CHAP 1

If you could die to save another, would you make that choice?

Alex Rider considered the question as he sat in class.

A few years ago, the answer would have been yes without any hesitation. All his schoolboy's heroes- Bond, Indiana Jones, would have crept into his mind, and filled it with their ideals. But now...

Others had made that choice for him. MI6 had not cared whether he had lived or died. Saving the world. It should have made him a hero, given him a big head, a fan club.

But although he had risked his life for a million people he did not know, he knew now that he would have difficulty doing it for one.

And, unsurprisingly, right on that thought, the speakers droned his name, calling him to the office and cutting through his thoughts.

He walked up to the office unwillingly. He knew now what a trip to the office meant.

But when he walked in it was just a girl was standing there, staring at him calmly. She was beautiful, but this did not register with him. He saw her as a potential enemy.

She was about 15, and had long, black hair. She looked to be of Indian descent, but he could not be sure.

"I am..." she started but the dull-looking woman beside her cut through.

"This is Meenal," she said, and the girl nodded energetically.

Alex looked questioningly at them both.

"And I am here...?"

"You are here," said Meenal, in a lightly accented voice, "to look after me. I know nobody here and have been put in your class. I requested you."

Was there a subtle hint in those words?

"Oh.." He was unsure what to say.

"Yes." She smiled. "Could we... go outside?"

"Of course"

They walked outside. Alex took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, but I would stay out of my way. It's… not safe."

The hurt showed in her eyes, but she hid it well.

"I was born here," Meenal said quietly.

"Oh…" He faltered. "No! I'm not… I'm not racist, really."

"You would just prefer…"

He felt horrible, but knew it was necessary.

"Just stay away. I am… dangerous."

She stared at the ground, too upset to look at him.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. She lifted her head then, pride flashing in her eyes. And for a brief moment, she reminded him of Sabina, and he almost took back his words.

But, although it might not have appeared as such, he had made a sacrifice.