Alex Rider: World Crisis
Chapter Five: Hot Pursuit
Under the dark night sky, an Aston Martin was cruising along the highway, well over a hundred miles an hour. The car's magnificent powerful 48valve engine powered the car through the Italian highway. It's beautiful silver clad aluminium and composite structure shimmered under the moonlight. Inside the car sat two young teenagers. The locals may mistake them as teens that were on a joyride, however the teens were actually International spies and they were escaping from the world terrorist organization, SCORPIA.Ever since they had entered the car, Alex had yet to say a word. He had been silent as far as Kristine could tell. She knew that he was thinking about something. They had a narrow escape from SCORPIA and were on their way back to Rome. Alex was pretty much convinced that SCORPIA had already masterminded another project and was waiting to execute it. He looked at Kristine for moment before turning back to concentrate on the road.
There were several other vehicles on the highway however, Alex was curious with one of them. It was tailing them closely. Alex looked into his rear-view mirrors and realized that it was one of SCORPIA's many agents in pursuit of them. Alex turned to look at Kristine. She was fast asleep, not realizing that SCORPIA was chasing after them. Alex contemplated a quick plan before switching the automatic gear on the Aston Martin into manual shift.He stepped onto the pedal and the Aston Martin blasted forward. The speed of the car was now a hundred and thirty miles an hour. SCORPIA seemed to have fallen behind, however soon caught up. Alex had a good look at the car. It was a sleek black colored BMW Z8. The German manufactured car was built for speed and it had a machine gun attached to its hood. Alex clenched his fists and increased the Aston's speed. It was now well over one hundred and forty miles an hour.
Soon, gunfire was heard as one of the SCORPIA agents had initiated the machine gun. Alex swerved to avoid the bullets. The rear glass of the car in front of Alex shattered. Alex quickly accelerated and then searched for missiles. He vaguely remembered James Bond's Aston Martin had missiles installed inside his vehicle. Alex cursed silently as he frantically searched for the missiles. He then remembered that the control panel was located near the gear shaft. He smiled as he launched two heat seeking missiles at the BMW. The SCORPIA agents stood no chance against Alex's artillery.The German car exploded and cart wheeled before coming to a rest as a burning heap by the highway. Sometime tomorrow morning, the local police would've found that car, already burnt without survivors. Alex Rider smiled as he drove back to Rome with his American partner.
The SCORPIA board of directors was fuming with Alex Rider's successful attempt to escape them. They had earlier dispatched some of their elite agents to take care of the situation; however things were not to be. Both of the agents failed their task and lost their lives while doing it. Dr. Three sat at the table with a grim look. The Australian was arguing again. "This project will not fail. This time send in Dimitri…"he briefly said.
Alex Rider arrived in Rome at half past two in the morning. Kristine was already dozing inside the Aston's comfortable leather seats. Alex got out of the car and looked around. He locked the car and half helped his comrade up into his hotel room. He opened the door and it was an unpleasant surprise. Mrs. Jones and several other Mi6 agents were seated inside his suite. He sighed and shook his sleepy partner awake. Kristine opened her eyes and saw the agents. She forgot all her sleepiness and took a seat.
"Alex…"she began.
"Yes?" he asked, looking at the older woman. He was in no mood for a briefing by the deputy head of Mi6 Special Operations.
"We know about your rescue attempt at the Widow's palace. If you had chose to inform us, the foolhardy attempt was absolutely unnecessary. Kristine would still be safe and we'll pull both of you out from the field," Mrs. Jones started.
"Well, that's right. It's so efficient now. How about the times when I needed your help and you just chose to ignore my pleas?" Alex raged. Perhaps it was because of his lack of sleep.
"You don't understand, Alex. There were certain difficulties when you were in the field," the older woman added. Kristine was beginning to nod back to sleep.
"So, certain difficulties huh? I'm sick of doing this already. All you ever do is blackmail me into doing your dirty work. Heck, even SCORPIA is right. You shouldn't send teenagers into the field to do your bidding," Alex muttered angrily.
"I understand Alex. If you choose to dismiss this mission, you're free to return to London tomorrow. Here's your air ticket," Mrs. Jones said as she handed him a British Airways envelope.
Alex took the air ticket surprised. He hadn't expected that reaction from Mrs. Jones. Since when had she been so kind to him. Usually, they would push Alex to the limit to complete his assignment. Alex nodded and looked at his dozing partner. "What about her?" he asked.
"If you choose to return, Kristine will also be returned to the CIA in the United States of America. I think that will be appropriate. She was initially asked to be your backup, but seeing you need no backup…" Mrs. Jones said.
Alex nodded again and the Mi6 agents along with Mrs. Jones left the suite. Alex sat down on his armchair looking at the ticket in his hands. He had a decision to make. Unlike the other missions, he was never given a choice to leave. It was already half past three in the morning but the teenage spy was still thinking.
Sorry, people. I know this is kind of short but I'm working on the next chapter. Well, drop me a review. Will Alex choose to abandon his mission? Until next time…
