Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 18: Eighteen
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens with Boutros waking before dawn in a cold, spartan cottage in North Korea, longing for the modest comforts of his past in war-torn Syria. He and his team, including Rafiq and a local fisherman named Choe, have spent the night reviewing mission details, facing challenges like language barriers with Korean nautical charts and technical diagrams. Boutros is impatient to move forward, and after a tense interaction with Choe, the group prepares for their mission, relying on the fisherman’s assessment of the weather and the arrival of their minder, Park, who confirms their departure.
As the team gathers, Choe’s wife serves a meager meal, highlighting the harsh living conditions and Boutros’s nostalgia for Syrian cuisine. Park’s arrival with a rare electronic device underscores the isolated and controlled environment of North Korea. The team’s departure is approved, and Choe announces they will leave immediately, framing their mission as a fishing trip. Boutros reflects on the uneasy alliance between ISIS and North Korea, recognizing it as a pragmatic but temporary collaboration driven by mutual goals rather than shared ideology.
The narrative shifts to Slaton, who is tracking a target in a riverside setting. The man, initially hesitant, suddenly accelerates, forcing Slaton to adjust his approach. After a brief moment of panic when he loses sight of the target, Slaton spots him again and maneuvers to intercept him. He carefully plans his approach, considering visibility, lighting, and escape routes, but the situation escalates as the target notices him and becomes visibly anxious.
In the final moments, Slaton’s carefully calculated intercept unravels as the target reacts with fear, raising questions about the nature of their encounter. Slaton wonders if the man was lured into a trap or if there’s another motive at play. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as the two men converge, with Slaton poised to confront his target and uncover the truth behind their fraught interaction.
FAQs
1. What challenges did Boutros and his team face in preparing for their mission, and how did they address them?
Answer:
Boutros and Rafiq encountered two primary challenges while planning their mission. First, the nautical charts were labeled in Korean, which they overcame with the help of Choe, a local fisherman who provided translations. Second, the engineering diagrams contained technical terms that Choe struggled to interpret. They relied on Park, their minder, who promised to bring a technician the next morning. These obstacles highlight the logistical difficulties of operating in a foreign environment with language barriers and limited resources. The team’s adaptability—relying on local expertise and awaiting external support—demonstrates their pragmatic approach to problem-solving under constraints.2. How does the author contrast Boutros’ current circumstances with his past experiences in Syria?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes Boutros’ present discomfort in North Korea with his past hardships in Syria to emphasize his resilience and the grim reality of his situation. Boutros longs for the straw bedroll he used during the Syrian war, underscoring that his current accommodations (a cold stone floor with only a blanket) are even worse. Similarly, he ironically misses Syrian cuisine after being served inedible mashed corn with husks and cobs. These contrasts reveal how dire conditions in North Korea are while subtly reinforcing Boutros’ hardened character, shaped by years of conflict and deprivation.3. Analyze the dynamics between Boutros’ group and their North Korean hosts. What does this reveal about their alliance?
Answer:
The relationship between Boutros’ team and their North Korean hosts (Choe, his wife, and Park) is transactional and uneasy. While Choe and his wife display hospitality—a trait Boutros notes is common among oppressed populations—their interactions are strained by cultural and linguistic barriers. Park, as the government minder, holds authority and controls communication, as seen when he delays their departure for a slow, monitored approval. Boutros recognizes that their collaboration is not an alliance but a mutual exploitation: ISIS and North Korea share anti-American sentiment but are using each other for separate goals. This dynamic underscores the fragility and opportunism of such partnerships.4. How does Slaton’s pursuit of his target build tension in the chapter’s climax?
Answer:
Slaton’s pursuit is marked by meticulous planning and sudden unpredictability, creating a gripping climax. The tension escalates as he nearly loses his target, emphasizing the high stakes (finding his family). His tactical adjustments—cutting across the grassy hill and positioning himself ahead—show his expertise, but the target’s awareness at 10 yards disrupts the plan. The imagery of the “tranquil riverside arena of his execution” contrasts with the impending violence, while Slaton’s speculation about the target’s motives (“shared enemy” or “something else”) adds psychological depth. The abrupt ending (“At ten it all went to hell”) leaves readers on edge, anticipating confrontation.5. What thematic role does isolation play in this chapter, both for Boutros and Slaton?
Answer:
Isolation permeates both narratives, shaping the characters’ actions and mindsets. Boutros is physically isolated in a remote North Korean village, reliant on unreliable local support, which mirrors his ideological isolation—working with a regime he distrusts. Slaton, meanwhile, operates alone in his hunt, emphasizing his emotional isolation as he fights to reunite with his family. Both men are outsiders in hostile environments, and their solitude heightens the stakes of their missions. The theme underscores the costs of their choices: Boutros’ extremism and Slaton’s relentless pursuit leave them vulnerable, yet driven by singular, personal objectives.
Quotes
1. “It seemed strange to be doing Allah’s work so far from the stolen lands, housed with representatives of the only people on earth whose hatred of America rivaled their own.”
This quote captures Boutros’ reflection on the unlikely alliance between ISIS operatives and North Koreans, united only by their shared animosity toward America. It highlights the geopolitical tensions and temporary alliances that drive the mission.
2. “Boutros did not delude himself that ISIS and North Korea were any kind of allies. It was more a matter of using one another to effect individual goals—whatever those might be.”
This passage underscores the transactional nature of the relationship between the two groups, emphasizing pragmatism over ideology. It reveals Boutros’ realistic understanding of their temporary cooperation.
3. “Slaton locked on like a radar. It was definitely his target—same slender build and light-footed gait, same dark winter jacket.”
This vivid description illustrates Slaton’s intense focus and precision as he tracks his target. It marks a critical moment in the chase, building tension as the confrontation nears.
4. “He’d obviously been expecting a meeting of some kind, no doubt arranged by the same party who’d tried to put Slaton on the delivering end of a bullet. A shared enemy, in a sense.”
This quote reveals Slaton’s deduction about the setup and the interconnected threats he faces. It adds layers to the conflict, suggesting a broader conspiracy at play.
5. “At ten it all went to hell.”
This abrupt, impactful sentence signifies the sudden collapse of Slaton’s carefully planned interception. It serves as a cliffhanger, leaving the reader eager to know what went wrong in the final moments.