DISCLAIMER: I don't own Alex Rider, any of the characters or the books. Unfortunately.

Brookland School. Friday registration.

"Right class settle down, settle down. I have an announcement to make." Nothing happens. "QUIET" screamed the teacher. 'Silence'. "That's better thank you. Now as I was saying, in two weeks time all year 10 students will be spending a month at the SAS training camp near Wales. Letters have been sent home with all the details and a complete inventory of what you will need. Class dismissed."

Suddenly, like a spell had been broken, everyone began to chatter excitedly. Through the babble of voices almost unnoticeable was one serious boy trying to calm his friend down. Unfortunately for Alex nothing he said that whole day would calm Tom down.

As they were walking their bikes out of the school gates at the end of the day Tom was still hyper, then Alex's mobile started to ring. He answered his face suddenly grave.

"Fine. I'll be there." He then proceeded to slam his phone shut. "Sorry Tom, I've got to go." He jumped on his bike and raced off before his friend could reply.

At the Bank.

Alex entered the office to be greeted by Alan Blunt and Mrs Jones earnestly discussing a file open on the desk. They looked up as Alex shut the door.

"Sit down" Blunt ordered. Alex walked over to the desk and stood. Alan Blunt sighed.

"What's this about?" queried Alex.

"Your school trip to the SAS."

"You don't think it's a good idea." Alex suggested hopefully.

"On the contrary" interrupted Mrs Jones, "we think it's an excellent idea.

"But what about my cover?" protested Alex, in one final attempt to get out of the trip.

"We think it's best you don't have to think about that," stated Blunt.

"How…?" started Alex, confused, but Blunt held up a hand to silence him.

"You will be rejoining K-unit. All will be revealed when you get there." He said answering the confused look on Alex's face. "Agent Daniels will be driving you there on Monday.

"Your school has been told you won't be there next week and that you will be meeting them at the training camp the following week." Interjected Mrs Jones before Alex could protest.

"As I was saying," continued Blunt, "Agent Daniels will drive you there, on Monday, which is a week prior to your school arriving, so you can both get used to working with your unit again. That will be all."

With that very abrupt and offhand dismissal Alex turned and left the room. The two heads of MI6 already deep in discussion.