Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 1: One
by Larsen, WardCommander Dan “Gonno” Rhea pilots an F/A‑18F Super Hornet through North Korean airspace under the cover of darkness, flying dangerously low at 300 feet to avoid detection. Using advanced thermographic displays, he navigates the rugged terrain while avoiding afterburners and supersonic speeds to remain undetected. His mysterious backseater, a non-aviator with an unsettling calmness, remains focused on their mission. Rhea, though experienced, is unnerved by the man’s composure and the high-stakes nature of their unauthorized operation, which could end his career—or worse.
The backseater, later revealed as David Slaton, holds significant authority, as Rhea was ordered to accommodate his every demand. Slaton’s unflappable demeanor and sharp attention to detail suggest a background in special operations or intelligence. Rhea, a seasoned Navy pilot with combat experience, finds himself in uncharted territory, questioning the sanity of their mission. Despite his attempts to dissuade Slaton, the decision is final, leaving Rhea to focus on executing the maneuver with precision, even as his damaged compass serves as a stark reminder of the risks.
As they approach the target, Rhea initiates a steep climb and deceleration, preparing for an unconventional maneuver akin to a weapons delivery. Slaton’s silence during the final moments underscores the gravity of their task. Rhea reflects on Slaton’s enigmatic presence—his accent, intense gaze, and meticulous memory—concluding he must be a highly trained operative. The parallels to a precision strike highlight the mission’s clandestine nature, though Rhea remains in the dark about its ultimate purpose.
In the final seconds, Rhea counts down, and Slaton activates an ejection mechanism, launching himself into the unknown. The chapter ends with Slaton’s dramatic exit, leaving Rhea to ponder the consequences of their audacious mission. The tension and mystery surrounding Slaton’s identity and objectives set the stage for the unfolding narrative, blending high-stakes aviation with covert operations in a gripping opening sequence.
FAQs
1. What are the key challenges Commander Rhea faces while piloting the F/A-18F Super Hornet over North Korean airspace, and how does he mitigate them?
Answer:
Commander Rhea faces multiple challenges: avoiding detection by North Korean air defenses, navigating treacherous terrain at low altitude, and maintaining operational secrecy. He mitigates these by flying at minimum sane altitude (MSA) using a forward-looking infrared pod for terrain awareness, deliberately avoiding afterburners to prevent visible exhaust plumes, and staying subsonic to prevent sonic booms that might alert defenses. His intense focus on instrumentation and limited cross-checks of maps and airspeed reflect the high-stakes nature of the mission. The bullet hole in his compass further underscores the precariousness of their situation.2. Analyze the dynamic between Commander Rhea and the unnamed backseater. What does their interaction reveal about their respective roles and personalities?
Answer:
The interaction reveals a stark contrast: Rhea, a seasoned Navy pilot, is visibly tense yet professional, while the backseater exudes calm focus despite the mission’s extreme risk. Rhea’s repeated attempts to dissuade the backseater (e.g., “Last chance to change your mind”) highlight his concern for safety and protocol, whereas the backseater’s terse, confident replies (“Never more sure in my life”) suggest a mission-driven resolve. Rhea’s speculation that the man is a “snake-eater or a spook” (special forces or intelligence operative) hints at the backseater’s likely clandestine expertise, emphasizing their divergent backgrounds—military precision versus covert operational intensity.3. How does the author use sensory details and technical jargon to immerse the reader in the high-speed flight sequence? Provide examples.
Answer:
The author blends visceral imagery (“trees and rock rushing past like a Star Wars jump to light speed”) with precise aviation terminology to create tension. Technical details like “forward-looking infrared pod,” “MSA—minimum sane altitude,” and “550 knots” ground the scene in realism, while sensory descriptions (e.g., “fleeting glimpses of shadow” at night) amplify the disorienting speed. The radar altimeter’s countdown (“airspeed falling through two fifty”) and Rhea’s thumb-trimming the jet add tactile specificity, immersing the reader in the cockpit’s high-stakes environment.4. The chapter foreshadows a critical maneuver involving the backseater’s ejection. What clues hint at this outcome, and why might the author withhold explicit details until the end?
Answer:
Clues include the backseater’s insistence on the mission’s necessity, the repeated focus on the “yellow handle” (ejection lever), and Rhea’s comparison of the maneuver to a “weapon delivery.” The author withholds explicit details to build suspense: Rhea’s disbelief (“the maneuver wasn’t in any NATOPS manual”) and the backseater’s cryptic calmness keep readers guessing. The abrupt ending (“pulled it sharply upward”) delivers a payoff while leaving the mission’s purpose ambiguous, heightening intrigue for subsequent chapters.5. Evaluate Commander Rhea’s internal conflict regarding this mission. How does it reflect broader themes of duty versus risk in military operations?
Answer:
Rhea’s conflict pits his duty to follow orders (“Give him anything he wants”) against personal risk (“aviation legend or Leavenworth”). His tension mirrors broader military dilemmas—balancing operational secrecy, career consequences, and survival. The chapter underscores how high-stakes missions often force personnel into uncharted ethical territory, as Rhea weighs his training (“TOPGUN graduate”) against an unorthodox request. His eventual compliance, despite misgivings, highlights the chain of command’s power and the sacrifices inherent in special operations.
Quotes
1. “Had it been daytime, the craggy terrain would have been a blur, trees and rock rushing past like a Star Wars jump to light speed. As it was, on a clear half-moon night, the hills were no more than fleeting glimpses of shadow in the periphery.”
This vivid description captures the intense, high-stakes nature of the covert flight into North Korean airspace, setting the tone for the chapter’s tension and the pilot’s razor-sharp focus.
2. “He was sure he wasn’t an aviator, yet he seemed infused with a surreal calmness. His voice was more level now than when they’d been standing next to the briefing room coffee pot.”
This quote introduces the enigmatic backseater (later revealed as David Slaton) and highlights his unnerving composure under extreme pressure, foreshadowing his exceptional capabilities.
3. “Rhea had seen a lot in his fifteen years in the Navy… But he’d never done anything as dodgy as this. Never heard anyone think about performing such a move. Not over open ocean or a desert training ground. Sure as hell not over North freaking Korea.”
This passage emphasizes the unprecedented risk of their mission, showcasing both the pilot’s experience and the extraordinary nature of their operation, which pushes beyond standard military protocols.
4. “He was making a weapon delivery of sorts. ‘Yeah,’ he whispered to himself, ‘that’s exactly what it is.’”
This pivotal realization by Commander Rhea reframes the entire mission - the “weapon” being delivered is David Slaton himself, revealing the true nature of their high-risk insertion into hostile territory.
5. “David Slaton, who was already gripping the yellow handle between his thighs, pulled it sharply upward and hung on for dear life.”
The chapter’s climactic final sentence reveals the protagonist’s identity and launches him into action, leaving readers anticipating the consequences of this dramatic ejection over enemy territory.