Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 22: Twenty-Two
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens with Boutros and his crew aboard the *Albatross*, a fishing boat procured for a covert mission. The initial moments at sea are marked by tentative adjustments, as Boutros familiarizes himself with the vessel’s operations under the guidance of Choe, the Korean fisherman who delivered the boat. The crew settles into their roles, with some below deck and others observing the stark, cold seascape. Boutros questions Choe about the boat’s capabilities, including speed and navigation systems, while subtly testing the Korean’s knowledge and intentions. The tension of the mission is palpable, underscored by Boutros’ unease about their preparedness and the absence of technical support.
As the *Albatross* moves further from shore, Boutros reflects on the challenges ahead, particularly the vast and unpredictable North Pacific. The Koreans’ impending departure adds urgency, as Boutros wants to maximize their time learning the boat’s quirks. The mission’s timing, dictated by external factors rather than weather, heightens the stakes. Boutros acknowledges the relative luck of favorable conditions but remains wary of the risks. His naval experience, though limited, sets him apart within his group, and he grapples with the weight of leading an unprecedented operation against America. The chapter hints at the audacity of their plan, leaving the reader to wonder about its specifics.
Boutros’ interactions with Choe reveal layers of mutual suspicion and unspoken understanding. Choe, a seasoned fisherman, claims ignorance about the boat’s full capabilities but subtly admits to pushing its limits. Boutros probes Choe’s background, questioning whether he has military experience, but Choe deflects, emphasizing his simple desire for a new engine. Their dialogue underscores the uneasy alliance between the two men, each aware of the other’s unstated motives. Boutros also considers how Choe perceives their mission, recognizing the absurdity of Islamic militants operating a Thai fishing boat procured via North Korea.
The chapter closes with Boutros taking command of the helm, symbolizing the transition to full operational control. Despite initial smooth progress, he remains cautious, anticipating inevitable setbacks. The detention of a crew member in Frankfurt serves as a reminder of their vulnerability. Boutros’ leadership is marked by pragmatism and foresight, as he balances confidence in the mission with an awareness of its precarious nature. The chapter leaves the reader with a sense of impending tension, as the crew ventures further into uncharted waters, both literally and figuratively.
FAQs
1. How does Boutros initially feel about his relationship with the Albatross, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Boutros compares his relationship with the Albatross to any new relationship—awkward at first, with tentative movements and little mistakes, but gradually developing trust over time. This reveals Boutros as a cautious and reflective leader who understands the importance of familiarity and patience when operating in unfamiliar territory. His apprehension about the boat’s capabilities (“Am I overstepping my abilities?”) further shows his self-awareness and sense of responsibility, traits crucial for leading a high-stakes mission.2. What strategic concerns does Boutros have regarding the Albatross and the mission, and how do they impact his decision-making?
Answer:
Boutros is concerned about the Albatross’s mechanical reliability (noting the lack of a mechanic, manuals, or spare parts) and the limited time to learn its systems before the Koreans depart. These concerns force him to prioritize learning key operations—navigation, engine performance, and safety equipment—from Choe. Additionally, he worries about the team’s inexperience with fishing gear, deciding that maintaining appearances with nets on deck is sufficient. These factors highlight his pragmatic approach to risk management and operational security.3. Analyze the significance of the interaction between Boutros and Choe regarding the boat’s speed. What does this exchange suggest about their dynamic?
Answer:
When Boutros presses Choe about the Albatross’s maximum speed, Choe reluctantly admits to pushing the engine to 24–25 knots, despite its alarming noises. This exchange reveals a tension between Boutros’s need for transparency and Choe’s guardedness. Boutros’s skepticism (“Boutros didn’t buy it”) underscores his mistrust of the Koreans, while Choe’s hesitation hints at his discomfort with the mission. The dynamic is transactional—Choe is cooperative but evasive, while Boutros probes for weaknesses, reflecting the precarious alliance between the two.4. How does the chapter foreshadow the broader challenges Boutros and his team will face in their mission?
Answer:
The chapter foreshadows several challenges: the Albatross’s mechanical fragility (“the engine made noises I did not like”), the team’s inexperience (“they are not fishermen”), and the looming threat of exposure (“every delay increasing the chance of exposure”). Boutros’s reflection on his atrophied naval skills and the “uncharted waters” metaphor emphasize the mission’s unprecedented scale. The mention of Adnan’s detention in Frankfurt also hints at operational vulnerabilities, suggesting that their luck may soon run out.5. What does Boutros’s observation about the container ship’s bow wake reveal about his psychological state and past experiences?
Answer:
Boutros’s failed attempt to recall a naval rule of thumb about bow wakes triggers self-doubt, making him question how much his skills have eroded since his ISIS days. This moment contrasts his past confidence as a ground commander with his current uncertainty in a maritime operation. His nostalgia for battlefield camaraderie (“laughed with his men… sent them to die”) and his meticulousness (writing letters to martyrs’ mothers) reveal a leader grappling with imposter syndrome, yet still relying on discipline to navigate unfamiliar terrain.
Quotes
1. “A relationship with a boat is like any other. The first meeting is always awkward, little mistakes made and movements tentative. As things progress, irritants are revealed and confidences gained. Only with time does trust develop.”
This opening metaphor sets the tone for Boutros’ cautious yet determined approach to commanding the Albatross, mirroring both the physical journey and the high-stakes mission ahead. It establishes the chapter’s theme of uneasy adaptation.
2. “Boutros was, to use the mariner’s term, running in uncharted waters. He was here today, at the gates of the Pacific, because his naval experience was unique within the caliphate.”
This pivotal reflection reveals Boutros’ self-awareness about the unprecedented nature of their mission and his personal role in it. The maritime metaphor underscores both the literal and figurative unfamiliarity of their terrorist operation.
3. “The timing of their mission had always been more dependent on opportunity than the weather or seasons. They’d had to wait for the final component of their weapon. Soon it would be delivered, and from that point the race would be on, every delay increasing the chance of exposure.”
This quote captures the critical tension between preparation and urgency that drives the narrative forward. It hints at the impending delivery of a weapon component while emphasizing the operational stakes of their maritime journey.
4. “Choe looked at him with surprise. For the first time in two days he smiled. ‘I am but a simple fisherman. Right now, my boat has no engine so I cannot use it.’ […] ‘One new engine—that is all I ask for.’”
This exchange reveals the complex human dynamics between the terrorists and their reluctant Korean facilitator. Choe’s pragmatic motivation (a new engine) contrasts with Boutros’ ideological mission, highlighting the transactional nature of their collaboration.