Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 9: Nine
by Larsen, WardThe chapter “Nine” opens with a stark portrayal of North Korea’s historical and geopolitical struggles. Described as a nation steeped in repression, its agrarian roots contrast sharply with the modernization of neighboring countries. The text highlights North Korea’s precarious position, wedged between powerful nations like China, Russia, and South Korea, which exacerbates its isolation. The chapter underscores how historical invasions, annexations, and colonial rule have shaped its current state, leaving its people with no memory of freedom under the long-standing Kwon dynasty.
The narrative shifts to depict the brutal realities of life under the Kwon regime, marked by systemic oppression, forced labor, and widespread famine. The ruling elite, though spared hunger, endure internal strife, purges, and executions. The chapter emphasizes the dynasty’s legacy: seven decades of rule have erased any firsthand experience of liberty among North Koreans. This section paints a grim picture of a nation trapped in a cycle of suffering, with Pyongyang as the only area with basic services while the rest of the country languishes in deprivation.
The focus then turns to Boutros, a Middle Eastern man leading a team on a mission to North Korea. As his plane descends, he reflects on the icy landscape of the Sea of Japan, a stark contrast to his homeland. Despite the absence of one team member, Adnan, who was detained in Germany, Boutros remains confident in his squad’s capabilities. The arrival of the technicians is seen as a divine blessing, reinforcing his resolve. The team is met by Park, a high-ranking North Korean intelligence officer, who expedites their passage through Beijing with surprising ease, showcasing the close ties between China and North Korea.
The chapter concludes with the team’s arrival at a desolate military airfield in North Korea, where they are greeted by harsh winter conditions. The description of the outdated aircraft and the bleak surroundings underscores the country’s isolation and stagnation. Park ushers them into a sedan, and as they drive along the coast, the team waits for the heater to warm them, symbolizing the cold reception awaiting them in this enigmatic and oppressive nation. The scene sets the stage for the challenges they will face in their mission.
FAQs
1. What historical and geographical factors have contributed to North Korea’s current state of repression and isolation?
Answer:
North Korea’s troubled history includes foreign invasions, royal assassinations, and annexation by neighboring powers, compounded by its precarious geographical position between Russia, China, South Korea, and Japan. These nations’ shifting alliances and strategic interests have left North Korea politically vulnerable. Additionally, the Kwon dynasty’s rule since WWII has institutionalized repression through slave labor, Gulags, and religious persecution. The chapter highlights how decades of mismanagement have led to famine, stunted growth, and a population with no living memory of freedom, emphasizing the interplay of historical misfortune and geopolitical isolation in shaping the country’s current state.2. How does the chapter contrast North Korea’s conditions with those of its neighbors, and what psychological impact might this have on its citizens?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes North Korea’s stagnation with South Korea’s “full-throttled economic miracle,” Japan’s past industrial dominance, and China and Russia’s geopolitical influence. This contrast is framed as a “mirror to see the beauty that might have been,” suggesting profound psychological effects: resentment, envy, or cognitive dissonance among North Koreans. The ruling class’s internal strife and the masses’ deprivation further highlight the disparity. The text implies that such comparisons could fuel either despair or propaganda-driven nationalism, as citizens are denied the prosperity visible across borders.3. Analyze Boutros’s assessment of his team’s arrival in North Korea. What does it reveal about his leadership and the mission’s stakes?
Answer:
Boutros demonstrates pragmatic leadership by focusing on the four successful arrivals (Sami and both technicians) rather than Adnan’s detention, which he dismisses as a minor setback. His satisfaction reflects prioritization—Sami is deemed “more useful,” and the technicians’ arrival is seen as divine favor. His calm amid logistical hurdles (e.g., bypassing customs) suggests meticulous planning and adaptability. The high stakes are underscored by Park’s authority and the covert airfield, hinting at a mission requiring North Korean collaboration, possibly with geopolitical ramifications.4. How does the author use sensory details to emphasize the cultural and environmental shock experienced by Boutros’s team upon arrival?
Answer:
Vivid imagery—the “frigid” Sea of Japan, ice “like winter beachgoers,” and snow-tipped waves—contrasts sharply with the team’s Middle Eastern origins. The “steel gray sky” and windblown snow disorient them, with physical discomfort (slipping on ice, inadequate jackets) mirroring their unpreparedness for both the climate and the regime’s harshness. Park’s “lemon-sour lips” and “empty speech balloons” add a layer of alienation, portraying North Korea as inhospitable and surreal, heightening tension for the mission ahead.5. What might Park’s character and actions suggest about North Korea’s relationship with foreign operatives like Boutros?
Answer:
Park’s taciturn demeanor, intelligence-officer aura, and ability to bypass customs imply North Korea’s selective collaboration with outsiders, likely for mutual but opaque gains. His impatience over Adnan and efficiency in logistics reveal a transactional approach, prioritizing mission success over individual welfare. The military airfield and outdated aircraft suggest limited resources but tight control. This dynamic hints at a regime willing to engage in clandestine partnerships while maintaining absolute authority, possibly exploiting foreign actors for its own survival or strategic ends.
Quotes
1. “If words could have nationalities, repression would keep full citizenship in North Korea.”
This opening line powerfully personifies repression while immediately establishing North Korea’s defining characteristic. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of the country’s oppressive regime and troubled history.
2. “Yet if the Kwon dynasty could be distilled to one summing legacy, it would be that after seventy years in power, following Soviet and Japanese domination, not a single living North Korean has a first-hand recollection of living in freedom.”
This devastating summary captures the totality of North Korea’s generational oppression under the Kwon dynasty. It serves as a key historical insight and moral indictment of the regime’s lasting impact.
3. “For a lifelong resident of the Fertile Crescent, it was all strange and mesmerizing. It was also a timely distraction. A rare buoyant moment to lessen the weight on his shoulders.”
This passage marks Boutros’s first perspective in the chapter, contrasting his Middle Eastern background with the unfamiliar North Korean landscape while hinting at the heavy responsibility he carries for his mission.
4. “Park complained they were running late—he said they never should have waited for Adnan if he wasn’t critical to the mission.”
This quote reveals the cold pragmatism of their North Korean handler Park, while also underscoring the high-stakes, time-sensitive nature of their covert operation in hostile territory.
5. “Beneath a steel gray sky that would have done London proud, a harsh wind swept snow sideways. Boutros and his squad walked unsteadily across the ramp, which seemed to undulate under ribbons of snow.”
This vivid description of their arrival in North Korea serves both as atmospheric scene-setting and as a metaphor for the unstable, treacherous environment they’re entering. The comparison to London adds an ironic touch given the vastly different political climates.