The morning sun had barely crested over the hills when the class gathered, eager for their trip to the SAS training camp. They were standing in front of a bus that would drive them to a different part of the national park. Brecon Beacons was vast, and the SAS trained further away from the most popular camping sites and hiking routes.
Mr. Stevenson stood in front of the group, his stern expression conveying the seriousness of the day's visit.
"Listen up, everyone," he began. "Today is not just any field trip. The SAS training camp is a place of discipline, hard work, and respect. I expect each of you to behave appropriately. Follow instructions, pay attention, and show respect to the soldiers. Getting to visit such a place is an honor and a privilege, treat is as such. Understood?"
A chorus of "Yes, sir" echoed from the students, though a few exchanged amused glances because of Mr. Stevenson's more than obvious nervousness. It seemed that the teachers were feeling a little agitated about the prospect of visiting a place that wouldn't normally let in a group of school children. The pressure that the students behaved themselves was weighing on their shoulders.
"Do you think they'll let us try the obstacle course?" Tom said behind Alex as they boarded the bus.
"Maybe," Alex replied thinking that running the damn obstacle course giving him hell last time, would be one of the least appealing activities for today's trip. "Just don't get any ideas about racing any of the soldiers. They're professionals."
"Yeah. You losers would probably break a leg trying to keep up with them", a voice said behind them followed by laughter. "Especially you Rider, being so weak that a flu gets you bed ridden for weeks", Will's voice continued.
"Ignore him", Tom said placing his hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Would you just mind your own business and stop bugging into other people's conversations", Tom growled to Will as they sat down and noticed Sam and Will taking their places across the aisle of the bus.
Will smirked and leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he addressed Tom and Alex, "Oh, don't worry, I'm just giving Rider here a hard time. It's not my fault he's got the stamina of a sloth."
Alex clenched his jaw, trying to keep his cool. He knew Will loved to push buttons, especially his.
"And I suppose you're some sort of Olympic athlete now?" he shot back, unable to resist the irritation he felt. He was already on edge because of today's destination and he was getting tired of Will taunting him in every turn.
"Come on, guys," Sam interjected casually, trying to diffuse the tension. "Let's chill out before we even get there. We're supposed to be enjoying the day."
Alex was surprised by Sam's words, but then he recalled it was Sam's cousin that was in the SAS. Perhaps Sam felt pressure to ensure the trip went smoothly without any disruptions. After all, he had to have some role in making today's trip happen. Alex just hoped Sam's feelings of responsibility extended to keeping Will in check throughout their visit.
Alex and Will glared at each other before both turned forward and settled back in their seats. Will respected his best friend's wishes, and Alex had no desire to continue the argument. The bus crumbled to life and the journey to the SAS camp had started.
"But still…I bet you could beat one or two of the soldiers", Tom whispered to Alex's ear grinning and continuing their earlier conversation as if there had been no interruptions. Alex shook his head.
"No way. I've been out of the field for months now. And I doubt I would've been able to do that even before", Alex replied keeping his voice low. He remembered scaling up the high walls, racing through monkey bars, stumbling in the large nets and crawling under barbed wire tunnels again and again in the freezing mud. He suppressed a shiver.
Alex decided that, if anyone was self-destructive enough to ask if they could try the course, he would just watch and not participate. Even if that made him look like the loser some of his classmates obviously thought he was. He gave Will, who was now engaged in his conversation with Sam, an angry look that the other boy didn't notice. Alex felt so frustrated being talked down and teased. To think that some of the others saw him as some kind of weakling and a druggie. After he had saved their lives more than once now. Not that they knew about it. Nobody knew about it. And that's how he wanted to keep it.
Alex drew in a breath and felt the anger and frustration he had felt to ease up a bit.
It wasn't the fault of his classmates, he reminded himself. Of course they were curious about his absences and him returning to school all bruised up every time. It was natural that they were speculating. He had just hoped that now that he had been back to school for some time, the rumors would fade and everything would go back to the way it was before MI6 barged into his life.
Alex let out a breath and pushed his feelings of anger and frustration aside. If he wanted to get through this day, he would need to keep his feelings in check. No slipping up. He was just a student on a field trip. That was all he had to be.
The bus ride to the SAS camp continued to be filled with chatter and excitement. The students speculated about what they might see and do, each story growing more fantastical than the last. Alex, however, sat quietly, his mind wandering.
Tom glanced at Alex from time to time but restrained himself from asking what bothered his best friend even when it was clear that something was occupying his mind. Tom knew that he wouldn't be able to ask Alex any real questions with their classmates at such a close distance. Besides, he thought he already had a pretty good hunch where Alex's thoughts had gone. He would do everything in his power to try and help Alex relax a bit and get through the day. But for now, they sat in silence, Tom understanding the other boy's need for space amid the bustle of their peers.
The abandoned holiday resort in the Brecon Beacons stood silent and eerie, its once-vibrant buildings now overrun with ivy and decay. The main lodge, a quaint timber-framed multi-storey structure adorned with large windows overlooking a serene lake, served as the heart of the retreat. Surrounding it, the grounds, once meticulously landscaped with winding pathways, flower gardens, and benches, were now overgrowing and blending in the surrounding nature.
The once-bustling cabins now stood in various states, their timber facades weathered by time and neglect. The windows broken or boarded up, and the interiors a chaotic jumble of overturned furniture and faded wallpaper. The resort was a haunting testament to faded grandeur and now, after many years, it was filled with visitors once again, offering a shelter to the members of terrorist organization instead of happy families and travellers.
Walker stood by one of the cabins at the edge of the perimeter and scanned the surroundings. They had arrived here the previous day after spending hours hiking through the dense woods to reach this location, other operatives joining along the way. The sheer number of people in this place got Walker on his toes. It was always harder to stay undetected with so much crowd in one place. Something big was about to go down, that was for sure.
They had already set up command, surveillance, weaponry and everything else deemed necessary for executing the operation they were in the middle of. A lot of it was still kept in secrecy, much to Walker's annoyance. Now they just waited for…something. It was frustrating to not know. Walker grimaced, adjusting his grip on his weapon and scanning the perimeter once again. It was his turn on a guard duty. He had stood here the whole night with nothing happening. Boring as hell Walker thought to himself as he watched the sun climb up higher and higher when the night turned into morning.
Suddenly there was a sound of leaves rustling under someone's footsteps and instantly Walker was on high alert.
"Relax, would you? jeez!", said a man's voice. It belonged to one of the fresh recruits who appeared around the corner. Walker relaxed his posture feeling a sudden urge to strangle the other man. His tone was way too cheerful for the early morning hours and it got on Walker's nerves. "I'm here to relieve you from the guard duties. Anything to report?"
"Yeah, you should learn some stealth. A half deaf men could hear those footsteps stumping around", Walker retorted. The other men flashed a grin and extended his hand.
"Petrov", the recruit introduced himself.
"Walker", Walker replied but didn't shake the offered hand. Petrov didn't seem to be bothered by such a blatant display of bad manners and came to stood beside Walker.
"So, I take it nothing exciting been happening", Petrov said and rumbled around his pocket for a cigarette.
Walker eyed Petrov and nodded curtly. "Just the usual. Quiet so far."
Petrov shrugged, lighting his cigarette with practiced ease. "Guess that's good news then. Quiet is better than unexpected guests, right?"
Walker grunted noncommittally, keeping his focus on the surrounding woods and Petrov took a drag on his cigarette, the smoke curling into the crisp air.
Petrov seemed unfazed by Walker's standoffish demeanor, puffing thoughtfully on his cigarette. "It's my first real assignment," he said after a moment of silence. "Didn't expect it to be so... quiet."
"Quiet is relative," Walker muttered, more to himself than to Petrov. "Just stay alert. Things can change fast out here."
Petrov nodded solemnly, his expression growing more serious. "Got it. I'll keep my eyes open. Got any tips? For staying sharp out here?"
Walker hesitated for a moment, considering Petrov's question. "Trust your instincts. And don't underestimate the quiet moments. They can be more dangerous than the action."
Petrov nodded thoughtfully, taking another drag of his cigarette before flicking the butt into the underbrush. "Thanks, Walker. I appreciate it."
Walker nodded to the other man and turned to leave his post and to get something to eat and go get some rest after being awake all night. As he turned around Walker noticed Clive, the person responsible for the group he was assigned to, speaking quietly with Red, the current leader of the operation. He strained to catch any snippet of their conversation, but the distance and the low murmur of their voices made it impossible.
"Look at them," Petrov said, nodding towards Red and Clive. "They're probably discussing the mission right now, and here we are, twiddling our thumbs."
Walker clenched his fists, trying to rein in the irritation he felt about being kept in the dark. It would do no good to let this newbie see how frustrated he also felt about the whole situation.
Walker only shrugged, keeping his expression as nonchalant as ever. "You know how Scorpia operates. They keep us in the dark until the last possible moment. It's all about need-to-know."
Petrov nodded, though the frustration was evident in his voice. "Yeah, but it's fucking annoying. Feels like we're stumbling around blindfolded."
"Well, Petrov, welcome to the real world. It's not all glamour and glory and action." Walker smirked and left the other man in favor of getting some rest before he would have to be back for another cursed guard duty.
The bus pulled up to the SAS camp and the students' excitement reached a fever pitch. Alex watched as the gates opened, revealing a sprawling complex that seemed both inviting and intimidating. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead.
Mr. Donovan stood up to address the class. "Okay, everyone. We have arrived at the SAS training camp. This is a unique opportunity to see how some of the best soldiers in the world train and operate. It's important that we remember this is a working military facility. We must respect their rules and the people who work there."
He paused, ensuring he had everyone's attention before continuing. "Here are a few things to keep in mind: First, always follow the instructions given by the SAS personnel. They are there to ensure our safety and to provide you with valuable insights. Second, be respectful. This isn't a place for jokes or messing around. We are guests, and we need to behave accordingly. Finally, stay together. It's a large facility. If you need to go somewhere, let one of the teachers know."
Mr. Donovan looked around the bus. "Okay, that's it. Enjoy the day. The bus will come back in the afternoon to pick us up so make sure to take everything you think you would need for today with you."
The students quickly gathered their things and filed off the bus, chattering excitedly as they looked around. The camp was situated in a beautiful clearing surrounded by tall pine trees, with a large open field in the center. There were several buildings, including a main lodge, the mess hall, and a few cabins scattered around the perimeter.
The camp was a hive of activity. Soldiers ran drills, climbed walls, and practiced maneuvers with a precision that spoke of years of training. Off to one side, Alex could see a climbing wall and an obstacle course, along with a few other training facilities that looked suspiciously familiar.
He scanned his surroundings, noting the watchtowers and the soldiers moving around with disciplined efficiency. It was a stark contrast to the casual demeanor of his classmates, who were busy snapping photos and chatting animatedly. A familiar figure was approaching the group. Alex squeezed his hands to fists as he recognized Colonel Sanders, the man in charge of the Breacon Beacons camp and a person who would be able to recognize him from his previous time here.
Colonel Sanders reached the group and went over to the teachers. Alex watched them shake hands and he tried to hear what was said between the adults. Seeing a familiar face got him nervous that there might be something else going on regarding their visit. So far it seemed that they were just introducing themselves and the Colonel was welcoming them to the camp.
Colonel Sanders turned to face the students. He was a burly man with a stern demeanour and his presence commanded immediate attention. The students quickly fell silent and gathered around him. Alex fought the urge to stand in attention while being face to face with a commanding officer. Just another school kid on a field trip, he reminded himself. But he couldn't quite shake off the sense of unease. He tried to keep his head down, hoping to avoid drawing any attention to himself.
"Welcome to the SAS training camp," the Colonel announced, his voice commanding silence. "I'm Colonel Sanders and in charge of this training ground. I'll be overseeing your visit today. One of the units is also joining as your instructors for the day. We'll meet them shortly. Today, you'll get a glimpse into the life and training of an SAS soldier. First and foremost, there are a few rules you need to be aware of. This is an active military training facility, so you must follow all instructions promptly and stay with your group at all times. No wandering off, no touching any equipment unless given permission, and absolutely no photos of restricted areas."
Colonel's eyes scanned the group, lingering very briefly on Alex. Alex could see the quick flash of surprise crossing on his face but it was almost instantly gone. "Alright then, follow me and stick together. Remember, this is an active military camp, and your safety is our top priority."
As they followed Colonel Sanders, Alex couldn't help but notice how familiar everything felt. The obstacle course, the voices around them, and the barracks—all brought back memories of the past he was trying to leave behind. But now he had to keep his focus on the present and try his best to blend in with his classmates.
Liam who was walking by Alex's side stared around with wide eyes. "Pretty intense, huh? This place is like something out of a movie."
"Yeah, definitely not your average school trip," Alex replied, keeping his tone casual.
"I wonder what kind of stuff they'll let us try. Maybe we'll get to do that obstacle course." Liam said with enthusiasm and pointed towards the obstacle course that was briefly empty from any training soldiers.
"Maybe", Alex said glancing at the looming, offensive reminder about his previous time in here. What was it that got everybody so excited about that damn course. "Just remember the rules. We don't want to get on Colonel's bad side."
"Yeah, no kidding," Tom added from his other side. "That guy looks like he could snap us in half without breaking a sweat."
As they walked further into the camp, Ellie, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "Do you think they'll let us shoot a gun?"
Alex looked at her, pushing aside any memories that threaten to rise from the back of his mind when he heard the words shoot a gun. "I doubt it. They might show us some equipment, but shooting might be a bit much for a school trip." Alex replied.
Liam shrugged. "You never know. This place is all about training soldiers, right? It wouldn't hurt to ask."
Tom chuckled. "Maybe you should keep that question to yourself for now. Let's just hear what they have planned for us first."
Ellie rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, I just want the full experience."
"Yeah, the full experience", Alex muttered darkly under his breath. Still, Tom caught the comment and he glanced at Alex, a furrow forming between his brows. He chose not to comment, sensing the weight behind Alex's words. Instead, he nudged Alex lightly with his elbow, offering a silent gesture of understanding and support.
The class continued walking further in the area, the camp unfolding before them. The air was buzzing with the energy of disciplined activity, a stark contrast to the casual curiosity of the visiting students. They approached one of the barracks and the students started to fell silent. Everyone was eager to hear what was waiting for them next.
Colonel Sanders opened the barrack door and gestured for them to enter. The interior was spacious yet utilitarian, with some empty seats gathered along some of the walls and closed lockers lined against one wall. The air carried a faint scent of polish mingled with the subtle mustiness of aged wood.
Large windows along one side allowed natural light to filter in, casting soft beams across the polished linoleum floor. The walls, painted in a neutral shade, were adorned with a few charts detailing military protocols. A row of ceiling fans hanging low, the blades still and silent.
As the students filed in, their footsteps reverberated faintly against the walls, creating a subdued echo in the otherwise quiet space. The atmosphere inside the barrack carried a sense of anticipation and nervousness. Four soldiers were standing in the barrack obviously waiting for their arrival. They were dressed in the SAS uniforms and looked at the students with curious yet serious expressions.
When all the students and teachers were in the barrack, Colonel Sanders walked inside and the four soldiers snapped instantly to attention. This caused some amused glances between few of the students. Others stared in awe eyes wide, as if they still couldn't quite believe that they were there, looking at these real soldiers in front of them. Alex was relieved to notice that he didn't recognize any of the members of this unit that was apparently chosen as their instructors for the day.
"At ease", Colonel Sanders said to his men. The soldiers changed their posture in unison setting their feet shoulder-width apart and placing their hands behind their backs. It was impressive sight and even Alex felt himself relax a bit. These soldiers didn't know him. It was certainly an aspect that would make his day a bit easier.
"Meet J-unit," Colonel Sanders addressed the students, his voice steady and commanding. "They are here to train new SAS recruits, but today, they will be spending their time with you."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The students exchanged glances, excitement and curiosity flickering in their eyes.
"First," he continued, "let's refresh the ground rules. Safety is paramount. You will follow instructions precisely. Any deviation could result in injury to yourself or others. Respect and discipline are expected at all times. Understood?"
The students nodded, a chorus of "yes, sir" echoing through the room. Alex's voice cut through the noise with a clear and powerful "Yes, sir!" the response coming out almost as a reflex before he could stop it. The precision in his response drew the attention of both Colonel Sanders and J-unit, causing a few heads to turn in his direction. Alex flet like hitting himself. The day hadn't even begun and now he was already starting to draw attention. He noticed the Colonel give him a very brief and subtle look of approval before continuing.
"Good. I expect you to give J-unit your full attention and cooperation. They have a lot to teach you, and I have no doubt you'll learn a great deal from them."
With that, Colonel Sanders turned to the soldiers. "I'll leave them in your capable hands," he said before making his exit, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he departed.
As soon as the Colonel was out of earshot, Will sidled up to Alex with a sneer. "Look at you, Rider. Think you're some kind of soldier now? What are you trying to prove?" he whispered.
Alex shot him a cold glance. "Just following orders, Will. Something you might want to try sometime."
Before Will could retort, Sam stepped in, his expression firm. "Come on, Will. Alex is just doing what we're supposed to be doing here."
Will scoffed. "What? Making fools of ourselves trying to show off to some big shot guy? Come on Sam. You know Rider here wouldn't make it through a day in the army."
"Will, please just drop it," Sam whispered, his voice a bit pleading. "We're all here to learn. Maybe try focusing on that instead of stirring up trouble. A truce for a day, eh?"
Will rolled his eyes but didn't push further. Alex took a deep breath, steadying himself. He couldn't afford to let anyone get under his skin, especially not today. Thankfully, it seemed that Sam was really willing to make sure that his friend wouldn't cause troubles during their stay here.
"Thanks, Sam," Alex said quietly acknowledging the actions of the other boy.
Sam just nodded curtly without looking at him.
Alex looked at the front and noticed the members of J-unit looking directly at them with stern expressions. They must have heard them whispering and Alex knew the soldiers wouldn't appreciate them breaking to chatter instantly after the Colonel left their unit in charge. Great, the day just kept getting better. Now it seemed that he had managed to get to the bad side of this unit already. Alex sighed internally.
After a short silence one of the four soldiers stepped forward.
He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp blue eyes and a steely expression. He surveyed the room, his gaze settling briefly on each student, lingering a little longer on Alex, Will and Sam before he spoke.
"Good morning," he began with clear voice. "I am Viper and I'm the leader of J-unit. The three soldiers behind me are Lynx, Falcon and Bear. Today, we'll be taking you through a series of planned activities designed to give you a taste of what it takes to be in the SAS. We'll start with going through some general information regarding British forces and SAS to give you an idea of what to expect."
"You three", Viper said pointing at Alex, Will and Sam. "Come with me. Everyone else, grab a seat. I'll be back shortly. Lynx, Falcon and Bear will go around and give you a notepad and pencil if you feel like taking notes."
There was shuffling as the students and teachers were finding a place to sit. Viper walked towards the three boys and looked at them with stern expression. "Outside", he said shortly and led them out of the barracks. Alex could feel his pulse starting to speed up. Were they just about to be lectured of their disrespectful behaviour or was there some other reason they were being separated from the group.
They stepped out of the barrack to the fresh air and Alex noticed Colonel Sanders a short distance away. The Colonel must have also noticed them since he started to walk to their direction.
"The schoolboys already giving you trouble?" he asked with hint of amusement in his voice.
"Just thought to remind them what it means to act respectfully, sir", Viper answered, his gaze fixed on the three boys.
"Hmm, I think I can help you with that. I'll talk to this one and you take care of the other two." Colonel said and placed his hand firmly on Alex's shoulder.
"I wouldn't want to trouble you, sir. They were just whispering among themselves disturbing other students and causing some commotion. Nothing too serious but I still won't let it slide", Viper explained.
"It's no trouble at all. Come now," the Colonel said, nudging Alex to walk with him. He then turned to Viper. "I'll return him shortly. No need to wait up. Once you've spoken to those two, go ahead and start the lecture."
Alex saw the confusion flicker across Viper's face at the Colonel's insistence on talking to him specifically. However, Viper didn't press the issue with a higher-ranking officer. He nodded curtly and turned to face Sam and Will. As Alex walked away with Colonel Sanders' hand still on his shoulder, guiding him firmly further away from the others, he could hear Viper beginning to lecture the two boys.
Tom was sitting beside the wall on one of the seats inside the barracks, his eyes darting to the door. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him as he watched Alex being led outside by Viper along with Will and Sam. Did Alex know this unit and were they able to recognize him? Tom fidgeted with nervousness. If he felt this nervous, he could only imagine what Alex was going through.
Beside him Mark, one of the boys in his class, leaned in and whispered, "I can't believe they got themselves in trouble already."
Tom shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but his worry was clear. "Yeah, it was pretty fast. But Will was provoking Alex again." Tom defended his friend.
Mark nodded slowly. "Yeah, knowing Will, he probably said something stupid. But why is Alex going along with it so easily? He usually keeps his head down."
"Well, I don't know Mark. Maybe he's just getting tired of listening the stupid rumours about him and dealing with the constant jabbing on this field trip." Tom responded with some menace in his voice. He didn't mean to snap at the other boy, but he found his nerves were tight now that Alex had been separated from the group.
"Hey, just wondering. No need to get so snappy about it. Besides, maybe the rumours would ease up if he told us why he's missing so much school and returning injured every time." Mark said defensively.
"He's been sick. It's not his fault that the people in this class are too stuck in their own speculations to believe him", Tom said crossing his arms.
"Yeah…right", Mark replied, and they fell into a silence.
The soldiers were handing out notepads and pencils. Tom took the offered items, but his mind was elsewhere. He glanced at the door again, hoping to see Alex walk back in. Just then Sam and Will returned with Viper and Tom noted their subdued expressions. They quickly found seats, but there was no sign of Alex.
Tom's concern deepened as he watched Viper move to the front of the room and clear his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up. Today's schedule is packed, so let's start."
As Viper began the lecture, Tom forced himself to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Alex. What was happening with his friend, and why was he being kept away from the rest of the group?
Alex was walking with Colonel Sanders through the camp, his mind racing. Was this when he would hear that there was some other reason behind their trip here? Was MI6 behind this after all? Was this some kind of elaborate scheme of theirs to get him back on training before starting to throw some missions at him once again. Alex swallowed and focused on his breathing to stay alert.
They stopped in front of a nondescript building. The Colonel opened the door and motioned for Alex to step inside. The office was sparsely decorated, with a large desk dominating the center of the room. A few chairs were placed against the walls, and a map of the Brecon Beacons covered one side. Colonel Sanders closed the door behind them and took his place behind the desk, leaning forward with a serious expression.
"Cub", the Colonel said.
"Sir", Alex responded standing straight, hands behind his back, holding the familiar at ease position that they saw other soldiers display earlier. It came naturally to him now that he was alone with the Colonel.
They appraised each other, the Colonel assessing the teenager before him while Alex maintained a neutral expression.
"Have a seat, Cub," the Colonel said, after a while.
Alex sat down, his back straight and his mind focused. The Colonel sighed, setting in his seat behind the desk and folding his hands. "I wasn't expecting to see you here ever again, Cub. Imagine my surprise. What is it that SIS wants this time? Your presence here can't be mere coincidence."
Alex shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, sir. I haven't had any contact with them for months. I thought you would know more about the situation. As far as I know, I'm just here on a school trip."
The Colonel scrutinized him, his gaze probing Alex's face for any hint of deception. "I haven't gotten any instructions regarding you or information that you'd be arriving here. You need to understand that you being here raises a lot of questions."
"I understand, sir," Alex replied, meeting the Colonel's gaze. "But I'm telling you the truth. This is just a school trip, nothing more."
The Colonel leaned forward in the chair, placing his hands on the desk and his expression still guarded. "Alright, Cub. I want to believe you. But if you have any information, I have a right to know. If there is any threat to my men or my camp that you are aware of, you need to tell me right now. I know the SIS isn't always forthcoming with the information that they possess but I cannot protect our soldiers here if I'm being kept in the dark. So, I ask you once again, why are you here?"
"I meant what I said, sir", Alex said firmly. "I haven't heard anything from MI6 for months. I'm out, and I intend to stay that way."
Alex could see that there was still doubt in the other man's eyes. A thought crossed Alex's mind, and he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Who decided to let us visit the camp in the first place?"
The Colonel's expression tightened, a flicker of offense crossing his features. "I did, or are you suggesting that I don't have full control over my own camp, Cub?"
Alex furrowed his brows. "No, sir, I just thought that whoever approved the trip might have more information about our visit."
The Colonel sighed, relenting slightly. "I presented the idea to my superiors. It's not every day that a group of kids are about to visit us here. They approved it, but the final decision of allowing this visit was mine. I thought it would be a good opportunity for the students to learn about our operations and perhaps inspire some future recruits."
Alex nodded. "And who presented you with the idea in the first place? I understood that we are here because Sam's cousin is part of the SAS."
"That would be the truth." The Colonel confirmed. "One of the men told me about the plans of your class visiting Brecon Beacons as a field trip destination. He was enquiring if we could provide a peep into the life of a British soldiers. There have been discussions about the military losing some of its appeal amidst the younger generations, so I thought it could be worth the effort."
Alex appreciated getting such straight answers from the Colonel, so he decided to continue with the questions. "And does anyone else know we're here?"
The Colonel paused, considering his response. "Only those who need to know. The staff and soldiers here of course and a few key personnel are aware. But I haven't contacted MI6 regarding your visit here if that's what you're thinking. I didn't think there would be any reason to do so since I wasn't aware you would be involved in this. That of course doesn't mean that they wouldn't know about your presence here now. Damned spies".
The last comment was muttered silently but Alex caught it regardless. He felt a smile tugging on his lips but kept his face neutral. Alex just nodded again, satisfied with the answer.
The tension in the room eased slightly as the Colonel leaned back, his demeanour softening. "I must say that I understand your concerns, Cub. And I can admit that I didn't like the circumstances we met in the past. I thought it was madness to put a teenager to train with elite soldiers. But you proved yourself. And based on the rumours I have heard going around in the intelligence world, we all owe you a thank you. So, if you face any issues during your time here, just contact me and I'll see what I can do. But I assure you that I'm not aware of any special plans regarding you or your stay here today. Your cover should be safe with us. Now, you should get back to your group before they start to wonder."
Alex stood up, feeling some of the weight lifted off his shoulders. "Yes, sir. Thank you."
As Alex turned to leave, the Colonel spoke again, his voice softer. "And Cub, keep your eyes and ears open. I'd like to think that it really is just a coincidence of you being here. But I have learned to not believe in such a thing."
Alex nodded once more feeling a sense of unease. It seemed that he wasn't the only one with suspicions about the current situation. He left the office mind racing and started his journey back to the barrack to rejoin his classmates.
In one of the rustic wooden cabins of the Brecon Beacons training camp, K-Unit sat lounging around a small table cluttered with playing cards discarded in a messy pile between some half-eaten snacks. They had arrived here to train some new recruits a few days ago. The atmosphere was relaxed but carried the underlying energy of men who were always ready for action.
Wolf, the unit leader, leaned back in his chair as he observed his teammates. "So, heard we've got some school kids visiting today," he said, his eyes meeting Snake's and Eagle's and he knew they were all thinking about the last time a kid had visited their camp. Each of them felt a pang of embarrassment when they remembered how they had treated the teenager thrown among them in the middle of selection.
Wolf, especially, cringed inwardly at the memory of underestimating Cub and letting his temper get the best of him. After all the kid had proved himself quite capable during the training. And especially after running into him again on a mission in the Alps, there was no question in Wolf's mind about the skills of that boy.
Coyote, the newest member of K-unit, grinned. "They probably think it's like some summer camp in here, with occasional extra yelling. They have no idea what real training is. Do you know what the kids are going to do while thy're here?"
Wolf shook his head. "I think J-Unit was responsible of the brats. But I don't think we are going to be here to see much of it."
Snake nodded in the corner. "Yeah, maybe just a glimpse if we are back before the dark."
Coyote leaned forward, mischief gleaming in his eyes. "Speaking of glimpses, did you see the look on those new recruits' faces when they found out we're teaching the tactical driving course today? They looked like they'd seen ghosts."
Snake's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Tactical driving isn't for the faint of heart. They better buckle up, literally and figuratively."
Eagle stretched his arms above his head, leaning back in his chair. "I just hope none of them puke in the vehicles. Last time, it took forever to get the smell out."
Coyote laughed. "Part of the training, Eagle. If they can't handle a little turbulence, they have no business being here."
As the conversation lulled, Wolf glanced at the clock on the wall. "Alright, lads. Time to suit up and get ready. We've got some new recruits to whip into shape."
The team groaned good-naturedly, pushing themselves up from their chairs. Snake methodically gathered his gear, while Wolf straightened his jacket. They stepped out into the crisp air, the camp bustling with activity.
Almost instantly they noticed one of the recruits running straight towards their position. He stopped in front of them and stood to attention.
"K-Unit, Colonel Sanders sent me here to inform that he is requesting the presence of Wolf, Snake and Eagle in his office", the recruit blurted out.
"At ease soldier", Wolf commented and the recruit relaxed a bit. He raised his eyebrows to Snake and Eagle but the others looked just as confused as he was feeling. It was uncommon for Colonel to ask only part of the unit meet him like this.
"Okay, I guess we are going to meet the Colonel first. Coyote, you can go ahead and see that the vehicles are ready. We'll join you at the depot as soon as we can", Wolf said. Coyote nodded and turned to leave to other direction than the rest of his unit.
"Any idea what this could be about?" Eagle asked as they made their way towards the Colonel's office.
Wolf and Snake shrugged.
"Not a clue," Wolf replied, his voice low. "But it must be something important if he's calling us in like this."
"Yeah, definitely not a usual thing," Snake added, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe it's something about the new recruits? Or some special assignment?"
"Could be," Wolf agreed, though he wasn't convinced. He had a gut feeling this was something else, something unexpected. Well, they would know soon enough.
Author's note:
Not much action in this chapter, sorry about that, but we're getting there. I thought this is a good place to end this chapter before it gets too long. I'll try to post the next chapter ASAP. Some of it is already written so stay tuned.
And thank you so much for the first reviews!
Guest: This story has been living in my head for some time now. Glad to finally get it out somewhere. Thank you for commenting!
Red Parasite: Thank you for the nice words! Unfortunately not much happening in this chapter but stay tuned for the next ones 😊
moondancer02: I'll let you know that I joined the invitation queue for ao3 😊 It looks like it takes some time before I'll be able to post there. This chapter was a bit of a slow one but the next chapter should be finished soon and I'll certainly start to post on ao3 once I get the account set up there. Thanks for your comment!
