Alex Rider: Life goes on

Backup

Waiting.

Alex had never been a particularly patient person, but sitting alone ( apart from the unconscious man in the corner), Alex had never felt more impatient and nervous.

What if it was too late.
What if they could not bring down the operation.

The fate of Britain and the rest of the world rested on his shoulders. Not that it hadn't before.

There was a knock on the door.
Then he heard the lock click.

A group of men dressed fully, in black body armour and carrying light machine guns walked carefully and quietly in an expertly manoeuvred formation into the hallway.

When they spotted Alex they lowered their guns.

"Alex rider" one of the men said and walked towards him leaving the group.

"We got your message. This is Y unit", he indicated to the group of men behind him.
"We were on a training mission when we got your message. There all young for SAS standards but compared to you there ancient."

"I can handle myself" Alex replied

"Yes you can" the man said admiration apparent in his voice.

" This may well be all the support you get Rider."

"When you sent out your message agents of the impostors attacked our agents. Many were killed but most went into hiding".

"We were lucky. When we got your message I was the one to receive it not one of the impostors which was why I was able to bring this lot to your location so quickly".

"I'm not sure that there will be any others who were so lucky."

"So this is it then" Alex said with a grimace.

"I think so" the man replied.

"Well, priority is taking back the headquarters, the royal and general"

" I have a plan but there is certainly room for improvement" Alex said, his voice betraying his uncertainty.