He seems... out of place, don't you think?"
Another pilot, who seemed to know more about special forces, smiled. — "Oh, this is the Amazing."
— "Amazing?" Harry repeated, confused. "What kind of nickname is that?"
The pilot explained, lowering his voice:
— "That's what the insurgents call him. He's a sniper. They say he's already got over 30 confirmed kills in just two deployments in Iraq. Now he's here in Afghanistan. He's young, but he's one of the best."
Harry was silent for a moment, processing the information.
— "How old is he?"
— "I have no idea. But I heard he's the youngest member of the SAS. He must be about 21, maybe younger."
Harry looked back at the soldier, who was now sitting with his team. The young man was laughing at something one of his companions had said, but there was a certain seriousness in his gaze that showed he knew exactly what he was doing there.
Later, in the barracks, Harry continued to think about the young sniper. How could someone so young carry the weight of so many missions and still maintain his composure? He asked one of his superior officers.
— "Do you know the SAS Sabre team?"
The officer nodded.
— "Of course. They're one of the best teams we have here. Why?"
— "I've been watching in the mess hall. There's a soldier on the team... he looks too young to be in the SAS. Do you know anything about him?"
The officer smiled slightly.
— "Ah, you must mean Trooper Rider. Yes, he's young, but don't underestimate him. He's passed all the tests and qualifications. He's an exceptional sniper, but he's also an expert in CQB. It's a rare combination. Many in the SAS are good at one thing or the other, but Rider is a master of both."
Harry was impressed.
— "And how did he get the nickname, 'Scared'?"
— "The insurgents started calling him that because of his accuracy. They say he eliminates targets before they even realize they're being watched. The name has caught on with the soldiers, too."
The next night, Harry was in the mess hall again when he saw the Saber team enter. This time, he decided to sit next to them. He didn't want to be obvious, but his curiosity about Alex Rider was undeniable.
The Saber team was relaxed, chatting and laughing. Alex, in particular, seemed at ease, although his posture revealed that he was always aware of his surroundings.
Harry noticed that Shepherd, the team captain, was the one leading the conversation. He commanded respect, but he also seemed genuinely close to his men.
As they ate, Harry turned to one of his tablemates and commented,
"I'd like to meet this Rider sometime. He seems like an interesting person."
The pilot next to him laughed.
— "Good luck. SAS guys don't usually talk much about what they do, especially to anyone outside their circle."
Harry nodded, but internally made a promise to himself that at some point he would find an opportunity to talk to the young sniper.
In the days that followed, Harry continued to run into the Sabre team in the mess hall and other spots on the base. Although he didn't have the chance to interact directly with Alex, watched from afar, admiring the determination and professionalism that the young man demonstrated.
To Harry, Alex Rider represented the best of British soldiers: courage, competence and a sense of duty that transcended age. He knew that, soon, the story of this young man would become legendary within the military if it wasn't already.
Chapter 35 – Direct Action
The night in Helmand was dark, with only the faint glow of the stars illuminating the desert. Inside the operations tent, the Sabre team was being given their mission. Maps and satellite imagery were projected onto a makeshift screen, while Captain Alan Shepherd explained the details of the operation.
"Listen up, team," Shepherd began, his voice firm but controlled. "Our mission is to locate and capture a high-ranking Taliban commander. He is holed up in a small village about 20 kilometers north of here. Intelligence indicates that he is using the area as a base of operations to plan attacks against coalition forces. We do not expect heavy resistance, but we must be prepared for anything."
The men nodded silently. Each understood the gravity of the mission.
— "Rider," Shepherd continued, turning to Alex, "you'll act as sniper, providing cover for the team. Collins, Lennox, and Reeves will lead the entry. Carter, you'll stay on the perimeter to provide security. I'll lead the operation from the inside."
Alex nodded, adjusting the boonie hat he wore. He was already mentally reviewing the plan, visualizing every critical point where he could be useful. —
"We leave in an hour," Shepherd finished. "Check your gear and be ready."
Back at the barracks, Alex was checking his L115A3 rifle with meticulous precision. Every component was inspected, disassembled, and reassembled as if it were a ritual. He knew that during the mission, there would be no room for error.
Carter, the team sergeant, walked past him. — "Ready for another one, Rider?"
Alex looked at him and smiled slightly. — "Always, Sergeant. I just hope this time it's as simple as it says in the briefing."
Carter gave a short laugh.
— "It's never simple, kid. But that's why we're here, right?"
Alex nodded, closing the lens cap on his scope.
Shortly afterward, the convoy of vehicles was rolling across the desert. It was nearly silent inside the armored vehicle, with only the sound of engines and the occasional crackle of the radio interrupting the stillness. Alex sat in the backseat, his rifle resting on his lap as he watched the terrain speed past through the narrow windows.
Finally, the convoy stopped a safe distance from the village. Shepherd gathered everyone together before they continued on foot.
— "From now on, complete silence," he ordered. "Rider, find a high position with good visibility. The rest of you, follow me."
Alex broke away from the group, moving quickly across the uneven terrain. He found a small hill that offered a clear view of the village and immediately got into position, adjusting his scope to compensate for the low light. He scanned the area, memorizing every street, every house, every potential hiding place.
— "Rider in position," he radioed.
— "Roger," Shepherd replied. "We're closing in. Report any movement."
Sabre Team entered the village silently, moving through the shadows. The place seemed deserted, but everyone knew that its apparent tranquility could be deceiving.
Alex watched their every move through the scope. Collins and Lennox led, with Reeves close behind. Shepherd and Carter brought up the rear.
Suddenly, Alex noticed a faint glow coming from a second-story window of one of the houses.
— "Contact," he whispered into the radio. "Second house on the left, second floor, window on the right. Movement."
Shepherd responded immediately.
— "Received. Collins, check this house."
Collins and Lennox approached the entrance, moving in absolute silence. Alex kept his sights fixed on the window. He saw a shadow move inside and prepared to fire if necessary.
Collins's entry was swift and precise. The door was kicked open, and he and Lennox entered, guns drawn. The muffled sound of gunfire echoed from inside the house, followed by a tense silence.
"Area clear," Collins radioed. "One enemy down."
As the team continued to sweep the village, Alex noticed more movement, this time in an alley behind one of the houses. Three armed figures were moving quickly, apparently trying to escape.
"Three targets moving," Alex reported. "Alley 50 meters north of your position."
Shepherd immediately directed Reeves and Carter to intercept them, while Alex prepared to fire if necessary. He controlled his breathing, aligned his aim, and waited for the right moment. One of the insurgents turned, raising a gun toward Reeves.
Before he could fire, Alex pulled the trigger. The muffled sound of a gunshot cut through the silence, and the insurgent fell to the ground.
— "One down," Alex reported.
Reeves and Carter dealt with the other two quickly, pinning them down before they could react.
— "Targets captured," Carter reported
With the Taliban commander detained and the insurgents neutralized, Team Saber began to retreat from the village. Alex stepped down from his position and joined the group at the extraction point. Despite the success of the mission, no one relaxed until they were back at base.
In the mess hall, hours later, the mood was one of relief. The mission had been successful with no casualties for the team, and that was always a cause for silent celebration.
Shepherd looked at Alex and nodded.
"Good job today, Rider. You made a difference out there."
Alex gave a slight smile.
"Just doing my part, sir."
Shepherd laughed.
"You always say that, but your 'part' seems to save our lives on a regular basis."
The other team members laughed, and Alex, though usually reserved, allowed himself to relax a bit. He knew there would be more missions to come, but for now, he was satisfied with a job well done.
Chapter 36 – Meeting with Delta Force
It was another hot, dry day at the base in Helmand province. Alex Rider sat at one of the tables in the makeshift mess hall, slowly chewing on a cereal bar while mentally reviewing the Sabre team's latest mission. He wasn't the type to disconnect easily, always looking to improve or learn something new, even in the few hours of rest.
Outside, the sound of helicopters echoed in the distance, a familiar noise to the soldiers. Alex looked up from the table and, through the dusty window, saw two CH-47 Chinook helicopters land on the landing area. He frowned slightly, curious.
"What's that now?" he muttered to himself.
Around him, other soldiers also noticed the arrival of the helicopters, but remained focused on their routines. However, Alex kept watching, sensing that something was different. He saw a dozen men get out of the helicopters.
They were dressed similarly, but their equipment was a bit more advanced than usual. The most striking thing was the confidence with which they moved. Alex narrowed his eyes. He had come across several special forces units during his short but intense career. These men had the posture of seasoned operators.
"Delta Force," said a voice next to Alex, interrupting his thoughts. It was Carter, the Sabre team's sergeant, who sat next to him with a plate of food.
"How do you know?" Alex asked, interested.
Carter shrugged. "You learn to spot the best when you spend enough time in this business. Those are operators from the American Delta Force's A Squadron. If they're here, it means something big is happening."
Alex remained silent, watching the American men as they were greeted by senior officers.
Later that day, Alex and his team were gathered in the operations center, reviewing maps and discussing strategy. Captain Alan Shepherd was in charge of the session, explaining the potential threats in the region.
The door to the room opened, and four men from Delta Force entered. Silence fell instantly. It was rare to see operators from other special forces at the base, especially the famous American "D-Boys".
The leader of the group was a middle-aged man, his face covered by a short, well-groomed beard, with eyes that seemed to analyze every detail around him. He approached Shepherd and extended his hand.
"Major McCallister," he introduced himself, with an unmistakable American accent.
"Captain Shepherd," Shepherd replied, shaking his hand.
The two men exchanged a few formal words before McCallister looked at the Sabre team.
"So, you're the Sabre team," he said, sizing them up. "I've heard good things about you."
Alex felt the Major's eyes pass over him for a brief moment, but the American didn't comment.
McCallister continued.
— "We're here to conduct joint operations. The goal is to increase pressure on insurgent cells in the region. Your team will be essential to that."
Shepherd nodded, and the details began to be discussed. Alex stayed attentive, absorbing everything like a sponge.
Later, Alex was on the base's training ground, adjusting his sniper rifle on a long-range target. He was alone, as he liked to be when he practiced. After a few accurate shots, he heard footsteps behind him.
"Good group," said a deep voice.
Alex turned and saw one of the Delta Force operators, a tall, muscular man with a shaved head and an easy smile.
"Rider, right?" the American asked.
"Yes," Alex replied, unsurprised.
The man extended his hand. "Sergeant Mike Hawkins. I saw you in the mess hall. It seems the reputation of the 'Stunning' has reached us."
Alex shook his hand, maintaining his composure.
— "Reputations are often exaggerated," Alex replied calmly.
Hawkins gave a short laugh.
— "Maybe. But 36 confirmed kills in two deployments and now here... Doesn't seem so far-fetched to me."
The two chatted for a few minutes, swapping stories of operations and techniques. Hawkins seemed impressed with Alex's knowledge, especially considering his age.
— "You've got talent, kid," Hawkins said before walking away. "Delta likes to work with the best. I hope we can do something together soon."
Alex just nodded, returning to his rifle.
That evening, the Sabre team and the men of Delta Force were called into a joint meeting. The briefing was conducted by Shepherd and McCallister, who detailed the impending operation: a coordinated attack on an insurgent stronghold in the mountains.
— "It's a risky mission," McCallister explained, pointing to the map. "But if we can destabilize that base, we cut off a good part of their supply in region."
Shepherd looked at his team.
"You know what to do. Rider, you'll be in a sniper position, as usual. Carter, Lennox, and Collins, you'll work directly with Delta to secure the entry."
Alex paid attention to every detail, surveying the terrain and calculating the best positions.
When the meeting ended, McCallister approached Alex.
"You're young, but you seem to have a lot of experience," he said.
Alex kept his tone professional.
"I learned quickly, sir."
McCallister nodded, looking pleased with the answer.
"We like to work with the best, and it seems you're one of them. Let's see how you do in the field."
Alex didn't answer, just nodded. He knew that on the battlefield, actions spoke louder than words.
As he prepared for bed that night, Alex thought about the mission ahead. Working with Delta Force was a rare opportunity, but he knew it would test him in new ways. He felt the pressure, but he also knew he had prepared his entire life for moments like this.
Deep down, Alex knew that every step he took was shaping not only his career, but also the man he was becoming. And he was ready to show the world and himself what he was capable of.
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