Chapter 12
Attack
I was driven out to a military base 100 miles away. As I arrived, I could here a commotion within the solid walls of the compound. The gate opened, to reveal a mass of men and military equipment making their way into the large building in the middle of the center. When everyone had assembled into the great meeting/auditorium where final plans were made, a man–who I assumed to be the commander—walked on stage. As soon as his foot hit the wood of the stage the room went quiet.
"This is how it works. HELP U operative have been found to be dangerous to world security. We are to invade the base. You have all been briefed as to the battle plans. I will handle concerns and what not; however the head of this mission is an MI6 spy, Alex Rider. Some of you may know him as Cub."
I was motioned to walk up on stage. I cautiously took a step forward, nervous as to how I would be received. I was fourteen, why was I put in charge of some of the most elite military personal in the army? As I walked up on stage I could feel the hundred or so eyes all focused on me. The eyes of many men held laughter and mock. I knew they were thinking I was incapable and they were probably thinking the government was a bunch or idiots in their head (well they were). I noticed K-unit, they all looked surprised; especially Fox, who did not expect to see me after Dragon Nine.
"Good afternoon. I know many of you are wondering why a 14 year old boy is standing in front of the best military personal in Britain. Truthfully, I do not know. But I will tell you I am here for the same reason as you, to put an end to the HELP U organization before it can cause the same widespread damage as SCORPIA." I went one to explain the building they were to invade, the dangers, and the strengths of the operatives. I could tell after I finished that most of the men were surprised that I was semi-competent.
The men then broke up into the groups that would be used in the invasion. I was placed with K-unit. I dreaded actually talking to them. I was not looking forward to the questions they would ask me. I resolved to remain as silent as possible and to not announce my presence, which would be like opening myself up to questioning. As I approached K-unit, Fox looked up and noticed me.
"Cub," Fox started. The rest of K-unit looked up, obviously eager to question me. "What are you doing on a mission again?"
"Again?" responded the rest of K-unit.
I remained silent.
"Well obviously you are here. May I ask about that man on Dragon Nine? He seemed to know you, and not just as an enemy."
"Wait, Cub was the agent you were with?"
I felt Ben at least deserved to know who he shot.
"Yes, I was with Fox. The man was my godfather."
Ben's face held one of shock. "Oh Cub, I am so sorry."
"It's fine."
"Cub I just killed you last living relative." K-unit was definitely interested now.
"He was a traitor."
"What do you mean?" I knew this question would come up, but I realized Ben had a right to know.
"He planted the bomb on my parents' flight, then signed me up to be sold as body parts." Ben could not have been any more shocked.
"I am sorry for asking."
"Don't worry; I had to file a report about it."
"Why would they make you do that?"
"I have quit asking why."
We finished putting our equipment on in silence. I felt a familiar presence. As I looked up and saw Mrs. Jones look around and walk my way. I figured she wanted to talk to K-unit, so I continued checking my equipment. Once again, I did not get a gun.
"Alex." I realized Mrs. Jones was standing in front of me waiting for my attention.
"Yes, Mrs. Jones."
"You realize spies should be able to sense danger." A sly smile appeared on her face.
"Well, when one sees their boss, who they are about to go risk their life for, they usually don't get to defensive. However, I could get defensive thinking you were trying to get me killed."
"And how am I doing that?"
"By sending me into an invasion without a gun."
"But you have personal body guards—"
"Hey we are NOT personal body guards, we are highly trained military personal." K-unit interrupted in disdain.
"As I was saying you have protection. But I am not here to bicker with you. I am here because your father and uncle asked to take part in the invasion."
"No."
"Wait Alex's father and uncle are alive? I thought they were dead." Ben inquired very curious.
"Well, MI6 thought they were dead. But they were recently found alive. Alex's parents, however, had no memory of who they were until they met Alex in the middle of the street. Of course, then they were attacked by HELP U operatives." Mrs. Jones responded. "Alex, anyway it's fine that you said no."
"WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO?" came the enraged voices of John and Ian. I looked around to see we had attracted a lot of attention.
"If you quiet down, you can come. You are NOT, however, my responsibility."
"Yah, we get to share embarrassing stories about our kiddy wink." A very, overly excited Eagle attached himself to me.
"And who would you be?" inquired John.
"We are K-unit, the unit Alex trained with." Fox answered.
"I see. And you did not think to ask why a fourteen year old boy was training with you?" Ian almost spat out.
"No…" Wolf replied carelessly, and then thought for a moment before saying. "We figured his father was a powerful man, who thought no training camp was too good for his son. We did not know he was a spy until long after Cub left."
Ian and John remained silent. The bell went off, indicating it was time to make our way to the HELP U building.