Chapter 67 – Echoes of the Past
It was a quiet evening in Hereford, and Alex, a veteran of the SAS, was sitting in his apartment on the base, a glass of whiskey by his side and his laptop open. He took advantage of the rare breaks to disconnect from the chaos of the military world. But that night, something had caught his attention.
A recent video from the podcast by Shawn Ryan, a former CIA operative and Navy SEAL, had appeared in his YouTube recommendations. Alex had watched a few episodes before and admired the direct and honest format of the conversations. The title of the most recent episode read: "Christian Craighead: Nairobi and the Challenges of Life After the SAS."
Without hesitation, Alex clicked on the video, curious to hear what Christian, a former SAS colleague, had to say. He knew about the incident in Nairobi and how Craighead had been publicly exposed, a rare occurrence for an operative in the regiment.
The introduction was straightforward. Shawn Ryan introduced Christian Craighead as a hero, but also as someone who had faced considerable challenges after his role in Nairobi.
"Welcome to the podcast, Christian. It's an honor to have you here," Shawn began.
"The honor is mine, Shawn. I've always admired the way you conduct these conversations," Christian replied with a slight smile.
Alex relaxed in his chair, listening carefully to his words. He knew Christian was direct and wouldn't shy away from difficult questions.
Shawn began by asking about Christian's life before the SAS, his induction into the regiment, and any significant missions he could share without compromising national security. After a while, the conversation turned to Nairobi.
"You've been called a hero by many, but we know there were repercussions from the British government. How did you deal with that?" Shawn asked, looking directly at Christian.
Christian sighed.
"It's complicated. In the moment, all you think about is saving lives. But then, the politics and bureaucracy take their toll. I don't regret what I did, but it was hard to deal with the consequences.
Later in the podcast, Shawn mentioned the exceptional operators Christian had encountered throughout his career.
"During your time in the SAS, you worked with some of the best operators in the world. Do any names or stories stand out?"
Christian smiled enigmatically.
"I can't name names, as you know, but I worked with an operator who I consider to be a living legend. He's the kind of guy who makes impossible missions a reality."
Shawn raised his eyebrows, intrigued.
"That's high praise. Can you give us some insight into what he did?"
Christian hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"He's a sniper on a whole other level. If you've heard of the record for the longest shot in history, chances are he's involved. But what really makes him special is that he's not just a sniper. He's an all-rounder, with CQB and leadership skills that few can match."
Shawn looked fascinated.
— So, he's that "ghost" everyone in the military talks about?
Christian just smiled slightly and changed the subject, but Alex could hear the genuine respect in his former colleague's words.
Later in the podcast, the record-breaking shot was discussed. Shawn mentioned that the military was still debating who had shot him from 4 km away, but that rumors pointed to an SAS operator.
"It's amazing to think about the level of skill required to make a shot like that. Do you think it's true?" Shawn asked.
Christian laughed.
"If I had to bet, I'd say it's true. And if it's who I think it is, he definitely had the ability to do it."
Alex paused the video for a moment, thinking. He always knew that shot would be talked about for years, but he never expected it to be mentioned on such a popular podcast.
When the video ended, Alex was silent for a few minutes, processing what he had seen. He felt a mix of pride and nostalgia. It was rare to hear someone talk about him publicly, especially in such a positive way. Alex stood up, grabbed his phone, and sent Christian a quick text.
Alex: "I watched the podcast with Shawn Ryan. You did great. Thanks for the kind words."
A few minutes later, Christian responded.
Christian: "You deserve it, mate. I hope you're doing well. We should catch up when I'm in England."
Alex smiled. Even after all these years, the bonds formed in the SAS remained strong. Alex made a mental note to watch more episodes of Shawn Ryan's podcast. He appreciated the space the show gave operators and veterans to tell their stories, something that was rarely done authentically.
As Alex shut down his laptop, he reflected on his own journey. He knew that at some point, he would need to share his experiences, even if anonymously. After all, it was these stories that inspired the next generation of warriors.
With that thought, he finished his whiskey, feeling grateful to still be active in the regiment and to be part of such a special brotherhood.
Chapter 68 – A Moment of Reflection
The sound of rain pattering against the window of his Hereford apartment filled the room as Alex sat in an armchair, lost in thought. The room was dark, lit only by the soft glow of a lamp. The warmth of the tea in his hands was not enough to dispel the feeling of weariness that weighed heavily on him.
More than a decade had passed since he had joined the SAS as a young man full of ambition. Now, as one of the regiment's most experienced and respected operators, Alex was beginning to feel the effects of years of combat, both physically and mentally.
Alex glanced at the medals and mementos scattered on a nearby shelf. Among them, the Victoria Cross, a symbol of his courage and dedication, gleamed in the light. He knew that these decorations only told part of the story.
He had survived countless operations in war zones, faced enemies in extreme conditions and led men in situations that defied logic and survival. But at the same time, he had lost friends, seen horrors he couldn't forget, and carried scars that went beyond the physical.
Alex took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility that had been with him since he first set foot in the regiment. Determined to seek advice, Alex picked up the phone and called Jack Starbright, who had always been like a sister to him.
"Jack, it's Alex. Are you busy?"
"Alex! No, of course not. What's wrong? You seem different..."
"I just needed to talk. Do you have time?"
Jack, concerned by Alex's tone of voice, answered quickly: "Come on over. I'll make you some coffee and you can tell me what's going on."
Alex drove to Jack's house, where he was greeted with a warm hug and a steaming cup of coffee. They sat in the living room, and Alex began to talk.
"I'm thinking about retiring, Jack. I've been in the regiment for so long... Over a decade of direct combat."
Jack looked at him, surprised but understanding.
"Alex, you gave it your all. It's natural to feel like it's time to move on. But what's making you so uncertain?"
Alex rubbed his hands together, looking at the floor.
"It's hard to imagine my life outside the regiment. I've spent my whole life preparing for this, living it. But at the same time, I feel tired. It's not just my body, it's my mind. The missions, the losses… they're starting to take their toll."
Jack put a hand on his shoulder.
"You're still young, Alex. There's so much more to life than the SAS. Maybe it's time to find something that brings you peace."
The next morning, Alex returned to the base. Walking through the hallways, he passed younger operators, many of whom looked at him with admiration. He remembered when he was like them: full of energy and eager to prove himself.
In his office, Alex opened his mission log, something he had kept since the beginning of his career. Flipping through the pages, he reread accounts of past missions. Each entry brought back vivid memories, some good, some difficult.
One page in particular caught his eye: the account of his first real mission as a team leader. He remembered the nerves, the responsibility of looking after his men, and the sense of accomplishment in successfully completing the mission.
Determined to clear his head, Alex arranged a meeting with his commanding officer, Colonel James Hargrove, a man he had always admired.
"Rider, what can I do for you?" Hargrove asked, gesturing for Alex to sit down.
"Colonel, I've been thinking about retiring. I've been with the regiment for many years, and I feel like it might be time for a change."
Hargrove was silent for a few moments, watching Alex carefully. "Rider, you're one of the best operators we've ever had. If you decide to retire, it will be a great loss to the regiment. But I understand. Life in the SAS is intense, and it's not forever."
— This is not an easy decision, sir. This regiment is my life, but... I feel I need a new purpose.
Hargrove nodded.
— The SAS will always be here, Rider. You have given more than most could. But before you make a final decision, take some time. Reflect.
Before finalizing his decision, Alex decided to lead one last training for the new recruits. He took them through a CQB simulation, something he had always been an expert at.
— Listen, guys. Close quarters combat is about trust and precision. Work as a team, look out for each other.
The recruits listened intently as Alex demonstrated the techniques. He saw the light in their eyes, the same passion he had years ago.
At the end of the training, one of the recruits approached.
— Sergeant Rider, it is an honor to train under your command. I have always heard stories about you.
Alex smiled, feeling a pang of pride and melancholy filled him.
"Thank you, recruit. But remember, it's not about being a legend. It's about doing the right job, always."
Back at the apartment, Alex reflected on everything: the conversations, the moments in the regiment, the sacrifices and the achievements. He knew that if he decided to retire, it wouldn't be the end of his journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.
With a heavy heart, but at peace, Alex picked up the phone and called Colonel Hargrove.
"Colonel, I've made my decision. I'd like to begin the process of retiring from the regiment."
Hargrove was silent for a moment before answering.
"Understood, Rider. The regiment has lost a great man, but I know you'll continue to make a difference, wherever you are."
As Alex hung up the phone, he felt a mixture of sadness and relief. He knew the SAS would always be a part of him, but now it was time to discover who he was outside the shadows.
Chapter 69 – The Last Mission
The blazing Malian sun beat down on the convoy of vehicles as they made their way along the dusty road towards a small, isolated village. Alex sat in the back of the Land Rover, his eyes alert, scanning the horizon for any sign of threat. Equipped with his tactical vest, rifle slung across his chest and sunglasses, he was the picture of a seasoned soldier in action.
This was his last mission with the SAS. After years of service, he was ready to retire, but he still had one responsibility to fulfill: protecting an international NGO that was delivering humanitarian aid to a conflict-torn area.
Upon reaching the village, Alex and his team climbed out of their vehicles, taking up strategic positions as the NGO members began to unload supplies. Alex watched everything calmly but carefully. He knew that even a seemingly simple task could turn dangerous in the blink of an eye.
Alex was checking the perimeter when a familiar figure caught his eye. She was coming out of a makeshift tent belonging to the NGO, wearing light, practical clothes, but still with an air of unmistakable elegance. It was Charlize Theron.
For a moment, Alex thought his mind was playing tricks on him, but it was her. Despite the years that had passed, Charlize looked as stunning as he remembered. She turned her head and their eyes met. For an instant, time seemed to stand still.
Charlize walked up to him, surprised and a little enchanted.
"Alex? Is that you?"
Alex took off his sunglasses, revealing his face, now more mature, with a few expression lines that hadn't been there the last time they saw each other.
"Charlize... What are you doing here?"
She smiled.
"Volunteer work. I've always wanted to do something meaningful in places like this. And you? What's a British knight doing in the middle of Mali?"
Alex gave a slight smile.
"Last mission. After that, I'm retiring."
Charlize raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Last mission? That seems… significant."
Alex nodded, looking around.
"Yeah. It's about time."
As the NGO operation progressed, Charlize and Alex had the chance to talk in brief intervals. She watched him as he organized his team, giving precise orders and keeping everyone safe. Even after all these years, Alex still had that natural charisma, heightened by the authority and experience he had gained over time.
On one such occasion, they found themselves near a supply truck. Charlize, holding a bottle of water, looked at him curiously.
"So why retire now?"
Alex shrugged.
"It's been too long. Over a decade of combat, operations in every corner of the world… It's time to stop."
"And what are you going to do after that?"
Alex smiled, but there was a tone of uncertainty in his voice.
— That's the big question, isn't it? I'm not sure yet. Maybe something more peaceful.
Charlize laughed softly.
— Something tells me that 'peaceful' doesn't really suit you.
Alex looked at her seriously.
— Maybe that's what I need. Peace, for once.
Late in the afternoon, as the NGO team continued distributing supplies, Alex received an alert on the radio. One of his men had spotted suspicious movement on a nearby hill.
"Everyone be on alert," Alex said, raising his hand to signal his team.
Charlize noticed the change in tone and approached.
"What's going on?"
"Stay close to the NGO team. It could be nothing, but I'm not taking any chances."
As Alex and his men took up position, a group of armed men appeared in the distance, moving toward the village. It was not uncommon for gangs or insurgents to try to intercept humanitarian operations to steal supplies.
Alex picked up the radio again.
— Team, maintain defensive positions. Do not fire unless I give the order.
The tension was rising by the second. Charlize watched Alex command his team with precision and calm, admiring the way he seemed to be in complete control of the situation.
As the armed men got closer, they noticed the presence of the SAS soldiers and hesitated. After a few minutes, which seemed like an eternity, they retreated, disappearing into the desert landscape.
Alex took a deep breath, relieved to avoid a direct confrontation.
That night, when the camp was quieter, Charlize found Alex sitting alone, looking at the stars. She walked over and sat next to him.
— You were amazing today.
— I just did my job.
Charlize smiled.
— You say that like it's something simple. But what you do is extraordinary, Alex.
He looked at her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and weariness.
— I've done this so many times that it seems routine. But… today was different. Knowing it's the last time makes it all the more real.
Charlize touched his hand lightly.
"Whatever you decide to do after this, I'm sure it will be amazing."
Alex held her hand for a moment, then stood.
"Thank you, Charlize. For everything."
She watched him walk away, the strong, confident figure she knew so well.
The next day, the mission was completed without further incident, and Alex and his team departed back to base. As the plane took off, Alex looked out the window, knowing that he was leaving behind not only Mali, but also a significant part of his life.
He had given his all to the SAS, and now it was time to discover what else lay ahead. Though uncertain about the future, Alex knew he was ready to face it, with the same determination and courage that had always defined him.
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