Chapter 3, Visa Problems; Chapter 4, No Picnic Summary

In Chapter 3 Ethan Brook looks over Alex Rider's file while flying in an executive jet. He is the chief executive of CAD (Covert Action Division) of ASIS (Australian Secret Intelligence Service). Marc Damon of CAD fills in the details not included with the official documents. He tells Brook that Alex had been involved with other secret missions and had become an accomplished operative even at the age of fourteen. This was due to having been raised by his uncle, Ian Rider, an active operator with M16.

The Australians take Alex to SAS (Special Air Services) compound in Swanbourne. There he is invited by soldiers ten years older than him to a beach cookout. Alex has vague feelings of anxiety as they drive out, but all seems well once they arrive at the beach...