Chapter 14: Fun and Games

The rest of the trip had been surprisingly uneventful. Alex had been mountain biking with Ian by day and studying his Russian and computer programming by night. Gibraltar had been especially picturesque. The bike had been a bit of a stiff one, even for Alex, but once they got up to the top it was stunning. The signs had warned people in at least twenty-seven languages not to eat or drink in front of the apes. One lady had done it anyway and Alex had turned just in time to see a five-hundred-pound ape swoop in a grab the crackers from her hand and then eat them out of the package. It was funny to him, but she had screamed. She didn't even have a bruise. The view was spectacular and Alex could see the multicolored, busy city below. The cars looked like matchboxes and the buildings looked like toys. Seeing the apes up close without having some evil villain set them on him was also nice. He had forgotten how much he liked seeing large animals when they weren't trying to kill or eat him. These ones actually looked healthy, too. Their skin was unbruised; their eyes were clear and they all looked very well fed and groomed.

They had also spent time on the beaches together, although they were very rocky. The water was actually blue and the weather was warm enough for surfing, which he had done. Ian had been particularly watchful the entire three weeks. Alex could barely convince the man that they didn't need to share a hotel room to sleep in. As much as he loved Ian, he did like having some alone time. Plus, he was keeping up with his independent studies. There really wasn't a way to comfortably explain why he felt the need to study what he did. Alex was also concealing it from Jack because she would think that Ian put him up to it and try to convince him to do some normal activities. While he appreciated the effort, his time was mostly better served actually learning. Alex was also studying exactly what he would need to pass his GCSEs. Even if something did interfere with his schooling, he refused to do poorly on those. It would keep his future options wide open. Alex stared at the sea on his last day of vacation. He wasn't really looking forward to anything at school except seeing more of Tom. Another thing he could be upset at Blunt for. Although he hadn't been able to prove the man had sent the shooter, it was the only thing that made sense and it had turned out far too conveniently to be a coincidence.

Yassen had not really been what Alex expected, either. The assassin had never been playful; of course, they had been in each other's way in the past. Alex wasn't sure how to deal with him. He supposed that he was different than what he had been, before. Old Alex would have tried to turn him in or threatened to kill him again. This time, he knew he could not kill or betray the man in cold blood. Julius Grief on the other hand… At any rate, it was a puzzle he was unlikely to solve. Cossack probably knew exactly what would happen when he gave Alex the note, hence the not coming back to the hotel. Alex did not feel guilty taking it back, though. He knew collecting notes wouldn't win him points in the sanity department, but he wanted something he could physically touch as a reminder. It was nice to have the notes and he already had a hollow portion of wall in the back of his closet (in Chelsea) that had Jack's note. Yassen's would be added to the collection. He sincerely hoped Ian never found it. That would be a fun conversation. No, he wasn't paranoid at all. Alex cut his gaze quickly around the beach. There weren't any agents around, but you couldn't be too careful. At least Yassen had given Alex an excuse to gently push an ASH investigation. Alex decided to have the original note go 'missing' after he made a copy for Ian. Balancing the agent and the assassin in his life was becoming delicate. He hadn't thought Ian would take it so personally. The man seemed to take it as a personal affront or failure that Alex had gone pretty much behind his back. Alex didn't ask questions, so why would it go the other way around? The other agents hadn't cared if Alex did his own thing, though he hadn't done anything similar or counterproductive in the past.

Ian Rider was puzzled. Most people, if they received a note from an assassin, would run screaming from the room and hysterically call the nearest law enforcement. Alex had not only gotten a note and kept it secret, but also initiated contact and deliberately plotted to be unhelpful for law enforcement. Technically, he could be arrested for treason at worst and obstruction at best. Why on earth would Alex care about Yassen? The man was practically stalking him and Alex seemed to be egging him on, like it was a game. Didn't Alex know the man was a complete psychopath who shot people for a living? Ian thought it had been pretty clear when he told Alex about John to never, ever approach that man. Maybe he should have directly told him that? It seemed like common sense to Ian, but Alex seemed to just shrug away the danger and give him insufferably vague answers as to why he wasn't afraid of the world's best assassin. Ian knew full well all the implications of 'it won't happen again'. Alex could have meant it in the sincerest way possible (he doubted it) or he could just mean the situation wouldn't happen again (more likely). That left Ian with the alarming possibility of Alex shielding Gregorovich. The possibility that Alex could end up in the man's dubious care had also crossed his mind.

Yassen Gregorovich wasn't the sort to demand all the surveillance videos of his own work, but this time he made an exception. For whatever reason, Alex had covered for him or he had just not done anything. Either way, he knew Alex would hand the note over eventually. Ian was no slouch and would spot all the tells that Alex hadn't quite been able to conceal. When he heard the audio from their conversation (closer to an interrogation, really), he was surprised at Alex's resistance to giving him up. Most people would have no qualms seeing him dead or tortured (the joys of being a terrorist assassin). The boy had not struck him as particularly compassionate; in fact, he had been cold and as unsentimental as himself upon the deaths of three people less than a foot away from him. He hoped the imbeciles would get the message on who to investigate, but if not he knew the one he actually cared about had gotten the message. Yassen figured the last part had been an excuse for Ian, who should know better than to have that conversation outside the walls of MI6. At least Alex seemed to have his priorities organized. Yassen could respect a person who could consciously admit to weighing other people's' lives and deciding who meant more- he had done so for many missions. He vaguely wondered if Alex would turn out more like him or his (rather careless in his opinion) uncle. Personally, he was hoping for himself. Morals and patriotism got people killed, after all. It was time to get Alex an early present.

Alex was desperately trying not to be annoyed with his uncle. Ian meant well…He was just very, very persistent. Alex didn't really want to talk about Cossack anymore, but Ian seemed determined to convince him that the man was dangerous (no shit, Sherlock) and a terrorist who deserved to die (Alex didn't think people had a right to decide that sort of thing, call it personal experience) and that he should tell Ian the minute he saw him (no way in hell!). Maybe he was being irrational, but whatever he and Yassen had was between them. It was the only really stressful part of the vacation. He compensated by studying more Russian and programming. It helped calm some of the anxiety. By the time Alex got off the boat back home, he was ready to bang his head against the wall. He had no idea that his uncle was this argumentative or felt that strongly about who he talked to or rather wrote to. Alex decided to escape his (now nightly) Yassen lecture by unpacking the minute they got home with his door closed and locked. He finished putting everything away in what was probably record time, just so he could have around an hour of peace before dinner. When he opened the bathroom drawer to put his comb away, he saw a slim package in red wrapping paper. Wearily he used his letter opener and one of his shirts to open the package without touching it and held his breath. To his relief, it was a phone. Red for Russia, and there was only one Russian he knew. Alex double checked the door before turning it on and entering Cossack as the password. It opened up to a home screen and showed one text message.

This phone is untraceable, provided you do not share it. Text for casual conversation and calls under three minutes for emergenciesonly.

-C

Alex knew another thing he was keeping on him at all times. He was so dead if Ian ever found out about this. Alex decided to type in Russian, just for the extra trouble it would cause MI6 to translate if they ever took his phone.

Got your present. Thank you by the way. I don't plan to share, but if this gets confiscated I will try to warn you or destroy it. Nice shots.

-A

P.S. Hope my Russian is ok. I'm learning.

Alex was surprised at the quick reply. The man must have been bored. Then again, he had met some of the people who hired Yassen and he would be relieved to have any kind of sane conversation working for them to.

Fine so far. The warning itself will do, though I would prefer the destruction after it. One would think you would be more patriotic considering your family.

-C

Alex snorted at the obvious prompt. Yassen was in no way indirect, but it made a nice change from the normal ambiguity to his life.

Kinda hard, when the only difference between sides is the end goal. Besides, have you met Alan Blunt? That guy is a creep. I have to go after this, family dinners are alive and well, you know.

-A

Cossack was still surprised at the willingness of Alex to talk with him. He felt vaguely amused at the text. But, he had seen Alex. Even now, he was better than Ian Rider and most (if not all) agents. Ian was the best in his field, currently. Cossack was the best in his own right, as well. Whatever Alex chose to do, he would be the best in his own field. That and the fact that he was surprisingly loyal had prompted this move. He texted back before sitting down in his current transport and thinking for the longest time he had in a while.

Death jokes, again? No, I haven't, but the rumors about him are fairly unsavory, even for an intelligence director. Rumor has it that even his allies fear him. Then again, he can ruin a life with a wave of his hand. Goodnight.

-C

Alex made sure to hide the phone in a concealed waist pouch, designed against pickpockets. He could carry it in his pocket at school, but Ian would notice if he suddenly had two phones. Alex would probably conceal it in a box with a false bottom. The wood shop students always gave them out because they were considered too basic for a portfolio, since it was the first thing most of them made. Actually...he already had one. Now, all he had to do was follow with maps from his trip, a few papers from other trips. He knew he'd find a use for that thing eventually and now it had one. After dinner, he would handle it.

When Alex got downstairs, he expected Jack and Ian to be at the table. Instead, he found Ian and Mrs. Jones. Were they tossing the basic illusion of secrecy in all but name out? Alex was not in the mood for anything to do with MI6 at the moment. He very nearly turned around and went back upstairs. Alex reminded himself he was supposed to act ten. "Um, I can go back upstairs if you want to talk some more. Where is Jack, by the way?" Mrs. Jones was pleasantly surprised by his manners, some kids would whine if they had to wait ten minutes extra or eat dinner with their guardian's boss. She was trying to handle this delicately. "It's nice of you to offer, but we actually want to talk to you." Alex almost groaned. That wasn't ominous at all. "Here's a copy. The original got lost in the packing. I can't help you much besides that." Alex was trying to avoid talking to her on actual business as possible. "Also, not to be rude, but shouldn't it be the police or Interpol that gets this?" It would be a fair question, if he didn't already know why they were forking it over to Jones. "You'll see." Alex was actually far from impressed with that. "Ok by me." He shrugged for effect. Alex knew he would regret eating with the two of them, but it wasn't like he had a choice.

The second he sat down Jones opened a Manila folder and handed him the OSA form. "Read and sign please." Alex wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at the irony. Of course, he knew this particular form by heart. "That was a quick read, Alex." Alex decided to throw her a loop. "I know this one by heart. I can even recite it in French if you want." Jones actually smirked at him. "Then you know the consequences of breaking it." Alex knew he was pinned. Ian rolled his eyes at his nephew's antics. Alex decided to play whatever game Jones was at. "So what's the big secret? Let me guess, you guys are all spies." Jones sighed and ignored the sarcasm. "Very astute, Alex." Alex gave her the you must be kidding me look. "Fine. What do you want from me, right now?" The food tasted like ash, right now. Alex could barely swallow. "Most people have questions." Alex gave her a get on with it glare. "Most people are morons who live in a pretty black and white world where spying is a glamorous dream." He wondered if he came off to cynical. "In other words, some things I would rather not know." Alex wished for mind bleach sometimes. Jones wondered if Alex was trying to make her job difficult. Weren't children supposed to want to know everything and be idealistic? She made the executive decision to show him. Part of her knew it was wrong, but she wanted him to see. She wanted him to know why people like Yassen Gregorovich needed to be gone from the world. Jones took out all the pictures from the collection she mentally dubbed Cossack's most hideous kills. They depicted (most likely X-rated) acts of butchery.

Alex took in the pictures with only a vague sense of distaste. Three's books had similar diagrams and he had seen gore before. "I assume you have a reason for bringing that to the dinner table." Alex said as nonchalantly as possible. Maybe it was immature, but he decided to fuck with her by appearing completely undisturbed by the pictures that would make ordinary grown men vomit. They both look at him like he's from another planet. Maybe he had gone too far? Alex waits for them to start speaking and started eating again. The food still tasted like ash, though he knew it was normally good. He felt a dark satisfaction at shocking them into silence for nearly a minute. "A true pacifist and most others would have been unable to continue their meal." Jones stated. Alex felt the atmosphere change from friendly to interrogation. He looked directly into her eyes. "I believe in self-defense, Mrs. Jones. War can be complicated, but it serves a purpose. Pictures don't match up to the true gore, which I have seen and continued eating. Since when have I ever been a pacifist?" Jones was becoming increasingly concerned that Alex might not be all the way there, so to speak. "Since your main objection to Cossack's capture was the use of torture. Why would you care when the man is a butcher himself?" Alex considered it for a minute; he couldn't tell her the real reason. "So we should descend to his level? I believe that people should not become the monsters that they hunt." Jones left the pictures out and seemed to remember that she was talking to him. "We'll discuss this at a later time. For now, you tell me everything that happened from the time you spotted Cossack to the time you got here." Alex told her everything, minus the critical details of his new phone and what happened to the note. It wouldn't be Yassen if he wasn't ruthless. Alex didn't really mind the seeing kills that he already knew at the back of his mind had happened. The part of Alex that had taken the chance to come back was the same part that could tolerate the shooting of people and knew that he could easily become the very assassin he was protecting. Butchery was not a new sight for him. At least this put him out of running for any kind of job in the legal side of intelligence, unless he changed his views. Alex could no longer accept the role of puppet and so he had to be something neither side could touch. Plus, he cared more about making sure Yassen and Ian never had their confrontation than a few more dead people. He had finished his meal a few minutes ago. "May I be excused?" Ian answered this time, his tone surprisingly gentle. "Of course you may."

Alex made sure to use the vents to eavesdrop. They did echo, after all. As it turns out, he could've just sat and listened to the shouting. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT JONES?!" Wow, Ian never shouted. "Excuse me? Your nephew conveniently decided not to report facts and probably cherry-picked the ones he did tell us." Ian was not really mollified by that at all. "THOSE PICTURES ARE PRACTICALLY X-RATED! HELL, THEY GIVE ME NIGHTMARES!" Jones could understand where he was coming from, but they had a job to do. "The point of them, as you know, was to demonstrate the more violent traits of the man we are trying to convince your extremely closed-mouthed nephew to give up. If you don't quit shouting, you will be punished for insubordination." Ian decided to calm down. "And what if he does have problems?" Jones huffed. "We have perfectly good staff for that and he is welcome to join you in your free medical care." Ian bit back a growl. "So to be perfectly clear, you decided to traumatize Alex because you think he might be hiding something." Ian knew he was holding a double-standard, but whatever Alex was hiding was between him and Alex. "He seemed perfectly fine to me." Jones said in a completely neutral tone. "Ever heard of shock?" Ian snapped. Jones decided to excuse his tone. "People in shock don't eat. Perhaps you should take him anyway. Anyone who displays that amount of indifference to their first time seeing those pictures…" Ian's eyes flashed dangerously. "The day I let him near a platoon of shrinks under Blunt's thumb is the day hell freezes over." Ian's tone told her the conversation was over. "Goodnight, Tulip." It was much gentler now. "Goodnight, Ian." Alex breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the door shut behind her.

Alex sat down on his bed breathing hard. He hated this. There was also the fact they knew he had spotted Yassen. Alex leaned his head against the wall, the cold helped a little. Ian decided to take that moment to walk in on him. The man looked absolutely horrified at what had just occurred. "Alex, I am so, so sorry." At the moment, he could no longer keep his tone even. "It's fine." Ian looked at him. "No, it's not. Alex, you are shaking." Alex hadn't realized that he actually was. Ian decided to continue. "Please don't spare my feelings. I don't even think you even know the meaning of the word, if this is fine for you." The room felt freezing. Ian was lightly moving towards him. The man gave him time to back away, if he wanted. Alex decided enough was enough and began to steady his breathing with his eyes closed. He felt rather than saw Ian sit next to him on the bed and pull him close. Alex leaned into the touch. The room seemed to be thawing again. "I had no idea what she planned to Alex, I promise. I never would have let her into the house if I had." Alex could barely contain his flinch at the reminder. "I believe you." Alex actually did. Ian had never knowingly hurt him before and Alex doubted he would start now.

He nearly started crying when he remembered he had school the next day. How the hell was he supposed to act normal after this? Ian left a little later, and for the first time since he came back, Alex had trouble sleeping. He stared at the sky as the moon steadily rose. His hands almost unconsciously found the phone he had been given. It was untraceable, waterproof, and would probably work anywhere in the world. The box was simple. The papers were easy to find. The phone fit into the false bottom like a charm. Alex wondered if he would ever stop feeling like he was betraying his uncle when he looked at the phone or if he would ever not feel guilty giving MI6 even the slightest hint to finding Cossack. Well, if he wasn't sleeping, he may as well study Russian and programming. Alex finally felt tired at about one in the morning. Five hours of sleep was better than no hours of sleep (he knew from experience). The books were carefully shut and hidden beneath the mattress. Alex stretched out on the bed and promptly passed out.

Alex Rider wasn't the only one who had trouble sleeping that night. Ian Rider regretted ever letting Jones come into their house. She had decided against excluding Alex when she had actually read the police report and Ian's scan of the note. Starbright was out on a date, not that Ian was overly concerned. She seemed like a smart woman. He paced his office forward and back. At least if Alex slipped in front of anyone from the Bank he would have already signed the official secrets act. Ian was uncertain for what was not the first time this month. His bosses were particularly ruthless when it came to SCORPIA. It wasn't entirely Alex's fault, but Ian couldn't conceal the entire truth from his bosses this time and he was afraid for what it meant for Alex's future. Jones wasn't as subtle as she thought in her attempts to convince Alex of her view of things. Ian was going to take a huge risk and show him exactly what made this particular house special. The office was only the beginning. MI6 didn't exactly know about all of his adjustments, either. The blueprints had been 'lost' and only on paper when the place was originally built. Ian and John were far from the first spies and soldiers in the family. The technology had been updated, of course. The password was long, but appropriate.

Aut inveniam viam aut faciam.

I find a way or I make one. Ian considered it the de facto family motto. The family also kept considerable amounts of classified information that included their missions down there, as a sort of family diary. Ian had an entry or two to make, and they would be long. He started at the point where he had gotten back from his last official mission. They also stored copies of legal documents and what they considered useful equipment and training areas. It was soundproof and generally attack proof. There was also a list of known strongholds both active and inactive and known intelligence people. The encryption was far better than anything anyone else had and the computer did not connect to the Internet; it was for storage only. Ian had 'acquired' the family's equipment over the years and kept it down here as well. His parents had died in an accident. The family of the Helen had been Mossad, as far as Ian could tell. Helen had been the only civilian and not in the know. They had been killed in a bombing in one of the many Middle Eastern wars during a family reunion. Ian had managed to obtain their equipment, among other things. He knew that storing all of their personal effects wouldn't win him points in the sanity department, but he couldn't bear to get rid of the only reminders of the dead. Alex seemed to have started his own collection. Ian had heard him sawing at the wall, though he hadn't identified which part of it, even after he checked the room three times. No, he wasn't paranoid at all, just careful.

He finished entering his new information and legal document at about midnight. Ian knew he had to get Alex to school tomorrow and decided that six hours of sleep was better than no hours of sleep (he knew from experience). The basement was a family secret; no one else knew about it. No one else would know about it. Ian replaced the bookshelf in its usual position and silently climbed the stairs. The alarm was set for six o'clock a.m. Ian did not sleep well at all that night. The vivid bloody images mingled with his mind and not for the first time he had a series of nightmares. Of course, his worst nightmare would always be the same. Ian had no idea what he would do if anything ever happened to Alex or what Alex would do if something happened to him. Ian could admit to himself that Alex probably had a dark side. It made him shudder to think about. The brightest lights cast the darkest shadows, after all. Alex...Alex would be better than him….better than anyone if he could help it. Ian could train him all he wanted, but in the end it was up to Alex and Alex was only human, no matter how well trained. The empty look he had gotten after their almost argument in the hotel…Whatever Alex chose to do with his life, Ian knew he would be a legend.

Both men were woken by screeching alarms and with sighs. Alex quickly dressed in the uniform he had laid out last night and the backpack he had packed the night before. Jack had made breakfast and his lunch before she had gone out, which Alex found when he went down the stairs. He decided to heat up Ian's breakfast as well as put the coffee on. He had packed his extra books, just in case he was horribly bored in class. Ian Rider dressed in a suit, so he took slightly longer to get ready. He went down the stairs and found Alex eating his breakfast. A glance at the clock told him that it was record time for any kid to get ready. Who the hell had kids that could get up and dressed in fifteen minutes or less? Oh well, it was better than being late. Since they were obscenely early after breakfast, Ian decided to take the scenic route. They drove around London until it was closer to time for school to start. Even then, Alex arrived about fifteen minutes early for school. He was fully awake and aware. The feeling of being out of place was not unfamiliar as he dodged one of his sleepier classmates, who were only just now beginning to register their surroundings. Alex decided running to his locker and class was not out of line, even if no running was allowed in the hallways. It was a real shame that the summer break was over.

Alex had to go to home room to get his schedule, and checked it over. He had Maths, English, Spanish, French, Government, History, Science, and P.E. At least none of it looked horribly complicated when he checked the syllabi the teachers gave him. They were all quite dull, but it was only the first day of school. Alex was sad to hear that Tom had different teachers, but not surprised. Tom wasn't taking as many language classes. They did, at least, have the same lunch period. He was looking forward to seeing his best friend again. Alex sat down in his usual spot and waited for Tom to get there. Predictably, Tom walked in humming a cheerful tune five minutes into lunch. "Did you hear about the new funding the civics department is getting?" Alex contained a groan; this kind of reeked of meddling by certain higher powers. "Apparently not, Tom, do tell." Tom grinned. "Well, I heard about 'cause I have Government first, right. The teacher was all excited. Apparently, some stuffy old government dude wanted us hooligans to be more patriotic or something. It's the most excited I've ever seen any of 'em." Alex snorted and then paused. "Army recruitment is at a low point, I suppose." It might be self-centered, but he couldn't help thinking that this was somehow because of him. Tom continued. "You know, I always said that guy was a little too attached to that subject." Alex groaned out loud at that, but couldn't help the chance at retaliation. "Tom, there are some things I'd rather not know about your personal fantasies." That got him whacked with an empty lunchbox. Alex gave Tom his most innocent look. "You started it."

The teacher on lunch monitor duty was making a beeline for them. "Boys, this is your verbal warning. No horseplay in the cafeteria." Alex decided now was a good time to pack up and dump his empty tray. Tom and Alex headed towards the library, since it was the only other place they were allowed to go to during lunch. It was usually empty, and today was no exception. "Ian took me on trips all summer, mate, sorry about not being in touch." Tom sighed. "The arguing keeps Jerry and me up at night. It's fine though, I get that Ian isn't the most...around, you know." It was Alex's turn to sigh. "You can come over if you want, you know." Tom gave him a faintly pleased look. "Thanks, man." On that cheerful note, the bell rang and startled both of them. They both went in opposite directions from each other and onto the second half of their day. Alex wanted to do something about Tom's situation. He knew he could, but he wanted something that wouldn't get him in trouble with the law, or more importantly Tom. Alex was so intent on forming a plan he almost walked right by his classroom. Thankfully, he could be excused for that on the first day back at school.

It was Spanish class, but the topics they were going over were ones he had mastered years ago. Alex payed attention on principle, but his attention occasionally wandered to the clock on the wall and a certain Russian. Alex hadn't realized he'd been drifting until the teacher suddenly asked a question. "Mr. Rider, what do you have to say about the political situation in Spain?" Alex perked up, challenge accepted. Then, he answered her in what he knew was perfect Spanish. He started with the strikes and corruption and ended with the assassination he had witnessed (he left that part out). "Very good Mr. Rider, but I would appreciate your full attention in the future. Speak to me after class." Alex did his absolute best to look alert and attentive for the class. The bell rang and everyone else left. Alex tried not to look to on edge. "I'll write you a pass, Alex." Alex had the good grace to look contrite. The teacher looked at him kindly. "You seem to have mastered this particular language over the summer. I don't think this class or any class I can offer you would be challenging enough for you, at least for Spanish." He really wasn't sure what to say. "What other languages are you interested in? We can see if I have anymore that overlap." Alex almost cheered. "I'm interested in Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. I already started on Russian, but it's slow going." The teacher smiled at him. "I think I can arrange for that. You'll be doing worksheets for most classes, but we can arrange for time to practice speaking on the oral days with everyone else." Alex was glad; he did actually like learning languages. "Thank you." The teacher wrote him a pass. "You are welcome, Alex." He went off to his next class. Neither of them noticed the tiny bug-shaped object take off from the window.

Alex was quickly excused by his teacher and sat through the rest of his classes without incident. His French teacher told him to keep up the good work. The last class of the day was government. Tom was right; the teachers were positively glowing with pride. They started going on about the generous donation from several government officials. Once they got to the PowerPoint about the new books and 'patriotic' activities they would be doing, Alex began wondering what exactly Blunt had blackmailed the politicians with. The new textbooks were passed out and when Alex saw the first paragraph he almost shut it mid-class. The people who made the glorified propaganda for children had clearly never learned the meaning of the word subtle. He experimentally flipped to a chapter at the end of the book and barely kept back a growl. They completely glossed over the imperialist plots in India and didn't mention casualty numbers about some of the more modern wars that Alex knew he could find in books for adults. At least he knew the history well enough that he could get away with not reading the 'textbook' for both America and Britain (and a few others). Ian had started Alex's education with very accurate lectures when he was very young. Alex decided he would be using that homework time to skim through the book and take the required notes and then brush up on his Russian history with Ian's books. The home library was good for anything non-fiction. He could actually pass most of his GCSEs right now if he wanted- he had checked.

Alex decided to show Ian the gag-worthy book when he got home. Little did he know, Ian would have a whole set of questions for him. Alex's phone buzzed three minutes after the last bell rang. Tom was asking for an escort home and Ian had told him to take the tube. It worked out perfectly for Alex. Alex and Tom rode together during rush hour. Neither bothered trying to speak over the general buzz from the crowds. They got off together and Alex took Tom home. A gloomy silence had settled over his friend. "Good luck, mate." Tom snorted, almost bitterly. "Night, Alex." Alex walked the short distance to his house alone, determined not to be paranoid. He opened the door to his house and stepped inside. Alex barely held back his impulse to jump when he was pulled into a hug. He returned it immediately when he realized it was Jack. "Afternoon, Jack." She was here, and Alex could barely look at her without tearing up in relief. He hadn't realized that he had been that worried about her. Jack was as energetic as ever and Alex was glad to see that she was unchanged. The only difference he noted was the faint bite mark on her neck. Since he was too young to comment on it, he left it alone. The woman who was like an older sister to him deserved someone nice in her life, after all.

They had dinner together, and Alex didn't bother asking when Ian would get home. It had been a long time ago that he just accepted that his uncle would sometimes be late or not there with little to no warning. He just made small talk with Jack, who asked about his day, and finished his dinner. Alex completed his assigned homework in under an hour and then went back to studying what he actually wanted to learn after doing his entire workout indoors. They taught indoor and outdoor versions of workouts at Malgasto, too. Alex was actually shocked to hear Ian come into the house much later that night. It was more early evening. Usually, the man would be on a 'business trip' by now. It was lucky he hadn't decided to use his phone, because Ian chose that moment to knock on the door. Alex closed his Russian book with a snap and shoved it under the mattress. "Come, in." Ian did and sat at Alex's desk. "So, how was your first day back?" Alex wondered why Ian wanted to know, since he usually left that stuff to Jack. "Um, fine. Actually, have you seen the new textbook? It's really...just look." Ian took the book, flipped it open and snorted. "That's the nicest description of colonization I have ever read." Ian snapped it shut. "Read up some of the library books on your own time." Ian seemed to be thinking for a minute. "When did you start learning Russian?" Alex's mouth fell open. "You bugged my school?!" Ian gave him a look. "It was stunningly easy, besides I worry about you." He glared at the man. "You don't think that may have been a little bit overboard?" Ian gave him a look that said hypocrite. "You don't think critical condition is overboard for people following you? Besides it's only for a week." Alex was rather shocked.

"You didn't answer my question, either." Alex sighed. "Two months or so ago." Ian wasn't near done. "When you found out about my job specifics, then. Why didn't you tell me?" Alex shrugged. He had honestly just forgotten he was supposed to tell adults these things. "You would have found out anyway. I'm sure they left you a message from school." Ian fixed him with and exasperated look. "You are supposed to tell me these things. And where are your books?" Alex felt himself mentally groan. "Under the mattress." Ian actually snorted. "Really, Alex? Up and let me see which ones." Alex decided to brace himself for when Ian found the other textbooks for hardware and software under his bed. "Alex, why do you have restricted material under your bed?" Ian actually sounded concerned. "Smithers sent it to me. I wanted to learn some stuff about computers." Wonderful, Ian wanted to hiss. Instead he managed to keep his irritation at his colleague's interference in check. "Next time, just tell me. I'm not mad or anything and it's good you wanted to learn on your own." Ian left Alex to breathe a sigh of relief. No wonder Smithers had helped him surveil the school, he was less irritated with the since he had helped him and since he seemed to have Alex's best interests in mind. Perhaps he was being overprotective, but he didn't like the idea of anyone he worked with near Alex for too long. Still, with the Russian and computers, Alex was basically doomed if he wanted a career outside intelligence.

Ian sometimes wished Alex was less brilliant. He had already attracted unwanted attention from Jones, Crawley, Smithers, and Gregorovich. Now all he needed was to get Blunt's attention and he would have the complete set. Ian hoped to keep him off of Alan Blunt's radar. In his own way, he could be every bit as ruthless as the assassin. Ian's worst fear, besides Alex being dead, was Alex being forced into the service. It was supposed to be voluntary. He revised his plans to showing Alex the basement. It could wait for the weekend. Ian went to his office; a surprising amount of paperwork was involved in his line of work. Jones also sent him the codes she couldn't crack, when he had 'free' time. Ian was not really in the mood to help her right now, so he ignored his email. Instead he looked into that government initiative. It just reeked of something Jones might have the politicians do once in a while. She did manage some of their reputations after all. Sure enough, some of the sponsors were people he knew were under her thumb. He wondered what she thought she was playing at. Oh well, he had already bugged the school. It wasn't like he couldn't monitor it and 'forget' to give Smithers his bugs back. The man wasn't exactly a tightwad when it came to devices, when they were properly appreciated.

Alex had pulled out his new phone and texted Yassen. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but Alex had never let danger stop him.

Jones seems a little obsessed with you, if her file is anything to go by. We had a nice "chat" and I signed a bunch of papers.

-A

Yassen mentally sighed. The habit of concealing emotions was so ingrained that he did it even when nobody could see him. Jones seemed to be taking far too much interest in Alex, however. The pictures can't have been age appropriate for children, either.

That seems egregiously inappropriate. When did her interest in you begin? Normally, she would have maintained cover.

-C

Alex wondered if he hadn't just shortened the woman's lifespan by a few decades. Inappropriate? Since when was Yassen parental? Well, he had tried to stop Alex when he was fourteen, but that was different. This version seemed, if anything, slightly more protective.

Well, there was this dinner party that Ian and I didn't really want to… Anyway, I debated her to distract her from that prank and she's been on my case ever since. I think they're behind some new curriculum at my school, to, but I have no proof.

-A

Yassen felt a pulse of alarm. A busy deputy head of MI6 made time to meddle in the life of a ten-year-old. That was suspicious as anything could be. Ian Rider took Alex to meet Blunt and was now officially a moron. Now, even his co-workers counted Alex as his successor. If the man had been trying to leave Alex career options, he failed miserably. He needed to make one thing clear.

If they recruit you, I will take you myself. By the way, you just violated your contract with the government. Finally, if you so much as think a reckless thought, you will live to regret it.

-C

Alex read the text with a raised eyebrow. Apparently, there were people more paranoid than he was. He highly doubted the situation was that critical, considering his and Jones' differing viewpoints and his recent activities. She seemed to want to make him want to serve his country first, not that it was going to happen. Alex was a little surprised that the man would put in the effort to 'kidnap' and train him, though.

I doubt they are thinking of it currently. I have the OSA memorized, and I know full well I'm violating international law and committing treason. I don't mind, really, it's nice to have someone to talk to that isn't Ian about this stuff. Isn't texting you reckless?

-A

Yassen wanted Alex to take this seriously. While child soldiers were officially illegal, black operation were not known for following the law. Children should be in school, not working for the government or catering to their whims. The first contact had been, but since he had proven he was not a threat it wouldn't be. The avoidance of the question...

Nice try for a distraction, Alex. I'm sure your uncle has his hands full with his job, but I have a flexible schedule. Seriously, what rules do you have to follow?

-C

Alex looked at the text and groaned. Yassen was the most responsible adult in his life and while it was funny, it was also horribly ironic. As for rules, well, it was complicated.

It's a long story, but I don't actually have a list of definite rules. No crimes except for emergencies, no premeditated murder,and using common sense, I guess. But we were on the subject of Jones; do think it was her or just a coincidence?

-A

Yassen just stared at his phone. No list of rules? What kind of adult didn't specifically list rules out for children? That subject change was so not subtle, but he decided to let it go for now. He would have to cut this short anyway.

For your information, Alex, I am fully trained for interrogation and that subject change was clumsy. I will let it go for now. The answer to your question is yes. Now, I have to go, since my usual employers insisted Iteach.

-C

Alex laughed as he read that. Yes, poor Yassen only stuck with an unwanted trainee. Meanwhile, he was barely dodging Jones and Blunt and treason charges. He tried to picture Yassen attempting to teach a class and didn't see how it wouldn't end in a massacre. Really, SCORPIA should know better. The man was probably well-paid for his time, though.

Alex went back to his studies without really focusing. Internally, he was torn between telling Ian about his past and letting it go. Ian and Yassen would never, ever mix well. Alex just had a vague feeling. At least the problem of convincing Yassen not to take assignments was cleared up. He was sure Yassen would be smart enough to avoid larger operations he wasn't fond of anyway if Alex told him it would be blown or already was. Alex also had SCORPIA to consider, though. They still needed to fall, and without him they wouldn't, especially if he tipped off Yassen about his warning the intelligence agencies. He was sure the man would pass it along, out of self-preservation more than anything. Avoiding too many dodgy major operations by the skin of his teeth would be suspicious after all. Alex knew what it was like to have violent and ruthless forces gunning for his future. All he could do was keep dealing with it as it went along. The feeling of resignation was back and as bitter as ever. If he had known he was signing up for four years of meddling MI6 agents, he would have just moved on and let this version of Alex deal with it. Alex was fairly sure it was officially an alternate reality, if only because he was changing things and the vacations were different. Maybe he was changing things and the vacations changed because of that? Alex had given himself enough headaches trying to figure it out.