Okay, so I sort of fell off the updating planet for a little while but I'm actually still here.

I just got a brand new laptop last week and since then I've been working on my stories everyday leading up to a brand new update for this.

I think the next thing on this list of updates will be For Better Or For Worse followed by Let No One Think I Gave In. Stay tuned.

Disclaimer: Don't own it.

"We have a problem Alan." Mrs. Jones announced gravely as she entered his office and strode over to his desk.

She dropped a small packet of papers on the meticulously neat surface of his desk.

"I'm leaving for India tonight." she explained "Apparently someone screwed up."

He glanced up from his seat looking moderately concerned before taking out his reading glasses and reviewing the report she rudely dumped before him.

After a moment he groaned. "I specifically asked that his old unit, who he's become so irritatingly attached to," he added, annoyed "be particularly exempt from this assignment. I wonder how that got reversed."

He neatly folded the stack together again. "What's become of it?" he asked guardedly

She revealed another two sheets she had been primly holding behind her back. "A hell of a mess." She answered handing them to him.

"According to the Captain of K-unit, no communication was able to take place before Alex was severely injured in combat. However they now have evidence of Alex's less than fair treatment." Here she placed a freshly unwrapped mint on her tongue and looked at Blunt meaningfully. "He needed medical records sent over as soon as possible, which I've already taken care of, and they are now making request for more information on the issue." She paused "and they're not asking nicely."

"Well K-Unit is not in a position to be making such demands." Blunt pointed out in a cynical tone. "When you get there you need to have them review the clauses of the Official Secrets Acts and what it would mean for them to disregard it."

Mrs. Jones nodded "But I also have reason to believe that Alex has told them some of what he knows." She pointed out "The men have nearly the same level of clearance, but…"

"Yes, but this could become a major problem." Blunt decided. He sat quietly thinking for a moment with his fingers steepled before his face.

"He apparently hasn't taken this seriously." He thought out loud "And those men may be able to manipulate him into telling more than he intends."

"I understand that K-Unit has a particular influence on him," Mrs. Jones explained "But the nature of the injury itself is what has risen the most suspicion."

"I understand that but he has to be punished, now, before things get out of hand." He decided

"But Alan he's-" Mrs. Jones objected.

"Mildly" he continued despite her outburst "But not so mildly that he doesn't get the picture." He paused to be sure that Mrs. Jones was following "Have him separated from K-Unit as soon as possible. That way this sharing of information will end. Tell him he has been forbidden to have any further contact with them because of this."

Mrs. Jones nodded although disapprovingly "And what am I to tell K-unit when they demand an explanation?"

"Cite their mishandling of our Agent which resulted in this mess in the first place." He answered coldly as he neatly stacked away the papers on his desk.

"They're not going to buy that." she responded

"They do not have the clearance to request any other reasons."

He looked up again after a moment. "We cannot afford for a leak of any sort on anything pertaining to this subject. Alex continues to hand out first rate results time and time again. He's doing this country a favor." He reasoned "Bring him over as soon as possible and if further disciplinary action is necessary, we can more easily see to it. Understood?"

"Yes" she answered simply, unhappy with the turn of events for Alex.

"Good." He nodded in satisfaction at his own plan

"Have a safe flight then." He added dismissively turning back to his computer.

"Thank you." She answered coolly before briskly leaving his office thinking that her job had been slightly less difficult and definitely less personal before dealing with Alex Rider.

"Its all clear then." Wolf announced rejoining his teammates in the waiting room of the SMHD hospital where they had now taken up residence.

"We're to stay until this is sorted out or Alex is transferred back to Britain; whichever comes first." he explained

"Okay" Snake acknowledged

"Meanwhile, they've started him on codeine right now so he should be more comfortable in the mean time"

"On to the plan then." Fox began, sitting up straight

Wolf plopped down beside him. "What plan exactly?"

"Well you didn't think we could actually go to the news stations did you?"

"No. I am aware of the fact that this is sensitive information."Wolf answered glumly "We couldn't reveal that without serious repercussions."

"Exactly." Fox answered wryly "But Cub can."

"Are you saying they've given him this work to do without even making sure he would keep his mouth shut first? Snake asked

"I'm sure they have but, because of the circumstances there are some things he could reveal talking to the right people." Fox explained

"Like his doctor." Wolf suggested catching on to the idea.

"Yeah," Eagle agreed "But not those blokes at that place where they send him."

"St. Dominic's" Wolf offered

"Right. Because really the amount of times he's been there and no ones said anything..."

"No. We definitely couldn't go to his MI6 prescribed doctors." Fox continued "We'd have to take him to one of our doctors."

Wolf was quiet for awhile. "That's not going to be easy." He eventually interrupted "It would take too long. The best thing to do would be to carry him to a normal pediatrician. Have them check him out and hear his side of things. That's going to be much easier than getting a hook up with somebody up at HQ."

"But you still have the information for the doctor who dealt with him in the helicopter." Eagle argued.

"You're right." Wolf acknowledged "but he's got certain limitations as well."

"We need to keep MI6 in the dark about it." Snake added "This sort of thing could become a nasty scandal, and I'm not sure I want to know what they'd do to cover it up."

The rest of them agreed.

"But we're forgetting Alex himself here." Fox remembered "Why exactly hasn't he told anyone yet? What's stopping him?"

Eagle nodded thoughtfully "You mean, is MI6 stopping him or does he have his own reasons."

"Right."

"Well of course MI6 is stopping him." Snake remarked "he's an agent who is apparently in the business of handling sensitive data. They're brutal but not stupid."

"True, but I don't think that's all. And the only way to find out for sure is to talk to him." Wolf concluded. He fingered the stubble on his chin. "I think I'd better handle that."

"Why?" Snake particularly want to know.

"I think he'll have it easier revealing those sorts of things to me because of certain conversations we've had in the past." He stood up. "But I don't mean its going to be easy. He's not exactly going to trust us right now. Right?"

He looked at Snake for an answer.

"He doesn't hate us, if that's what you mean but,... I guess you could say he's disappointed."

Wolf shook his head sadly. "And I understand why; we abused him, a child, just like MI6."

Fox sighed "Maybe that's why he hasn't spoken up; maybe he doesn't have anybody he can trust."

"Yes he does." Wolf countered firmly. He turned towards the elevator to go up to the paediatrics ward. "I'll let you know what I find out."

"You think he's awake?" Eagle asked

"Maybe not but I'll also use this as an opportunity to check up on him myself." Wolf responded carefully

Eagle nodded knowingly

When Wolf quietly closed the door of Alex's room behind him, he was surprised to find Alex was not sleeping as peacefully as he would have expected.

In his darkened room, a sheen of sweat could be seen on his brow and his expression was troubled. He wasn't talking, he wasn't even moaning. But he looked extremely sad.

Wolf stepped over to him, hesitating to touch him lest he repeat the mistake that Eagle had made. But he just seemed so depressed, so troubled, that it seemed cruel to leave him. Wolf sat down by the bed and gently took the boy's hand.

When that did not generate a negative response, Wolf soothingly rubbed the back of his hand with his thumb.

After awhile, Alex's expression relaxed slightly but Wolf could tell he was waking up rather than sleeping anymore deeply.

Wolf took a moment to study his young teammate properly, wondering about his well-being.

Alex did seem somehow more subdued than when Wolf had last seen him. He looked as though he had lost some of his resilience. When Wolf had called on him at the end of summer term, he was his usual sarcastic self with a handsome tinge of color to his complexion. In short he had seemed fit and well.

Now he had the look of someone who was battling an illness. A long winded one that was draining him. Wolf wondered if he had really been on the job with a damaged heart all these weeks functioning on pain meds.

Wolf shook his head silently, finding it all kind of hard to believe.

He felt Alex slowly grip his hand, coming up out of sleep. He watched him, unsure of how Alex would react when he learn that it was Wolf providing his small comfort.

Alex slowly opened his eyes acutely aware of the pain in his chest but also the familiar ache in his head. Now much more intense than minor side effects of his pain medicine.

As a wave of despair washed over him he found himself taking comfort in the presence of a reassuring hand. Turning his head to regard his comforter with appreciation, he was surprised to see that it was Wolf.

His eyes widened slightly but he kept still.

"How are you feeling?" Wolf shifted slightly

"How do you think? He whispered coldly "I need my morphine."

"Which morphine?" It was a good place to start.

Alex squeezed his eyes shut, riding out a wave of pain.

"MY morphine. The one that was prescribed for me. Give it up."

"What are you talking about Cub?" Wolf leaned closer still holding his hand "These doctors haven't given you any."

A soft sob forced its way from Alex's lips and his grip on anything within reach bordered on desperation. "Cut the bullshit and give it to me."

"Alex, I'm trying to help you." Wolf dragged his free hand through his hair and let out an unsteady breath. "Please let me help you?"

"Give me the fuckin morphine!" Alex's sobs became more pronounced and the tiny streak of tears squeezing out of his shut eyes unnerved Wolf further.

"Why is it so fuckin hard to do that?"

"I don't have it Cub. I didn't even know about it."

Alex opened his watery red-rimmed eyes and sniffled, settling his gaze on Wolf again.

"Then why are you here? You're no help to me. You onl-"

"Alex I came to help you, I need to find out who did this to you. Who messed you up like this"

"You did Wolf."

Wolf visibly winced and almost hung his head

"You were on a mission remember? And since a kid got in the way you tried to kill him. Cause that's what soldiers, do right?"

His voice was icy cold, but he hadn't let go of Wolf hand yet.

"No Alex we di-" Wolf half-heartedly tried to explain

"You're only sorry cause it's me." He sniffled turning his head to the side with a fresh bout of tears. "You have no real moral problem with it."

"No Alex, that's not true. We never meant for this to happen. Don't class us with people like that Alex; cause its not true and you know it."

"Then what's the fuckin difference?" Alex sobbed even as his voice took on a hard edge "Did you not see me in the dark? Did all four of you mistake me for an actual threat?"

"We did not intend to engage in combat Alex. Our only intention was to question you but we had to get you to stand still first."

"A bloody good job you did too."

"Alex."

"Give me my fuckin morphine." he whispered

"Alex, who gave you that morphine?" Wolf ask quietly.

Alex was too overcome with misery to answer and Wolf didn't push him. Instead he got up to retrieve the box of tissues on the table nearby.

He handed Alex two of the tissues and sat down again taking his hand. Eventually he tried a different approach.

"Cub, why didn't you tell me you got shot?" the pain in Wolf's voice was not fake.

"I couldn't" Alex answered in an irritated matter of fact voice.

"Yes you could Alex. We're friends, friends can share important secrets like that."

Alex turned to him, something similar to disgust was on his face.

"Friends don't do this to each other Wolf!" He whispered fiercely "They help you. I can't remember how the hell you've helped me lately."

He paused

"You just..." his voice broke with a suppressed sob "You just..." He was reliving the moment and Wolf saw it. "You didn't even give me a chance."

His anger was dissolving into despair.

"I'm so sorry Alex, so sorry. I..." Wolf hung his head low, feeling even lower.

"It hurt so much." Alex's eyes were closed.

"But I want to help you now Cub. I want to repair the damage we've caused but you have to let me in. Give me a chance to make this right."

Alex squeezed his eyes shut and his body shook with the weight of his despair. His dependence on the drug was not the only thing wreaking havoc on his emotions.

He stayed that way for a few minutes failing to compose himself; despite his best efforts the tears continued to flow.

"Please let me help you Cub." Wolf pleaded

Alex squeezed Wolf's hand reaching out despite himself. Fresh tears flowing from his eyes.

"You have to fix it Wolf. You... you have to help me." He could barely get the words out.

"I will Cub." The brave front that Wolf had tried so hard to maintain since entering hadn't held up very well and his voice was near a whisper now.

"Just tell me how Alex and I'll start from there."

Alex withdrew his hand and wiped away his tears. He pressed his palms against his eyes as though trying to force the tears back and wiped his nose to compose himself.

He glanced at Wolf and found his eyes red rimmed, reflecting the misery and self loathing that he was experiencing.

Wolf felt Alex's hand trembling on the sheets and he could see with certainty that Alex was on the verge of a serious withdrawal from the drug he so desperately wanted.

"Can't you get me something for the pain?"

"I promise I'm going to go and have a talk with the doctors in a moment, but everyone wants to know, how and why are you addicted to it in the first place. The doctor say that your tolerance level is very high; you've been taking too much."

"I got shot about a month ago in my chest. They gave me a 3-month supply of Morphine injections." Alex explained dejectedly

"Did it happen on a mission?" Wolf carefully asked

"No, I was leaving debriefing and a sniper shot me."

Wolf silently processed this watching the play of emotions across Alex's face.

Alex glanced at him wincing at his headache which had grown worse.

"He was from Scorpia." he offered

Wolf thought about this not bothering to hide his surprise.

"Alex can I ask you something?" he eventually said

"Yes." His voice was surprisingly flat; as emotionless as a pain wracked body can produce.

"Why do you go on these missions?" Wolf shifted in the chair leaning closer "Why are you here in India instead of under your blankets in you bed at home?"

Alex lay back and closed his eyes in obvious frustration. "I have to."

"Why the hell do you have to do this Alex?" Wolf pulled on his hair "This is a grown ups world. What makes you feel that you have to be a part of it at the cost of your own health. Who is making you feel like that?"

Alex refused to look at him. "See I knew it would come to this. I knew this is what you wanted to know."

"But Alex can't you see this is killing you?" Wolf moved to sit on the side of the bed trying to get Alex to see sense.

"Can't you feel it? They're killing you right now."

Alex opened his eyes again to stare at Wolf. "I'm not in the hospital in pain because of them right now."

Wolf's laugh was dark and mirthless. "Don't be naive Alex. Do you think you could have continued forever; pretending you were okay when you couldn't feel the pain? Your ribs were held together by some fuckin wire. What do you think would have happened when that artery popped huh? Suppose somebody else got to you before us. The people you mentioned for example. You would have been dead in an instant."

Alex did not answer. He just stared with a stubborn expression.

"Why are you in the field after such an injury Cub, what have they got over you.?"

"Who else is going to do it Wolf?" He suddenly asked frustrated

"Who else is going to do it!" Wolf was visibly agitated "What the hell do you mean who else is going to do it? Someone else is suppose to do it Alex."

"Well they don't. They give me every reason for why I have to do it. They say no one else fit's the bill, that the consequences aren't an alternative, how I'll be perfectly safe, how…." he trailed off "I have to." He eventually finished.

"Its a lie Alex." Wolf looked as though he wanted to throttle him for not understanding. "Surely you see that! How did they even get a hold of you?"

Alex just leaned back tiredly, wishing they weren't having this conversation yet at the same time glad that they were.

He knew he'd get in trouble for revealing things, but Wolf was forcing it out of him right?

He knew he was going to die soon at this rate. The idea was not at all new or foreign to him. Just sort of out of his control. Wolf was taking some sort initiative now; that was good.

"I went to find out what had happened to my Uncle when he died." Alex offered quietly, sounding defeated "They explained that he'd worked for them and that he was killed on the mission and they need me to finish it."

"My God." Wolf laughed mirthlessly, pacing around the room. "Oh my God."

Alex got quieter. "They threatened to deport Jack back to America and send me to a boarding school if I didn't."

"Fuck" Wolf plopped down in the chair.

"They said I'd be safe." He seemed to argue in their favor "Besides, I needed to know what my uncle had died for."

"That was the first time huh?" Wolf looked grave.

Alex nodded not meeting his eye.

Wolf nodded quietly in answer. "I see Alex. This isn't your fault. None of it is." He reached into his pocket but didn't withdraw anything.

"Don't worry, I'm gonna deal with this and make things right."

He stood up looking down on him with remorse and something akin to affection.

"I'm sorry about what happened to you Alex. Its taught me something about myself and my team and..." he looked down at his hands "and... well I hope I can earn your forgiveness."

He moved to make his way to the door when Alex called him.

"Yeah," Wolf looked back expectantly

"Could we just...sit quietly." He hesitated "For a little while."

Wolf smiled reassuringly. "Yeah," he sat down again in the chair beside him. "I think that'd be nice."

"Thanks Wolf." Alex whispered sounding almost embarrassed.

"Not a problem Alex. That's what friends do."

There, no cruel cliffhanger this time. Just some heartwarming bonding time until she arrives.

I wonder how that's gonna go.

Review please.